Days ago, members of the gaming industry met with White House staff over criticism leveled at the industry. Despite zero evidence that violent videogames have ever been linked with crimes, the conversation focused on how the growth of violence in video games could be linked to things like mass shootings. While many key industry members were not invited whatsoever to the proceedings, a compilation video of recent violence across the industry has still managed to start a conversation among major developers regarding videogame violence.

It was the video above that had many developers talking this weekend, and while the conversations stayed civil, it was clear that feelings were strong on the issue.

Warren Spector was one of the most vocal critics of the violence depicted, while Randy Pitchford came forward to defend the use of violence.

For those unaware, Spector was a key player in the development of Deus Ex, Deus Ex: Invisible War, and Thief. He is also currently working on System Shock 3. Spector’s reputation is colossal, and the games he has worked on are often cerebral and complex, making him on a somewhat far side of the spectrum.

On the other hand, Randy Pitchford cut his teeth on Duke Nukem 3D and Shadow Warrior – two games known for their crude humor and cartoonish violence. He also went on to make the acclaimed Borderlands series and is currently at work on Borderlands 3.

Yet another developer weighed in when indie developer Rami Ismail chose not to discuss the content of games, but the fact that they already are regulated by satirically pointing out that the White House hasn’t followed the guidelines already set for videogames.

While Pitchford and Spector might disagree on fun, taste, or creativity, Ismail addresses the fact that games already have a system in place to regulate them. The ESRB’s job is to ensure that these levels of violence aren’t shown to impressionable children. Ismail’s point also brings to mind other industries that are regulated by groups rather than laws but which have also shared their own amount of controversial content.

Even with a rating system in place for movies, it hasn’t stopped popular films like Deadpool or Logan from making it into the mainstream. In fact, as comic book films become more popular, the viewers of the films grow increasingly younger. The fact is, little can be done by the film industry if parents allow children to see these films, and the same is equally true for videogames. Especially damning is the fact that there are not only entire genres dedicated to extreme gore in slasher films, there are even compilations readily available on Youtube to show some of the most disturbing scenes.

The truth is, certain filmmakers probably look down on the Saw films just like certain developers might look down on Call of Duty. As long as the debates remain academic in nature, there shouldn’t be a problem. But if the White House or Spector start trying to rally for a change in videogames – one forced upon the industry – there will be a lot more pushback than just a few tweets.