Should violent video games be banned? In 2008, the computer and video game industry brought in $1.7 billion in revenue. Of these, 16% were made through the sale of violent video games (FYI: Video Game Statistics by the Entertainment Software Association | Critical Gaming Project). Many parents are worried about these violent games because they can affect their children. Many think that these games are dangerous and should be banned. Others believe that the sale of these games should not be regulated. While still others believe there is a middle ground between these limits in limiting sales or rentals to minors. Many parents are worried about violent games played by their children because they have no idea what games are like. But how do you know if a game is full of violence or not if you haven't played it? One way to tell the content of a game is with the ESRB. According to the ESRB website, the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) is a non-profit, self-regulatory body founded in 1994 by the Entertainment Software Association (ESA). The ESRB assigns computer and video game content ratings, enforces industry advertising guidelines, and helps ensure responsible online privacy practices for the interactive entertainment software industry (About the ESRB). Use ratings like E (Everyone), T (Teen), and M (Mature) to help consumers know which games are age-appropriate. They also use content descriptors such as Intense Violence, Strong Language and Drug Reference to highlight some possible areas of concern (ESRB Ratings Guide and Definitions). The ESRB was formed in response to many violent games such as Doom, Mortal Kombat, and Wolfenstein 3-D (Update: Video Games and Violence). Of the... medium of paper... solutions. However, it is not without its imperfections. A child may be able to convince a parent to get them these games, without informing them about the rating system. Minors may also convince older friends or siblings to get games for them. There is also the question of legality due to First Amendment rights. But despite these flaws, this is still the best solution as it offers the best of both extremes. In conclusion, despite improvements, violence in video games is still a problem. Even if unproven, they may have the potential to create a generation of callous, indifferent, violent and unstable people. It may cause more parodies like Columbine and the issue needs to be addressed. While some retailers have taken action themselves, the government needs to step in and lend a helping hand. If this issue is not resolved quickly, it may be too late.