Take-Two CEO criticises Trump's video game statement

In the latest line of attacks on the industry, big names are starting to step up in its defence.

Following the two most recent tragic mass shootings in America, the President, Donald Trump issued a statement claiming video games to be the source of such violence. Spoken as follows, the claim said, "we must stop glorification of violence in our society, this includes the gruesome and grisly video games that are now commonplace." Ever since the full statement was issued, the industry came under fire resulting in share prices of prominent publishers dipping by up 6.3%, as is the case for Take-Two Interactive, Gamesindustry.biz reported.

Making a statement regarding the horrific event and addressing the claim made by Trump, in an effort to work in defence of the industry, CEO of Take-Two, Strauss Zelnick spoke to Barron's saying, "we're just sickened and saddened by these senseless tragedies. That said, blaming entertainment is irresponsible. Moreover, it is disrespectful to the victims and their families. The fact is entertainment is consumed world-wide... but gun violence is uniquely American. So, we need to address the real issues".

In further defence against these rash claims, Vox published a graphic, detailing the correlation between video-game revenue and violent gun deaths in the top ten consuming countries, showing little, if any direct link across the globe, with America being the only anomaly. If there is one thing for certain, if other countries are not facing the issue, it must not be the root of the issue.

What are your thoughts on this delicate matter?