Issues of Gaming Addiction

In case you haven't heard, the controversial Modern Warfare 2 "Stimulus Pack" have just sold 2.5 milliion on the 360 alone. This news can be seen as a success, but underlying this success are signs of a community of gamers who are deeply addicted to the point that they are willing to fork 15 bucks on content that many are calling overpriced.

http://www.gamespot.com/news/6257092.html?tag=latestheadlines%3Btitle%3B2

Now this isn't even the first time that Activision-Blizzard have cashed in on an addiction. The phenom known as World of Warcraft already have over 11.5 million subscribers. Now, the reason why I decided to put this on a forum instead of a blog is because I want to know how you feel about the connection of gaming addiction and whether or not the charging extra on new content (monthly fees, DLC, map packs, sequels) is ethical.

If you're wondering the definition of addiction, here's a link to the definition.

I wouldn't really call that gaming addicting. If a person really likes a game and is willing to pay money for additional content, there's a possibility that they will. Granted, there are people in those games that are addicted, but buying some additional content or paying per month to play a game isn't addiction.

Sorry, but I don't buy into the video game addiction thing seeing as video games aren't really a chemical and therefore you can't get physically dependant on them. I merely think that some people prefer the social atmosphere of a game (anonymity of this atmosphere in particular) and prefer that to real life situations.

But it's not unethical to make an expansion and sell it for money just because a lot of people will buy it, then label those who buy it as addicted to video games because you don't see any other reason why they would purchase it unless they were addicted to video games.

Sorry, but I don't buy into the video game addiction thing seeing as video games aren't really a chemical and therefore you can't get physically dependant on them. I merely think that some people prefer the social atmosphere of a game (anonymity of this atmosphere in particular) and prefer that to real life situations.

But it's not unethical to make an expansion and sell it for money just because a lot of people will buy it, then label those who buy it as addicted to video games because you don't see any other reason why they would purchase it unless they were addicted to video games.

kodyoo

Addiction doesn't have to be to a drug. People get addicted to lots of things: games, tv, sex, drugs, eating, etc, etc.

There are some people who are clearly ill ( mentally insane ) ; I have seen news where children have killed their parents ( mother , father , etc ) because they didn't let them play anymore and/or pay .

Edit: Also you know the cases of those students who entered schools/highschools/universities and shot everyone who came in their path ?

Those who are addicted have a problem .

It is not good to replace real life experiences with the pleasures of games/internet activities . On the other hand , it is even worse to use drugs , become an alcoholic and ruin your and others' life .

That is why we need to maintain a balance . Eat healthy , do sports , have friends ...

Sorry, but I don't buy into the video game addiction thing seeing as video games aren't really a chemical and therefore you can't get physically dependant on them. I merely think that some people prefer the social atmosphere of a game (anonymity of this atmosphere in particular) and prefer that to real life situations.

But it's not unethical to make an expansion and sell it for money just because a lot of people will buy it, then label those who buy it as addicted to video games because you don't see any other reason why they would purchase it unless they were addicted to video games.

kodyoo

I buy food; that doesn't mean I'm addicted. I buy games; that doesn't mean I'm addicted. I could be to either one, but the mere act of purchasing doesn't make me addicted.muthsera666

Yes it does!