I have been doing an extensive bit of research about this myself. Parental presence in the gaming community in general. When this came out a few days ago, after the initial disgust and shock, the question for both my husband (vet gamer) and myself (casual gamer) parents, was “where were his adults?”

This is not to minimize Cinnpie’s responsibility, or blame the victim’s parents, but I immediately thought of how this situation was able to occur. The physical part (the hotel situation), the actual tournament physical contact, if there were parental/guardian supervision present.

I found that in a more popular youth-related gaming community (fortnite) there is a heavier parent presence, but not really for games like Smash and even Pokémon community. The latter I didn’t get to touch on, or some other competitive communities (MOBAs, tabletops, etc).

I can understand a certain naivety for newer gen z parents when it comes to gaming, “it’s innocent, it’s a safe community, it’s just video games.” But the reality is there can be alcohol at some events (a claim brought up by an accuser state’s that it’s a ritual of sorts to drink at an event), there are also people of all age groups and admission processes aren’t stringent meaning anyone can basically come either to participate or spectate.

I’m not saying this is toxic or negative altogether but I think this should be taught to parents, and having guardians present normalized. I know this is deemed as social but with the amount of abuse coming forth in such a youth-heavy community, I feel as if some sacrifices must be made to protect these children so they can continue to enjoy something that has brought entertainment for so many years.

I think organizers should be held accountable and be trained to spot such occurrences and double down on disciplinary actions and make this a safe environment.

Personally, I have an auti-kiddo who takes to tech. He picks up things quickly and even with my presence I’m at this point adverse to introducing him into these communities and environments as they are as it seems that they are geared to gain income and notoriety and not looking out for those who are participating. These are children and should be protected, not openly preyed upon. In any community, and if members see it happening there should be a platform for them to speak up about it and stop it.

I may be downvoted to oblivion, but I truly had to get this off my chest after following this whole mess. It breaks my heart to know this child, now young adult will have lifelong scars unless he goes through therapy to heal because of one person, while in a community he was in just to have fun.

Protect children in gaming. Protect children in gaming.