Such 'obscene' video games are being sold across the counter at any of the video
game markets in India, and it isn't even illegal, because there is no
certifying authority in India when it comes to video games.
Most of the games in question are sold over the counter and carry a US-based
ESRB (Entertainment Software Recruitment Board) certification which quantifies
games as 'E', an everyone rating, 'M' mature rating suitable for people of ages
17 years and above, while the 'AO' adults only rating is for people above 18
years of age.
However, this is where the twist in the tale comes in. "These certificates
aren't valid or enforceable in India," a senior police official says. According
to him, thisseriously limits the police from taking action against shop-keepers
who sell such games to young children.
We can take action only when the CDs are pirated," he says. "The deal about
these ratings is that many shopkeepers are actually tampering with the ratings.
That is, while the cover would carry an 'E' rating the game CD itself would
carry a 'M' rating.
With shopkeepers selling such CDs in Palika Bazar, Delhi's haven for pirated
CDs, the demand for these 'obscene' games has shot up manyfolds.
Vinod, a shop-owner in Palika Bazaar says, the threat of prosecution by law
doesn't even arise. "That threat exists only for those shopkeepers who either
stock pirated CDs or porn. We're doing none of the two."
According to Mahendra, another shop-keeper, they sell anywhere between 75-100
games a day. "Many of our customers are those who've read about these games on
the net or heard about them through friends. Moreover, it's not illegal is it?"
As another shop-owner puts it, "if we don't stock these games, people will
order them through the Internet."
According to, an avid-gamer, "the whole problem is arising because in America
(where these games are created) the average age of a gamer is between 25 and
40, while in India gaming is largely restricted to people under 21 years of
age.
The conflict arises when the games meant for the Mature audiences lands in the
hands of the kids."
"These games are aimed at sensationalisation, stimulation for children and
there should be strict Parental Guidance to make sure children are not exposed
to it," Dr Vasantha R Patri, Chairman of the Indian Institute of counselling
says.
"This has a very strong impact on the children. For one when the children are
exposed to such 'baring' acts on a regular basis, they are likely to become
less inhibitive and think that nudity and baring is acceptable, creating
psychological conflicts when they enter society," Dr Patri says.
