So what? Suck it up. Life isn't fair. Are you saying that this teasing then justified his freaking out and sending death threats?

I find your ability to blame this man's problems on everyone else disturbing. I can certainly empathize with people - but I cannot understand spoiled rich kids whose ego's are bruised from vague 'teasing' losing control and threatening an ex-girlfriend with death.

L_K_M, your post is completely illogical. We are all to blame for his actions, according to you, yet where do you consider the feelings of the young woman whose life was threatened? If anyone - ANYONE - were to threaten my sister in that manner the police would be the least of their worries.

The Commissar

@Lanky Bugger: I know it's not an either or. I didn't ask if you pitied one or the other, but who did you pity more? The victim or the aggressor?

Second, you need to stop thinking in black and white. This is not a video game where the good guys kill the bad guys. There isn't "a victim" and "an aggressor." Rosenblum is just as much a victim as the poor girl he threathened, as the comments on this blog post illustrate.

This is a guy who has been ridiculed his whole life. Even now, people don't have anything better to contribute to this whole sad, sordid story than making fun of "the nerd."

I'm sick of this. It's not our job to gang up on people like a god damned lynch mob. It's not our job to judge these people - we don't even know what happened (which reminds me of another recent story where people were awfully quick to judge a certain software company which had supposedly stolen assets from another software company). And it's most certainly not our job to ridicule this person most of us don't even know.

If it's true that he snapped, it's people like you, people with no empathy for other human beings, people who think it's funny to publicly humiliate the nerds from the safety of your own living rooms, who helped get him to the point where he snapped.

If he did it, I blame him for his stupidity, and he will be judged for it. But I blame you as well, because you too contributed to this.

L_K_M

Lanky Bugger

@Lanky Bugger: Who do you pity more, the victim or the aggressor?

You might feel pity for those who take out their frustration on others, but I don't.

L_K_M

That's fucked up.

And really... His life was totally miserable and fucked up? What, was he fucking homeless and alone? No, he had friends, family, and a job in a field he enjoys. That's one up on me and I haven't threatened to commit a genocide on someone and their family for rejecting me. He's just someone who couldn't let go and can't cope with reality. He needs help, yes, but that doesn't entitle him to my pity.

Who do you pity more, the victim or the aggressor? Me? I feel for the victim. My pity is reserved for her for being put into a situation like that in the first place. He made her fear for her life and the lives of those around her because of his feelings of self-loathing. He took all of his percieved problems and projected them on her, lashing out like a spoiled child when things didn't go the way he wanted them to.

We should feel pity because he couldn't fucking let go of a three date relationship?

You might feel pity for those who take out their frustration on others, but I don't.

Lanky Bugger

Besides, even if you don't feel sympathy for him, all the bashing is totally uncalled for. This is a poor person who needs help, and people are making fun of him. The ultimate irony is that he probably ended up as the person he is because of how people treated him.

@DukeDavis: Wow, so there are two levels of nerds. Normal people make fun of nerds, and nerds make fun of NERDS. Good to know.

Geez, some people...

L_K_M

It all started with the kiddy game thing now we have violent games because players wanted them... I'm so glad he got caught and I hope any one else with paperball like his gets cuaght threaten people like this. I mean really if you have to scare some one to like you then what makes you feel good about that?

This guy is no nerd and he is more of a werk and lame attention whore.. add some winey spoiled sprinkles in there and then add a lack of worth in his own life. Man does it suck to be him. I just knew Sony would bring the darkness out of this hobby...LOL If only the Wii would have came before the PS1....LOL all of this wouldn't be happening huh... Yeah right... Between chad and this guy I wouldn't mind more gamers going to jail...LOL

It seems this happens when ever any thing gets too big...

Runna

If this was real, get him the help he needs and maybe the jail time your country decides is fair.

The real "dick" or "douche" with this story will be Jack when he picks up this story in 24 hours and worms his way onto some cable shit show.

Ca1amity

hedfirst

If Jack Thompson gets ahold of this, we're screwed, man. You've damned us all, Andrew.

SolInvictus

D00mM4r1n3

But still, he looked insane when I first saw him.

Koji Otaku

TubbyJG

quadmonkey

quadmonkey

Some people have real trouble figuring things out. I feel fortunate that, so far, I have been able to acceptably deal with difficult situations in life and, yes, I do sympathize with those who can't. It doesn't mean their actions are okay, nor that their punishment is too excessive. It just means that, in the end, I'd want to help them before I threw a rock at them.

And yes, perhaps that is outstanding to find in a human being these days.

quadmonkey

DukeDavis

Let's ban Love!

FunkyJ

TubbyJG

TubbyJG

He threatened to murder a girl and all of for breaking up with him after three dates. Three fucking dates! How would he have reacted to an actual relationship? He has some serious issues he needs to work through, preferably before he interacts with the public.

Lanky Bugger

Valee

People, this is a VIDEOGAME website. Almost by definition, we are branded as "nerds" in some way.

And bring out more Melissa...she's one of my Wii buddies! :)

Spoony Bard

NPC

wait

....He had a girlfriend?!

Jest

But then again I used to day dream that I was a Terminator with, like, gatling guns in his arms.

But I digress:

We were discussing IRL right? It is tragic that this kid has not only been ostracized by his classmates I reckon, but by the very culture and peers he felt comfortable in, the problem is that he, unlike myself, actually messaged this poor girl instead of just stuffing her into the trunk of his car and screaming, "It's OVER 9000!" when he ramps the Las Vegas Spaghetti Bowl.

Those hookers blab if you don't nip them 'in the bud' amirite folks?

Ok, seriously.......more Melissa.

Tenno

tzakiel

Oyn

Akvan

L_K_M

Isn't picking on the nerd such fun, huh. You can really be proud of yourselves.

L_K_M

Oyn

Skeep

TubbyJG

I excpected this, and would I be surprised if in the future things like this or worse would happen.

Gamemaster

September

Oyn

"Are You in Danger From a Psychotic Killer?"

God, this shit is going to be milked dry. No offense, Kotaku, but I hate the media. At least Anna Nicole Smith will get a fucking rest.

justhesh

kingofallcosmos

I'm not saying I condone what he allegedly did, it definitely needed the kind of action that took place. There is no excuse for threatening someones life or wellbeing.

I'm glad he is getting some help and I think he should be supported to pursue that help. I hope the best for him and that he figures his shit out - life's definitely not easy sometimes.

quadmonkey

aphexacid

justhesh

Karttikeya

modifiedbears

sadkermit - soon to be banned for standing up to the ummm nazi.

And what we have is a psycho who's almost as fun to kick as a puppy.

Lanky Bugger

Guys, after VT, do any of you really feel like laughing at this type of thing?

Me, I'm disturbed and upset about the whole thing.

Spoony Bard

spacemanspiff22

KaneRobot

This thread is an island of Joystiq in a sea of Kotaku.

Campion of Drymouth

Secondly, I don't understand why so many of you commenters care about Jack Thompson and how this news affects the "image" of gamers. Why do you care? Does any of that stuff stop you from playing video games? No.

It's a pretty embarassing story for everyone, but hey Life Goes On (pun intended).

Lazerf4rt

ffmusicdj

KaneRobot

Draconis

phoenixavatar2

I guess I'm the only one who's never heard of or watched this "GameLife" show until today. And this Andrew Rosenblum has no one but his foolish self for making e-threats two days after a school shooting.

Draconis

Tenno

And I don't want to turn this into a gun control debate, but guns don't kill people, people kill people. If somebody's demented enough to really want to kill someone, they'll find a way to do it.

MrXmas

There isn't much we could do about the guns in this country. Take back all the guns that are already in the hands of people across the country? Unlikely. So we're sort of stuck with that, even though I'm not a big fan of guns, it just seems entirely unrealistic to remove them. Not too mention, they'll always be on the black market.

As for the bullying aspect, that part frustrates me. For one, having a crappy scholastic experience where you're constantly bullied does suck, but doesn't give you a license to kill. Plenty of people have bad lives, but manage their way through it. Secondly though, and more importantly, is why the hell does it happen? I've been bullied and seen other kids get bullied in some pretty terrible ways.. I've seen teachers witness bullying, and just turn the other way. It's just a "part of school" to far too many teachers/principals. Even after all the school shootings there's still very little done about the situation. At my high school, about 6 years ago mind you, there were rarely teachers in the hallway (and this was post Columbine). Instead we had cameras, which doesn't solve the problem, because there really wasn't anyone watching the cameras unless something terrible happened.. Then tape would roll.

f4nt

Bullying can cause people to go completely overboard and do things like this. I've had experience with kids in junior-high who have been bullied extensively for a number of years (elementary and junior-high is combined into "elementary school" here). Many of them wished to be able to kill all the people who hurt them and even those who simply stood by and didn't help them. Most of these kids had also contemplated suicide, many times.

Thing is, in my country it's nearly impossible to obtain a gun.

kribulon

I'm just curious how someone does something this freakishly stupid. Hours after a school shooting, you tell someone you want to do that too? Why not just go to jail and lock yourself up? I understand being depressed and suicidal, that stuff makes sense to me from past experience.. Wanting to take 30 some odd people down because you're messed up in the head doesn't make sense to me. Some chick broke up with you because she didn't like you, sorry buddy, but that's not her fault entirely. It sure as hell isn't everyone ELSES fault who would have inevitably been caught in the crossfire either.

The power of immaturity, and lack of responsibility amazes me. I'm glad he's going to be getting the "help" (aka, a shitload of drugs to suppress all feelings, good and bad, robot ftw) he needs, but this wasn't a cry for help. "I'm just gunna shoot myself" is a cry for help. "I'm going to fucking kill you" is a sign of craziness, and intent, not exactly a please help me.

f4nt

I'm not saying that he was definitely going to follow out on his threats, but these days it pays to be safe rather than sorry.

It's just too bad that this will further add to the gaming stigma.

stummies1121

Gamers have the right to do or not do stupid things for their own sake.

Kinsman

Andrew831

Skylar

if he did mean it, they're going to crucify him for it. Cho died and there's no one to hang. He'll have to do.

diablofreak

I am so unbelievably pissed at this guy. I was already upset that such an unwatchable show was getting so much attention. This guy was the absolute worst part of a terrible show that was already an embarassment to gamers everywhere. Kudos to topping yourself. Before, at least I had the option to not watch your crap, but now you have become a posterboy for the gamer community. You now get the attention that you desire from every demagogue out to get us. You are now the see-I-told-you example that JT will use from now until he dies. Way to go, champ.

kingofallcosmos

We'll never know if what he said was something he can actually do or just emo-fueled tripe to get the girl back.

Don't get so clingy and all when you want the girl damnit! Seriously, most guys spit out their cojones when it comes to girls...

At least this psycho's getting help. Even if he hasn't done anything yet. Prevention is better than feeling sorry later.

excaliburps

Royal_Highness

keyrat

diktafunk

Monsieur Fap★Fap!

feilong80

I got off topic there a little bit. Adam's a douche, that's about the bottom line.

kodec

Hater3000

That said, Melissa's response was kind of ridiculous. She probably knows him well, but I'd be pretty angry if I were the recipient of his vile message, or that girl's parents.

feilong80

KaneRobot

Fuckhead JT is going to have a field day with this.

"Andrew Rosenblum's rage was fueled by his love of GTA Liberty City Stories."

- Jack Thompson
School Shootings Expert

gils0n

The cards are falling into place for a major backlash against us.

...thanks a lot, Rosenblum. You didn't just make an idiot of yourself, you as good as sold us all out to the media.

GundamAC197: Proud new Wii60 Owner!

Magic Pink

Way to justify douche bags like Jack Thomson's position...

Honestly, I don't know if he was serious about his threats or making a really horrible joke, but I hope he gets what he deserves for such a stupid decision...

SpiOp

Mansteak

kylenalepa

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fj7KreoB2YM

diktafunk

Man, what a fun week for news.

playclever

Maximum penalty.

Coherent

Cartman86

bloodr

Anthropomancer

DaveKap

Burly Inmate: I killed a man for stealing my dog. What are you in here for?
Andrew Rosenblum: I angrily threatened a girl who went out with me a few times.
Burly Inmate: Wait, I think I heard about that. You're the gamer, right?
Andrew Rosenblum: Not just a gamer, but I'm the proud founder of GameLife!
A short while later...
Andrew Rosenblum: Oh noes! Nonconsensual intimacy!

Lanky Bugger

Thanks Andrew, you jerkoff.

gils0n

E2K

rizeup

harkonnen

Purple Dave

Indeed. I seem to recall the D.C. sniper touching off at least two or three other copycats around the country in his short-term wake. I'm sure LE around the country are on their toes, drinking that extra-strong joe, just anticipating the worst. This doesn't help in that arena, either.

Also, I never watched Gamelife (thank God!), but after doing some Googlin', I can safely say that the attached yearbook photo is quite the deceiving 'glamor shot'. No, really.

jollydwarf

now, gamers are crazy killers?!?!

what do i have to do to waggle myself from these sterotypes?!?!

_spike

Wolf_Dog

TitillatedOcelot

Spare_Change

He's probably masturbating furiously right now to this news.

PapaBear

TitillatedOcelot

Infradead

theCornerinvasion

plkrtn

Maxathon

Say it with me people...NEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEERD.

Insomnia Bob

animagnum

Fett Fetterson

I have to say I'm not all that surprised. I've known people like this. Check out his profile on GameLife. His interests include "Watching TV, Surfing the Internet" and playing video games. Reality for this guy is whatever's beamed to the nearest TV screen/monitor.

Pitiful.

And echoing Protofunk's sentiment, we're not all psychos, people of the world!

SirCletus

LMAO

Wolf_Dog

And even if she was a perfect match for him, I'll be he was unbearable even as a dinner date.

jollydwarf

Kuraudo

Kotaku Chat ( Irc.synirc.com #kotaku)

Wolf_Dog

P.S: GameLife sucks.

REUYL

Hellsing

People really (expletive) me off.

Figroti

So young, so nerdy, so FULL OF RAGE!

Boxelder

This is JUST what gaming needs in terms of overall public perception and for the purpose of deconstructing the 'homicidal gamers' stigma, yessirree. Christ.

jollydwarf

I am so very curious how Jackie T is going to take this one.

nitro734

elim

Scazza

Kyle81

KaneRobot

On behalf of most gamers, I'd like to state that we're not like this frigging psychopath.

Thank you.

Me.

(PS. I still have pokemons in my sock.)

Protofunk