ELSPA Sides with Conservatives
Uncosted, flummery from politicians gets UK industry body's thumbs up.
The report, can be shortened to "More Balls" if required.
We're not going to put words into people's mouths, so here is what we've received from the UK's video gaming industry body:
Fair enough. Let's see what the "More Ball Games" has to say about the videogames. Let's start with the first entry:
Now for the next... oh, that's the only mention in the report. See for yourself, you can download it here.
So, what does former Electronic Arts’ vice president of northern Europe and now ELSPA Director General, Paul Jackson have to say? Does he, for example, get ELSPA even mentioned as one of the organisations consulted? No.
Does he defend the industry in the face of a single, negative, mention? No.
He has this to say, "ELSPA knows that games have an important part to play in the lives of everyone. This is a great example of the games industry working hard to ensure a return to some sensible thinking. It is pleasing to see that politicians and their advisors have taken the time to listen and really consider the issues".
A return to more sensible thinking? When exactly was that golden age when sensible people thought? June 7th 1954?
Here's how ELSPA sees the 'More Ball Games' report playing out (if you'll pardon the pun),"The Childhood Review concludes that parents are most concerned about allowing children to play outdoors, whether that be in playgrounds or out in the streets, where bullying and high crime rates are giving them no choice but to keep them indoors."
This is how it actually does conclude, "The well-being of the next generation is of vital importance to the future of our country. Above all, we need to make Britain’s children safer, healthier and happier. This means giving them better public places, strengthening their social networks and improving their access to outdoor activities".
See, we have read "More Balls", and here's how we see it in all its 18 pages of glory:
1) Costings for any of the recommendations? None.
2) Ideas as to how to incorporate video games into healthier life-styles? Let's posit, for example, that Activision and Electronic Arts are approached to bring skate. and Tony Hawk skateboard ramps into existing playgrounds? Or what of Konami bringing a PES-sponsored five-a-side, on grass (turf!) league to the inner cities? What about the Conservative Party and ELSPA using the obvious pulling-power of video gaming - and the money earned from the same - into practical use. Who wouldn't benefit?
3) Action points? None.
4) Consultation with 'the kids'? Zero.
Brilliant... the more we think about this, the more we're looking forward to Dr Tanya Byron's report which is due next month.
"ELSPA (the Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association) believes that the Conservative Party’s launch of its childhood report, More Ball Games, shows a long overdue level-headed and sensible approach to discussing and understanding the issues affecting childhood in the UK in 2008.
"ELSPA gave evidence to the Review in late 2007."
"ELSPA gave evidence to the Review in late 2007."
Fair enough. Let's see what the "More Ball Games" has to say about the videogames. Let's start with the first entry:
"Parents feel they are on their own. The old ideological battle of market versus government seems irrelevant. Neither feels particularly pro-family. Market pressures are commercialising childhood and strengthening pester power, stimulating appetites for unhealthy foods and violent video games."
Now for the next... oh, that's the only mention in the report. See for yourself, you can download it here.
So, what does former Electronic Arts’ vice president of northern Europe and now ELSPA Director General, Paul Jackson have to say? Does he, for example, get ELSPA even mentioned as one of the organisations consulted? No.
Does he defend the industry in the face of a single, negative, mention? No.
He has this to say, "ELSPA knows that games have an important part to play in the lives of everyone. This is a great example of the games industry working hard to ensure a return to some sensible thinking. It is pleasing to see that politicians and their advisors have taken the time to listen and really consider the issues".
A return to more sensible thinking? When exactly was that golden age when sensible people thought? June 7th 1954?
Here's how ELSPA sees the 'More Ball Games' report playing out (if you'll pardon the pun),"The Childhood Review concludes that parents are most concerned about allowing children to play outdoors, whether that be in playgrounds or out in the streets, where bullying and high crime rates are giving them no choice but to keep them indoors."
This is how it actually does conclude, "The well-being of the next generation is of vital importance to the future of our country. Above all, we need to make Britain’s children safer, healthier and happier. This means giving them better public places, strengthening their social networks and improving their access to outdoor activities".
See, we have read "More Balls", and here's how we see it in all its 18 pages of glory:
1) Costings for any of the recommendations? None.
2) Ideas as to how to incorporate video games into healthier life-styles? Let's posit, for example, that Activision and Electronic Arts are approached to bring skate. and Tony Hawk skateboard ramps into existing playgrounds? Or what of Konami bringing a PES-sponsored five-a-side, on grass (turf!) league to the inner cities? What about the Conservative Party and ELSPA using the obvious pulling-power of video gaming - and the money earned from the same - into practical use. Who wouldn't benefit?
3) Action points? None.
4) Consultation with 'the kids'? Zero.
Brilliant... the more we think about this, the more we're looking forward to Dr Tanya Byron's report which is due next month.
Companies:
ELSPA
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Comments
deleted 7 Feb 2008 01:00
1/4
So let me get this right, ELSPA are supporting a conservative scheme that involves game makers taking kids away from games and outside in a fight to do what exactly?
As far as I’m concerned I don’t see any reasoning behind this, it’s not fitness or healthy eating for kids agenda, it’s not an attack on games being too violent or mind warping, in fact what they want kids to play out because kids played before games? And for some reason that’s what they believe to be correct?
Now I have 3 kids,
Child A (3YR) Sam he’s a funny little guy who loves his DS Phat (hand-me-down) Mario Kart being his Favourite game, With Yoshi`s Island a close second, even though he never wins or finishes a level he just likes racing around and jumping about, also into Mario galaxy a bit, but his main concern is going out to the park or picking bro and sis up from school I mention coat and he’s off with me running behind him, trying to turn DS off and charge and catch him at same time,
Child B (5YR) Tomm(Yes Double M), suffers from autism , but put a controller in your hand and he can beat down the greatest gamer ever, from SNES to Wii-Mote he will take Mario through every world and find every last coin, its totally amazing to watch him play lost levels and thrash it without even blinking, I swear I need to harness the talent of autism it isn’t a condition, it’s a gift like a super hero but for games!, although he is a gamer to the hardest core!, he would still choose to go out and play with friends or family at the local park every time over his three heroes games Mario, Sonic and BEN 10.
Child C (9YR) Amber, My 9yr old going on 29yr old girl, with her Pink PS2 and Pink DS Lite, playing her harvest moon, Animal Crossing and Nintendogs. Amber also loves my 360 stuff like Eternal Sonata and one of her favourite games is Cubes `Tales of Symphonia` while still hitting up some Guitar Hero and Scene IT and a touch of Viva Piñata, But once again when her friends come a knocking she drops the pad and runs outside, leaving me and my electric bill to clear up! In fact she goes to dancing twice a week and competes across the UK on a monthly basis,
Now I don’t believe for one instance that my kids are an exception to the rule, and I think most kids prefer a game of hares and hounds over a online session of Halo 3, but its got nothing to do with ELSPA or the gaming community should the parents choose not to limit game playing or should the councils not provide the kids facilities to play out, of course the state of the country prevents parents from letting your kids run wild and free for fear of Paedophiles’, Weirdoes, Stalkers, Thugs, Chavs, Drunks, Drug Pushers, Drug Users, and General Ruffians, and it’s our responsibility to make sure they are safe as is the community, My kids also aren’t Fat obese kids and eat a wide range of healthy foods and the occasional (more than I like) McD`s and Sweets, My kids are gamers and my kids have friends.
They don’t need `More Ball Games` as they have a good balance now and my point is simple.
Where the hell was the research, and why are ELSPA (who generally have respect for) supporting an obvious parent/child protection – vote for me – ploy?
As far as I’m concerned I don’t see any reasoning behind this, it’s not fitness or healthy eating for kids agenda, it’s not an attack on games being too violent or mind warping, in fact what they want kids to play out because kids played before games? And for some reason that’s what they believe to be correct?
Now I have 3 kids,
Child A (3YR) Sam he’s a funny little guy who loves his DS Phat (hand-me-down) Mario Kart being his Favourite game, With Yoshi`s Island a close second, even though he never wins or finishes a level he just likes racing around and jumping about, also into Mario galaxy a bit, but his main concern is going out to the park or picking bro and sis up from school I mention coat and he’s off with me running behind him, trying to turn DS off and charge and catch him at same time,
Child B (5YR) Tomm(Yes Double M), suffers from autism , but put a controller in your hand and he can beat down the greatest gamer ever, from SNES to Wii-Mote he will take Mario through every world and find every last coin, its totally amazing to watch him play lost levels and thrash it without even blinking, I swear I need to harness the talent of autism it isn’t a condition, it’s a gift like a super hero but for games!, although he is a gamer to the hardest core!, he would still choose to go out and play with friends or family at the local park every time over his three heroes games Mario, Sonic and BEN 10.
Child C (9YR) Amber, My 9yr old going on 29yr old girl, with her Pink PS2 and Pink DS Lite, playing her harvest moon, Animal Crossing and Nintendogs. Amber also loves my 360 stuff like Eternal Sonata and one of her favourite games is Cubes `Tales of Symphonia` while still hitting up some Guitar Hero and Scene IT and a touch of Viva Piñata, But once again when her friends come a knocking she drops the pad and runs outside, leaving me and my electric bill to clear up! In fact she goes to dancing twice a week and competes across the UK on a monthly basis,
Now I don’t believe for one instance that my kids are an exception to the rule, and I think most kids prefer a game of hares and hounds over a online session of Halo 3, but its got nothing to do with ELSPA or the gaming community should the parents choose not to limit game playing or should the councils not provide the kids facilities to play out, of course the state of the country prevents parents from letting your kids run wild and free for fear of Paedophiles’, Weirdoes, Stalkers, Thugs, Chavs, Drunks, Drug Pushers, Drug Users, and General Ruffians, and it’s our responsibility to make sure they are safe as is the community, My kids also aren’t Fat obese kids and eat a wide range of healthy foods and the occasional (more than I like) McD`s and Sweets, My kids are gamers and my kids have friends.
They don’t need `More Ball Games` as they have a good balance now and my point is simple.
Where the hell was the research, and why are ELSPA (who generally have respect for) supporting an obvious parent/child protection – vote for me – ploy?
Joji 7 Feb 2008 02:20
2/4
I really don't know what ELSPA are doing. They talk crap about the DS R4 and now that seem to be enjoying the attention too much.
More Ball Games, a good idea indeed. Only problem is that its an idea far too late. Kids in their teens have nothing to do outside of school. It was the government and councils up and down the country that fail these same kids for many years.
Sure, they'd love to play outside too. Problem is land that could be used for play is sold off to developers to build houses on. And with the government no letting half of europe into the U.K too work etc, those green space will continue to disappear.
So long as the powers that be fail to address this issue, feral gangs of boozing kids, will make their dangerous brand of fun on the streets in gangs.
More Ball Games, a good idea indeed. Only problem is that its an idea far too late. Kids in their teens have nothing to do outside of school. It was the government and councils up and down the country that fail these same kids for many years.
Sure, they'd love to play outside too. Problem is land that could be used for play is sold off to developers to build houses on. And with the government no letting half of europe into the U.K too work etc, those green space will continue to disappear.
So long as the powers that be fail to address this issue, feral gangs of boozing kids, will make their dangerous brand of fun on the streets in gangs.
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king skins 7 Feb 2008 13:45
3/4
haritori, thats cos your a good parent and obviously dedicate a lot of time to your kids!
The problem is really simple, its parenting. Sadly most people are to selfish to be a good parent.
This whole thing about there being more Paedophiles, Stalkers, Thugs, etc... I'm not sure this is the case. I think its just that these things are reported more in the press and there is just more fear around now. Priests where still fiddling with kids back in the day but no one reported it and it was always hushed up.
I don't think the level of crime / badness has increased just our exposure to what actually goes on in the world around us has increased, coupled with peoples willingness to report things to the police.
Anyway that's my 2p
The problem is really simple, its parenting. Sadly most people are to selfish to be a good parent.
haritori wrote:
Now I don’t believe for one instance that my kids are an exception to the rule, and I think most kids prefer a game of hares and hounds over a online session of Halo 3, but its got nothing to do with ELSPA or the gaming community should the parents choose not to limit game playing or should the councils not provide the kids facilities to play out, of course the state of the country prevents parents from letting your kids run wild and free for fear of Paedophiles’, Weirdoes, Stalkers, Thugs, Chavs, Drunks, Drug Pushers, Drug Users, and General Ruffians, and it’s our responsibility to make sure they are safe as is the community,
This whole thing about there being more Paedophiles, Stalkers, Thugs, etc... I'm not sure this is the case. I think its just that these things are reported more in the press and there is just more fear around now. Priests where still fiddling with kids back in the day but no one reported it and it was always hushed up.
I don't think the level of crime / badness has increased just our exposure to what actually goes on in the world around us has increased, coupled with peoples willingness to report things to the police.
Anyway that's my 2p
daz 7 Feb 2008 18:32
4/4
haritori wrote:
I swear I need to harness the talent of autism it isn’t a condition, it’s a gift like a super hero but for games!
autism in can anyone?
do me a favour plonk him in front of Ninja Gaiden Sigma, when he finishes it tell him send me a strategy on how to survive