Congressional Hearings 1993
Violence in video games
The US Senate hearings that examined violence in video games, using Mortal Kombat and Night Trap as examples, ultimately forcing the industry to create the ESRB rating system.
Overview
The 1993-1994 Congressional hearings on violence in video games represented the US government’s most serious threat to regulate the industry. Led by Senators Joe Lieberman and Herb Kohl, the hearings used Mortal Kombat and Night Trap as evidence, ultimately forcing the industry to create the ESRB.
Fast Facts
- Dates: December 1993, March 1994
- Senators: Joe Lieberman (D-CT), Herb Kohl (D-WI)
- Focus: Violence in video games
- Exhibits: Mortal Kombat, Night Trap
- Outcome: ESRB created
The Hearings
| Session | Focus |
|---|---|
| December 1993 | Initial testimony, evidence |
| March 1994 | Industry response |
| Ultimatum | Self-regulate or face legislation |
Key Evidence
| Game | Cited For |
|---|---|
| Mortal Kombat | Fatalities, blood |
| Night Trap | Violence against women |
| Doom | First-person shooting |
Industry Testimony
| Company | Position |
|---|---|
| Sega | Had rating system, blamed Nintendo |
| Nintendo | Content policies, blamed Sega |
| Result | Industry looked disorganised |
The Ultimatum
Senator Lieberman made clear: the industry would regulate itself or Congress would do it for them. Given the alternative, the industry created the ESRB within months.
Legacy
These hearings established that video games were politically visible and that the industry needed to appear responsible. They remain the closest the US came to government game censorship.