Teen Sets Classmate On Fire, Blames WOW

December 21st, 2007 by Brian Lockhart in MMO, News, Offbeat, Online, PC, RPG

‘Tis the season for videogame related crimes. However, they aren’t the usual consumer related fights that one would expect, but instead those sad crimes where videogames are naturally blamed. One of today’s example is a case of a teen in China getting a little too caught up in his online role, deciding it best to set his classmate on fire for revenge.

“A 17 year old Beijing boy had a fight with a classmate and lost. He took revenge a few days later by dumping a water bottle full of gasoline onto the classmate and lighting him on fire. The victim ended up with burns on 55% of his body, including third-degree burns on 38% of his body.

The perpetrator claimed he had lost himself in World of Warcraft and when he committed the crime he had transformed into a Fire Mage.

He was sentenced to 8 years in jail, an accomplice received 7 years, and he and the accomplice and their families were ordered to pay 760,000 RMB in restitution to the victim.”

Fortunately Blizzard shouldn’t have to much to worry about, but it’s always sad to see videogames take the fall for these horrific crimes. Just like yesterdays Mortal Combat Incidence, where Mortal Combat, instead of underage drinking, took the brunt of the blame.

Tags: MMO, News, Offbeat, Online, PC, RPG