Okla. lawmaker proposes tax on violent video games

An Oklahoma lawmaker is proposing a tax on violent video games to fight childhood obesity and school bullying.

Rep. William Fourkiller of Stilwell says the lack of physical activity associated with playing the games and the violence they portray have been blamed for childhood obesity and bullying.

He says the games contribute to the problems, but they can also be part of the solution because of the revenue they raise.

In 2008, 298 million video games were sold in the U.S., totaling $11.7 billion in revenue. Six of the 10 best-selling games included violence. Four of them carried a “mature” rating recommended only for people17 and older.

Fourkiller’s legislation would levy a 1 percent tax on games rated “teen”, “mature” or “adult only” by the Entertainment Software Rating Board.