State aims to curb violent game sales

SEATTLE, Washington (Reuters) -- Retail employees in Washington state who sell violent video games to minors would face a $500 fine under a bill passed by the state Senate Thursday.

The measure, approved 47-7, would target games that depict violence against women and the killing of police officers. It was passed by the state House last month and is expected to be signed into law by Gov. Gary Locke.

One of the games likely to be hit by the measure is "Grand Theft Auto: Vice City", which has become one of the hottest-selling titles for Sony Corp.'s PlayStation 2 console.

Gail Markels, general counsel to the Interactive Digital Software Association, denounced the measure as a misguided attempt at video game censorship.

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