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For a different perspective: This was not an internet chat fight. It was a threat (or perceived threat, or "joke threat" incorrectly perceived), among people who know each other in real life, over an incident that occurred in real life.

As "Enron Exec" said, the medium has nothing to do with the message. If someone you know in real life threatens you, it doesn't matter if the threat arrives via email, instant message, cell phone text messages, or face to face: a threat is a threat if the person issuing it has apparent means and opportunity to carry it out.

This wasn't a case of hAk0rzd00m telling 0neTwUl33T that his skillz were better. It was someone known in real life, apparently issuing a credible threat.

I'd take it seriously too. And if I was satisfied everyone involved was "just joking", I'd drop them from all future contacts.