The eSports journalist and expert Rod Breslau appeared on US television at Fox News to defend video games against the accusations of US President Donald Trump. He accused games of creating an environment that glorifies violence.
Where did the appearance take place? Breslau appeared on “The Daily Briefing” on the TV channel Fox News. Fox is considered “the home channel” of President Trump. It is the channel he watches himself, and where the president receives much support. The channel is accused of engaging in politics itself and inflaming sentiment with biased reporting.
In recent days, US Republican politicians have made statements about video games on this channel and the danger they pose. Shootings in El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio, claimed 31 victims.
Games are everywhere – this violence only in the USA
This is what Breslau said: Breslau began his appearance by saying that he sees many guests and interviews on Fox News and it is very frustrating for someone who comes from the video game industry. He has been playing shooters for 15 or 20 years and has never felt the urge to harm someone.
He states that video games are a global phenomenon. They are played everywhere. But “these things” only happen in the USA and nowhere else.
Breslau calls the current accusations against video games “complete nonsense.” They sound like things people would have said 10 or 15 years ago against Grand Theft Auto, metal music, or Marilyn Manson. These accusations only serve to push aside the real issues at hand.
The real issues, according to Breslau, are guns and access to these guns.
Gamers are no longer basement dwellers
People have a false image of gamers, that they huddle in their basements playing games. Nowadays, everything is online; players communicate today – there are international competitions.
People meet, talk to each other, friendships are formed.
Games are something that brings players together and pulls them out of their hole.
Hillary Clinton and Take-Two CEO express similar views
Who else thinks this? Breslau presents arguments that gamers worldwide are currently expressing. The hashtag #VideoGamesAreNottoBlame trended on Twitter a few hours ago in response to Trump’s statements.
Breslau receives support from Hillary Clinton. She also attacks Trump’s arguments. Around the world, there are people who play video games or suffer from mental illnesses. The difference is the guns.
The CEO of Take-Two, Straus Zelnick, called Trump’s statements irresponsible and very disrespectful to the victims and their families. It is a fact that entertainment is enjoyed worldwide – but gun violence is unique to the USA.
Take-Two is the publisher of GTA 5, a game that has repeatedly been associated with the glorification of violence:
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