EB Games, Australia’s largest video game and entertainment software retailer, today announced that they will be responding to overwhelming customer demand by throwing their full support behind the push for an R18+ classification for computer games in Australia.
From today, in all 350 EB Games stores across Australia and online at www.ebgames.com.au consumers will be able to sign a petition that will be used to lobby the Government to introduce an R18+ classification category for computer games.
This petition is in response to the Government’s discussion paper and calls for submissions on the topic of: Should the Australian National Classification Scheme include an R 18+ classification category for computer games?
When asked why EB Games has chosen to take the unprecedented step of supporting this issue with an instore and online campaign, Managing Director Steve Wilson responded,
“Because our customers asked us to.”
Steve continued, “With the release of the Government’s discussion paper, we knew as a company that we needed to act on this issue as it continues to cripple our industry and cost local jobs. We did however want to be sure that our customers were as passionate about the matter as we are.”
EB Games set up an online poll on www.ebgames.com.au and simply asked “Do you support an R18+ classification for video games?”
In only 10 days, over 50,000 people responded to the survey with a resounding 84% (42,854) of respondents stating ‘Yes, It’s time for change!’
“Our customers have sent us a message loud and clear that this is an issue that needs to be addressed and we only get one shot at this. Once this Government paper is closed, it could be many years before we get another chance to voice our opinion on this issue. The time to be heard is now” Steve stated.
Steve continued to state “This is not a call for violent video games, but rather a call for a better classification system that brings Australia in line with the rest of the world and other Australian entertainment industries, such as films.”
To sign the petition and have your voice heard, head into your local EB Games store or visit www.ebgames.com.au. All petitions must be received by 14th February, 2010.