Jack Thompson was an anti-video game activist who rose to infamy in the early 2000s for his crusade against violence in gaming. He was known for his provocative statements, aggressive tactics, and controversial legal battles with the video game industry. In this article, we will explore the history of Jack Thompson's activism, his infamous crusade against video games, and what he is up to now.

Thompson first gained notoriety in the early 2000s when he began speaking out against the video game industry, claiming that violent video games were responsible for school shootings and other acts of violence. He argued that video games were desensitizing children to violence and that they were a danger to society.

Thompson made many provocative statements, often targeting specific games and game developers. He accused game developers of promoting violence and encouraging children to become killers. He even went as far as to blame video games for the Virginia Tech shooting in 2007, which killed 32 people.

Thompson's efforts led him to become involved in many legal battles with game developers and the gaming industry. He filed lawsuits against several game developers, including Rockstar Games, makers of the controversial Grand Theft Auto series. He also went after retailers who sold violent video games to minors.

Despite his controversial tactics, Thompson's crusade against video games gained him a significant amount of media attention. However, his efforts were largely unsuccessful, and he was eventually disbarred in 2008 after he was found guilty of misconduct in a case against the makers of Grand Theft Auto.

Today, Jack Thompson remains an outspoken critic of the video game industry. However, his influence has waned significantly, and he is no longer a major figure in the ongoing debate over the effects of violent video games. He has continued to make provocative statements and engage in legal battles with game developers, but his impact has been limited.

Despite his diminished influence, Jack Thompson remains a figure of ridicule and mockery on the internet. Many gamers have made fun of him over the years, creating memes and parody videos that poke fun at his controversial statements and legal battles. While Thompson may have been a significant figure in the history of video games, his legacy is one of controversy and ridicule.

In recent years, Thompson has taken a surprising turn in his behaviour. He has started to soften up and even poke fun at his anti-video game persona. In a 2013 interview with the Miami New Times, Thompson admitted that his earlier statements about video games were "over the top" and that he had made some "incredibly dumb" arguments.

In another interview with the video game news site Kotaku, Thompson joked that he was now a "reformed gamer" and that he had "seen the light." He even referred to himself as the "world's most famous troll" and admitted that he had made a career out of "messing with people."

Thompson's change in behaviour has surprised many, including those who have been his opponents in the past. Some have even praised him for his newfound sense of humour and willingness to poke fun at himself.

It's not entirely clear what has caused Thompson to soften up and begin to poke fun at his anti-video game persona. Some have speculated that it's a result of his disbarment and the backlash he faced from the gaming community. Others have suggested that it's simply a sign of Thompson getting older and becoming more mellow.

Whatever the reason, Thompson's change in behaviour is a welcome surprise for many. While his controversial statements and legal battles against the video game industry will always be a part of his legacy, his willingness to poke fun at himself and admit his mistakes is a positive development.

Who was the controversial anti-video game activist Jack Thompson?