Oswald Rant: Video Games Do Not Kill Kids

What prompted this week’s rant? It was the unfortunate school shooting incident in Santee, California and a post in the Urban Terror Forums asking Silicon Ice Development to include a “some kind of drug-dealer’s gamemode.” I know this subject is still at the forefront of much controversy thanks to the media, who continues to blown this “problem” out of proportion.

While that prompted this rant, it was actually a female co-worker who set me off by accusing me that, I am contributing to the violence in teenagers today by creating a “violent and mindless killing simulator.” I could not believe what I was hearing, I am sure she wanted to slap me silly, as I had a wicked smile on my face. Of course her opinion seems to fall in line with the general consensus who are not up to speed on true gaming communities, like Urban Terror.

While this outburst did not really bother me, she did not have the slightest idea as to what the Urban Terror, let along the gaming community in general is all about. But once again, it’s the media who continues to feed the fire, speaking with psychology experts, and continuing to fill the daily news with misinformation about incidents like this one. Do we really think that Doom had something to do with Columbine? Or Quake in the James Case?

Of course there will continue to by research by leading universities, like Stanford who conclude, “that aggressive behavior can be reversed by cutting the time children spend playing video games.” Of course closed studies like this can give the public a false perception of reality. But what about the environment is raised in? Of course this should stand to reason as an obvious answer to a seemingly increasing problem.

What really is sad and somewhat unfortunate are those children who can not disassociate reality from fiction. Some may feel in order to escape their personal horrors of reality they enter their fantasy world where they reign supreme, wielding supernatural powers or a Colt M4 assault rifle. What is enjoyable and entertaining in a game can have serious repercussions if acted upon in the real world. This inhere is where the problem lies, on which goes beyond the game.

Being a member of Silicon Ice Development I do not feel that I contribute to these random school shootings which end up being a “breaking story” on the evening news. Quake III developer, id Software was found not responsible for school killings by a judge. “The judge ruled that games companies could not predict what players would do after playing titles likes Quake.” Strangely enough, retail stores and governments alike continue to place bans on games of a violent nature.

As long as I continue to game and development entertainment, like Urban Terror, I will continue to debunk whatever the media or my co-workers say. While violent games may have an adverse effect on children, I don’t believe it is the major factor in these school shooting incidents. Maybe if I have kids of my own my opinion will change. Even then, I will continue to purchase, play and support the gaming industry.