The ESRB's new Commitment to Parents initiative is certainly creating some buzz.

The response to the program, designed to make parents more aware of the industry's video game rating system, has been mostly positive. In fact Commitment to Parents enjoyed the support of U.S. Senators Rick Santorum (R-PA), George Allen (R-VA) and Mark Pryor (D-AR) during its rollout earlier this month.

Staff Writer John Callaham over at Firing Squad recently scored an interview with ESRB President Patricia Vance to discuss Commitment to Parents. Here's what the ESRB head had to say:

"(Ratings) enforcement is certainly not a new concept... ESRB has worked closely with retailers for a number of years now to encourage and support their store policies regarding the sale of M-rated games, post in-store signage and train store associates about the ratings. However, the Commitment to Parents program takes those partnerships to a whole new level."

"Clearly Senators Santorum, Allen and Pryor understand the issues, and realize that initiatives such as those being undertaken... are truly where the greatest success is to be had... these Senators are wise enough to recognize that effective self-regulation is a better alternative to government involvement in these areas."

"As far as satire goes, I think the Daily Show segment (on a Congressional video game hearing) was amusing, but more importantly, they bring up a good point: parents are undoubtedly in the best position to raise their children, and the ratings provide ample information for them to make educated and sensible choices."

For the complete Firing Squad interview with Patricia Vance, click here.

Want to talk about it? You can discuss this story via the "comments" feature (click below), or in the new GamePolitics Forums...

Link To Original Article