Microsoft Touts Xbox Safety Features
Microsoft launched an initiative aimed at educating parents on how to make smart gaming choices at the DigitalLife Expo Thursday in New York City, joining the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Best Buy in a 20-city bus tour that would educate consumers on the parental control features of the Xbox 360.
The program aims to ensure that consumers understand that they can indeed control what types of games are played on the console. For example, a parent could prevent games rated "M" for mature, or control whom their children play with online.
Microsoft's and other's moves to highlight their parental control features come amidst increasing calls for tighter rules on violent video games. Several states and cities have attempted to ban the sale of these games to minors, however they have been struck down on First Amendment grounds.
Additional information on the program can be found on the Xbox Web site. There, details on how to use the feature are listed along with descriptions of ESRB ratings and tips for healthier gaming.
Robbie Bach, Microsoft's Entertainment and Devices Division vice president, said that the group is not attempting to censor content in any way, or advocating legislation. Rather, Bach says it is better to educate the consumer on currently available options.