'Starfield Saved Me And My Family's Life': Gaming's Unexpected Role In A Fire Rescue

A gamer credited the addictiveness of a Microsoft Corporation MSFT video game for saving his family from a apartment fire.

What Happened: A Chico, California-based resident says a devastating, late-night explosion could have killed his family had he not been awake playing the game "Starfield."

The man, known as "tidyckilla" on Reddit, recounted the harrowing experience, emphasizing how his gaming session coincided with the critical moment.

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"I have waited for this game since the trademark rumors of 2015-2016," tidyckilla posted, as reported by IGN. He had preordered the premium edition of the game and decided to engage in an all-night gaming session on August 31, coinciding with the early access release date.

The pivotal moment occurred around 2:26 a.m. when an explosion emanated from his neighbor's downstairs apartment. Prompted by the unusual sound, tidyckilla paused his game and proceeded to investigate.

To his shock, he discovered flames rapidly ascending the stairwell leading to his apartment. His swift response in evacuating his family, consisting of his wife and cat, ultimately saved their lives.

He reflected: "If I hadn’t been up bingeing Starfield, I would have been asleep, and we would have all died to smoke inhalation. I want to thank this game for saving my family and me from a horrible fate."

Photographs shared on Reddit documented the intensity of the fire at the Sheridan Manor apartments.

Local news reports confirmed the tragic loss of at least one life in the incident. Firefighters rescued three individuals trapped on the second floor using a ladder, and authorities are presently investigating the cause of the fire.

Describing the perilous situation further, tidyckilla conveyed: "Wall of fire coming up the stairs as seen in the picture; couldn't see or breathe the whole time, just had to feel my way out. The alarm didn't go off until my wife opened the door to run."

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Photo by Daniel Tausis on Unsplash