In a groundbreaking feat in gaming, 13-year-old Tetris player Willis Gibson, also known as 'Blue Scotty', has become the first person to conquer the iconic game in its 34-year history. Gibson's extraordinary feat included reaching the elusive “True Killscreen,” an extremely high level that crashed the game, setting a new standard in the competitive gaming community.
Gibson's feat, which broke several records in NES Tetris, left the gaming world in awe. However, not everyone was quick to celebrate the young player's success. Sky News Broadcaster Jane Secker raised eyebrows with her on-air suggestion to the teenage prodigy:
“Get away from the screen. Go outside. Get some fresh air. Beating this game is not a life goal.”
The comment sparked a heated debate on social media, with netizens divided over Seker's advice.
Many social media users described Sicker's comments as “old-fashioned” and “arrogant”, pointing to a perceived double standard in the media's treatment of gaming achievements compared to traditional sports.
VGC Features Editor Chris Scullion highlighted the irony, noting that Sky News had praised the 16-year-old darts player for reference on the same day while dismissing Gibson's historic Tetris victory.
One netizen replied Sky NewsThe broadcaster said: “The children’s lives have barely begun.”
Netizens were divided over the victory of the 13-year-old who became the first to win a game of Tetris
The gaming world was lit up when 13-year-old Tetris prodigy Willis Gibson achieved the seemingly impossible task of beating the game for the first time in 34 years.
However, the excitement turned into a heated debate when Sky News presenter Jane Secker advised Gibson to “get out” during a live broadcast. Seeker's comment, suggesting that beating the classic game was not a worthwhile goal in life, left netizens divided.
While some supported Seeker, echoing concerns about excessive screen time for young players, others criticized her comment as outdated and dismissive of the significance of Gibson's achievement in gaming.
Social media platforms have become a battleground for opposing viewpoints, with users sharing humorous reactions and engaging in discussions about the evolving perception of video games in today's society. The incident highlighted the ongoing tension between traditional views on outdoor activities and the emerging recognition of eSports and gaming as legitimate pursuits.
What is Tetris? Learn everything about this game
Released in 1989, this classic game has been a staple of gaming culture for decades. While many players strive to outdo their peers, only a few can claim to have beaten the game. Gibson's victory challenges the notion that this game is unbeatable as he skillfully maneuvers through increasingly difficult levels until game development can no longer generate falling blocks.
Gibson's achievement is particularly notable because, to date, the NES version of Tetris has only been beaten by artificial intelligence. The game's difficulty increases dramatically, with speed doubling at level 29. Gibson reached this level and triumphed over subsequent challenges, including changing the colors of blocks that pushed the human players to their limits.
The young player, who has been playing Tetris since he was 11 years old, expressed his astonishment at the unexpected win. In a post on YouTube, Gibson shared,
“When I started playing this game, I never expected to crash or beat the game.”
His achievement broke world records in overall score, level, lines and 19-degree category.
It is worth noting that Willis Gibson's name will undoubtedly be etched in gaming history as the first person to conquer the difficult game.
