Irony lost on Daily Star

British tabloid The Daily Star has taken the mainstream media’s negative games agenda to a whole new low today with a story claiming that Activision’s Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Prestige Pack, which includes a pair of night vision goggles, is to transform geeky computer game fans” into an army of ogling pervs”.

Apparently, hordes of joy-pad junkies are rubbing their hands in anticipation and some have already admitted they will use the goggles for ‘stealth dogging’ and to spy on gay cruising spots.”

Their evidence? Two comments left on consumer games sites. Firstly, a statement on VG247 claimed: They’re good enough for stealth dogging/cruising and I think that’s all anyone really cares about.”

An additional poster on PS3Attitude added: Now instead of squinting to see what appears to be a shadow in the house next door, you can put these bad boys on and become the Peeping Tom you’ve always wanted to be.”

Now, call us nave if you like, but we had somewhat foolishly presumed that both commentators were, you know, taking the mick?

Elsewhere in its cutting reportage, The Daily Star quotes ‘game writer’ Rob Watson as stating: I shudder to think of someone who may have a hard time with reality anyway donning these goggles for real mischief – or even worse.”

You have to wonder whether it’s gamers or The Daily Star who have the hardest time with reality…