Forum:Halo 2 tournament Chaos

A 17-year-old Saline High School junior's plans for hosting his first video game tournament where zapped at the last minute by school officials over concerns raised by local police about the game's content.

Zach Wigal says he spent nine months planning a "Halo 2 tournament for players of the popular first-person shooter video game, which is rated "M for mature by the Entertainment Software Rating Board.

With about $650 of his own money, Wigal obtained a permit through Saline Community Education to rent the high school commons last Saturday. Admission was $5 per person, which primarily would cover the rental cost, the $300 first-prize and $150 for second place.

He printed 2,500 fliers and used the school newspaper and postings on Web sites like Myspace.com and Facebook.com to publicize the tournament. More than 300 people responded with plans to attend.

On March 20, just four days before the tournament was to be held, school officials pulled the plug.

"The trigger for us is that we were contacted by our police,'' said Scot Graden, district community education director. "... We reacted accordingly, understanding we wanted to protect the integrity of our district.''

Graden said he had discussed concerns about the video game with Wigal in February. He was told his main concern - that the game contained inappropriate language - would not be an issue because the audio is not on when the game is played in multiplayer format, as it would be during the event.

Pittsfield Township Public Safety Director John Phillips said he became aware of the event after Wigal's father, Rusty, inquired about the availability of an uniformed officer to provide security.

That raised concerns with departmental community coordinator Ritchie Coleman who serves on the Southeast Michigan Chapter of the Parents TV Council, a national group concerned about content in television, movies and the video game industry.

Phillips said he merely informed school officials about the game's content, and the decision to cancel was solely theirs, with his support.

"I'm not saying boycott the game, I just think that kids 17 and under playing an M-rated game for money is not something appropriate for the high school, Phillips said. Halo 2 shares the same rating as "Grand Theft Auto and "25 to Life,'' games that have been nationally scrutinized for graphic violence, language, and targeting law enforcement officers.

Rusty Wigal said he called police to notify them about the anticipated crowd, not in response to any potential threats or fear of violence. His son lined up 10 parents and some teachers to chaperone, and he now regrets calling police.

"It was more of a courtesy call,'' he said. "The police overreacted and got involved in giving their opinion about what's appropriate on school property. And unfortunately, they did it four days before the event.''

Both he and wife Lisa said they have no problem with Zach playing "Halo 2,'' unlike some of the other more graphic games on the market. They're also proud of the hard work Zach put into organizing the event and his entrepreneurial spirit that nearly brought a creative idea into reality.

Relocating the event on such short notice was not an option, Zach Wigal said, but he is considering other venues for the near future.

"I think I've learned more in the last few months from doing all this than I probably have in a few years in high school,'' he said.

Staff reporter Marjorie Kauth-Karjala contributed to this story. Art Aisner can be reached at aaisner@annarbornews.com or 734-994-6823.