German Retailer Pulls Violent Video Games, Movies After Shootings

Tim Kretschmer, 17, stole one of his father's guns last week and went on a murderous shooting spree, killing 15 people including students and teachers at his former high school, before eventually turning the gun on himself.

While not explicitly blaming gaming, sources such as the AP pointed out the fact that Tim Kretschmer loved to play Counter-Strike. This was in reports of the incident, not analysis.

Aki said the two played poker together, both in person and online, as well as a multiplayer video game called "Counter-Strike" that involves killing people to complete missions.

"He (Tim Kretschmer) was good," Aki said.

One can see the subtle implication. After the shootings, German Chancellor Angela Merkel stated she was examining the possibility of tighter gun controls as well as limits on violent video games.

Galeria Kaufhof will no longer stock films or games sold with an 18-plus rating, which is material judged inappropriate for young people. That rating is usually reserved for material such as horror films and first-person-shooter games.

Stephan Reichart, managing director at German video game developers association G.A.M.E. said:

"I think (Kaufhof's decision) is a complete overreaction ... it borders on impulsive hysteria. It would be sufficient if retailers made sure their cashiers don't sell this material to young people."

True, but that's always hard to ensure. Even tobacco and liquor sales which are supposed to be sold only to adults are not always policed correctly. Still, it does seem to be an overreaction. What do you readers think? Should violent movies and games be blamed for Tim Kretschmer's rampage?