Good buddy Eric dropped me a note about recent events in Greece where lawmakers have effectively banned video games from the country. All of them, of every kind. The reason? To stop online gambling and because Parliament basically admitted that they couldn’t tell the difference between a gambling video game and games like The Sims.
The Greek parliament took the unusual—and highly reactive—step of banning anyone from playing or owning any form of electronic games. The law, which goes by the name of Law Number 3037 in Greece, went into effect at the end of July and was passed in an attempt to stop online gambling. It applies to arcade games, PC games, console games, handheld games, and even cell phones with embedded games. The law applies everywhere, not just in public places. In fact, the law is so unusual and far reaching that many have cried “Internet hoax” when reading about it.
Anyone convicted of violating the new law can be fined 5,000 – 75,000 euros and imprisoned for up to 12 months. Already two Internet caf owners have been arrested and face trial on September 10, and the trials are being viewed as an important test of the law’s validity. Meanwhile, many arcades have reportedly been shut down by authorities.—Gameland.gr
This law was passed in July, but word of it is just starting to hit various gaming websites (or at least the ones I tend to pay attention to) and already the courts in Greece have responded by throwing out the cases against the two Internet Cafs mentioned above.
A court in Greece has thrown out the case against two internet caf驩 owners accused of breaking a law banning computer games.
The ruling is the first of its kind in Greece and sets the courts on a collision course with the state.
Legislation passed in July banned people from playing video games in public places like internet cafs as part of a drive to stamp out illegal gambling.
The law has been criticized for not making a distinction between interactive gambling and computer games.
The court, in its ruling, said the law was unconstitutional.—BBC News
So it looks like it’s headed for a showdown. Perhaps they can settle their differences with a best 2 out of 3 set of Counter-Strike.
…and by the way Les do you know why they arrested you?Because you are harmless…they are too scared or too bribed to arest those Cretan apes who carry guns on them (that means half of the Cretan population!
I’m not quite sure I’m following your point, Yiota. For one thing I’ve never been arrested.
her point is , its ok to let normal civilized people to play GTA but never let retards play it since they might take it to the next level so in a developing country you need to insure every one is well educated before you introduce violence in games or media
Excuse me m.wael_alkel, let me see if I understood that right.
You mean that American kids are “normal civilized” and it’s ok to play that game, but Greek kids aren’t? Well, I don’t remember ever any Greek kids going into their school with guns and killing their friends. I have never heard of a 10 yo kid doing drugs or a teenager stealing a car and be chased by the police etc. etc.
Of course I don’t mean to say that all American youth is bad or all Greek is good. And the population of USA is 25 times bigger than Greece, so it’s more probable bad things will happen.
But I don’t see where you (or Yiota) base the idea that the one is “mature” enough to play a game and the other isn’t. (Imo GTA is a game that no kid should play but that’s another thing.)
Anyway, since I see that “discussion” is going on for 5 1/5 years, let me remind you and assure you that no electronic game was ever restricted in Greece, no internet-cafe closed and everyone is free to play everything and everywhere. At home, at cafes, at the streets with his laptop, ANYwhere.
That law that Les is talking about is reffering to gambling machines. No store can have such a machine if it doesn’t have the proper license. That’s all.
I don’t thing that this law is stupid. It’s not like those :p :
(Those laws are still active)
That was meant for a laugh, not to insult Americans.
I think the nation-comparing that took place in previous posts was wrong. Every country has both good and bad people, habbits, characteristics and of course laws. So stop accusing one another.
As leon_(get at me) said at a previous post:
Cya.
Well, afroksilanthi, I agree with at least one of those laws you quote: pushing a live moose out of a moving airplane is probably nearly always a bad idea.
stupid colonials you think that your are something.look at your self first and then juge us And i am telling you if i see any american dog or canadian or any of your friends in my country he will anderstand the word ….σου γαμισα και ψοφισες…. ALL HAIL BIN LADEN assholes
Boy! They are coming out of the woodwork! I want to follow this thread.
What if all the gamers, game owners just openly defy/ignore the law? have game ins (sit ins) and what not. Are they going to build new prisons to jail the hundreds of thousands of “criminals”? Who would pay for it all? Who would make up all the lost revenue? It could bankrupt the entire country. F’ing Greek morons. Hard to believe this is the same race that descended from the Spartans isn’t it? Athens, Alexander the Great?
Can you imagine hearing this over a Greek police radio?
*WARNING* *ALERT* Be on the lookout for man with a vintage 1980’s model black plastic Atari 2600 with imitation wood grain trim! Last seen with 2 repeat 2 single button joysticks!!! Buttons are red in color. Considered EXTREMELY Dangerous! Use extreme caution apon approach! If sighted, Do not, Repeat DO NOT!, apprehend alone!…Call for immediate backup and or SWAT assistance! In Case of accidental exposure to game, seek immediate medical attention as decontamination will be necessary! Prolonged exposure may facilitate the need for “Re-education” Above all be brave & remain calm! Long Live Greece!