We don’t know how the prosecution intend on going after Anders Breivik after his appalling massacre, but in their opening remarks, they linger on his playing of World of Warcraft. So, once again, videogames are cast in a negative light.

Simon Parkin weighs in on the topic for The Guardian, offering a look at other cases (Columbine) as well as noting inconclusive studies linking games with violence. Here’s but one quote of a great read:

But it’s difficult to imagine World of Warcraft could “train” a person for any acts of violence, other than perhaps suggesting that murdering swamp rats is an effective way to pay for some fur-lined boots. More importantly, for many of its 10 million monthly subscribers, it’s an experience that creates community, provides the lonely with a virtual family and promotes teamwork and competition

Parkin, Simon. “Don’t blame video games for Anders Behring Breivik’s massacre” (The Guardian: April 23, 2012) <http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2012/apr/22/video-games-anders-breivik-massacre?>.