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Prof: Game Industry Barbaric, Continually Chooses Violent Themes -

A McGill University professor has slammed the video game industry for producing violent games.

*sigh* Really? I mean, that's were we are in this cultural conversation, name calling? Well in that case, I guess I'll just have to fire back, "Yeah, but you're a poo-poo head!" I mean really, why don't you just be honest with yourself Professor Hoechsmann and say, instead, "I hate games! I don't understand gaming and gamers and I'm afraid of them!" It would be a more honest answer...

Some of you are no doubt wondering, "Well, he's not wrong, so how is he lying?!" Let me explain.

1) I do not deny that we often pick themes of conflict
2) The most common conflicts in games do involve combat
3) This is no different than any other media.

Don't believe me? Then please, tell me what the last batch of summer blockbusters was about? Better yet, tell me, which dramas on television that men watch aren't about conflict and don't include themes of combat or violence. How about the books read by our audience most often, you know... sci-fi and fantasy. What are those books usually about, again? I don't know, personally, know of an epic fantasy book that does not include combat.

Look if you're going to call us barbaric, at least have the decency to step back and note that we're a reflection of the world, not the cause of its ills. I'm not even saying we're not barbaric -- I'm saying he's calling the teapot black, here and thinking no one noticed. Our form of entertainment media isn't any difference -- in terms of content themes -- than others. The fact that you don't understand that, Professor, is both alarming and insulting. You give me, and for that matter no thinking human being, any reason to take you seriously.

From here, in fact, the only thing I can say with some sort of confidence, is that you're a prejudicial close-minded snob with way too much access to the press... or am I just generalizing based on too little information?

Well hey, if I am, at least we have something in common...

- Snipehunter

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