Longtime Senator JOE LIEBERMAN, Foe of Video Games, Dies at 82

Joe Lieberman, a significant political figure and vocal critic of the video game industry, has passed away at the age of 82 due to complications from a fall, leaving behind a legacy that includes his prominent role in the establishment of video game content rating systems. Lieberman, a former Democratic Senator from Connecticut and vice presidential candidate, was notoriously known in gaming circles for his condemnation of titles like Mortal Kombat in the 1990s, asserting they contributed to increased violence in society. His efforts, alongside Senator Herb Kohl, led to the 1993 and 1994 Senate hearings on video game violence which ultimately resulted in the creation of the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) in 1994, providing a standardized rating system for video games similar to that of movies.

The legacy of those hearings and of Lieberman's activism is still felt today, as the debate around video game violence and its impact on society remains a contentious topic. While Lieberman later acknowledged the effectiveness of the ESRB, he continued to criticize various games including Grand Theft Auto: Vice City. The ESRB continues to provide guidance to consumers, especially parents, regarding the content of video games, allowing them to make informed decisions about what games are appropriate for their children.

Joe Lieberman was instrumental in the creation of the ESRB, the organization responsible for rating video games in North America, which was established following the Senate hearings on video game violence that he pushed for in the early 1990s. His advocacy for regulation and content rating systems has had a long-lasting influence on the industry, shaping how games are marketed and sold to various age groups.

Background Information: Mortal Kombat, one of the games at the center of the controversy sparked by Lieberman, is a famous fighting game series known for its high levels of graphic violence, including its signature 'Fatalities'. The series was developed by Midway Games and has been around since 1992, cultivating a devoted fan base over the years. Mortal Kombat's impact on popular culture and the video game industry is significant, with its influence evident in the various sequels and adaptations, including movies and TV shows.