Polygon reports that Max Goldstein, a 12-year-old resident of Newtown, CT, has proposed an initiative that he calls "Played Out". It basically asks all other kids to toss aside their violent video games. The idea was announced at the local Newtwon public library, where it received "hearty applause" according to Polygon's source.
It came, not immediately after the tragic shooting that rocked the small town, but after attending the funeral of his friend's brother, who was one of the victims of the Sandy Hook tragedy.
After listening to prayers and songs, Max stated "how real this was" and he no longer wished to kill, even if it was in the context of a video game. Hence why he will no longer be playing Call of Duty or games of similar nature, and is asking others to join in his newfound cause.
Max's heart is in the right place, and if such an effort helps him work through the grieving process, than more power to him. Though there begs a fairly important question: how did he get ahold of a game that is not intended for someone his age. The Hartford Courant, the aforementioned source, has the answer:
His mom, Roberta Mittleman, said she had initially prohibited Max from playing violent video games, but gradually succumbed. After all, Max is an A-student and a gentle kid and she didn't see any real harm in it.
While the link between violence in a video game and violence in real life has yet to be sufficiently explored, perhaps it's best for parents to do their part and follow the recommendations of the ESRB while we await the outcome?
