Knights Templar Bundestag call for ban of "negative computer games"

A branch of the Knights Templar Bundestag would like production of "negative computer games" banned, and a prohibition placed on negative games coming into Germany.

According to Golem.de, the order with a very large and formal name, the Ordo Supremus Militaris Templi Hierosolymitani Grand Priory of Germany from the North Rhine-Westphalia, Viersen (shew), is calling upon the government to "ban the manufacture and distribution of computer games with negative content." The order would instead like to see the "production of computer games with positive and meaningful educational approach" and to have such games promoted in primary and secondary schools.

The Templars are of the opinion that "brutalizing computer games" games impact young people and negatively influence them, and used games such as Resident Evil and GTA as examples.

It was also suggested by the order that the ban on such titles, mainly developed on foreign soil, would also help the economy as it would provide German and European companies competition since these game makers could be creating "positive and educationally valuable computer games," for the nation's youth.

Back in May 2010, the German government decided not to ban the sale or distribution of violent videogames which was being contemplated since June of 2009. A petition with 73K signatures against the ban forced the issue to be taken up by the Committee on Petitions, and the government decided instead to support public education of PEGI ratings.

Thanks, Schindet Nemo.

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