I recently wrote a paper on gaming addiction, more specifically within MMOs. I do firmly believe that it is a phenomena that can be quite easy to fall into.

Everybody loves to “Escape” just for a little while into entertainment. But it’s when as you point out it starts to affect oneself and those around them that it becomes an issue. It’s sad to know that when you hear that kids in Korea are literally dying from gaming addiction, you know there’s a problem: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/4137782.stm

It’s by no means a media cover up.

I also agree with Menzo on the addictive personality trait issue, addiction is born out of escapism, if it’s not games, it will 8 out of 10 times be something else.

Also love the fact you’re writing a Gaming PR blog.

The industry is already reading….

Well done keep up the good work!

Chris

Just like you mentioned, it’s an escape, and we all have healthy and unhealthy things we turn to for escape. It’s not about video games; it’s about something else driving that person to neglect the rest of the world and shut themselves off from whatever it is they’re trying to escape.

Of course, the “new toy” theory also works. When we first got Xbox and Guitar Hero, I would wake up in the morning thinking about it and wanting to conquer a particular song. But that’s not inherently unhealthy – it’s just the novelty of something that eventually wears off. I mean, if I had something better to do on a late Saturday morning, then I’d be doing it, but I found nothing wrong with sitting in PJs and playing a game and listening to music to ease into the day!

I think obsession works. Buying a new game and going on a binge with it is kinda like the new shiny toy syndrome, and that wears off in a short time span.

I think also, video games can become habit. You get used to sitting in a certain spot, doing a certain thing. I’m sure a lot of WoW players play because that’s how they’re used to spending their spare time.