British Press Offering Cash For Lies About Gaming Crime

[Shrygue]

via Kotaku


Gaming-related violence and crime have been big subjects in Britain over the past year or so, but never so big as now, in the immediate wake of the Byron Review. So if you're currently in the business of selling papers in Britain, what better way to sell papers than to get someone to completely fabricate a story about games turning them to a life of crime!

A listing on British industry site StarNow - a job posting site for actors, musicians, etc - turned up late last week saying "a national newspaper wants your story and will pay hundreds of pounds to the right person". What does this "story" involve? Well, all you have to do is "write a few lines about how computer games turned you to crime and if it's something we like, we'll call you straight back". Easy money! Just make up something (anything! Let your imagination run wild!) about games, drugs and/or violence, and not only are millions of people instantly misinformed by alarmist, agenda-driven propaganda, but you can go buy yourself that snappy new jacket you've been promising yourself for months. Everyone wins.

Did computer games make you turn to a life of crime?

[Pilot_51]

They can't find real gamer criminals so they need to make gamers lie about being criminals?
My morals prevent me from doing either and my games prevent me from losing my mind out of boredom.

I'm beginning to hate April Fools and the tasteless jokes people come up with. I don't know how real this is but it looks like another joke to me.

[Triv1um]

100 pounds ay?

That could be money for 2.5 violent games.

[beelzebub06660]

Super Mario Bros.2 turned me to a life of crime. I started running into random grocery stores throwing any glass bottle with red liquid in it on the ground and yelling "where's that damn door to sub-space!". Then when they try to escort me out I start throwing turnips at them and screaming "unhand me you foul minions of Wart!"...heh I got problems. :/

[Sonny_Jim]

I like the fact that they are using Dr Tanya Byron as a consultant and completely ignoring the fact that she probably hasn't touched a card game let alone a Video game in her entire life

[Broadus]

Just yesterday I ran behind a guy, but he spotted me and a big exclamation point appeared above his head, so I killed him and anyone that tried to help him and then stuffed all of their bodies in lockers (after taking their rations and ammo, that is).

[Dorian]

Kirby man.Before Kirby,I was fine,after playing that sucker,I was snorting coke by the shoebox.

Right-O,ol' chap :rofl:

[theotherfreakyguy]

Ever since Sonic the Hedgehog, I attempt to kill every fat man with a 'stache I see, especially if they ar in some sort of vehicle.

..Sorry Mario.

[iniquitous_beast]

Geez, you guys are lucky. At least you remember your crimes. One time, after a five-hour Harvest Moon binge, I just totally blacked-out. Next thing I knew, I was in prison for multiple counts of public bestiality. Then again, I'm quite glad I don't remember.

[splodger15]

Why do they blame games the parents should be blamed if there child decides to go out and kill someone because he has just sat on Manhunt for the past 2 hours and he is only 12 years old.

It clearly states on teh game boxes the age and what it contains so you don't buy your child a 18 rated game when he is only 12



The press will give anything for a story on this just look at some of the $#@! in the newspapers now most of it is a worthless read