[ALL] Is online gaming addictive?

[kentsmith9]

I know it sound like an easy answer, but has anyone does any studies to determine if there really is an addictive element in online gaming? (I am not referring to gambling based games.)

[stevsta]

It's the competition high that is addictive

aka that feeling you get when your in a pressure moment with victory at stake and your adrenaline starts pumping as you turn the corner to try and get that last kill/drive to the basket for the last second kill.

It's why people most people love to play sports even if you have a high chance of injury

[Maynard]

twigg has done several studies on this very subject. perhaps he can post the results

[Villain]

I've only ever seen anecdotal evidence. My thoughts are that videos aren't a problem, they are a sympton. As in, someone who shunts the rest of their life for video games is problaby having more important life issues and video games are their easiest escape.

Every story I've ever read about people who's lives have been "ruined by video games" also had big time issues of depression (loss of job, shitty grades, relationship break up, etc).

[Diivox]

I've only ever seen anecdotal evidence. My thoughts are that videos aren't a problem, they are a sympton. As in, someone who shunts the rest of their life for video games is problaby having more important life issues and video games are their easiest escape.

Every story I've ever read about people who's lives have been "ruined by video games" also had big time issues of depression (loss of job, shitty grades, relationship break up, etc).

even alchoholics anonymous teaches you that the alchohol is only a symptom. thats why theres only one step that even mentions it - the first. the rest of the program is about repairing the shit in your life that causes you to be one.

[BrntO4Life]

It's the competition high that is addictive

aka that feeling you get when your in a pressure moment with victory at stake and your adrenaline starts pumping as you turn the corner to try and get that last kill/drive to the basket for the last second kill.

It's why people most people love to play sports even if you have a high chance of injury

[stevsta]

[JBregz]

I would say back in the PS2 days when I used to be hooked on Socom 2 that I was addicted to online play. But over the past 2 years my online gaming has really slowed down to what it was once before, where I would almost always buy games to play online.

[JayDizzle]

It depends on how well the subject responds to the reward stimuli given.

Guns, rifle attachments, new armor, better tools, powerful spells, etc.

Even something as simple as an extra life... if your target audience sees that they get something that will help them play better/get an edge, they'll keep playing to reach that goal.

Some will even pay real money to get the rewards that much quicker.

Other than that, you have to look at social/community aspects that make the person feel that they're contributing to a bigger cause.