Proving without a doubt that there truly is no event so tragic you can’t milk for publicity if you try hard enough, Coop Norway, one of Norway’s biggest games retailers, has decided to take World of Warcraft and Modern Warfare 2 down from shelves for an unspecified period of time.
Decision and Rationale
“The decision to remove the games was made around the time we realised the scope of the attack,” according to Coop Norway’s Geir Inge Stokke. “Others are better suited than us to point to the negative effects of games like these. At the moment it’s [appropriate] for us to take them down. I wouldn’t be surprised if others do the same,” Stokke continued.
The decision by Coop Norway has sparked a significant amount of discussion and debate within the gaming community and beyond. Many are questioning whether the removal of these games is a genuine attempt to address concerns about violent content or merely a publicity stunt. The timing of the decision, coinciding with a tragic event, has led to speculation about the retailer’s motives.
Impact on the Gaming Community
The removal of popular titles like World of Warcraft and Modern Warfare 2 has undoubtedly impacted gamers in Norway. These games have large, dedicated player bases who invest significant time and money into their virtual worlds. For many, gaming is not just a hobby but a way to connect with friends and unwind from daily stresses. The sudden removal of these games can disrupt these social connections and leisure activities.
Moreover, the decision raises questions about the broader implications for the gaming industry. If other retailers follow Coop Norway’s lead, it could set a precedent for the removal of games in response to real-world events. This could lead to increased scrutiny and regulation of video game content, potentially stifling creativity and innovation within the industry.
Broader Context and Examples
This is not the first time video games have been blamed for real-world violence. Over the years, various studies and reports have attempted to link violent video games to aggressive behavior. However, the evidence remains inconclusive, with many experts arguing that there is no direct correlation between the two. For instance, a 2019 study published in the journal “Royal Society Open Science” found no significant evidence that violent video games lead to increased aggression in teenagers.
Despite the lack of concrete evidence, video games often become scapegoats in the aftermath of violent incidents. For example, following the tragic Columbine High School shooting in 1999, the media and public figures were quick to blame games like Doom and Mortal Kombat. Similarly, after the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in 2012, there were calls to ban violent video games, despite the shooter’s limited exposure to such games.
In conclusion, Coop Norway’s decision to remove World of Warcraft and Modern Warfare 2 from its shelves highlights the ongoing debate about the impact of violent video games on real-world behavior. While the retailer’s actions may be seen as a precautionary measure, they also raise important questions about censorship, the role of video games in society, and the potential consequences for the gaming industry. As the discussion continues, it is crucial to rely on evidence-based research and consider the broader context before making sweeping decisions that could affect millions of gamers worldwide.
Source: Rogalands Avis
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