Virginia Tech Review Panel: Video Games Not a Factor in Tragedy

The final report released by Governor Tim Kaine’s Virginia Tech Review Panel found no significant connection between gunman Seung Hui Cho's video game behavior and the April 2007 rampage at the Virginia Tech campus that resulted in 32 deaths. Moreover, contrary to accusations made at the time of the tragedy by industry critics like Jack Thompson and TV's Dr. Phil, the report states in Chapter IV, which focuses on Cho's mental health history, that while he enjoyed some video games -- Sonic the Hedgehog is mentioned -- "Cho's roommate never saw him play video games." The report continues on the roommate's observations: "Cho engaged in were studying, sleeping, and downloading music. He never saw him play a video game, which he thought strange since he and most other students play them." Cho's sister Sun also commented, "None of the video games were war games or had violent themes. He liked basketball and had a collection of figurines and remote-controlled cars." In a statement released alongside the report, Governor Timothy M. Kaine commented on the tragedy: "The magnitude of the losses suffered by victims and their families, the Virginia Tech community, and our Commonwealth is immeasurable. We have lost people of great character and intelligence who came to Virginia Tech from around our state, our nation and the world" "We must now challenge ourselves to study this report carefully and make changes that will reduce the risk of future violence on our campuses. If we act in that way, we will honor the lives and sacrifices of all who suffered on that terrible day and advance the notion of service that is Virginia Tech’s fundamental mission."