A group known as Gamers Against Violence has been formed in the States to promote a week-long series of get-togethers and events celebrating game culture and raising money for families of the Virginia Tech victims. It's not quite clear whether the rallies are to protest against violence per se, or the way in which videogames are often blamed for violence. The former seems too vague, the latter, perhaps, too politicised.

What the events may achieve is a positive reposte to the largely inaccurate assumptions made in the immediate wake of the shootings. It might be good for viewers of the mainstream media coverage to view gamers as sociable and passionate citizens rather than isolated, nihilistic loners. But then, no one must forget, this tragedy isn't about gamers; it's about 32 lost lives and the unimaginable grief of those left behind.

It's a tricky tightrope to walk, between the soapbox and the charity tin.