On Killing Review

On Killing: The Psychological of Learning to Kill in War and Society, by Lt. Colonel Dave Grossman, is a book that is often cited by proponents of video game legislation, but is one that rarely discussed by video game sites themselves. As gamers, are we unfamiliar with the literature? Or do we just close our ears every time someone says something about censorship in the media? Recently, this issue of censorship and violent video games has become another hot button issue; in Germany, there was a tragic school shooting, and in Utah a bill was vetoed by the governor that would fine stores if they sold violent media to minors. I decided to read On Killing in hopes of becoming more intimate with the pro-censorship in violent media camp. Since I’m a lifelong gamer, I already know the common arguments of anti-censorship in violent media. We cannot expect to work towards a solution that will satisfy both camps without first understanding what these camps believe. So when I was reading On Killing, I was actually surprised with what I found…

An Open Letter to Germany

Dear Germany,

What happened in Winnenden on March 11th was a tragedy. 15 innocent lives were lost, as well as the shooter who apparently committed suicide. I am here to mourn with you, Germany, and I sincerely hope that nothing like this will ever happen again.

However…

Controlling the Joystick: Table of Contents

Here is my preliminary timeline for my feature, Controlling the Joystick. Nothing is set in stone and the finished feature will probably look very different. I plan on releasing different parts of it at a time (So it probably won’t be in this order), so I’ll just update this post with links, info, etc. I’m also interested in being current and commenting on recent controversies, so I’ll also add those links to the bottom of the table of contents.

I would love to hear suggestions and comments about this structure.

Do you like Animal Crossing? How about Little Boys?

In the most epic facepalm of the century, a news organization is claiming that the old turtle mayor from Animal Crossing could be a sexual predator.The best part of this story is that, a cop who works for the Mid-Missouri Internet Crime Force, states that “there is no reason an adult should have this game”. Because of this new found wisdom, once I finish writing this post, I will be turning myself in. Why? Because I played a kids game for no reason.

BEWARE!

AP Cites “Counterstrike” in German School Shooting

Earlier today in Germany, a teenager went rampant with a gun and killed 15 people, starting in a school and ending in some backyard with a bullet through his own head. Then, a couple of hours later, the Assosciated Press filed this report, wherein they report, as is their wont, on the event. Yet the reporting reporter, a certain VANESSA GERA, reported on something very interesting in an attempt to give the fellow a background.

A 17-year-old who would give only his first name, Aki, said he had been studying this year with the shooter at a private business school, and described him as a quiet, reserved person.
Aki said the two played poker together, both in person and online, as well as a multiplayer video game called “Counter-Strike” that involves killing people to complete missions.
“He was good,” Aki said.

Controlling the Joystick: Nebraska’s Library Woes

Introduction: As I’ve mentioned before, I’m working on a series called Controlling the Joystick. In this series, I’ll be looking at some hot-button issues surrounding the video game world and the impact it has on our politics, life, culture, etc. Today, I’ll be looking at a recent controversy surrounding video games in libraries.