Video Game Voters Network

The United States Supreme Court ruled today that California's attempt to regulate the sale of violent video games is unconstitutional. 

Today's ruling is a big victory for game players, parents, and all who value free speech and creative expression.

In its 7-2 decision, the Supreme Court cited many of the same reasons cited by lower courts when striking down this and similar statutes: that video games contain expression that is protected as much as the best of literature; that California had not shown that video games were harmful to minors; that less restrictive means of achieving the state's intended goal of protecting children from violent content exist, including the Entertainment Software Rating Board rating system; and that parents rather than the government should have primary responsibility for what games their children play.

The Supreme Court upholds free speech and our individual rights to make our own choices. Below are quotes from the Supreme Court ruling:

"California also cannot show that the Act's restrictions meet the alleged substantial need of parents who wish to restrict their children's access to violent videos. The video-game industry's voluntary rating system already accomplishes that to a large extent."

"Under our Constitution, "esthetic and moral judgments about art and literature . . . are for the individual to make, not for the Government to decree, even with the mandate or approval of a majority."

"And whatever the challenges of applying the Constitution to ever-advancing technology, "the basic principles of freedom of speech and the press, like the First Amendment's command, do not vary" when a new and different medium for communication appears."

Sign the Gamer's Pledge

Victory for Free Speech!

I am a computer and video game player, or game developer.

As an American citizen first, I wholeheartedly support the Supreme Court ruling to protect games as free speech, like any other form of creative expression.

I will defend these rights against attempts to subvert or manipulate the spirit of the ruling through legislative loopholes.

I will defend against any attempts to restrict the sale of computer and video games, which are nothing but aggressive attempts at censorship.

I will support continued efforts to fight for free speech of computer and video games, a right now recognized by the highest court in the land.