The solution to one gamer’s lagging internet lies within a literally buggy router. In a viral clipstraight out ofResident Evil,a router’s Ethernet ports play passageway for an infestation of cockroaches, raising the dilemma of deciding whether to call Geek Squad or pest control.
From thevile culinary spread inResident Evil 7to the impromptu eye surgery inDead Space, gamers, especially those who enjoy the horror genre, are well-versed in the gross and macabre. The viscerally unappealing is a pillar in most horror games, where putting players ill at ease is a large factor in maintaining that unnerving sense of dread and fear that remains a hallmark of most good horror. While gruesome as some gaming moments are, there is always a sense of comfort that lies in the fact that all the hideous and disgusting set pieces are digital. They cannot permeate smells nor present a biological hazard, and as such, are de-fanged in a way, just enough to enjoy without becoming nauseous.
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There was no digital barrier for TikTok user nxtlvl_pest, who posted their clip of a utility worker’s worst nightmare. Titled “I swear all I do is lag,” the clip showed the back of an internet router positively infested with cockroaches. The small bugs, leaving their detritus across every surface scampered across, wove in and out of the router’s Ethernet ports without a care in the world. Not much context is given but based on the video’s various tags, it appears this infestation is one of German Cockroaches, and it occurred in Naples, Florida. The source of the infestation was not divulged, though some theorized it may have been an attempt to create a real-lifeversion ofFallout’s Radroaches.
Nxtlvl_pest’s video highlights a stereotype in gaming culture that, although mostly unfounded, can still strike true every once in a while. Namely, that gamers can be slobs. While not a unique trait, portrayals like in theSouth ParkMake Love not Warcraftepisodecut at the core of a certain sub-demographic in gaming that has an unfortunate reputation. Nowadays, this typically seen as a debunked cliche, but it still resonates with those who have been unfairly boxed in just because of their love of video games.
Regardless of what led to a router becoming infested with roaches, one thing is certain.Bug fix patches likeOverwatch 2’s recent update will never sound quite the same after watching nxtlvl_pest’s video.
