Ah, I see everyone is dismissing media as a factor in real world consequence again.
At least someone already posted this:
the
werther effect is a topic that is well studied in the scholarly literature
on an aggregate level, this is definitely a significant effect, though of course it is difficult to prove it as the main cause in any one specific instance
Obviously the game didn't make the kid commit suicide. It could have been a contributing factor though. Evidence does show a connection between media and suicide.
Obviously (I feel like this word needs to be used a lot in these kinds of topics smh) banning the game or blaming the game is not rational. We shouldn't suddenly stop writing/filming/developing media depicting suicide because of this.
Obviously, the correct path to take is better care and a better understanding of those who suffer from depression.
However, the casual dismissal of media having an impact on people and shaming of the father in this thread (by some, obviously not all posters) is just sad.