I heard an ad the other day for The Callisto Protocol.
This is a video game, just released, about a jail on a moon where all the prisoners get infected and turn into monsters.
Its genre is survival/horror, and my first thought was: “What a wonderful theme heading into Christmas.”
My second thought was: “What a bloody waste for someone sitting in a dark room, playing this bizarre game, rather than kicking a ball in the park.”
But I always have to remind myself that not everyone can or want to kick a ball.
Who am I to judge?
Firstly, there are the people who, for any number of reasons, can’t get outside and kick a ball or smell the roses.
If gaming is their thing – their release, even – so be it.
I have no right to deprive them of that.
It is an old argument in regard to violence versus fantasy and whether most people can tell the difference.
How could I really judge people when I was a massive fan of The Three Stooges back in the day. I loved it.
But did I run around twisting kids’ noses with pliers? Not really.
Well, maybe once – until someone pointed out with the toe of their boot what was right and what was wrong. Just kidding.
But you know what I mean.
Parents in my day were quick to pinpoint poor behaviour.
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Foghorn Leghorn and the Road Runner were graphic cartoons as far as violence is concerned – bombs, assaults by the minute, and every known way to either injure someone.
Sylvester the Cat and Tweety Bird weren’t exactly angels, either.
But strangely, we managed to figure it out.
It was only fantasy.
I am no fan of any video games and this latest one sounds horrific.
I would much rather sit my grandson in front of the Coyote and watch him try and blow the Road Runner sky high or see Foghorn Leghorn belt up the poor old dog while he was trying to sleep.
I would feel fairly comfortable that my grandson wouldn’t run outside and try it out on George the dog or some other unsuspecting pooch, because it’s only fantasy.
Just like monsters on some moon in the universe: fantasy.
But it would be cool if we could shoot some lawbreakers on a one-way trip into the galaxy.
Now, that would kick some goals.
Ashley Robinson is a columnist with Sunshine Coast News and My Weekly Preview. His views are his own.
