Hands off my games: Survey says video gamers share libertarian ideologies

A poll taken by the libertarian publication Reason, this month celebrating video games on its cover, suggests video gamers are naturally inclined toward that ideology, not wishing for a government or anyone to tell them what things they may do, try, or buy.

While gamers surveyed may identify themselves as liberals, when queried about more specific examples they sided against government regulations or policies that controlled individual life choices.

For example, gamers in large numbers said they should be allowed to buy high caffeine energy drinks, play violent video games, gamble online, smoke marijuana freely and use 3D-printed guns.

"Video games are all about making choices, right?" reasons Reason. "That's one mentality that does carry over in real life."

They're not all antigovernment, however; gamers do support government subsidies for alternative energy sources — in numbers greater than non-gamers.

The surveys were taken in December 2013 and April 2014, and are the centerpiece of a series of articles, including a collection "video games every libertarian must play," (Fallout 3, Papers Please and BioShock making that list) and "10 Hilarious Anti-Game Quotes," from politicians, the media, and other public figures.