Gamers Grapple With VA Tech Shooting

I imagine it's been a hard week for a lot of people; gamers in particular have been jumping to defend their hobby from the likes of Dr. Phil and Jack Thompson, both of whom were quick to link gaming and the tragedy in Virginia. Despite their vigor, it seems like game enthusiasts can breathe easily this week. As far as most people can tell, gaming was in no way involved. Even the mainstream media is coming to realize that gaming isn't always the right place to turn when youth violence grabs the headlines. Just the same, some activist gamers are still trying to make sure their hobby comes out of this unscathed, and at least some folks think they may be overdoing things: "While I'm all for activism for one's beliefs, I really think this may do more harm then good. As gamers, we feel a need to defend our passion, but we run the risk of ending up looking no better than those seeking to shift blame, while further disrupting the already-mourning. I say that the thing to focus on at this point is simply remembering those lost and cherishing what we still have. Now's not the time for political vendettas, and gamers need to step down and just humbly accept the fact that blame will always be shifted to the popular youth activities: be it a KISS concert, a video game, or something else."

Starcraft

[PachmanP]

He was Korean. Starcraft has to be involved some how.

Breaking News

[jkiol]

Water linked to mass murderers'! The killer at VA Tech drank water, and there is a lot of supporting evidence that other serial killers also drank water as well.

What's really scary...

[__aaclcg7560]

This guy had no life and was an English major! Worst... He took a horror literature class where they read and talked about Stephen King [stephenking.com]. That's what really set him off.

Alas, homicidal English majors don't have the same sex appeal as homicidal video game players.

Re:be careful about blaming to god botherers

[Anonymous Coward]

And they're off! Looks like the Islamist team has the early lead, yes, yes, they've gotten to the guns first. The Jews and Christians are still coming on strong. The Islamists are firing, yes, firing wildly. Mostly at the Jews but also at the Christians as well. The Christians have lost a man and are slowing down. The Jews despite losing three have redoubled their speed. They've gotten the guns themselves now. They're firing aimed bursts at the Islamists! Another is going down with every burst! No more firing at the Christians, so they've finally made it to the guns themselves. The Christians are shooting at each other! The remaining Islamists are retreating now, most of them injured. A stray bullet from the Christians has now hit one of the Jews! The Jews go wild and start firing at the Christians. Now the Christians are firing at the Jews! The Islamists are firing at everybody and nobody!

Middle east in a nutshell if you ask me.

Re:Breaking News

[pi_rules]

Also, 100% of people who eat pickles die.

STAY AWAY FROM THE PICKLE!

Re:Jesus is to blame!

[pi_rules]

He also turned water into wine, and any college kid that cold do that would be the most popular SOB on campus!

Re:Starcraft

[Beardo the Bearded]

You should have pointed a pistol at him.

What? The safety's on.