Just Like The Real Thing, But Without The Buzz
Today's Times points to the latest gaming trend, in which players can "take drugs" during gameplay. The vice works itself easily into a game's storyline if it, say, revolves around a narcotics officer:
A digital puff of marijuana, for example, temporarily slows the action of the game like a sports replay. Taking an Ecstasy tablet creates a mellow atmosphere that can pacify aggressive foes. The use of crack momentarily makes the player a marksman: a "crack" shot.
But isn't this a little too realistic for teen gamers? What about the consequences?
But using each drug also leads to addiction, which can lead to blackouts that cost the player inventory and to demotions or even expulsion from the police force...
Oh, ha. There's no reason to get worked up about this stuff; it clearly has no basis in reality. Everyone knows recreational drug use warrants promotions and bonuses — just ask Doug Wead.
