Jack Thompson offers you a deal....

[Cheesus333]

The only thing more important to me than gaming is writing. And if I can't write a bestselling novel that I can be proud of by my own skill and talent, I don't want to sell a single one.

This is a good thread, and quite thought-provoking on how much gaming means to me (who'd have figured the answer was 'a lot'?) but my answer is firm: "Go fuck yourself, Thompson."

Incidentally, the second edit basically ruins the dilemma so I'm ignoring that one.

 

[Indeterminacy]

To do this, you have to testify in front of the Supreme Court against video games. You need to publicly tell the world that video games made you a violent person, that they ruined your life, that it "changed" your friends, that you can't quit, and that you believe in anyone in support of video gaming is either corrupted by society or a liar.

Obvious problem - as the majority of these things are untrue regardless of my willingness to defend video games, this is perjury, a capital offense. Under that point alone, I would have to reject the offer.

 

[darthzew]

EDIT 2: Also, do consider that if you say no, he'll probably just ask someone other hardcore gamer who is less than honest.

So the choice is:

A: Those games banned and I get whatever I want
B: Those games banned and I gain nothing because someone else will do it.

What choice is there in that? What dilemma am I supposed to be wrestling with here?

The choice is personal integrity. There's no guarantee of results no matter what your choice, it's a matter of whether or not you want to sacrifice your own morals. Could you live with yourself knowing that because you lied to the world, some of the best games ever made are banned, but you're wealthy?

Personally, I'd like to think that I would say no.

 

[Jubbert]

Invite him inside, then murder him.

It might not help people arguing that games don't cause violence, but as long as they don't find the body it'll be okay.

 

[darthzew]

To do this, you have to testify in front of the Supreme Court against video games. You need to publicly tell the world that video games made you a violent person, that they ruined your life, that it "changed" your friends, that you can't quit, and that you believe in anyone in support of video gaming is either corrupted by society or a liar.

Obvious problem - as the majority of these things are untrue regardless of my willingness to defend video games, this is perjury, a capital offense. Under that point alone, I would have to reject the offer.

We assume for the sake of being hypothetical that Mr. Thompson has found a way to make his dirty little tactic perfectly legal.

 

[RoBi3.0]

I would motion for him to come into my house, since in this hypothetically situation I live in Texas,as soon as both feet crossed my threshold I would shoot him claim he was trespassing and get off free and clear.

I may not get the career of my dreams or tons of money, but I bet I would become a folk hero among gamers for finally putting that retarded wank in his place. That is probably worth more to me then anything Jack would willingly offer.

 

[mekose]

I think this is pretty much the same thing as "would you sell your soul to the devil"? Actually, this is exactly like that.

 

[Indeterminacy]

We assume for the sake of being hypothetical that Mr. Thompson has found a way to make his dirty little tactic perfectly legal.

That's as may be, but it's a hypothetical too far. When you can bribe people to give false statements to the Supreme Court without fear of legal repercusssion, that's a failed legal system right there.

 

[AvsJoe]

Truly a Faustian Bargain if I've ever read one. But I have to accept. Video games barely take the third spot on my list of favourite entertainment media and, well, at least it's only M-rated games. I...

Wait, this just bans M-rated games in the States, not in Canada or their equivalents in Europe or Japan. Well then, yes, yes I accept. $300M in exchange for my general reputation (being known as a violent chap for the rest of my days) and my safety in America is a fair deal. Hell, even if I'm not allowed to touch an M-rated or equivalent game for the rest of my life I'd still accept. Many of my favourite games and many more that I want to play before I die are T or less.

Fairly Simple, yes, I'd do it and then use my new found influence to simply change what qualifies a Game for M to qualifications for T. Everybody comes out happy except for Mr. Thompson.

I doubt that would work, but if it did then this is a brilliant idea.

 

[Mr. Gency]

EDIT 2: Also, do consider that if you say no, he'll probably just ask someone other hardcore gamer who is less than honest.

In that case, I'd say yes, but sabotage the hell out of our efforts.

 

[darthzew]

We assume for the sake of being hypothetical that Mr. Thompson has found a way to make his dirty little tactic perfectly legal.

That's as may be, but it's a hypothetical too far. When you can bribe people to give false statements to the Supreme Court without fear of legal repercusssion, that's a failed legal system right there.

Well, do consider that the point of the hypothetical isn't that this could happen. The point is more about the morality than the situation. Would you run the high risk of sacrificing video game industry in addition to your personal integrity to have (just about) anything you wanted?

 

[QuantumT]

It all really depends on where exactly the line is on "realistic." There things that are worth trading M-rated video games for. World peace, end to world hunger, etc.

Where is the line?

 

[darthzew]

It all really depends on where exactly the line is on "realistic." There things that are worth trading M-rated video games for. World peace, end to world hunger, etc.

Where is the line?

Let's assume that the line is drawn at about the value of winning the three hundred million plus lottery.

 

[Bananahs]

I'd ask for Christina Hendricks on a platter of lingerie and hypnosis guide books.

But I wouldn't do it.

Seriously, I wouldn't do it for all of the...
fuck it

I'd do it.

 

[QuantumT]

It all really depends on where exactly the line is on "realistic." There things that are worth trading M-rated video games for. World peace, end to world hunger, etc.

Where is the line?

Let's assume that the line is drawn at about the value of winning the three hundred million plus lottery.

What poiumty said.

Also, when I testified I would be completely plastered.

 

[dvd_72]

Is my comfort really worth crippling an artform for who knows how many generations?

Go to hell Jack Thompson. Find someone else to lie for you. I'm just gonna go here and enjoy my meaningfull story on my computer.

 

[James Crook]

I'd say "You may go plough yourself, good sir, for I am not testifying against one of my own passtimes. Also, forget about insisting about your foul, obsessive nightsoil of a crusade against video games, or I will call the police and have you get off my property." whilst sporting an overly exaggerated British accent, a cup of tea and a monocle. That'll teach him that gamers can be refined, intelligent and calm people.

In short: Jack Thompson can go f* himself, that crazy nutjob.

 

[TyranidXX]

Well, firstly, why in the hell did he come all the way to Australia to talk to someone who doesn't care about anything America does unless it has to do with a liked series. Secondly, he could offer me the whole damn world & I still wouldn't help the man out. lastly, if I did accept, it would be to try screw over his chances completely.