The video game world was in shock Monday following the shooting death of two people and wounding of nine others at a qualifying tournament for the Madden video game Sunday in Jacksonville, Fla. But as gaming community mourned the tragedy, it also pulled together.
While the Jacksonville sheriff’s office has not officially identified the two people who were killed, organizations familiar with them have named them on social media and paid tribute. Taylor “SpotMePlzzz” Robertson and Eli “True” Clayton—whose identity was confirmed by his former high school—were honored by Dot City Gaming, the team on which Robertson played.
“They were great competitors and well-loved members of the Madden community,” Dot City tweeted.
Both Robertson and Clayton have profiles on EA Sports’ Madden competitive page. Clayton is called “consistently one of the best in competitive Madden.”
Peter Moore, CEO of the Liverpool soccer team and the former chief competition officer at EA, where he organized the company’s competitive gaming division, wrote “my heart goes out to my former colleagues that were on site, the competitive players that I got to know, and all of their families. It’s a video game for God’s sake…”
Leaders in the esports world called on organizers to increase security at the events, which have become increasingly popular for the past several years.
“Sad day and a WAKE UP CALL for organizers large and small,” tweeted Jason Lake, CEO of the esports team compLexity Gaming. “It’s time esports events (large and small) double down on security for everyone in general and players specifically.”
Other high profile gamers, game companies, and game industry insiders expressed their shock and anger as well.
My heart goes out to the family, friends and people affected by the madden shooting today. Evil times we live in, just need to out shine that evil with positivity.
Love you all
— Ninja (@Ninja) August 26, 2018
Security at events needs to be taken ultra serious. 90% of the events I attend have little to none. NONE.
It’s unacceptable.
— summit1g (@summit1g) August 26, 2018
T_T I never know what to say in situations like these. Sending prayers, love & condolences to the victims' families, and I beg of event organizers from all industries to make sure there is always adequate security for everyone. It's just not worth the risk.
— pokimane (@pokimanelol) August 26, 2018
— Madden NFL 24 (@EAMaddenNFL) August 27, 2018
Out of respect for the victims in Jacksonville, Florida, we will be observing a day of silence on all Bungie and Destiny channels.
— Bungie (@Bungie) August 26, 2018
We are shocked and saddened by the tragedy that took place in Jacksonville today. Twitch and all its staff send our deepest sympathies to the victims, their loved ones, and everyone in our community who's grieving today.
— Twitch (@Twitch) August 26, 2018
I don’t understand this world sometimes. It’s video games. There is no bigger joy in the world and it has to be ruined. Prayers up to those in Jacksonville
— Ronnie 2K 2K24 (@Ronnie2K) August 26, 2018
Police identified the shooter as 24-year-old David Katz, and gamers said he had won Madden tournaments in the past. Authorities have not announced a motive for the crime.
