11 Year Old College Graduate

Ireban!!!???

Sorry, can't resist the Code Geass joke...^^

But man, seriously.... 11 years old??!! Out of college already...??? I'm twice her age and still in my 2nd year of college.... T.T And f*** 4.0 GPA... I'll be glad if I can graduate above 3.0 ... oh alright... 2.8!!

11 years old...... Dear Lord.....

Can I slit my wrist now... TT . TT

The reason as to why he stated that is maybe because he got traumatized in a certain game.
Silent Hill or Resident Evil perhaps?

Incredible, but isn't it a bit of a waste since he probably can't find employment at 11 years old? Maybe his first source of income will be this book he plans to write.

which is higher 4.0 or 1.xxx gpa? O_O

there is nothing to be discourage about it...

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blah cant post my rants for him ^_^

Saw this on Kotaku too. I was quite impressed by his achievements, but I really don't think it's healthy to take life that seriously when you're 11 years old. He did seems quite happy though, so maybe it suits him.
Also some people were quite hurt at Kotaku by what he said, but come on... this kid is just 11. He may have graduated from college, but his still basically a child at that age. Also if you watch the video on that article, it's quite obvious that the interviewer especially asked him about video games and it's not like he wanted to make a statement about them.

"Albert Einstein and Bruce Lee are among his idols."

His Math Fu is strong!

Who knows, playing video games could help further understanding about how they are 'consumed' by the people that play them (such as the developing youth) and how they could be developed in future with the aim of improving humanity, education and understanding. It's a powerful and influential medium, why not make the most of it? :3

hmmm video games are one of my most important ways of keeping me happy ^.^". At least he's doing whatever he thinks is right

Oh damn! I wish I was as smart as him.

But wow, a kid NOT into video games. I have to praise the kid for being a martial arts enthusiast but it kinda freaks me out to hear that he dislikes video games. Usually, people who aren't really into video games are students coming from poor families. They're the ones who really prioritize studying over playing (but I'm not implying that only poor kids value education more than playing. I'm just saying that the aforementioned case is more common). Oh sure video games are a waste of time but there are a lot of things we humans do that are also a waste of time.

Wow, very impressive~~~ Now all he need is real life experience on the field to make him prefect in most real-life practice conditions ^_^

Hates video games? No friend of mine, GOOD DAY!

Nice. More power to him! (^.^)

... Secretly cries inside. (TT.TT)

wow..............I have nothing to say >__<

Read it on Kotaku last night and I thought it felt like his parents forced him to be that way.
I rather take priority on my life's path not paved by my parents who dream me of being something that I am not.

Its hard to rewrite what I like doing now which my dad tried to do. The kid, may just love what he is doing after a brain washing session lol.

Shame that he won't have childhood stories to tell when he is older, and that when he has children, would he place them in a position same as himself when he was a child and leave his own children left out of the circle of "having fun" with other children.
"Cool game, did you play Pokemon?!?" "no whats that?" "..."

I'm glad to have enjoyed my childhood and grew up with friends rather than rushing to the working world.

This puts a whole new meaning to "99% hard work, 1% genius".

All this kid needs to do is become a teacher while he's still 11 and you got a real life Pani Poni Dash O_o

11 years old graduated in collage??? really punch in the moon.

Already saw this on Yahoo and didn't read the article because
of the obvious.

I'd be speechless if the 11 year old was Latino or African American
instead.

it made me feel bad since I didn't do well when I was back in 2007, Form 5 secondary school. m(=_=)m.....m(_ _)m

Woha... impressive. I knew that kids go to college, but it's very rare. And I mean very rare. Although that only shows that kids really do have the power I guess. xD

I do feel sorry for the kid though. Most people who graduate from college go out and marry someone. He won't be able to marry until he's 18 or 19.

I pity him, I really do.
Take it from someone with a mind in the upper 2% bracket, his life can only get far worse from here.

wow... 11... its a great success, I won't deny that and I'll also admit I'm a bit envious but I like my life as it is. I just wonder if his views on video games were really brought on by his own thoughts.

Nice. Hopfully she can make the world of tech a better place.

he sounds brainwashes. no video games!? and its only a community college, if it was UCLA i could be more impressed. (half-jealousy talking also though)
i would think his parents are slave drivers. his life so far probably has been a hell or studying and training.

Holy crap I'm pretty jealous >.<
4.0???? at 11? and knows martial arts as well?
Those are some lucky parents

*snickers at this*

I'm sorry... But this kid puts my second cousin to shame. Simply because he hated high school, so he took that state testing and passed with flying colors. He was a Junior at the time. Then graduates from ROP and passes this one certification as well.

And what does he do? Play video games pretty much whenever he wants just because he does not see a point to listen to those who know better and think going to ROP for two nights a week is not good enough. X3

Aha...the conspiracy theorist in me has risen due to immense jealousy and retardation...

The Human Cloning Prohibition Act of 2001 was passed.
http://www.allaboutpopularissues.org/human-genetic-engineering.htm

He's 11 years old w/c means he was born on 1998 or 1999 before the bill was passed and technology at that time was capable. Although...

The Human Genome Project's first draft was completed only in 2001 w/c allowed scientists to manipulate human DNA. http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G2-3406500034.html

I'm still not sure if my conspiracy theories will work or if they are valid as I only had 15mins to compile this report. LOL

But nonetheless I'm hoping reality like all the other members mentioned, settle in with him.

But, good work on him nonetheless. :D

Wow! Awesome kid, but I don't like his views on video games. My reason is umm very simple, those "games" are making loads of money off the consumers XD! Well I can respect his view though(if it is his view), playing games all day is a waste of time when you could use that time to do something else that will shape your future. Funny how his comment reminds me of how my father views video games too.
Besides that he is a very capable kid who uses his times wisely to aim for his many goals in life. May be the one of the next great martial artists?

Meh, I'd rather not be him to be honest. I loved my carefree childhood, I'd rather not have all the presure and be studying 24/7

It's nice that he graduated so early, but he sure missed out on other life experiences. He still has plenty of other learning to do.

[Maybe someone should send him the link of DannyChoo.com to get him started.) ^^;

Yea read this last night on kotaku. As one commentor put it, he is the "greatest troll on kotaku"
And yea, im not that impressed with his "achievement." It's great he's succeeding at school at such an early age, but I think he's missing a lot of his childhood that other kids enjoy.

Well, as long as he's enjoying what he's doing, thats all that matters. Hopefully he's not being slave driven or encounter flamers in real life.

I'm not that impressed. He graduated from a COMMUNITY college with a degree is LIBERAL STUDIES. If he graduated with a degree in math or science then I would be impressed. Also it saddens me that he's done with college at such an early age, he must have missed out on his childhood.

Eleven?! Yikes. You know, whenever I hear about a kid graduating college so young, I kind of wonder about their social development. Even getting teased and tortured for being a nerd is good for you sometimes.

Neh, I don't mind about this kid. What's important is that my dear Asuka-sama completed college before entering NERV. [/totally unrelated statement]

Just wait till he hits puberty.. ¬ ¬'

Sorry for a double comment but what will he do for the remaining time of his life? I mean I know he's gonna be writing a book but what about AFTER that? Will he just go to medical school or law school or whatever?

can't complain
its either win at life or losing his childhood^^

jesus....

This kid is like thereal life Doogie Howser.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doogie_Houser_M.D.

Sounds like the 16 year old who graduated from the college I plan to go to ^^ Can't help but feel jealous at that 11 year old.

surely a great success at the age of 11 , although it's kinda sad since he missed out most of his life on childhood.

Child Prodigies are sad, sad things...

I actually learned a lot of real life concepts and built up some of my vocabulary from RTS and city building games. More action oriented games increased my reflexes and actually my piano playing improved right after I console gamed (so said my teacher) - this was a very long time ago though. I don't play games or the piano at the moment.

Doesn't really matter how smart you are. At that age you still lack a lot of life experience and maturity. His mind may change as he ages or it may not. He is of course entitled to his opinion however.

The fact that he wants to use his knowledge to "Change the world and Help humanity" Kind of underlines the fact that he is still naive in many ways. (From my Point of view at least.) Having graduated from collage does not mean you are impervious to bullets or backroom politics... Maybe it's just me that's bitter. Who knows.

Personally I could never see recreational activities as useless. That is the kind of thinking that leads to working places like the Canon branch that was posted here some time ago. Human value really should be rated higher in the world imho. What use is being smart if you haven't got your heart in the right place?

No way.. Excessive gameplay is bad, yes, but waste of time?!

Makes me wonder what he's doing to help humanity. I'm very interested ^^

Well it's fine that the kid has an opinion on this, but opinions are like an as**ole, everyone has them but no one is interested in them.

I feel somewhat sad for the kid, hes missing out on some of the finest things life has to offer.

I won't say they're a waste of time. But once you've played a certain amount of them like I have you tend to seek other things. I'm sure it'll work in reverse with this kid. He'll probably turn out to be a game programmer. hehe

What a pity. There's lots of life experience you pick up that you miss if you skip grades. That he believes he could change the world is admirable but it reflects naivete toward the world.

Also... as a resident of east LA, I know East LA community college is kind of laughable especially if you are there only to get a 2 year Associate Arts degree. If he went to Pasadena Community College, or perhaps even UC Riverside (or is UC Merced the new joke school?) I wouldn't question his academic ability.

i had a class-mate who did nothing but study for his whole life i didnt too much back in school but from what my friends tell me he's antisocial and paranoid,his parents even beg him to stop studying.....i heard he fainted and got sent to hospital because he got one B for his O/Levels...

moral of the story: if you dont enjoy life a bit and worry about everything,your doomed to lose

I cannot help feeling pity for him. He missed a lot of things that were still waiting for him. I wonder what will become of him. You know, what matters in the real world is not only knowledge but also the power to make things your way. And it is not something he can achieve without some experience in interaction with others. One has to learn it in the group of same ages first.

Playing video games doesn't help humanity? The video games industry is a $10 billion industry in the USA alone. You're looking at thousands of jobs! Same goes with other "slacking off" activities, like watching TV, going to the movies, etc. All of these activities have a *business side to it*, and the business side definitely helps humanity. I hope his 4.0 GPA didn't include any business courses... this kid is questionable. (O_O)

Wow, that's quite an impressive achievement. Though I do hope he's been able to take time to just have fun and play sometimes along the way.

Oh but i think he wasted part of his humanity OTOH..

Either he's really determined to be a productive individual or.. just a kid.. whose goals could change as time passes...

oh well who am i to judge xD

Wow... I myself know a genius kid (that keeps sticking to me and asking me geek questions >_>;) but I don't think he's THAT smart... Oh well, at least he does like gaming to some degree lol

Oh, and my first console was a Super Nintendo (I was around... 7? 8? at the time. Something like that). My bro used to have an Atari (that's what we call it anyway... Not sure that's the correct name...) apparently, but it got ruined before I was old enough to figure out how to use it XP

Devil Hunter Yoko... that sure brings back some old old memories, was one of my first animes. ^^;

Well yea.... Video Games of any kind are a waste of time.
Yet i play them, knowing i could spend my time better with studies and whatsonot...
I don't really know why i play sometimes, of course i enjoy them but... maybe just everyone needs a little place to run from reality now and then? ;)

If that little fella there is such a genius alread at this early age, guess he doesn't fear much. :)
I pitty him a little to miss out on heart moving epic stories though... it's one of the expieriences i have had with video games and animes i never would have wanted to miss out on.
At all those stories greatly help to give you a lot of different points of view for certain things.

He may be smart but he's too young to realize that most people don't live life the way he sees it to be lived.

How can gaming be a waste of life? Erm, maybe excessive gaming is.

Devil Hunter Yoko looks awesome. I love 90s anime so much more than the newer stuff. It had a different feel to it, musically and visually. I think it seemed a lot more optomistic and fun back then. I still love to watch Tenchi Muyo on DVD. It sums up why I got into anime.

Gaming in moderate doses is fine, it's not a waste of time as you can learn things from games.

My first gaming console was either the N64 or Game boy colour. First games I actually played and liked were Zelda OoT on N64 and I think Pokemon Yellow on GBC.

I hope the media catch up with him 10 years later.

If the 7-up Japan TV series is anything to go by, we could see him deep in a pool of regret of his life.

Just saying, that kid is going to have a mental breakdown sooner or later. He might be a genius, but he's still 11y old. Everyone's putting a lot of pressure on him because he's a genius so little by little he'll learn about the harsh realities of life, unco-operative people (mostly because he's young). It might be that even with (or because of) his super brains he will have tough time trying to socialize. Particularly if he doesn't know the meaning of games for some people. In my opinion that kid's just speaking some words put into his mouth (by parents, teachers, mentors etc.), without really having reflected the meaning of fun'n'games in one's life and sociality.

That kid's got a lot more to learn in a world where college status. It's a one thing to read something from a book and remember it to the letter and then act according to those words and to actually form up a sense about certain things and then learning the thing, understanding the concepts and acting upon them to produce something that might help the world. Poor kid, I'm glad I'm not him.

I see, so my hobby is a waste of time... Okay then I could just said the same thing to him. Studying and devoting his childhood life to the world also wasting his time.

I wish I could hold much more of my childhood time. It's our precious memory, but he just trash it like that...

I don't know why, but I feel what that kid says is more of a waste of time '3'

Apparently he has not seen much of the world. I rather think that games are one of the ways to relax and kill time.

more like what's he going to do now? work? seriously? i don't think he'll be hired easily....

We all strive in some way to find meaning to our lives.

He'll be a "man" wayyyy earlier than us. I think he can start a family at the age of 18 exactly if he gets employed from 11.

But I believe in balance and having such a "great" mind would definitely cause other parts to be reduced.

Like he'd know what's good for humanity, he still needs to start his puberty.

I feel sorry for this kid, he will never have fun in his life time

He should maybe read http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/issues/issue_201/6058-Hard-Wired-for-Gaming

Oh noes, this kid is one of those critical theory fanatics. They never go too far away, actually. I'm sorry about him.

Unfortunately a considerable amount of people that studies with me also find videogames a waste of time. I find going to parties to get drunk a complete waste of time as well, but I respect their point of view, even if they do not respect mine. But there's one thing I just can't stand: people that say those who play videogames are idiots. Unfortunately, I do know such kind of person...

Uh.... OK so he is a genius. But does he enjoy his life? I believe that the best time to enjoy life is when you are young, playing around with friends (real and virtual) and making happy memories. Once you become older you won't be able to enjoy life easily due to all the stress and stuff.
Also on the "video games being a waste of time", I know a friend who plays games/watches anime/have fun and rarely studies but he can score high marks for exams too. But not as high as him though.

you have to try xbox 360 danny this is great, by the way i've play nearly the same console as you and they're all great ! and ndsI is excellent !

Streets of Rage brings back some good memories.

OMGG how many years of college do u have in Singapore??? here at 22 you are al ready out.

First console was a atari, nintendo, gameboy, super nintendo, gameboy advance, sega genesis, sega game gear, nintendo 64, xbox, nintendo wii that recently change it for a xbox 360, basicly eas like that.

Thinking is not for everybody, yeh.

Ah...that kid needs to have some fun...

i kinda agree, bringing mankind forward is more important than fun or even anything about a single person

but i would to ask him this: I want to / I will become a Game Designer... is that also wasteful, or is THAT ok ? ^^

I personally feel that if I hadn't gotten addicted to videogames, I'd probably have had more time to develop skills like playing instruments, or perfecting my recipes. I had a lot of fun, sure, but there are times I wish I had spent the time I used up on something "productive".

That aside, from the way that kid's talking, he better have done something influential by the time he hits 20. I'm just saying... Congratulations to the kid though. Seems to be destined for greatness.

A Colecovision was the first console I ever played with. Still remember fiddling with the weird controller it had

Get real....he is only saying what he thinks the "growups" want to hear. Everyone learns really early in life that when you say something they agree with "you are so smart". If you express doubts then its "you think you are so smart don't, well we will see about that". He managed to trick the adults into thinking that somehow he crammed information into his head at a rate of 4 to 1. It takes time to just cover the subjects for a real education, not to just gloss over it. That's why they have things like internship's in Medicine and it takes so long to get the specialization certifications. That's why Doogie Howser was such a turnoff for me. A bunch of adults catering to the whims of a gifted child without thoughts of consiquences. OBTW...I wonder who in their right mind would issue him Malpratice Insurance (most hospitals require it before you can practice as doctor).

So as someone stated earlier,how much is that degree really worth?

Gaming is life~

11 year old graduate college... sad.

Yes, despite having a 4.0, studies all the time, he will have no fun in his life, because his life will be boring already.

Thats my opinion.

I have seen a similar child, who was a topic of an Discovery Channel Docu, and was up there in genius level and decided to make it big in Hollywood!
A Discovery Channel TV crew followed him around as he tried to fulfil his dream.

I believe he ~ "failed"

Not because he wasn't smart enough, rather that he was too arrogant for his own good, and the TV Docu just made him even more arrogant to boot, as well as his parents.

(you had to watch it to understand what I'm driving at)

I'm usually NOT impressed with this type of ~ *smart individual(s)* ~ a tragedy await them later in life, because they can't adapt.

Its like many I have seen now...many have a Masters but no common sense, many are exclusively "book smart" (yet) have no real world experience.

I feel that a person needs ~ "Balance" ~ in order to have healthy mind and in order to be that way... its good to subject ones mind to enjoy itself.

hmm, so hes got 7 years more to become an adult eh?
minna, lets send him some eroge and manga and ofcourse lots of games and make him an otaku, then his life will not be wasted... muhaha...

Meh, his choice. Not like he is going to do much by refusing to play video games.

Setting aside the youth aspect of this story for a moment, let's examine his dismissal of video games. Anyone familiar with the genre understands the medium's analogy to cinema's analogy to literature's analogy to story-telling and therefore it's close ties to cultural expression. Video games are merely the current zenith of cultural dispersion, offering an interactive, mass-consumption form of shared experiences for everyone to enjoy and to learn from. By sharing experiences with one another we become more closely related and ready to understand each others' outlooks and values. So, of course, a shared cultural heritage - the sole pre-cursor to world peace - is definitely not "helping humanity in any way." This kid obviously missed the entire premise of his liberal education and should duly be stripped of the honor for his sheer ignorance.

As for myself, twice his age and returning to school for a second undergraduate degree because my first liberal arts degree is worthless for my means, my sympathies lie with the struggle this student will face in conquering his arrested development. A sensible and mature worldview is not so easily garnished as is a college degree, the poor thing.

Every time news trickles down about these geniuses/prodigies, my stance is the same. Yes, they may be smart, but they have missed a critical stage in their development and will most likely have problems fitting in society. Maturity is a long process and such people's views are usually very naive. You can't change the world until you understand how it works.

As for the comment on gaming, it's not bad unless it's excessive. If the kid doesn't want to play it, then he will be in a minority, but nothing against him - it's his choice. His views on gaming is probably very limited.

I really do feel sorry for these kids though. How many of these I've heard about and then after a few weeks of media coverage, they disappear never to be heard of again.

"-Its up to people what they do with their time. Whether its a waste depends on how you look at it."

From Danny's post-- a user at 2ch, I whole-heartedly agree with what this person says. It's up to the individual to determine what they want to do with their time, it's their life. You only get one life and no one else should dictate what you should and shouldn't do. Doing what you enjoy is nothing wrong.

I think he's a hypocrite, he recreates by having another type of "game" -- martial arts. By learning martial arts, that has little no to effect on "helping humanity in any way." Yet he studies/practices it and he looks down at another form of recreation in the form of "video games." I pity him if he doesn't not truly enjoy what he does for humanity.

don't be so hard on the boy, i mean, despite how smart he could be, he is still very young and can eventually change his mind. When he grows up probably will have troubles caring to acknowledge the mistakes of his youth, just like normal people do xD

BTW, you need more than knowledge to change the world

That poor kid as probably missed out on his childhood... Bet its partially, if not all due to pushy parenting... Poor thing...

Without console games I wouldn't be as dexterous or have such comparable hand-eye coordination!

He's a tensai... He got some einsteinian Genes in him...

Games, a waste of time!? Never!

Hmm, and I think you meant "humanity's". Geography, History and the likes couldn't care for games methinks.

He is quite naive.

When he is older, he will find a lack of meaning in his own existence, accompanying the realization that his fruitless attempts to aid humanity have been for naught.

Video games will be his only escape into a world that he might still be able to save.

i think he is a great kid in some ways, but doesn't mean he is totally right.
At this moment he may say such things but in the future when he enter the society, he will find it hard to blend in, people may be talking about some great games or meeting people all over the world in MMORPG ( myself as an example ) and he might just standing outside the social circle.

At his age graduate from college is impressive and amazing, but he may have more hardship in the future, just hope that he faces it in a humble manner, cuz book smart is not equal to street smart, its proven that if he able to say that which means he is not street smart at all.

if any of u watched xxxHolic u might find the theory of Yuuko on Nature Balance.

too much to say if i wanted to continue, so i just stop it here.

HELL YEA STREETS OF RAGE!

And this kid is the minority and the world knows it...

But theres too many retarded parents so influenced by media that they will look at this kid and tell their own children never to play games again...

Which will more than likely torment the kid...or he'll just go over to little Jimmy's and hijack his xbox for a week...

I cant stop laughing at this tensai loh. who cares anyway with this 11 year kids statement, just enjoy what you believe most.

good kid for trying to think of others and 'humanity', however for him to say that; he's just too immature. Humanity cannot be helped, one of the only real 'rights' we have is being ignorant. Therefore we refuse to acknowledge the real problems at hand because it just troublesome for us. Hey, at the least paying games keeps u from making things worse. Look at modern technology; every luxury we have now thanks to 'new technology' was originally suppose to be for the good of humanity, and now its slowly killing us and shortening our life span.

Games use up quite a lot of time, but I do not see it as a waste. In every event of the game, it is a learning experience. Of course, there are times when learning is limited and it gets quite repetitive, but that is equivalent to completing martial arts movement patterns. You practice repetitively until you have mastered it.
To me, gaming is all about being able to provide what is not currently possible onto a system. It is a great way to simulate a new world based on the new parameters given a game can disclose. If there are ever ways to experiment, gaming would be the best way to go. Of course, most games use reverse engineering where if the game is good, then the products must be good. But consider a game which uses everyday products to encourage gamers to buy. This would totally be a great marketing strategy.
To the 11-year old kid if he ever reads this: Following orders is really easy. What will you do now that you haven't used the time to creatively think? The world demands creative people who can think their way out of problems math and statistics cannot be used. Have you tried putting through a game in your life? There are more challenges than what you can expect from any pages Wikipedia can provide.

SAY WHAT?! There's a Devil Hunter Yohko game?!?! I had no idea it was popular enough to get a game version =O

Not much comment on what the boy said. Up to everyone's preference.

I kinda feel like I've wasted some of my life now. 11 years old... I wonder what his social life is like - or if he even has one. It's incredible but at the same time, i kinda feel sorry for him - being a kid was super fun time, and it's something i feel one shouldn't miss out on.. I guess it's his choice though. I hope he does change the world into a better place, seems really determined at the moment, but it's got to wear him down after awhile. Everyone needs some form or downtime.

I've come across this article a number of times and on my local news. It's not to say what this kid has done is great, but you would really have to look into what kind of upbringing he had growing up (which he still is) and how his social life is like which is something they don't bring up in these news articles (all too focused on the whole graduating community college at 11 part).

Chances are kids his age do nothing but play video games which could lead to thoughts about him not having many friends (at his age, at least). He might not know about all those reports about games being beneficial and not a waste of time (just saw a report on how Wii Sports is aiding disabled war veterans). And it's just a good way to get together socially (especially for those addicting Wii games). Or he could be a closet WOW player for all we know...

Hopefully this kid will keep to his word and change the world with what he has learned in his short life. And that he won't (if he isn't already) become socially awkward in anyway..

IM curious as to what field of study he is enrolled in.

Most impressive. Will he be The One who will bring humanity towards Innovation?

The kid should take it easy...you know that old saying "all work and no play"...

I feel envious at his achievements, but the idea that lacking fun and interesting memories to recall might be a loss. Then again, his beliefs might not lie there.

I like having fun memories~ I have a relatively quiet childhood, but I can recall a few fun moments that's not based in school. ^^;

I didn't watch the video nor read up on his interview (and his thoughts on videogames) so I don't have much to say that would make my argument efficient enough to counter.

Mmmmm Do I remember Devil Hunter Yoko.. Mmm let me think.. can't quite put his finger on his avatar....

Seriously though.. This kid sounds like he has an honest opinion about video games, probably cause he's been so flippin busy he didn't really have time to get to serious play. Now I do agree that video games waste a lot of time.. Not that I haven't done it.. Is probably why I do they do waste time. However, his judgement is.. that of an eleven year old.. so I'll take it with a pinch of salt. A lot of that talk is from his parents, coachs.. whatever.. drilling into his head to be the best. Chances are this kid will grow up, so isolated that he'll end up putting a bullet into his brain case by the time he's 25. Or Worse yet, will end up so isolated he does it to someone else.

I don't really understand why parents push their children to do stuff like this.. Average.. Isn't bad!

I LOLed Hard on those comments. I used to play games alot back when I was still in high school but not now anymore since I can't find anytime to do so. ^^;;

I played a lot of video games as a kid but I was also involved in a lot of activities. My uncle had Pong when I was fairly young and we got an Atari 2600 when it came out. I later moved on to a Commodore Vic 20 and a Commodore 64 for my gaming. During college, all of my gaming took place in lab with a bunch of guys playing MUDs. I didn't get back into console gaming until a few years ago and I seemed to have become a collector.

I believe in moderation in all things. That's one of the reasons why I stay way from MMORPGs since they tend to drag you in for longer stretches over a period of months or years. I think my wife appreciates that.

For me, playing games is a way of letting my brain take a rest. I think it's good to have a certain amount of distractions from your daily life. It breaks up the monotony of the day. Certain games can also provide a source of socialization. Every now and that I get together with friends for a round or two of Rock Band.

I was a bit surprised when it said he got GPA 4 because here GPA 4 is only pass while GPA 7 is good. We must have a strange system XD

I wouldn't say games are a waste of life coz I've learnt lots of stuff from playing games in japanese too, but they're definitely good for wasting time!

E-Eleven?! ....Did anyone else's brain immediately wander to Chiyo-chan from Azumanga Daioh? Or was that just me?

Seems like a lot of pressure, being fast-tracked through all that education at such a young age. And imagine being so much younger than your peers! My dad was skipped a grade back in school, and said it's a lot harder to make friends when they're all bigger than you. Is it common for studens in Japan to be bumped ahead like that? I know that at least where I'm from, instead of skipping a grade, I was just thrown into a class with the other smart kids, but I don't know if it was much better.

...Video games are a waste of time? But, but they make me so happy! Maybe someone should lend this guy a copy of Super Mario Galaxy? And there's always Edutainment games, if he feels that would be more beneficial. Math Munchers! Reader Rabbit! Etc!

I am much amused at comments screaming "gaming waste of time? nooooo! He's losing his childhood!"

I didn't get into video games 'till was 13 or so (and even then, was mostly "meh" 'bout it, 'till PS2 came out) Maybe a good novel or game of Monopoly is his way to unwind, you don't know =P

"Its up to people what they do with their time. Whether its a waste depends on how you look at it. "
that comment was absolutely right-- but the other comments maybe harsh and inappropriate--
let the boy be, if he wants to spend his life like that.. besides-- IT'S NOT THEIR LIVES.....
and maybe they gave comments like that because they feel guilty that gaming is a waste of time...
gaming shouldn't be seriously taken. as they say-- IT'S JUST A GAME.

or some are just envious because they're not that smart and just drown themselves into gaming..forever

it would be funny to see him pick up a really good game and suddenly become so involved in it that he becomes a genius game programmer or something

he might be coding the next final fantasy or metal gear solid game
or some other new series that will become the next biggest hit 0.0

who knows...

The funny thing is that I go to ELAC as well, which is the school the kid is going to. He was running for student body president this year. I met him a couple of times, he's pretty average besides the academics and non-gaming choice. People can choose which is better: games or education. So I support his efforts in choosing academics, but a kid should have his fun once in a while. That's just my opinion. I personally take both seriously because if you become serious on one thing, won't you get serious on the other thing if you hold both of them with high regards?

BerserkZero

I can only imagine what the life would be for his future kids. hehehh

I wrote a bigger comment on Kotaku about this one, basically pointing out how most "young geniuses" ends up frustrated as adults for dedicating all their childhoods to study, most of the time forced (or induced) by parents and teachers...
But I'll make it short here: Graduating at an early age and being considered a "genius" doesn't mean he actually knows what's best for him.
It mainly means that he can easily memorize and reproduce his teachers' knowledge.

Now, I don't really care about his opinions on games, as high IQ scores and whatever doesn't really mean much to me, but I do hope he has some other leisure time, hobby, or something "useless" to do other than study. You know, like being a kid.

Otherwise he will face lots of trouble soon, or die in an early age... or even worse: get crazy and turn out to being some extremist...

If you make time for other hobbies and have a life I don't see video games as a waste of time. It's nice that the kid wants to help the world but besides being book smart what does he know about the real world? So for anyone to get upset because he said video games are a waste of time is kinda silly.

This proverb comes into mind...

"All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy."

why does the quote from the kid sound too much deathnote in it O_O;

Its good to have an idea of what you want to do, but you often hear of really smart kids burning themselves out with the pressure. Everyone has to have some down time! Besides, the gaming companies could be helping the world financially (>.>)
As for me, I combine my Japanese study with PS3 or DS (it's good study- you never know when you'll need to tell someone "I will avenge your death!!" ^^;;)

Wow. Great job to his parents and himself. Don't want to be negative, but I can think of some potential issues in this:
1) Probably not making many friends along the way.
The best friends are childhood friends. If you're going to be snobbish and look down on other kids, good luck actually having friends to count on.
2) Probably won't know how to properly parent his own child.
No experience dealing with other kids so probably won't be able to help him own kid with problems.
3) Probably didn't network as much as other people.
Blazing through college is nice, but while making condescending comments, I wonder how many people he actually networked with. He's limiting his opportunities for the future.
4) Probably another unemployed graduate.
Once he graduates, what then? No one in their right mind is going to hire a teenager for major roles no matter their intelligence. Intelligence and maturity are separate things. He can be Einstein, but he'll still be immature.
5) Probably doesn't know how to handle failure.
The almighty interview question. How do you handle failure? The "I've never failed" answer doesn't really cut it. Life isn't all ups. These are the kind of kids that will kill themselves if they suddenly get a B+ in a class. Need a dose of reality.

I wonder why he didn't just get into a 4-year BS program at a technical university if he's interested in Astrophysics...He couldn't been halfway done with his degree by now...

STREETS OF RAGE!! <3 XD

I have to gives the kid props for graduating so young and with good grades. That is a pretty incredible feat and I am proud of the little guy.

On his comment: I don't believe games are in ANY way a waste of time. I have actually learned actual information from some video games and have used that info a few times to answer questions in Jeopardy, and not video game related questions. I think video games also help keep your imagination active and allow you to increase your creativity through playing them. ^_^ They also are a way to have fun that doesn't involve harming people or objects in any way in real life.

Streets of Rage was the second game I had for the Megadrive. Really awesome and nostalgic!

We had a genius kid at my local university. He was 11 when he got in and didn't finish because he killed himself. Sometimes it's good to relax and have fun... >>;

umm love the 2ch comments full of humor, espically the chess one
trying to change the world eh? easier said then done @_@
maybe the kid is just ignorant at his/her age, most kids are anyway

That kid needs to play and get out some more but if that's what he sees in life then I won't argue with him.

I just hope that he still has some fun in his blood.

I don't see why everyone is so upset over the comment. I mean, it isn't like he is wrong. Video games are a waste of time.

But...it is fun to waste time sometimes, so that's why we play anyway.

"Its up to people what they do with their time. Whether its a waste depends on how you look at it." - This.

Playing games is same as reading books, listening to music, watching anime, etc. OK, you gain something from reading books (eg. knowledge), but you also gain something from playing games (eg. amusement). It just depends on personal needs.

Some people earn money by playing games...

Lets watch how he changes the world~ ^^

when the zombie apocalypse comes dont come to me for help...

goes to play more left 4 dead to train XD

hummm, games aren't a waste of time, unless your uber addicated and site infront of the screen for +12hrs a day (everyday). I learned a lot of useful things by playing games (to which I don't feel like elaborating, but rest assured these skills are actually useful in life).

"Life is Clannad"

I agree with this statement.

God, I hope they're not a waste of time... Wait. What have I done today?

Someday that kid is going to realize life is meaningless and you can't save humanity... :( then have a breakdown?

Fun is not a waste of time. Fun is needed for a healthy lifestyle. Personally I have fun playing video games especially with friends. I play in moderation too. So there is nothing wrong with that.

and more over its only acceptable if your collage accepts level acceleration which in my country's education laws doesnt accept by any circumstances so i dare say hes only lucky kid regardless of missing out the normal stuff <_< as for me i only listen to the teacher and i passed almost all of my subject without any major drawbacks

Best comment was the Clannad one XD So true! That kid has no life

I heard that the current smartest person in the world mastered integral calculus at the age of 4, which is something I just picked up last year.

Also, I'm quite disappointed at all tha bashing at how the kid. People are entitled to their own opinion and of course their own lifestyle. I used to be a gamer during my highschool days, and I realized after I entered post secondary education that I've wasted a lot of time there, and didn't really gain much out of it (because if you're not hardcore then you're noob, and being hardcore takes dedication that causes most people to neglect deadlines), could have gotten more money in the form of scholarships, and so on. Also, with the talk of balance, balance determined by where the fulcrum is set, and that is different with everyone. Just because one doesn't like to play games doesn't mean his life is meaningless and what not. A lot of people I know have given up gaming. Just my opinion, I'm expecting quite a bit of disagreement.

He is right. Although it can also be said that life is a waste without recreation. Take your pick; improving the world is awesome too.

Lonely lonely kid is all im gonna say

I could think of worse ways to waste time. Also, what if no one played video games? The lack of consumers in that market would crash the video game industry. I mean, it's good to use his skills and try to better humanity, which is probably why he got accepted into college in the first place, but criticizing the video game industry probably isn't going to get him there. Well, as long as he doesn't have anything against the Anime industry, I'll probably just think of him as just another one of those child prodigies.

Also, yeah, I'm more of a PC person, I find consoles hard to keep up with, although I do have a PS2 nowadays and enjoy playing fighting games on it.

I wonder how he's going to change the world... for one thing his last name isn't Christ or even Obama...

he's one from the Les Enfants Terribles project perhaps

Begin good at study doesn't mean much, specially at his age. Look at Albert Einstein for example, he did bad on math grades, but succeeded on life as genius. No one alone can change the world, you need at least half plus one of all people of the world in order to do that. Specially since humans are incredibly stupid, selfish, hypocrite, etc, etc. There is NO God (stupid humans created him in first place), there was NO Christ (there was NO miracle at all, they didn't killed any baby trying get the Messiah, etc, so there was no Christ is just a Jew's invention, a lie, a BIG lie), and the world will NOT end on 2012. You only have this live, once you die, you'll be dead for eternity. There is NO Paradise, but that doesn't means you should be a bad person, not at all!

The thing to consider I think is whether there are long-term studies to show that graduating early leads to greater life success than those who started late. After all, how many child prodigies can be said to have become adult prodigies as well. My guess is that the answer is not many.

"wants to use his knowledge to change the world"
Come on! Grow up! If he's THAT intelligent he should know that you can't change the world. Poor little boy that doesn't know what life is really about: being happy the most you can!

Good for that kid. However I enjoyed my normal education pace.

I wonder if he's going to become a mage and teach English to an All-girls middleschool.