Gaming and crime: Are they closely connected?

Right-wing extremist Anders Behring Breivik killed 76 people in Norway as if he were simply enjoying a computer game. Since the discovery that Breivik is a fan of violent video games, many have wondered about a possible relation between gaming and crime. But there are just as many who deny a connection.

Breivik, 32, wrote in his Facebook profile that his favorite game is “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2,” choosing the “No Russian level” as the best. Modern Warfare 2 has become infamous for this particular level, which allows the player to execute a terror attack on civilians inside a Russian airport.

After it had been found that Breivik enjoys these violent games, some experts strongly suggested that the recent tragedy in Norway may be attributed to them.

Korean experts pointed out the link between games and crime, mentioning two shocking incidents: One involving a student who gave up a spot at a prestigious university in the U.S due to video game addiction, and the other involving a middle school student who killed his mother for the same reason.

However, gaming organizations and industry have different opinions. The links above are too simple to explain the tragedy, they say.

“Some people believe that characteristics of a game are so violent and even sexual that adolescents are easily inclined to kill someone, commit suicide, run away from home and steal money or belongings from others,” said one official, who works at a Ministry of Culture-affiliated organization. “However, I think that this logic is like witch hunting.”

“Research shows that gaming is beneficial for immediate response and learning effects and this result supports that gaming has more than just negative effects on adolescents.

In addition, the U.S. Supreme Court declared that preventing the sale of violent game is unconstitutional. The court said “Hansel and Gretel” and “Snow White” also have violent content, and that a negative relationship between reality and virtual reality has not been proven.

It is dangerous not only to suggest that gaming triggers crime, but also that there is no scientific evidence linking gaming and crime. So just let it go, experts say.