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Virginia Tech: the video game

May 14, 2007

Following 2005's notorious Super Columbine Massacre RPG, the Virginia Tech shootings have been turned into a flash video game.

V-Tech Rampage, which promises "three levels of stealth and murder", was uploaded to the flash website Newgrounds.com at the weekend by a user known by the alias 'Pigpen'. It puts the player in the role of Seung-Hui Cho, who slew 32 of his fellow students at Virginia Tech university on 16 April, and controversially recreates the tragedy in the style of a simple shoot-'em-up game.

virginia tech rampage

The opening sequence of V-Tech Rampage

Reaction to the game has been mixed, with most reviewers on the website critical of what they see as an exercise in bad taste, but a handful reluctantly praising Pigpen's "balls". Several more admitted that they enjoyed the game itself despite having serious reservations about the subject matter.

One reviewer commented: "I'm a student at Virginia Tech and when I saw this, V-Tech Rampage, I thought maybe you killed Cho so it wouldn't be QUITE as bad. But after actually playing, it is awful. You are a very, very sick person. You are barely any better than Cho."

virginia tech rampage

When Super Columbine Massacre RPG came out two years ago, the general response from the gaming community (such as it is) was to defend what was seen as an important principle: the right of games as a medium to portray whatever they choose, and not be seen automatically as toys and by extension a means of corrupting children with inappropriate content.

Many felt that SCMRPG was a childish and tasteless stunt, but when the game was dropped from the Slamdance festival line-up several other games makers pulled out in protest at a perceived threat to freedom of speech.

But V-Tech Rampage is a different kettle of fish. Firstly, the timing is far less sensitive - SCMRPG waited six years after the tragedy it portrayed (longer, let's remember, than United 93, the first cinematic treatment of the World Trade Center attacks), V-Tech less than a month. Which suggests that Pigpen is motivated primarily by getting his name in the limelight and The Daily Mail's letters page (or whatever the US equivalent is).

Second, V-Tech isn't original. SCMRPG had a few important if somewhat trite things to say about desensitisation and the portrayal of violence; V-Tech is just a childish swipe at right-wing commentators who claimed the shootings were caused by excessive video game consumption.

Finally, V-Tech isn't terribly good. As Kotaku puts it: "Free speech and free expression are great. Just make sure you've got something to say."

Update: Virginia governor Tim Kaine's final report on the killings has concluded that gunman Seung Hui Cho did not play any video games with violent or war-related themes, and does not implicate gaming as a factor in the tragedy.

Posted by: David Price

What is this?

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Comments

Posted by Mary Read Courtney on May 14, 2007 :

I am the Aunt of one of the Va Tech victims, and I am horrified, shocked and disgusted by this. You make me sick to my stomach. Be a decent human being and pull the plug on your shamless and disgusting attempt to profit from my neice's tragic death! SHAME ON YOU!

Posted by Kaybee on May 14, 2007 :

When people suggest that
games are a sick form of masturbation, I think this is what they're refering to. The gaming community should be -- and is currently not -- presenting a unified front of disgust.

I'm not suggesting anyone should be rude or violent toward the kid, but find a way to let him know gamers won't tolerate someone trying to corrode our peaceful hobby with sabotage.

Posted by Kaybee on May 14, 2007 :

And also, it's important to note this isn't a commercially available gaming industry product -- it is a homemade, freely available Net-based game. This has NOTHING to do with the industry and is a reflection only of a kid's desire for 15 minutes of fame.

Posted by Jythie on May 14, 2007 :

@Heather

I am sorry, but have a little perspective. A video game written with questionable taste is NOT as bad as killing ~30 people. Not by a long shot.

@Mary Read Courtney
There are lots of people making a good profit off your neice's death already. Frankly, while this game is distasteful, it is nothing compared to the various group and individuals using the VT events for their own benefits. A drop in the bucket with lousy PR, nothing else.

Posted by Jythie on May 14, 2007 :

@Kaybee

Posting personal data like that on a board when people are already riled up over something is generally considered in _very_ poor taste, esp with half hearted 'cover your ass' disclaimers like that.

Posted by Jythie on May 14, 2007 :

@Kaybee

Posting personal data like that on a board when people are already riled up over something is generally considered in _very_ poor taste, esp with half hearted 'cover your ass' disclaimers like that.

Posted by Kizor on May 14, 2007 :

Marvellous. This (one-person, noncommercial effort, it should be said) is the IT version of the kind of deranged ramblings that would end up in someone's notebook when a tragedy occurs. From its extremely flimsy construction, it seems that the author had no other goal than being an idiot in public. Worth a look for computer ethicists or sociologists or the like; otherwise only deserves a sad look.

Posted by Kaybee on May 14, 2007 :

@Jythie
Maybe you're right. My thinking is that this young man wants attention, and so he'll get it. But, it is in poor taste (seems to be a lot of that going around). Someone can remove the personal info and I'll be fine with that.

Posted by Nick on May 14, 2007 :

If you do not like it, do not play it.

Posted by we will remember vt on May 14, 2007 :

this is not somthing that you joke about and make a video game out of.. who ever did this is seriously messed up in the head

Posted by lexi on May 14, 2007 :

the person who did this is mabye one of his friends i so agree with ASHLEY and everyone else who hates this game!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by Jythie on May 14, 2007 :

@ashley

Actually, if it were a joke then it might have more merit. Laugher is a good way to deal with tragic events.

It should also be noted though, this is a game, not a video.

Posted by mad sally on May 15, 2007 :

this is making fun of VT

Posted by Kaybee on May 15, 2007 :

Looking particularly at the last few comments, I have to apologize for posting the personal info I found on another blog (which I initially thought was pulled from the game-maker's personal site for contact/hiring). Now I know it was probably grabbed in a less-than-savory fashion. I hope the webmaster or whomever will remove this.

Posted by Kizor on May 15, 2007 :

To screw up is human, Kaybee; just try to come up with a way of thinking twice when online. As angry azn here kindly shows, there's less distance between the brain and the keyboard than the brain and the mouth, as paradoxical as that sounds.

Posted by You guys.... on May 15, 2007 :

Need to chill.

Posted by Roanoke Hokie on May 15, 2007 :

The maker of this video has trampled on hallow ground with mindless and hidden agenda's.

Posted by Matt Egan - managing editor on May 15, 2007 :

Kaybee - personally I understand why you posted the personal details but, as you so correctly pointed out, they had to go.

As for ANGRY AZN, please accept our apologies for those comments. I think ignoring such idiocy is the best policy, and the posts have long since been removed.

It may interest readers to browse the lively (and moderated) discussion on this topic which is taking place in the PC Advisor forums right now. Simply go to Speakers' corner (under Forums, above left) and click on 'Virginia Tech shootings made into video game'.

Thanks,

Matt

Posted by Forum Editor on May 16, 2007 :

As I've said in our forum thread, the best way to deal with things like this is to deny them the oxygen of publicity.

Posted by Matty on May 16, 2007 :

no one seemed to care when all the 'kill saddam' or 'find & kill osama' flash games came out.

And that so called 'war' has killed thousands.

seems like selective winging to me.

PS you will no doubt soon hear that this kid who did this 'is an australian'. Let it be known the kid grew up in the land of guns & shootings, the USA....

Posted by Maser on May 16, 2007 :

if you think this game is okay, then you are wrong. it is very disrespectful to people who were killed for no reason at all. the person who made it is obviously very immature. have a bit of respect for other people... i can't believe that anyone would even make this game, and i think its almost worse to defend it. end rant

Posted by G on May 16, 2007 :

I don't defend it, but I don't think it's any worse than the other games available to consumers on the market? World War II anyone? Vietnam? The Gulf War?

MILLIONS of people were slaughtered in those historical events, many for no reason at all, and some for far worse reasons than V-Tech. Yet games are still made for them.

I am not offended by it - people die all the time, some in far worse situations than this. But I certainly won't praise it, as there's nothing good about killing people.

Posted by popups really suck on May 16, 2007 :

popups really suck
popups really suck
popups really suck
popups really suck
popups really suck

Posted by Jebus on May 16, 2007 :

The real crime here is that it was far too short.

Posted by ADenise on May 16, 2007 :

Am still searching for the website to download it to look!

Posted by johan on May 16, 2007 :

What kind of idiot who run that site and server !!!
Just block him out from the web

Posted by Joey (thats all you need to know) on May 16, 2007 :

This game, is a good way to get into the killers mind, to feel what he was feeling at the time. If 'people' would stop ranting it and realised the maker and the killer were abused and bullied you would realise the affect it has on a childs mind. Seung - Hui is another example on what happens when bullying goes to far, another example were the to boys that shot up columbine. They were also abused and bullied at school because of the way they looked... it would be better represented as a game than a movie since it will be forgotten over time where as a movie or a video of it will always be remembered which will make it even harder for the victims families to cope with the lose. Use this and many other games as a symbol of stoping horrible massacres across America. I'm not saying to ban all computer games that curropt kids minds I'm saying make this game into a turning point to stop bullying.

Posted by Joey.. AGAIN! on May 16, 2007 :

It has gone to far in America and maybe won't be stopped but bullying in Australia hasn't reached to a breaking point where the kids will start bring weapons but Australia mostly being a rural country the kids have knowlegde of how to make bombs if they live on a farm and know how to shoot guns anywhere. If bullying reaches past breaking point than Australia will end up like America..

Posted by Joey.. And.. AGAIN! on May 16, 2007 :

Kids will be seen dead since bullying cannot be stopped but yet it can if a community would care more about the children and not the religious values it trys to keep like in some private/catholic schools which I attend, I admit that I've seen people bullied but why should I stop it.. If I do than I and my friends will become victims in harrasment, and I could be the next killer on the news but I'm not since I don't get bullied or abused in anyway but IT could happen. The boy is not being disgraceful he is being most likely a the best turning point in history! yet if everyone is to blind to see it I'm to blind to see that bullying is happening infront of my eyes...

..and it is!

Posted by Joey.. And.. And.. AGAIN! on May 16, 2007 :

If you realise, than you have become smarter. He has said no one has even TRIED! to stop the game but yet something to gossip about, the game or the kid I am not defending him or it.. I am telling you what YOU as a nation/internationally need to hear, THIS IS something you should think about but saying you are a family member of a VTECH victim shouldn't be posted since you are still moarning with the tradgic death of your loved one... This game will not curropt kids minds at all it will desensetise them from death.. I could estimate that a statistic of 4/10 kids will be desensetised and won't fear death. They could watch a guys head get chopped off in front of them and they won't flinch.. It is that bad.. So think.. THINK!.. I'm only 15/16 YES! 15/16 and I am in yr 10 yet I HAVE the capacity to acually think which only some follow the group!

Posted by Joey.. P'd Off Now! on May 16, 2007 :

The Government are stupid, and imoral pigs! They say THE GAME IS BAD, yet they do nothing.. They stand in the group RANTING about it.. They are no better than the a CARNIVORE feeding off this DEAD CARCASS so that people will agree and will help THEM! get votes.. Acknowledging the game has no taste doesn't make you a adult in anyway, acknowledging the game is good doesn't make you cool.. LEARNING from this public MISTAKE! and turning into something good MAKES this country and the greatest nation IN THE WORLD! If I had the money I WOULDN'T GIVE IT TO HIM, your degrading yourself as a community.. Its saying people can make EVEN MORE MONEY off death.. OR EVEN THE RACE ROIT THAT HAPPENED IN SYDNEY! covering it up with money doesn't mean it will not be forgotten only time will make sure of that!

Posted by Joey.. on May 16, 2007 :

The smartest people in this furom is no one, not even myself. Eventhough I have posted somewhat alot of comments.. taking the time reading them will make you see 2 sides and not a bias one. I have not gained anything by this, this blog has made me stupider than before I came into this, but maybe people will gain one more brain cell to think..

Posted by felisha on May 16, 2007 :

well this game is cool.
those who don't like it,
thats cool, dont play it!
and if your comments are
bad, keep them to yourself.
no one wants to hear what
you got to say if it's bad.

Posted by felisha on May 16, 2007 :

well this game is cool.
those who don't like it,
thats cool, dont play it!
and if your comments are
bad, keep them to yourself.
no one wants to hear what
you got to say if it's bad.

Posted by QQ on May 16, 2007 :

Hey guys, guess what, theres a game out, about the Iraq war! I can't believe it, how disgusting, how dare you glorify the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people, I hope you all rot in hell if you play that





Oh wait, thats right, we make games on WWII/Vietnam ALL THE TIME. BECAUSE THESE EVENTS WEREN'T TRAGIC AT ALL

Posted by Gamer on May 16, 2007 :

Ban the video game and keep selling guns. That makes sense.

Posted by TuRuRu on May 16, 2007 :

Ta bien ke maten gringos pendejos nos ahorran el trabajo a los mexas men

Posted by DavidD on May 17, 2007 :

As someone who is involved in a post traumatic stress disorder support group, one aspect of this "game" (if you can dignify it with that name) which seems to be lost is that there were many people traumatised by the massacre at Virginia Tech, and no one seems to give two hoots about their reactions to this! I sincerely hope that one fo theses people successfully sues the sad person who created this monstrosity! PTSD aggr4avation can and has legally been regarded as an injury, and this could very well be regarded as causing an injury to others! There is freedom of expression, but to deliberately provoke unimaginable pain and suffering for the sake of what is perversely called a "joke" or a "game" is crossing a line! At the end of the day, I pity this sad, little "man" for this is obviously the best he can think of to contribute to the world!

Posted by DavidD on May 17, 2007 :

As someone who is involved in a post traumatic stress disorder support group, one aspect of this "game" (if you can dignify it with that name) which seems to be lost is that there were many people traumatised by the massacre at Virginia Tech, and no one seems to give two hoots about their reactions to this! I sincerely hope that one fo theses people successfully sues the sad person who created this monstrosity! PTSD aggr4avation can and has legally been regarded as an injury, and this could very well be regarded as causing an injury to others! There is freedom of expression, but to deliberately provoke unimaginable pain and suffering for the sake of what is perversely called a "joke" or a "game" is crossing a line! At the end of the day, I pity this sad, little "man" for this is obviously the best he can think of to contribute to the world!

Posted by Shannon on May 17, 2007 :

Someone needs to bring him to America and have him punished by the family members who lost their loved ones!

Posted by Soy Yuen Kim on May 17, 2007 :

This game was awesome! It was fun shooting up v-tech kids, I'm gonna play it again.

Posted by Joey on May 17, 2007 :

I agree with Soy Yuen Kim, it was a good game. I should make one :P

Posted by clicky on May 17, 2007 :

He posted his flash game first on a recently built community gaming site that he frequently posts on called ultragameplayers.com. He posts there under the forum name PigPen.

Even that small and upcoming community didnt know what to say when he shared it.. they respected his rights to post it, and share it.

Posted by gg on May 17, 2007 :

I would like to know why the inventor of this "game" thinks that "it was funny." Is he referring to the event at VT, or the reaction to the "game."

Posted by gg on May 17, 2007 :

I would like to know why the inventor of this "game" thinks that "it was funny." Is he referring to the event at VT, or the reaction to the "game."

Posted by Aich on May 17, 2007 :

I appreciate this might constitute 'news' but aren't we just giving this person the recognition they obviously want by airing his sad attempts at 'game' creation?

Posted by diego on May 17, 2007 :

it aint no joke

Posted by diego on May 17, 2007 :

it aint no joke what if that was one of your family members would it still be funny

Posted by mike on May 18, 2007 :

what a columbine poser!!

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