Game Addiction: It is real!

Someone recently mentioned being fearful of Vanguard: Saga of Heroes finally starting up and, in my overly serious and realistic way, I took this to be something that many people really do need to consider. I started answering his post, but then thought that maybe some of the lurkers really didn't want any further information, so I decided to answer it this way instead.

If you have an "addictive personality," there are many things that that can serve as hosts, such as golf, fishing, needle point, cleaning (*shudder*), hunting, crossword puzzles...you get the idea. Anything can feed the need. You can almost equate it to OCD (obsessive/compulsive disorder) at times. Some people just can't stop!

There have been marriages because of games, but I'd wager there are more divorces and this is the fault of both parties in the relationship, not just the gamer. There has to be some mutual understanding and maybe even willingness to try gaming yourself to really make it work. However you also need to agree to limit the time spent and continue to have quality time with family! Parents need to limit their kids playtime and children (of all ages) need to learn to budget their time to include situations like game death, CR, raids, whatever. If you think a raid is going to take you longer than you have, don't start! CR? ugh, well....Two possibilities here: Ask your folks/spouse/friends for an extension but don't make it a habit (and this really isn't the best idea!!) or hopefully you'll find someone that will be able to help you at another time.

There have been many papers written on this! Nicholas Yee wrote one where he actually tracks some excellent data over a period of time!

"It is not hard to show that MMORPGs are very compelling and require huge time investments that many players are willing to give."

Cybrephoenix also wrote a good article in which he looks at different variables and actually cites other research done on the subject.

If you're determined to play but realize you have a problem getting addicted to games, make yourself a schedule. Let your friends know and have them help you! We've done this for others. I'd literally tell someone that their time was up and go turn off the lights! Guilds can be great support groups! I've seen it repeatedly over the past 5+ years that I've been playing and even worked with/helped a life coach on some things!

You can do it too! If you're married, ask your spouse to help you. If you live at home, ask your parents. Be very up front with people, and be very honest with yourself, as well. If you don't think you can do it, or it will become a battleground, then don't start. If there turns out to be a problem, intervention is not out of line! I've seen people lose their religion (honestly!) over a game. Flunk out of school. Lose their families and friends! But you can't blame the game!

I've always told my friends that real life comes first. School, work, family, whatever. Iz twue...iz twue!!!

So, regardless of that having been a "real" article or not, there are still many out there who will face this question or issue in the future. We don't want any more sites like "EQWidows" starting up. I know that things like this do hurt people all over. Not just the ones directly involved. Ask Brad McQuaid if he ever intended for one of his worlds to cause heartache in or out of game. I know for a fact that the question, itself, would hurt him! So, what can we do? Stop a problem before it becomes one. Be smart! Know your limits! Love your real life and love those willing to help you and those who play with you, as well!

Have fun!