Video games spared this round, surprisingly

Earlier in March, a school shooting in Winnenden, Germany prompted politicians to revive their war on violent video games. Minister for Social Affairs Mechthild Ross-Luttmann even suggest World of Warcraft may be correlated with such violent behavior, and sought to place age restriction on such games. Additionally, the government began declaring a large portion of the nation's minor population addicted to games, citing research claiming many children or teenagers now have "excessive" play habits.

Now, two months after 17-year-old Tim Kretschmar killed 15 people with his father's gun, Germany is banning paintball and laser tag as a part of renewed measures against illegal firearms. Guess video games are off the hook for now.

"We have agreed on reasonable changes that will mean more security without over-regulating hobby marksmen and hunters," said Wolfgang Bosbach, deputy head of the conservative Christian Union parliamentary group. According to Bosbach, paintball and laser tag "simulate killing."

A German newspaper stated that those found in violation of the ban could be fined up to €5,000. Other German media outlets have reported that lawmarkers have been considering stricter age restrictions at shooting ranges by barring people under 18, as well as allowing police to conduct random checks on registered gun owners to make sure their firearms are accounted for.

Other possible measures include the creation of a digital database for firearms, biometric security systems to ensure weapons are being used by their rightful owners, and special consideration for individuals who turn in their illegal goods.