The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has released a new report praising the Computer and Video Game Industry for empowering parents in purchasing items for their children. The FTC says that the industries “outpaces” other entertainment industries in restricting target-marketing of mature-rated products to children.

The FTC also applauded the efforts of the Entertainment Software Ratings Board who just released an iPhone App where parents can check ratings.

“The Commission commends the ESRB for its new online ratings summaries, which provide a more detailed explanation of the content that factored into a game’s rating. This tool should enhance parental understanding of the ratings and the ratings process.”

“The computer and video game industry leads all others in ensuring its products are marketed appropriately and is the gold standard for others to follow,” said Michael D. Gallagher, president and CEO of the ESA, the U.S. association representing computer and video game software publishers. “Today’s FTC report is a strong acknowledgement and validation that industry-led self-regulation efforts are the best way to provide parents and retailers with the resources and support they need to keep our kids’ entertainment experiences suitable.”

While some groups and Jack Thompson believes that mature-rated games are always sold to minors, the FTC found that 80% of sales to minors have stopped.

“We join the FTC in applauding the industry’s progress,” said David Walsh, PhD, president and founder of the National Institute on Media and the Family. “The advancement in technology including parental controls by console makers, identification checking by retailers, and an ongoing effort to improve ratings illustrates that the members of the video game industry have taken our concerns seriously and continue to make sure that kids enjoy games that are age appropriate.”

Congrats to the video game industry and the ESRB!

Popularity: 1% [?]