[Flipside]

There is currently available a game made on RPG creator which is billed as a 'Columbine Simulator', it's basically a very simple 2D RPG, obviously centred around the tragedy of Columbine. I won't provide a direct link, but no doubt people can find it.

I'd be interested as to whether people on here consider such a game 'Freedom of Speech and raising awareness' as the author declares it to be, or simply exploitation of a tragedy.

My own opinion is that the game is far too veered towards sensationalism and does not show nearly enough Empathy for those who suffered, but no doubt opinions will differ. In a time when computer games are facing a lot of criticism in the US, I think this only adds fuel to the fire.

Opinions?

[Mars]

I think that's sick to be honest. It's like having a 9/11 flight simulator. It shows absolutly no respect for anyone involved, and I knew a couple of people directly effected by Colombine. (It is in my neck of the woods, so I guess that's no suprise).

I suppose the same argument could be made for wargames, but those are typically impersonal, and don't corrpspond to reality.

[Ferret]

A crappy little RPG Maker thing? Not quite in the same league as the JFK assasination simulator, eh?

[Ulala]

Well at least it doesn't have top of the line graphics. But maybe it's the thought that counts.

[Flipside]

LOL No it not JFK Reloaded, admittedly, though that game, in itself did not attempt to get inside the mind of the shooter, not encourage you to kill as many people as possible, it was simply a cold physics simulation for the main part.

The graphics are indeed, along the lines of SNES Zelda games (though it also includes photos and CCTV footage from the actual incident), but I think the subject matter and the way the game was approached has offended a lot of people who were directly involved or affected by Columbine.

Yes, this tragedy needs to be addressed one day, but I don't think this game does so with equal empathy for all the families involved.

[aldo_14]

I'm just about to go into a training thing, so no long reply, but I remember Joystiq talking to a columbine survivor - I think paralyzed from the waist down - who wasn't that offended by it, and saw some purpose in what it did.  Obviously it's one person only, but still really interesting to consider their thoughts.

[an0n]

I find it immensely ****ing funny.

Given that they tried to blame the entire thing on gamer culture and Marilyn Manson.

It's like a big pit of ironic incest.

[aldo_14]

http://kotaku.com/gaming/feature/columbine-survivor-talks-about-columbine-rpg-171966.php

Not joystiq, oops.  Kotakus' style change confused me.