CONtroll

 What's my fascination with video games?
I'm not sure.
But if I was a god and had to create a whole new Universe, these games are where I'd start.
If these games were tied together by the Internet and each gamer could create his own characters (Based on models determined by the original programmer (me).) - how infinite would the variation of characters be?
Based on various cultures, what values or traits would each character have?
After the program got started - how much control would I have as the initial programmer?
Other than being able to pull the plug or make chances to an others code - how active would I be in the most minute details of these new beings?

 While fish in an aquarium may be more 'real' than the characters in video games - do they really have any more control over their environment?
I suppose that one could continuously buy newer and bigger aquariums to accommodate the ever increasing size and population of fish - but what role would the fish play in determining the type of new world they would inhabit?
While the fish in the aquarium are real - are they even aware of the consequences of their behaviors beyond reproduction and eating?

As a kid, I would always create Ant Farms in jars.
I may have been labeled a Sadist by those today because I would always introduce a rival faction of ants to an established ant colony.
We had large black ants and large red ants throughout our area - each was a good choice for a kid's farm.
Those little sugar ants didn't last a minute when placed in contact with either of the larger species.
But things changed when the more aggressive Fire Ants started taking over.
These little hellions would wipe out either larger species with gangland-type efficiency.
Regardless of species, each colony seems to show signs of community, of possessing a hierarchy, of building a culture.

So, back to my fascination with video games.
The character of these games seem to be able to do things which we can only imagine.
If characters in video games were taught to act in their own best interests, would there be any more need for us?
This is my problem with those who believe in "The Man".
If we cannot even manage to control of group of lowly insects - how can a group of shadow figures expect to control us?
If we stay informed of the desires of these men - are not our reactions to their desired conditions actionable?