MN's twist on game legislation

Most state laws about violent videogames involved fining retailers if they sold adult videogames to kids. Minnesota's new law fines kids. Just signed by Gov. Tim Pawlenty, the law, SF 785, "imposes a $25 fine on minors who purchase games rated M for Mature or AO for Adults Only," GameSpot.com reports. "The bill is scheduled to go into effect August 1, but it could be pushed back or struck down entirely. The Entertainment Software Association [this week] announced its intent to file suit against the state." Meanwhile, you'll be hearing more about violent and sexually explicit videogames from federal lawmakers. They've "resurfaced on politicians' agenda as the November election draws near, " CNET reports, and "a US House of Representatives committee on consumer protection says it will hold a hearing … later this month, with a focus on 'informing parents and protecting children' from the alleged dangers of those types of games." And the BBC had a story on Christian game development, reporting that "later this year Left Behind Games will release Eternal Forces, an action packed story set in a New York landscape where soldiers take on demons. There's no blood and a no cursing rule - curse and your energy level drops. The makers hope it will be the first title to take Christian gaming mainstream."