On the subject of violent video games...

Look; like I said, nothing personal, but I'm not changing my view on this. I will say that I'm rather tired of hearing "human being" over and over again. That does not equate to "good person" or "harmless person" or "person I can relate to" or "person I have much in the way of feeling or concern for". Especially when I'm being attacked with an axe by said "human being".

I've made my opinion clear, I'm set on it, and further attempts to push me about it will not be fruitful.

Look, I am not trying to "push" you one direction or the other.

I am saying what I do consider true, and where I disagree with you — just as you are saying what you consider true, and where you disagree with me. I am allowed to do that, right? Or am I only allowed to make virtual noises that you happen to find compelling?

I think that there is a ideal fellowship between all members of our species. I think that ideally, we should all help and cherish each other. And yes, I think that when this breaks down to the point that one of us has to kill another one in order to survive, that's horrific and tragic.

And finally, I think that the fact that we find it exciting to simulate the killing of fictional human beings is more than a little sad and uncivilized.

edited 9th Mar '13 12:16:26 AM by Carciofus

You're allowed, but I've given you fair warning that nothing will come of it but frustration on both our parts.

edited 9th Mar '13 12:37:18 AM by Robotnik

Internet debates never "convert" anyone to the other's position anyway. That just isn't a thing that happens. I am not exactly holding my breath to convince you, just like you (I think, and hope for your sake) are not exactly holding your breath to convince me.

I find this idea (not you, personally) patronizing, and rather repugnant. It ignores what we know to be true about human nature, and comes across as an attempt to strongarm everyone into coming together despite whatever differences they have, completely ignoring any grievances they have with each other, and the emotions of all parties involved.

edited 9th Mar '13 12:37:45 AM by Robotnik

Ignoring grievances and negative emotions? No.

Saying that they should be resolved, ideally to the satisfaction of everybody? Yes.

edited 9th Mar '13 12:39:43 AM by Carciofus

Some grievances and negative emotions, for some individuals, are too great to be resolved.

We're off-topic, and I've got nothing else to say.

edited 9th Mar '13 12:46:20 AM by Robotnik

This is why I discouraged continuing this line of discussion.

Update: This is going From Bad to Worse.

Ah crud, time to prepare the petitions.

2 I love that last line of the article:

Reading that I didn't find any actual connection to a video game. Just that there was a spreadsheet and the odd belief that video games are the only thing to have the concept of "keeping score".

Yes, because sports are completely non-violent and non-competitive.

Although, this idiotic "everyone's a winner" thing is actually moving in that direction.

And that last line? That really needed to be proofread. It makes the article writer sound insane. "Oh, no, children want to use real guns. Too bad most of them don't."

edited 19th Mar '13 1:27:37 PM by Zendervai

I could bring up a certain contentious comparison here, but I shall refrain, since it'd probably be flame bait.

about 87,400 results for this kind of study. We have tons of research in this field.

Dear God.

Then again, this is the New York Daily News that ran this story and the "expose" on the connection in the murders. The only NY paper worse than them is the Post.

edited 19th Mar '13 2:50:54 PM by 0dd1

So that 10 Mil would likely be used to amass those studies into a giant pile, sort it out and come up with a conclusion.

Well, that's what I'd like to see happen, anyway.

-gives patented what-hippy-bullshit eyeroll-

edited 19th Mar '13 7:01:32 PM by Barkey

It's probably time to drop this subject as off-topic.

@Odd: I'm curious. Can you PM me the comparison?

Do Black Humor games count?

^^^Funny, I'm reminded of the first tape recording of the Jackal in Far Cry 2.

I wouldn't think so. What did you have in mind?

Re: Actively celebrating the slaughter of innocents— You could maybe claim the Grand Theft Auto franchise in that. While you are theoretically punished for it, it's both a slap on the wrist, and the more interesting part of the game. There's also Manhunt, I think? Although that's less celebration and more Forced To Kill, it is, once again, the point of the game. I can't really think of any where the people you kill aren't enemy soldiers or zombies or aliens or ninjas or whatever.

Don't forget Destroy All Humans!.

Ah, quite. And Prototype, I guess? Still, that it's so difficult to comprise a list is a sign of their rarity. You could also take the low road of looking on Newgrounds for flash games where that's the case, but half of those are made by middle school students. Well, OK. High school.

Oh, Saint's Row, very much so.

Talking about Black Humor games. The Tropico series puts you in charge of a ditatorship, which you can control as pleased. Etheir through benevolence or your armies and secret police. "Slaughter of Innocents" is quite possible (Opening fire on a protest for example).

Though, rebellions and coups are common if you don't please certain factions.

edited 24th Mar '13 5:56:02 PM by PippingFool