Thought this was about PS3 slowly closing the gap with the 360. This is bad, but not THAT bad!

Hope that doesn't pass (not that it would affect me, both in age and region).

However it seems like the huge part of Shin Megami Tensei games is rated M in the US and lists violence. Shadow Hearts 1 as well, and well, those aren't really violent games.

Would a strict regulation like that make it punishable for parents to allow their kids to play those games?

if this means less 12 year olds annoying me online then good

Yes since it would be illegal for parents to buy them violent games; much like with, cigaretts, and booze. I think it was a 1000 fine. Plus they can decide what deemed too violent wether its ratchet and clank, or spyro the dragon.

1) Surely, you don't think this has any chance of being passed. Hell, you guys don't legally enforce movie ratings.

2) Why, exactly, would this be the end of gaming? Hell, it wouldn't even be the end of underage children playing violent games. We have pretty similar legislation here in Europe, and I can guarantee that a good half of the people who bought MW2 here were under the "required" age of 18.

If it becomes a reality, which I really doubt it, you won't be under 18 forever. Besides, if you think that videogames MUST be violent to be considered good, then I feel sorry for you.

Anyway, I am sure that nothing won't stop you from getting the games you want AND being ilegal  for you may make them even better to your eyes. You will enjoy them so much better. The forbidden fruit. ;)

Im well over the age FYI (Im 24) So it wont matter to me, but if this law passes, even children probably wont be able to play the current games that are already suitable for their age since they can label any game they want to as too violent for them.

Right now, movies and games are regulated by the ESRB and MPAA.  Both groups are funded by the industry and they regulate themselves.  This bill is trying to pass a law to regulate games, but not movies.  Big difference.  Instead of the industry regulating itself, the government will.  The government doesn't regulate books, music, or movies, so why should it regulate games?

This is not a big deal.

The problem is that the government rating system can be completely different from the current system.  Games like Duke Nukem can be rated AO so most stores won't carry it.  This can be a stepping stone for the US to become like Australia, giving the government power to outright ban games. 

People saying it's no big deal should think of it as loosing a First Amendment right.  Even if it won't really affect the industry, we should never be happy when the government takes a right away, no matter how small.