#*@!- It’s only a game

The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) is such a useful tool into classifying what games are good and bad for children, or at least without a parent consultant. But have you ever notice on all the games online has that catch phrase: “Online interaction not rated by ESRB,” or something of that caliber. That’s all due to the friendly “jerks” that swear, talk trash, annoy, and at some points make threats to gamers.

We all swear, I am sure, on an occasion or pretty natural (like being frustrated at work). That’s fine. But what about people on, say, Xbox Live, who actually get so pissed off at a game, or at the actually gamer and make accusations of hacking into your account or “bullying” you into thinking they will come to your house and kick your ass?

What a damn joke this is. I have a similar experience relating to that. I was playing Modern Warfare 2, and this older kid, say 27-years-old, was arguing with a kid that sounded like he was at the most ten. The little kid said he was better than the older player, and right then and there the argument ensues. These were two people on the same team. The guy snapped-- he said he would come to his house, #@*! his mother, and then beat up the child. All because the young one said he was better at him at a game?

I can tell he wasn’t joking because I know probably half the people on Live joke around and act like idiots. But this sure-jackass was for real. This guy was on the edge--did he really just say that? This guy is for real? He’s that pissed off? Forget “beer muscles,” this guy had the “head set muscles.”

So let’s go back to he beginning. They are both playing game. Let’s not forget that. This kid executed more kills than the other guys (I believe he was actually on the top of the ranks). So why, then, would a game that is supposed to be a fun experience, cause a human being to lose his temper, probably cry, and throw a tantrum?

I will be the first to admit that I became frustrated with a game on several occasions. Games like Oddworld and Tomba 2 are highly difficult games to get pissed off at. The rewards for beating them sure felt like you just got out of hell, but still made you proud you actually beat it. But for gamers’ sake, try to avoid and be a complete dumb ass just because your losing at a game. “I’ll hack into your account, find you, and beat you up.” Save it, you lunatic. I suggust you go see anger management.

This is a scary part for parents that let their kids play online games. I don’t want to thrive on the whole “videogames cause violence” thing, but some of these kids get to hear online is an atrocity. The new EGM print magazine has a letter regarding wearing headsets and all. This is one of the reasons I don’t even bother talking to people on Live--someone will talk trash, make fun of your name, whatever.

How to do these people even have jobs if a videogame triggers such aggression? That’s one wonder. Possibly because many of these people don’t have something called a job. Maybe something bad happened to them in life and they need to take their problems on people with games. It’s still no excuse to act like this, again, it’s only game.

If a large majority of people’s behavior on Live is like this, it sure gives a bad reputation to our society, or at least a small portion of it. Ok, ok, maybe that’s too far. But the age of most of these people can really be embarrassing.

Ignore is one way to avoid. Probably the best tactic is just to mute him. That’s it. It’s that simple. I could care less what these people have a say in whatever--if your that damn annoying and acting like a complete assclown, your getting muted. But are kids aware of these problems over the net?

I don’t feel the need to argue with someone I don’t even know. Sure, many online games today have scenarios where the best way to advance and win is with good  communication. But if these people on Live don’t grow up and actually act their age, the communication and sometimes the game is ruined. I am sure many of you have encounter the same thing, so besides wasting your time and feeding into their bullshit, hit the mute button. It’s the only way to just play the game and having fun. Either that, or play with people you only know or act properly.

People hacking into your account is a whole other issue. The fact that people would hack into your profile just because they don’t like you is just plain sad. Give me a break. It’s as if these kids need lives, education, and most importantly morals. Sometimes I wish it was like the good ‘ol NES/N64 days--local multiplayer where everyone get’s along just fine.

The next time you get on Live and experience such a plague, just remember there’s a simple button to complete isolate them away from their useless devious acts and words. Gaming online is for sure fun--however it of course includes some flaws. Just remember-- pick up the controller for fun entertainment, not a dispute with a couple of strangers.

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