Video games are now officially banned in Greece

[Initech]

http://news.zdnet.co.uk/hardware/mobile/0,39020360,2121692,00.htm

A new law passed in Greece means that anybody carrying an electronic game - even if it is just on a mobile phone - could face a hefty fine or lengthy jail sentence

Thousands of British tourists in Greece are unknowingly facing heavy fines or long terms in prison for owning mobile phones or portable video games. The Greek government has banned all electronic games across Greece, including those in home computers, Game Boy-style portable consoles, and on mobile phones.

Law Number 3037, enacted at the end of July, explicitly forbids electronic games with 'electronic mechanisms and software' from public and private places, and people have already been fined tens of thousands of euros for playing or owning games.

<snip>

In the meantime, Tipis told ZDNet UK, a lot of people in Greece are very worried about the new law. "They are taking it very seriously," he said. "It even affects the games that come with Windows. This law isn't the right one," he added. "It is unfair. It was introduced too quickly."

Reload's tournament, which was to be held on 6 September, was a qualifier for the CPL Oslo 2002 gaming tournament. "Now we are trying not to lose the two slots we were given from CPL for the tournament," said Tipis. "This was the first time for a qualifier (for this tournament) in Greece."

[tk2kewl]

1. Umm... Why?

:shrug:

I don't play 'em, but....

[Stand and Fight]

3. It stated the reason in the article.

Please see my post below -- you're not going to believe this one! :freak:

[Stand and Fight]

2. The Reason?

To prevent illegal gambling... This is so fucking stupid! Have the Fristians taken over in Greece or something? :crazy:

[NuttyFluffers]

6. to stop profanity we shall ban language...

makes just about as much sense. :crazy:

[Stand and Fight]

8. Hear, hear!!

I'm sure the Born-Again will agree with that -- only for liberals though! :evilgrin:

[FrankBooth]

4. This will fail

This is magical thinking.

[Renew Deal]

5. There are thousands of Playstations in Greece.

It's super popular. They also play tons of soccer simulators. How will this ever be enforced? Will I be grabbed at customs for having Bejeweled on my cell phone?

[Deja Q]

7. The Greek culture used to glorify sex...

Maybe they ought to do so again and ditch this electronic waste-of-electricity.

Games take people apart.

Sex brings them together.

(this post not meant to be lewd, though it is likely a bit OTT...)

[Endangered Specie]

9. ummm, this story is almost 3 years old

[Elidor]

10. News stories should all come with an expiration date

At least where US news media are concerned.