If you ever thought that video games were “just games” then you’ve never really been a part of a community like the ones I’ve been a part of over the last 10 years. A little while ago I heard about Ribbitribbitt – a 6 year old boy with cancer who was given 6-12 weeks to live. His mother put out a plea on the EQ2 forums to players, she wanted an amazing play ground that her little boy could run around in, since he was unable to do so in real life.
The players stepped forward with something that went well above and beyond what anyone could have predicted. The event was massive, and Zam.com has put together a wealth of videos, screen shots, and tributes.
It was with a heavy heart that we all learned that Ribbitribbitt passed away quietly in his sleep, May 20th. Players once more poured forth their condolences, although what the family is even going through I can’t begin to imagine, having never been there myself.
Video games are never ‘just’ games any more. As soon as you have interaction with another human being – even in a virtual world, you’re leaving some sort of foot print on their actual lives. Keep that in mind, next time you’re sitting down to play.
R.I.P. Ribbitribbitt. Thank you, for showing me what an amazing community of people is out there. I’m so sorry that it some times takes such a sad circumstance to shed so much light.
I completely agree. From the moment I started gaming online and participating in online communities, it was much more than a game. Especially in clans. You never actually met the people, but you still have a strange connection to them and if things happen to them (especially in this case), it’s always sad to hear.
Nice article!
Truly a sad story, but hearing about how the EQ2 community(which I was a part of for 5+ years) banded together to help make his wish come true makes me proud to be a gamer.
I wonder what mainstream media would have to say about this, considering how much they usually bash video games and gamers.
Oh man. :(
Wow, that’s both heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time.