In reference to the previous questionnaire about addiction and gamers, and the suggestion in that thread that we have a discussion about it, here is my reply to the questionnaire to set it off.
1. What is your age bracket:
<16
16 – 18
19 – 21
21 – 25
25+
25+ (i'm 31)
2. What is your definition of addiction in general?
An inability to stop or give up an activity or substance based on a psychological need for it.
3. How many hours a week on average do you play computer/video games?
1-10
11-20
21-30
31-40
41+
Between 25 and 35 hours a week, usually about 3-4 hours a night and longer at the weekends
4. Do you feel you play too much?
On occasion yes, and certainly in the past I have, but with any activity or substance, a measure of self control is needed.
5. What elements of a gaming do you think could make it addictive?
The challenge, the satisfaction of goals completed, storylines, even adrenaline rushes in some respects.
6. Do you think genre could have any effect on how addictive a game is?
Not so much, there is a wide variety of gamers and genres out there, and each has its own hardcore fans. I know people that still play Everquest nearly 9 years on, and I know people that still load up Quake II and Diablo for a game. People have died playing Starcraft and if the games charts have anything to go by, half the country plays *shudder* The Sims
7. Could a games’ popularity effect its “addictiveness”?
If a social circle is involved, then definitely. I played Everquest for a long time after the actual gameplay enjoyment had gone out of it, simply because of the friends I had made in the game, that needed my help
8. In your opinion, what are the three most addicting games and why?
Everquest, World of Warcraft and probably Elite
Mainly because i have played each of these games for years on end, these however are personal choices, obviously the gaming community as a whole feels different as FPS games and RTS types have a huge following in different countries and have been known to cause illness,exhaustion and as mentioned before, in extreme cases, death. (Obviously the games involved were not the only factor).
9. Do you think any addiction can be treated?
Yes, but the varying forms of addiction should define the treatment. Someone who has social/marital/employment difficulties due to an addiction may not necessarily need to completely cut out the addiction, but instead needs to be moderated in some fashion, whereas someone with health problems may well need a complete abstinence program.
10. In your opinion, are there social problems created by excessive game playing?
Yes, lack of literacy, inability to express and define oneself in company, acceptable behaviour in social settings are all problems associated with addictions of any kind, whether it be drugs, alcohol, gambling etc etc. This is especially true if allowed to develop in children of an early age as social skills are obviously developed as we grow.
Comments : Addiction is a serious problem in all walks of life, From movie stars to the homeless. There are varying forms but the one that affects most of the people on this board personally (ok, big assumption here, but i'm pretty sure i'm on the mark) would be gaming addiction.
Do I suffer from it - Yes, to a lesser degree now than i used to. I have in the past put jobs in jeopardy, definitely lost relationships to it, and probably alienated some friends in the past.
Am I cured now - probably not, but I game on my own time now, I dont sit (that often) to 4am when i have work the next day, I do go out socially (generally once a week) and I spend the weekends having dinner with my family (mother, gran, aunt, cousins). I also make a point of having dinner with my mother at a restaurant at least once a month (My gran is rather ill and my mother spends a great deal of her time looking after her, this night out gives some stress relief).
The reason I brought this up for discussion rather than leave it to a personal questionnaire is because I reckon other people will have similar issues and therefore, other solutions to the *addiction*.
Hexus social meets are a great thing incidentally, meeting people with the same interests and being able to discuss them round a table with a pint in hand is incredibly enjoyable, something i can only do with one or two of my present social circle who are more interested in football (i can wing it, but only just), cars (i can drive, but all my car info comes from Top Gear). It can be rather awkward when trying to explain the pure elation when 40+ people all worked together to take down Trakanon or Vulak in Everquest while at a busy pub![]()
Saying that, each to their own, i wasn't allowed to sit indoors as a child playing on the Speccy all day, i wasnt allocated specific times or anything, but if it was sunny out, i was out. I didnt learn my English from chatrooms and I still hate the majority of text abbreviations and incorrect language.
So, while I agree that there is definitely a level of addiction involved in gaming, I do think that its far more easily dealt with than a drug or alcohol abuse problem, some fresh air, organised event (whether its family or sports or outdoor or whatever) that you are interested in, social gathering with like minded people, rather than sitting in a room day after day logged in and burning out.
Anyways..... Discuss
ps : dont expect too many serious posts from me, i have a rep to uphold![]()


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