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Atkinson: "1-2% Of Gamers Can't Tell The Difference Between Fantasy And Reality, Gamers Impose Their Will On Society"

December 13, 2009 in News comments 15

Michael Atkinson, the one man preventing the introduction of an R18+ rating in Australia, is at it again. This time, he is claiming that 1-2 out of every 100 gamers "can't tell the difference between fantasy and reality" and that the gamers who support an 18+ rating are a group of "very zealous gamers trying to impose their will on society, and I think harm society." Oh, the irony!

Atkinson insisted that games were a negative force that needed restriction and that many gamers are unable to think for themselves. “I accept that 98%, 99% of gamers will tell the difference between fantasy and reality, but the 1% to 2% could go on to be motivated by these games to commit horrible acts of violence.” Atkinson also claims that gamers were a minority interest and trying to impose their will on the greater population.

“This is a question of a small number of very zealous gamers trying to impose their will on society, and I think harm society. It’s the public interest versus the small vested interest,” said Atkinson.
Miss Razz via gamedibs.com »
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  • 7
    BANDITO ATTACK Dec 14, 09
    IS THIS THE REAL LIFE.

    IS THIS JUST FANTASY.
  • 3
    Bale Fire* Dec 14, 09
    Surely he understands that his statement is completely hypocritical? I mean you would have to be blind to not see it, seriously.
  • 5
    Curt Connors Dec 14, 09
    Twat seems to have missed the point, isn't democracy all about the public imposing their will on society as long as enough people agree with them?
  • 0
    Gamesta100 Dec 14, 09
    What a *bleep*ing moron.We don't go around forcing anyone to play or even like video games.If people don't like video games then that's fine, just don't ruin gaming for us who do.Only if you do that do we have a problem with you.
  • 4
    Shuyu Dec 14, 09
    Well, since we're pulling numbers out of our arses, 99% of people don't like Michael Atkinson and think he needs to shut up and just cave already.
  • 0
    Aussie Legend Dec 14, 09
    Can we please go 1 week WITHOUT a Michael Atkinson article.

    I know that is hard, as he's such a prick, but it would be nice...
    • 0
      Miss Razz Dec 14, 09
      Don't worry. It'll only make his election loss sweeter when/if it happens.
      • 0
        Aussie Legend Dec 14, 09
        Sadly, I can't see it...

        Though I'd love nothing more

        That's my Christmas wish this year
  • 3
    Daweii Dec 14, 09
    1-2%.. So the other 98% have to suffer because depending on the ratio 1 in every 100 or whatever might murder something. It is those 1-2% that are also probably the mentally ill and those that would be triggered by movies and literature all the same. 1-2% is not a large enough margin to stop a R18+ bill from passing, that is like UK parliament passing a bill to ban shoes because 1% every year trip over them and die.
  • 0
    Shadow of Death* Dec 14, 09
    1 to 2 percent? He just pulled numbers out of his arse, they reek of shit TBH.

    Sure, there is the occasional nutter that can't tell the difference between fantasy and reality, but the same applies to non-game mediums, and it sure as hell isn't 1% or more of the population ~_~

    This is the new Jack Thompson~esque character >_
  • 2
    Seproth Dec 14, 09
    Well, if that's accurate 1-2% of non-gamers can't tell the difference between reality and their own fantasies.

    It's called a mental disorder, and the government is supposed to have facilities and regulations to keep that in check.

    This is an excuse to not do their job as a governing body.
  • 2
    Onvacation Dec 14, 09
    1 in every 3 politicians don't know jack shit about what they are talking about, then go on to impose their misguided will on society.
    • 0
      Aussie Legend Dec 14, 09
      Only 1 in 3

      25 words
      • 0
        Storm Jan 30, 10
        Haha yeah, that ratio seems rather accurate. 1/3 is low odds anyway. Some politicians do go out of their way to learn their addressed material, and most of us can tell the difference through a viewing/reading their 'nonsense.' I don't know, some may just want to get in the media, and do stupid things like this...but it is working.

        Regarding the article...1-2%...really? Why not scratch off the gamers bit, make it 1-2% the entire planet. <_<
  • 0
    Star of Spurs* Jan 30, 10
    It would make them impose their own way of view...kind of like what's he's doing?

    Like all things, you need evidence to back up statements, and not just by saying 'THIS PERSON ONCE PLAYED A VIDEO GAME AND NOW HE KILLS BECAUSE OF THE EVIL VIDEO GAME.' It's not and never will a games fault - it is always the person playing it.

    Also, Mr. Atkinson, if it was a small amount of society than why are you so worried about it?

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