> These types of arguments are very similar to the arguments made by those who have requested laws regulating violence in video games in the past. Those people argued that the lack of consequences in the game would influence player behavior in real life.

Of course. Mowing down countless pedestrians in Grand Theft Auto, then climbing up to a high building and sniping the police officers that come to arrest me most certainly affects me - it lets me blow off steam in a way that doesn't actually harm anyone.

I'm too lazy to find a link, but consider this a virtual citation to the study that showed that availability of pornography actually decreases sex crimes.

I'm all for war-themed videogames to acknowledge that there's more to combat than spewing bullets until you win, but I've been playing violent video games for years, and I've yet to Gouranga any Hare Krishnas with my car.