so true...
kind of speechless.

Glad i never played WOW

WOW is sooo freaking boring.

I love that website!! Hahaha... I didn't really get this article though.

Usvart Jorge wrote:

I didn't really get this article though.

Video games own you via behavioral psychology. That's pretty much it.

Very good article - I actually notice some of these traits in reflecting upon games I've played after reading that.


I'm going to go play some Diablo II

WOW is boring.

Anyway, I can say that I'm definitely a video game addict. A current game I'm playing is Monster Hunter Freedom Unite (stupid name, great game) on the PSP - I've put 90 hours into it over the past couple months, and I'm not even close to beating it.

I agree with all those "5 ways" to a certain extent - and I've seen those. Whether the games are designed for ultimate enjoyment or ultimate addiction, that doesn't change the way I play them. (or enjoy them)

Not only am I addicted to video games, but I'm also addicted to drugs, alcohol, sex (which I haven't done in a while because of my re-established faith), lifting weights, making music, eating, THE INTERNET, and even work.

The point I'm getting to is addiction isn't because of the substance/stimulants. It's because of the person.

Granted, some substances/stimuli are more addicting than others - but its ultimately up to the individual. A bottle of booze, a gram of whatever would just sit there for 100 years... if it weren't for a person coming along.
_________________

Another thing, "addicted" isn't necessarily a bad/unproductive thing. ....like my addiction to lifting weights, and making music. It's something I (can) do impulsively and compulsively, but it doesn't interfere with my life's productivity. In fact, it can add to it.

I can lump video games in with this - though it's not extremely productive, it doesn't interfere with my life. It's quite relaxing for me.

If I miss work, miss life, don't eat, neglect hygiene, neglect responsibilities because I'm stuck with a controller in my hand, that IS a serious problem.

I think I am getting addicted to weight lifting.

And I know I am addicted to black metal. I cannot deny that.

I played EverQuest (aka: EverCrack) from 1998-2004 and World of Warcraft (aka: World of WarCrack) from 2004-2009. Before those I was into playing either FPS (First Person Shooter) or RPG (Role Playing Game) with friends and family online.

Sure, there is an entire factor built into these games to keep you playing them. The report was fairly right on the nose with how these games are designed. I actually did a similar (more lengthy study) for my final paper in Psychology (for my MS degree).

There are several factors that actually come into play that weren't discussed. One additional factor (as Hguols mentioned above) are those who already have an addictive personality trait. Indeed, when the game becomes real life and real life becomes a game, there is a huge problem.

I was always able to balance gaming (with it placed into the proper priority) with my "real life" responsibilities. But most of those who I was gaming with would play literally ALL day, neglecting families, friends, chores, work, school and etc.


I stopped playing because I wanted to do something different. I wanted to do something that might actually have a positive impact on the world around me. Time spent on the games felt...wasted. This is all opposed to my radio show which can potentially do more than entertain, but also edify the body of Christ and bring others closer to God. That seems FAR more worth my invested time and energy.

Jim wrote:

so true...
kind of speechless.

Glad i never played WOW

You know for a FACT you've played at least one Final Fantasy game before! Same rules apply!

Haha, those companies know what they are doing.