Anyone from Greece here? Just curious - with all the publicity concerning the BAN on videogames over there this week.

For those that don't know about it - Greece has now implemented legislation to BAN outright all videogames - this includes games on mobile phones, computers, consoles, coin-ops - ANYTHING. The reason? There is a problem with illegal gambling over there, and the government have admitted that they are incapable of discerning the difference between a legitimate video game and an illegal gambling game.

So don't bring your Gameboy Advance on your next holiday to Greece - it could land you a huge fine as well as a spell in prison.

It seems so ludicrous - I'm curious to hear what Greek people think of it. To me, it is akin to banning pop music or movies - videogames are a part of our popular culture, it is a huge industry that creates hundreds of thousands of jobs as well as millions of dollars profit every year. In terms of raw profitability, videogames eclipsed the movie industry several years ago. Apparently more people play "Half Life" (PC game) than watch the "Friends" TV show.

It's all quite embarrassing for Greece.

awww ian, nobody has posted in your thread... I'll be greek if u want me to be!!! (just for this thread though!) TEEHEEE!!!

Truly ridiculous...

I know a couple of 14 yr old boys up there (Fotis and Manos) who naturally won't be taking much of a liking to this crayzeee ban... they obviously can't enforce it... I mean... how can they monitor something like that?

Sounds like an April fools day hoax... only it isn't April.. that's how absurd it is..

2the9s is Greek !