Here we go again - not learning from the countless past failures and ignoring the plentiful accredited research disproving the alleged links between video games that depict violence and real-world violence perpetrated by criminals, yet another politician is trying to impose a ban. If successful, the Call of Duty franchise would be affected.
Though primarily focused on other violent games, specifically the Grand Theft Auto franchise, a new bill filed in Illinois last friday could affect the availability of Call of Duty titles in the state. HB3531 was filed by Rep. Marcus Evans Jr. with the goal of amending a 2012 law regarding violent video game sales, as well as what the legal definition of "violent video game" actually covers.
This move comes in the wake of a sharp increase in crime, especially carjacking, in Chicago and the surrounding area recently - CPD reports that officers responded to 218 instances in the month of January. The ridiculous notion that video games are to blame arose after Evans was contacted by Early Walker, who started Operation Safe Pump not long ago.
Operation Safe Pump sought to secure gas stations in Chicago, since these locations were a chokepoint for carjackings - inattentive drivers would leave their vehicles ripe for the stealing while filling their tanks. Operation Safe Pump stationed additional security outside where the pumps themselves were as a deterrent.
Walker had contacted various lawmakers in Illinois to push for a violent video game ban, or at least new laws to limit their sales to minors. Walker specifically implicates GTA for the sharp rise in carjackings, but the resultant bill of his and Evans' partnership targets a much broader range of products.
