Gamer: Playing Through The Pain

The Story Of Steven Burkeland Flies Against Push To Regulate Video Games

(CBS)  She also pays active attention to what he plays – even though he's technically an adult.

"I do watch Steve play games," she said. "When he gets a new game, he always shows it to me and when he gets good at a game or gets to a pivotal spot he usually has me watch again."

Not only does Burkeland play games, understand games and keep his parents involved, he also makes games. For Burkeland, it goes beyond the experience of playing.

He said, "I love to create whole worlds and characters. Crafting their hopes, ambitions, and dreams into a story and then letting the characters play through and begin to connect with the character.

"My love of role-play lead me to create and run a role playing forum. There I can do what ever I want to I can have a character based off of me but with the ability to run. That version of me that could run was the actual basis of my first and primary role-playing character. I still use a version of him that has evolved as the site has evolved."

Burkeland said that he wants to continue making video games and he hopes to make a living out of it in the future, though, "I decided if I could make games and give even just one person the enjoyment that games have done me then my life would be worthwhile."

His parents support him in those efforts. As involved as they are in his gaming, they are even more encouraging in his efforts to create them.

"Yes, we encourage Steve to create his own games," said Solin. "His game plot lines are really good and he understands the work that goes into programming and seems to enjoy it. His Web site has taught him leadership skills and he has met people online from all over the world that he considers good friends."

If there was one thing that Burkeland could say to activists and politicians that are working to change the way games are bought and sold, it would be simply that people need to take responsibility for themselves. No more finger pointing.

"Please, if you care so much about your children," he said, "take a minute when you're with them buying games and read the rating box and why it's rated that way."