I write this petition with a heavy heart, driven by personal tragedy. My sister tragically took her life just yesterday, deeply affected by the content she was exposed to in the video game - 'Rust'. This instance is sadly not isolated. It brings to the forefront a dark issue lurking in our gaming communities, that of undue violence leading to distress and dramatic consequences.

'Rust', despite being classified as a game of survival, bears an extensive load of explicit and vulgar violence which impacts players. It is not merely a concern for my family alone but for all families with gaming members across the globe.

This overexposure to violence can lead to desensitization, aggression, fear, and unhealthy mental states, as outlined by the American Psychological Association in their research on violent video games' impact. A 2017 survey by the National Institute of Mental Health stated that 9.62% of the American population have serious suicidal thoughts, a portion of which is attributed to excessive violent game playing.

Let's demand that 'Rust' is shut down to prevent further tragedies and safeguard the mental health of our community's most vulnerable. Regulatory bodies and software developers have a role to play in protecting players from explicit violent content. We plead for the commitment to this cause.

Sign this petition now if you believe in a safer, healthier, and more responsible gaming environment. Your signature is a step in the right direction. Together, we can prevent another family from experiencing the despair that has befallen mine.