The Sims 2 Community Support to EA

On behalf of The Sims community, I would like to offer this petition of support to Electronic Arts, especially Jeff Brown, VP of Corporate Communications, and Will Wright and the rest of Maxis Studios.

Recently EA has been wrongly criticized for some community created "adult" content for its T-Rated The Sims 2 game. An outspoken critic of the gaming industry in general, has directly accused EA of condoning and supporting this content. While EA and Maxis support the CREATION of any content that brings greater enjoyment to the fans of The Sims 2, holding them responsible for this content is logically, if not legally, WRONG. The content is under complete control by the user and they cannot expect any support due to problems arising from it.

We would like to call on EA to stay the course, fight this outrageous claim, and keep on supporting the community. Any concessions made to the offended parties would not only change the face of the Video Gaming industry, it could have wide-spread effects throughout the economy. If any company were to be held responsible for the use of its products by consumers, the economy would suffer from frivolous lawsuits. Imagine a car company sued because of a fatal car accident due to driver error, a beverage company sued because of a fatal drunk-driving accident. Companies cannot be expected to fully control the use of its products after they have been legally purchased by a consumer.

Also, to the Electronic Software Ratings Board. Your blatant disrespect for the gaming consumer community is not what you should strive for. You are supposed to support and educate consumers, not blame them. Do not tarnish your image any more than recent events have done.

To the Senate and Legislature, in particular New York Senator Hillary Clinton, and California State Assembly member Leland Yee. Do not waste government time and taxpayer money on frivolous and false allegations. You are supposed to represent ALL of your constituents, not your own agenda.

And finally, to the parents of todays youth. Do your part in controlling what media your kids are exposed to. YOU are the last line of defense against any unsuitable content. Passing blame onto the Electronic Entertainment Industry is no better than Hitler blaming the Jewish community for Germany's 1930's problems. A harsh comparison, but it proves the point. Do not rely on the Government to protect you, as you are opening a new era of Government interference in our private lives.