Marco Luthe Online!

OK, in Germany the discussion about the so-called killergames – like “Counterstrike” and “GTA” – is still on… more than ever, especially after the tragic killing spree in Emsdetten.

[Read this (German) article @ "Spiegel online"]

No question, “Emsdetten” was a tragedy… I am unable to describe how I feel about something as horrible as that.

But why do the politicians blame it on the gamers? With this kind of public opinion and media publicity, every single gamer now is a potential criminal with no other goal than training how to kill people – that’s a whole load of bulls**t!

There is no question that something is going very wrong in our society. But every “normal” gamer knows how to distinguish a virtual reality from real life. Just because you play a game like that doesn’t make you wanna shoot someone outside the PC in reality. Otherwise, a lot of movies shouldn’t be broadcasted at all…

There are far more factors that make you a “killer” – it’s not that easy, my dear politicians! Or do you really think there will be no other “Emsdetten” by just banning those so-called killergames? Do you really want the mothers and fathers in Germany to believe that it is that simple?

“Just don’t buy and play those games, and we will all become a happy family!”
Once again: bulls**t!

I, for my part, wonder how that guy in Emsdetten could legally buy his weapons… ever thought about restricting the possession of weapons? How on earth is it possible that an 18-year-old boy can buy weapons over the internet? Didn’t he have to prove in some way that he is mentally strong enough (I mean in a psychological way) to carry a weapon?

Is it like that in this country? Do you really have to prove that you are able to drive a car, but you can buy a weapon just like that and nobody asks further questions?

Oh, and BTW:
Why on earth does an 18-year-old boy NEED a weapon?
Why does ANYBODY need a weapon?

Oh, sorry, I forgot: there is far more money involved in the weapon industry than it is in the gaming industry, right? So why restrict the possession of weapons? And once again, money rules the world… still the old game…

What a pity…

[Update from 2009-03-12]

Another killing spree happened in Germany (Winnenden), and now, the discussion about “Killergames” is on again… there is an interesting German post about this on Sebastian Vogelsang’s blog.