HardcoreModz
The suspect behind the recent terrorist attacks in Oslo, Norway claims,
via a manifesto, that he used Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 as a type
of training simulation to prepare him for yesterday's events. Though
police have not officially revealed his name, the man has been
identified by local media as Anders Behring Breivik, a 32-year-old
Norwegian.
Seven people have been confirmed dead from the bomb explosion that shook
the Norwegian capital of Oslo as police said that the explosive was
set-up in a car. At least 85 others were killed in a shooting at a youth
camp in nearby Utoya Island, bringing the current death count to 92.
Official sources and social media indicate that Breivik might be a
right-wing Christian fundamentalist who may have had an issue with
Norway's multi-cultural society. It may explain why he targeted a
politically-partisan youth camp organized by the Labour Party which
currently holds power in the country.
Breivik is now being linked to a 1,500 page manifesto that lists popular
FPS Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 as a means of training for what he
believes is an impending war with Islam. He writes:
"I just bought Modern Warfare 2, the game. It is probably the best
military simulator out there and it's one of the hottest games this
year. ... I see MW2 more as a part of my training-simulation than
anything else. I've still learned to love it though and especially the
multiplayer part is amazing. You can more or less completely simulate
actual operations."
He also believes that using what he considers social and
cultural "taboos" such as MMOs, one can disguise their true motives and
can continue researching and preparing for them undistracted. Breivik
claims, "using social taboos is an extremely effective method from
preventing people who know you well from digging too much." He then
continues:
"For example, tell them that you have started to play World of Warcraft
or any other online MMO game and that you wish to focus on this for the
next months/year. "This "new project" can justify isolation and people
will understand somewhat why you are not answering your phone over long
periods. Tell them that you are completely hooked on the game (raiding
dungeons etc). You will be amazed on how much you can do undetected
while blaming this game. If your planning requires you to travel, say
that you are visiting one of your WoW friends, or better yet, a girl
from your "guild" (who lives in another country). No further questions
will be raised if you present these arguments."
When more details come to light in regards to the meaning behind these
attacks and after the media begins to thoroughly read through Breivik's
writings, expect a familiar media panic with the sole purpose of
vilifying the gaming industry and "the violence it perpetuates."
Unfortunately, media sensationalism when coupled with the emotional
aspect associated with horrific atrocities such as this one may
effectively end the success gained following the industry's recent
victory against the State of California.
Breivik speaks specifically about the concept of isolation when playing
an MMO as a type of "cover" that would allow a person to continue on
with more sinister actions and prevent people from asking further
questions. Gamers are well aware that people associated with the
subculture are commonly misrepresented as being anti-social recluses and
though this stereotype is constantly being disproved, psychopathic
lunatics like Breivik will always prevent the medium from gaining
ground. It's truly an unfortunate circumstance for any advocate of the
gaming industry should the media decide to ignore the entire story and
focus on labeling Breivik as a gamer first, sociopath second.
http://attackofthefanboy.com/news/suspect-behind-norwegian-attacks-claims-he-used-modern-warfare-2-for-training/
