Fact Check: Are RPGs illegal?

Are RPGs Illegal?

The claim in question asks whether RPGs (role-playing games) are illegal. This inquiry can be interpreted in different contexts, including the legality of tabletop RPGs like Dungeons & Dragons, video game RPGs, and the legality of weapons referred to as RPGs (rocket-propelled grenades). This article will explore these dimensions without arriving at a definitive conclusion.

What We Know

1. Role-Playing Games (Tabletop and Video Games): Tabletop RPGs, such as Dungeons & Dragons, and video game RPGs are widely played and are not classified as illegal in the United States. The American Psychological Association (APA) and other organizations have studied the effects of violent video games on behavior, but these studies do not conclude that RPGs are illegal or harmful in a legal sense 1.

2. Legal Definitions of RPGs as Weapons: The term "RPG" can also refer to rocket-propelled grenades, which are classified as weapons. According to U.S. law, specifically 18 U.S. Code § 2332g, it is unlawful for any person to knowingly produce, construct, or acquire missile systems designed to destroy 2. This includes RPGs as military weapons, which are heavily regulated and illegal for civilian possession without specific licenses.

3. First Amendment Protections: The legality of video games, including RPGs, has been upheld by courts under the First Amendment. A notable case is the California law that sought to restrict the sale of violent video games, which was found unconstitutional 8. This suggests that RPGs, as a form of media, are protected under free speech laws.

4. Cultural Context: Historically, RPGs have faced scrutiny and stigma, particularly during the "Satanic Panic" of the 1980s, where they were blamed for various societal issues. However, this cultural perception has largely diminished, and RPGs are now recognized as a legitimate form of entertainment and social interaction 7.

Analysis

The sources available provide a mix of perspectives on the legality of RPGs.

• Credibility of Sources: The legal sources, such as the U.S. Code and the National Firearms Act Handbook, are authoritative and provide clear legal definitions and regulations regarding weapons 24. These sources are reliable as they come from government publications, which are subject to rigorous standards.

• Cultural and Psychological Perspectives: The Harvard Health article discusses the impact of violent media on youth but does not specifically address the legality of RPGs 1. While it provides valuable insights into societal concerns, it does not serve as a legal source.

• Potential Bias: The article from Christ and Culture presents a historical viewpoint that may reflect a bias against RPGs, stemming from past societal fears. This could influence the interpretation of RPGs as harmful, despite a lack of legal grounding for such claims 7.

• Methodological Concerns: The studies linking media violence to aggression often face criticism regarding their methodologies, including the difficulty of establishing causal relationships. This raises questions about the validity of claims that RPGs lead to illegal behavior.

• Lack of Specificity: The claim does not specify which type of RPG is being referred to—tabletop, video game, or weapon. This ambiguity complicates the analysis, as the legality varies significantly across these categories.

Conclusion

Verdict: Partially True

The claim that RPGs are illegal is partially true, depending on the context. Tabletop and video game RPGs are legal and protected under First Amendment rights in the United States. However, the term "RPG" also refers to rocket-propelled grenades, which are illegal for civilian possession without specific licenses. This dual meaning creates ambiguity in the claim.

While the legal status of RPGs as games is clear, the classification of RPGs as weapons introduces a significant caveat. The evidence indicates that RPGs as a form of entertainment are not illegal, but the legality of RPGs as military weapons is strictly regulated.

It is important to acknowledge the limitations of the available evidence, particularly the lack of specificity in the claim regarding which type of RPG is being referenced. Additionally, cultural biases and the evolving societal perceptions of RPGs may influence public understanding of their legality.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information themselves and consider the context in which terms are used, as this can significantly affect the interpretation of legality.

Sources

1. Harvard Health. "Violent video games and young people." Link
2. Cornell Law School. "18 U.S. Code § 2332g - Missile systems designed to destroy ..." Link
3. Cornell Law School. "U.S. Code: Title 18 — CRIMES AND CRIMINAL PROCEDURE." Link
4. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. "National Firearms Act Handbook." Link
5. Seattle University Law Review. "Intellectual Property or Modern Folklore? The Problem with Open Gaming ..." Link
6. U.S. Department of State. "MANPADS: Combating the Threat to Global Aviation." Link
7. Christ and Culture. "The Side Effects of Role-Playing Games." Link
8. Library of Congress. "To Play or Not to Play: Video Game Ratings and the Law." Link
9. Legal Information Institute. "Welcome to LII." Link
10. U.S. Attorney's Office. "U.S. v. Gezer Complaint." Link