Bestselling Author's Hilarious Gaming Dilemma: Why He Refuses to Kill a Virtual Crab

A NYT Bestselling Author's Unexpected Gaming Dilemma: Why He Won't Kill a Virtual Crab New York, NY – June 2, 2025 – Jason Pargin, the author of the NYT bestselling novel "John Dies at the End," recently revealed an unexpected gaming quirk that has amused and intrigued his fans. In a short video posted on social media, Pargin expresses his surprising aversion to hunting animals in video games, even when it’s necessary for progression. Pargin uses his gameplay of the popular game Horizon Forbidden West as an example. He describes his frustration with the need to hunt crabs for a quiver upgrade. "I hate when video games make you kill animals if the game isn't specifically about hunting," he states in the video. This highlights a common player experience, where the line between virtual violence and personal ethics can become unexpectedly blurred. The video concludes on a humorous note, with Pargin's struggle to hunt the in-game crab. His reluctance to harm a virtual creature, despite having killed hundreds of human enemies in the same game, is both relatable and funny. It sparks a conversation about player choices and the emotional impact of even virtual violence. Pargin's video is a testament to the unexpected ways in which video games can connect with our real-world values. His humorous and self-aware commentary has resonated with many gamers, creating a lighthearted discussion about the complexities of virtual worlds.