A federal judge has agreed to temporarily block a new California law banning the sale or rental of violent video games to minors. U.S. District Court Judge Ronald Whyte said the Encino-based Video Software Dealers Association and the Washington, D.C.-based Entertainment Software Association “were likely to succeed” in their lawsuits arguing that the law violates free-speech rights. The law, which was set to go into effect Jan. 1, prohibits retailers from selling or renting violent video games to those 17 and under, imposes a $1,000 fine on violators and mandates stricter product labeling.