The following appeared in the editorial section of a national news magazine:"The rating system for electronic games is similar to the movie rating system in that it provides consumers with a quick reference so that they can determine if the subject matter and contents are appropriate. This electronic game rating system is not working because it is self regulated and the fines for violating the rating system are nominal. As a result an independent body should oversee the game industry and companies that knowingly violate the rating system should be prohibited from releasing a game for two years."
Discuss how well reasoned you find this argument. Point out flaws in the argument's logic and analyze the argument's underlying assumptions. In addition, evaluate how supporting evidence is used and what evidence might counter the argument's conclusion. You may also discuss what additional evidence could be used to strengthen the argument or what changes would make the argument more logically sound.Answer:The argument claims that the rating system for the content in electronic games is superficially similar to that of movies. However, this system is self-regulated and is not working as fines for violating the rating system are nominal. Further, it claims that setting up an independent body will resolve this issue, but it fails to mention several key factors on the basis of which the argument could be evaluated.
First, the argument readily assumes that this independent body will be unbiased when it comes to providing ratings for games. In case it turns out to be biased and favours a particular set or an individual electronic games company, then it may not lead to fair play in the market as some games might be rated inappropriately and hence fail to reach the intended audience. For example, a game primarily targeted towards early teens may be labelled as ‘18+’, due to internal bias of the relevant body, and hence fail to garner sales from the particular age group. Hence, the argument needs to mention details to ensure how the independent body will be acting in an unbiased way.
Furthermore, it may be practically difficult to consider what content is regarded as mature across different regions. To illustrate this let’s say that any media with some bloodshed is legally regarded as ‘13+’ in America. Although people with a minimum age of 13 can watch it, it may not be considered appropriate in India, where content with bloodshed is regarded as ‘18+’. This can lead to regional controversies and the argument provides no details to resolve the same.
Finally, by stating that the rating system of games is similar to that of movies, the argument (to some extent) considers that movies are similar to games. Movies are relatively a more passive medium of art, and watching violence in movies may not have the same impact on a person as playing a video game, where they need to be proactive while committing (albeit fictional) acts of violence. Hence, video games might need a stricter rating standard.
In conclusion, the argument is flawed as without apt details it states that setting up an independent body to rate video games and imposing stricter punishments on game developers will solve the issue of them getting away with inappropriate content rating for video games.