Knights Templar Call For "Negative Game" Ban in Germany

[John Funk]

Knights Templar Call For "Negative Game" Ban in Germany

Another group is calling for the ban of "negative games" in Germany, but this time they've got a much fancier (and historic) name.

If it feels like it hasn't even been a year since the German government said "nein" to the proposed violent videogame ban, that's because it hasn't [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/100800-Germany-Says-Nein-to-Violent-Game-Ban]. However, German gamers aren't out of the woods yet, because now they must contend with the Knights Templar. No, seriously.

According to (a Golem.de [http://translate.google.com/translate?js=n&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&sl=de&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.golem.de%2F1104%2F83046.html], a branch of the Knights Templar - the Ordo Supremus Militaris Templi Hierosolymitani Grand Priory of Germany of North Rhine-Westphalia, Viersen (phew) - has called upon the government to "ban the manufacture and distribution of computer games with negative content." "Negative content," in this case, means precisely what you think it does - violence, mature themes, and all that comes with it.

Said Templar branch with the huge fancy name blames "brutalizing computer games" like Resident Evil and GTA for having a negative impact on young people and impeding their social development.

Instead, the Templars want to see the government encourage the "production of computer games with positive and meaningful educational approach," and to encourage primary and secondary schools to use these games and the Internet to instruct children in the modern age.

The Knights Templar Bundestag also sees an economic benefit to such a ban, as it believes that barring violent foreign-produced games from the country would make it easier for German and other European developers to create their "positive" videogames.

This, of course, is all slightly weird considering that the Knights Templar were officially and forcibly disbanded by Pope Clement V in 1312. Legends about the Templar have kept their name in popular consciousness for centuries since, but this is the first time I've ever heard of a modern Templar order.

Someone get Ezio and Altair on the line, quick.

(Via VG247 [http://www.vg247.com/2011/04/28/knights-templar-bundestag-call-for-ban-of-negative-computer-games/])

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[Scott Guthrie]

well this must be sorted *dawns cape and hidden blade*

 

[VitusPrime]

So...a new rival to gaming in Germany is the -TEMPLARS-?!
...Well, Germany just became more awesome...

 

[RedEyesBlackGamer]

I can't take this seriously after reading the title. Too surreal.

 

[Baradiel]

*insert reference to Assassin's Creed HERE*

In all seriousness, I'm genuinely surprised this Order has survived. Having been (quite violently) disbanded 700 years ago, and considering the turmoil since then, well done to them.

 

[Woodsey]

You're just trolling me, aren't you?

 

[redisforever]

Are we sure it's the same Knights? Ah well, like you can sell games without 'negative content'.
Games should have a conflict, doesn't matter what.

 

[UnravThreads]

Right, this is coming from an organisation in the land of economic simulators (Patrician, Anno series), countless vehicle simulations (Including farming and truck simulators), and many adventure games.

The money, nor interest, is in edutainment games anymore. But either way, we're talking different markets. Many of the games with 'negative content' are aimed at adults and more mature people, whereas the games they're asking for would be aimed at younger people.

That said, Larian Studios (In nearby Belgium) have been praised for their educational games, so really, these guys need to STFU. I agree with some of what they're saying about kids and games (Especially the use of edutainment games in schools point), but I think it's damned ridiculous that they're saying adults should be denied the right to play mature games.

 

[Evilsanta]

...Now where did I put my "descret" robe and hidden blade?

OT: Is this for real? The title is just to silly to be taken seriously.

 

[TheAmazingHobo]

a branch of the Knights Templar Bundestag

Oi mate,
the Bundestag is the German Parliament, not part of the name of the Knights Templars.
Thou shall not trust Google Translation.

 

[Gigano]

Always funny when bizarre groups with religious undertones, who somehow think they matter, call out to ban something.

That's usually when you know it's good.

 

[Grey_Focks]

You know, I read article's title and though "that can't possibly be what I think it is."

Needless to say, I think we need to find this Desmond fellow and begin his assassin training ASAP.

 

[JWRosser]

I hate people.
I'm not going to get into it because I'm sure that near enough everyone on this website feels the same, but banning 'violent' video games is ridiculous and angers me.


Also, this http://uk.ign.com/videos/2011/04/28/puns-n-ammo-mortal-kombat-the-good-ol-times

 

[Mr.Squishy]

Nothing is true. Everything is permitted.
*dons white cape and hidden blade*
A small sacrifice to save many. It is necessary.

 

[WorldCritic]

Yeah, I can't take that very long name seriously. To the Knights Templar I say
"Requiescat in pace." Once this is over anyway.

 

[Baldry]

...But...First off THE KNIGHTS TEMPLAR are still around!? Are they under the guise of abstergo industries? Secondly aren't knights notorious for being violent chappys, I seem to remember them being one of the reasons the crusaders states collapsed, because they were so battle hungry. And finally...THE KNIGHTS TEMPLAR, I'll just be over there looking for santa.
Also when and if they manage to get this passed I'm so becoming an Assassin, even though Baldry is meant to be Templar name.

 

[MurderousToaster]

...and I bet that the German hits on that video on YouTube where a guy shows you how to make a hidden blade just went up around 500%.

 

[Astalano]

Yes, because most movies and books and plays have no conflicts in them.

Oh wait...

 

[Jaded Scribe]

encourage the "production of computer games with positive and meaningful educational approach," and to encourage primary and secondary schools to use these games and the Internet to instruct children in the modern age.

I love how these groups keep acting like this is somehow mutually exclusive with creating the "violent" games.

 

[John Funk]

a branch of the Knights Templar Bundestag

Oi mate,
the Bundestag is the German Parliament, not part of the name of the Knights Templars.
Thou shall not trust Google Translation.

Huh. Well, the more you know. If you can suggest a more accurate translation I'd be happy to use it, but for the moment I'll just cut it out