ePluribus Media Community || The New Addiction: World of Warcraft

The New Addiction: World of Warcraft

Sun May 07, 2006 at 09:02:06 PM EST

His name is Joe. He is a real person and is the child of my neighors. A couple of years ago, we got along pretty well. He played badminton with me on the street and I filmed a couples of plays he was in. He was fun

No more.

It started a few months ago when the game first came out. He was already an obsessive gamer, but he played even more than usual. He moved his computer over to our house and played his game in a corner of our living room because he doesn't have much room at home.

commentary :: :: :: buzz-it!

Our nephew lives with us and eventually had a blowout with him. Joe was no fun. All he did was sit in front of the computer all day. They never did anything together except play the game and my nephew was sick of it.

Nowadays, Joe just sits in his room and plays his game, stopping only to eat, work and go to school. He has no social life and no friends. I never see him anymore. This game is his whole life. He is addicted.

And he is not alone. World of Warcraft addiction is becoming a worldwide phenomenon. Parents have sued Blizzard, the company that makes the game. A couple in Korea had their child die while the went to play World of Warcraft in an internet cafe. Googling World of Warcraft addiction showed 436,000 results.

As I read the Google answers to World of Warcraft Addiction, the scenario sounds much like the one I've encountered. The problem is so bad that even the Chinese government has gotten involved, banning more than 3 hours of on-line gaming per day.

Here is a statement by a father about his son. This could easily describe Joe.

Slowly, silently, my 20 year old son has eliminated his social life,
closed his door, and become a drug addict. The drug is the
World of Warcraft game. He doesn't want to go out. He has no
friends. He is trapped, and I and his Mom didn't see it coming!
HELP!!! As we don't monitor his time this has surprised us- we
never anticipated that a computer game could suck away his
soul .This "Best Performing Artist" in high school, who had a
good many friends, and multiple activities, put away his drums,
has a nice car but rarely goes out; his friends no longer visit, I
think, because they are disrespected as he sits and plays. He
makes pretty good grades in college (in our town) but he does
his schoolwork only to get back to the game; same for sleep and
food. Girlfriends? He is attractive, but apart from classes he
creates no opportunities. Its as if an artificial world has replaced
the real one.

Why is this game so addicting? First of all, the people that are getting addicted to the game are already obsessive gamers. Going through on-line accounts of people addicted to this game one finds a pattern of gaming long before World of Warcraft came along.

But World of Warcraft is different. It is open ended and allows deep immersion into the game, as Josh Dura can testify to:

No end in sight
I see no end in sight for my love of this game. There is just way too much to still be explored. Hell, I still have 5 other classes to get to 60 :) So, in closing, if you have noticed the lack of updates, you know why.

The long list of character classes and races that can be played, the sheer size of the worlds, the ability to both work together with and fight other actual people on-line keep people coming back on a daily basis. The game is designed to reward people for endless repetition of tasks, called appropriately enough "grinding" by players.

As a character is played, the levels are increased and the stuff acquired becomes better and once a player hits the highest level, there are still more things to do in game. More stuff and better adventures, so that unlike other games, it never truly ends.

So as I walk out of my house in the morning I look up at Joe's window, with his curtains always drawn and I wonder: Will this kid ever have a life again?

The New Addiction: World of Warcraft | 18 comments (18 topical, 0 hidden)

Escapism? (5.00 / 1) (#7)

And possibly addiction?

The addictive personality can be caught up with anything from gambling to drugs/alcohol to obsessive/compulsive behaviour.

Why would this be any different, it's just a different weapon of choice.

Initially, there could also be a good bit of escapism from something else they cannot deal with. There again, it's a cry for help.

by kfred on Mon May 08, 2006 at 11:01:51 AM EST

Cyberaddiction -- the next new wave? (none / 0) (#1)

Interesting observations, as well as troubling.

Thanks.

by GreyHawk on Sun May 07, 2006 at 09:42:59 PM EST

Doesn't it sound also... (5.00 / 2) (#2)

...like what some folks say about their "dkos addiction... or their blogging addiction?

by Cho on Sun May 07, 2006 at 10:01:10 PM EST
[ Parent ]

The difference. (5.00 / 2) (#4)

The Daily Kos "addiction" is a misnomer.

It's more like a support group. It draws many in because the site (and its offspring) give a voice to the voiceless. We are people who did not like the way our government was hijacked; we trusted in democracy and it bit us in the butt, so to speak, one too many times.

We're not just gamers. We are trying to change the world. We are using the internets to network and organize. And rather than fighting a pretend fight for false rewards, we are fighting for a future for ourselves and our children.

I can't address the issues that Craig brings up in a single comment -- I don't know enough about Joe's family situation, or why his computer was moved to Craig's house. There's a focus on the problem, but could it be that the addiction is a symptom of a greater ill?

I'm thinking of households that need two working parents just to scrape by. I'm thinking of how we choose to spend our dwindling free time. I'm thinking of the enormous and pervasive influence of violence in our culture. I'm thinking of instant gratification and fast food and disposable this, that, and the other, fueled by consumerism, fueled by corporations focused on stock prices and short-term profits led by CEOs with outrageous compensation packages.

I hope this turns into a larger discussion. And I hope we can learn a little bit more about Joe's background, and what caused him to turn to World of Warcraft in the first place.
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by wanderindiana on Mon May 08, 2006 at 04:15:43 AM EST
[ Parent ]

"I hope this turns into ...." (5.00 / 2) (#5)

"...a larger discussion"

I agree, wanderindiana.

I also agree with Cho, however, that I do think that there is a relationship between computer games addiction and a lot of what goes on in blogging.

I believe that much of it is concerned with a desperate longing to control ones environment and not be simply at the mercy of external forces. As you correctly write, political blogging is a means to "give a voice to the voiceless". When you write "It's more like a support group." I think you are again absolutely right. It is the necessary feedback to the game of blogging. The mojo award is no more than gaining sufficient points to move up from level 2 to level 3. No matter that you are preaching to the choir - the ability of the choir to give a sense of influence by responding is all that matters to those feeling disenfranchised.

Sadly, I don't think that political blogging is much more real than "rather than fighting a pretend fight for false rewards. It carries some weight as a noise machine but much of the acknowledgement given to it in the traditional media is little more than Fox News trying to bring down its age demographics by including items on teen culture icons and showbiz features.

Gaming gives the same sense of control to those feeling unable to sufficiently impact on and influence the real world. People get a far more perceived satisfactory relationship with their game world than they can ever feel with their real world.

Joe brings to the attraction of gaming certain personal characteristics so that his needs are gratified and reinforced by the reward system of the game. There are many Joes but the real issue is not with their individual responses to what games offer them borne out of specific personal weaknesses but with much wider social issues concerned with a need for some sort of sense of individual empowerment in societies that are ever increasing in size and ever less able to respond at the level of the individual.

by Welshman on Mon May 08, 2006 at 09:47:40 AM EST
[ Parent ]

: Drive by response (none / 0) (#6)

Actually, in a previous life, I do have a background in computer game design -- (gasp!) confession.
And, although not the same, blogging and gaming do share some characteristics... getting to see almost instanteously visual effects for one's efforts -- "progress indicators" -- number of mojo points, making it to the recommend list, etc. Classic "gaming motivators."
Still, I agree with wander.
The key difference is that in blogging there is the sharing of information that, in the media environment of today, might not otherwise get out there in the public domain (which is why making sure the information is credible is such a bee in my bonnet). Second to that is, as wander indicates, the "meeting up" with likeminded folks who might pool brainpower, dollars, and energy to try to make a difference. Case in point is Kagro X's inspiring folks to make Impeach a household word and a movement from the people (not from a well-funded hit squad fishing expedition.)
I am not articulate here... my apologies... I will try to distill this and add more later.

by Cho on Mon May 08, 2006 at 10:53:53 AM EST
[ Parent ]

I disagree (none / 0) (#8)

Simply because the time spent engaging in the activity of blogging may serve a different purpose than gaming doesen't mean that it can't be an addiction. That is not to say that everyone blogging is addicted to blogging but some very possible could have a problem with addictive or compulsive behaviour.

And I would caution against getting into any in depth discussion of Joe's background in the context of caused him to turn to WOW. There are privacy and ethical issues that we need to consider too.

by standingup on Mon May 08, 2006 at 06:31:37 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Gotta agree. Joe's background (none / 0) (#9)

Would make it obvious who this kid is to anyone who knows him. I use my real name, so that would mean that his parents would know, so this would not be anonymous at all.

by Craig Weiler on Mon May 08, 2006 at 06:50:41 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Generic "Joe". (none / 0) (#10)

Is comparing gamers to political bloggers/community participants an apple/orange comparison - are there larger moral standards that divide them? While I'm sure there are community participants driven by ego gratification on both sides, which group is better identified by this primary goal? I think that many of us who participate as bloggers/online community participants do so for a greater purpose.

I see your point, that you don't have to talk about specific individuals to understand the phenomenon. But let's try to better distinguish the differences between the motivations of the two groups.

Speaking for myself, as someone who spends a great deal of time each week engaged in this activity, I was drawn in out of a larger purpose. It was not about personal gratification or entertainment or escape. It was about engaging in participatory democracy and, in the case of ePluribus Media, participatory journalism. I see it as a fight for the present and the future; if and when a balance to our system of government is achieved, with enough strength to stabilize the system, I can rest easier.

Because I take up the responsibility for participating in self-government, one that an overwhelming majority has forsaken, am I to be considered obsessive, compulsive, or addicted? Do I choose apathy and indifference, and allow my life and that of future generations to be dictated by a minority of Neoconservatives who have managed to stay organized and committed to their cause? Or do I "fight the good fight" and try to make a difference?

I accept that it is possible to be participate to an extreme, to the point that one neglects maintaining balance in one's own life. But to what degree does this happen in each online world? And does the underlying purpose for extreme participation justify the action? Is there greater community support for individuals among World of Warcraft players, or among Community bloggers?

Each group needs its own discussion. While there are underlying psychological frailties that individuals in each group have in common, I think that the motivations that drive participation and the interaction between participants are of such a different nature that you can't compare the two groups.
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by wanderindiana on Tue May 09, 2006 at 06:33:11 AM EST
[ Parent ]

I believe we (5.00 / 1) (#18)

are comparing apples/oranges here. I was speaking to individuals and certain conditions specific to those individuals. Those conditions, addiction, OCD, personality disorders, etc., can occur independtly of particpation or membership of a group.

I think your motivation or reason for engaging in political blogging or citizen journalism as you have stated are good and valid. On the other hand I don't know everyone else's motivation. I would guess there are a variety of reasons for people to be actively involved in online communities. But I'm not particularly interested in comparing the moral standards or underlying psychological frailties of one community verses the other. That is to slippery a slope for me.

by standingup on Tue May 09, 2006 at 12:28:29 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Instant reaction: (none / 0) (#11)

This is a well expressed argument. I want to take a bit of time before responding to your conclusion:"I think that the motivations that drive participation and the interaction between participants are of such a different nature that you can't compare the two groups."

Somehow, I have to equate my cynicism about the process of blogging and my acceptance of the legitimacy of your view that many are motivated by the "larger purpose" of trying to create a vehicle for change.

At the moment my perception is not helped by the nature of so many recommended diaries on DKos, which seems to be going through one of its phases of self-affirmation of its rightness which blinds it to some of the real issues in play.

by Welshman on Tue May 09, 2006 at 07:08:11 AM EST
[ Parent ]

: Diversion, distraction, and infighting. (none / 0) (#12)

I give you credit for recognizing and addressing the bouts of self-righteousness and posturing that come with the territory. I agree that though drawn in by a similar purpose, such a large and relatively diverse group of people occasionally devolves into an angry and misguided mob.
Even when such a pie-fight occurs, the diaries usually only garner 400 or 500 comments, many of those generated by a small group of individuals facing off in continuous debate.
In the bigger picture, I would consider that such incidents of discomfort are relatively minor when compared to the sheer mass and purpose of the ideological campaign.
In relation to the world of gamers, I find no mode of comparison.
Individuals within the fray, such as ourselves, are able to recognize what is going on and step back to focus on the bigger picture. Others will step in and try to remind participants of the same thing, ultimately, until the conflict subsides and a point of action or unifying focus emerges to redirect the group's energies.
I don't know if such situations arise within the gaming world, or if that community is capable of a response equal to that of the online political community to which we belong - or and I definitely don't know if a greater, unifying purpose exists in the gaming world. That is why I suggest the two be examined separately.
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by wanderindiana on Tue May 09, 2006 at 08:19:37 AM EST
[ Parent ]

wander-- (none / 0) (#16)

I agree with your sentiments... what drew me to the political blogs was the need to do something about the direction of our country (this was in late 2003).

Moveon.org was instrumental in getting me involved and then the desire to get credible news out there, in the open, continues to this day to be a driving factor. The Gannon inquiry that, as Luaptifer says, spawned us is the perfect example of why. Shine the light. Because for financial reasons among others, the traditional news media have laid off their local staffs and their fact checkers/researchers, there's a huge void to be filled in terms of scratching beneath the surface talking points and getting to the facts underneath.

As the traditional media has had to narrow their reach in doing so, the lobbyists (as Welshman points out in another commentary) who are doing their job go unchecked...

by Cho on Tue May 09, 2006 at 12:00:11 PM EST
[ Parent ]

There is a huge difference (none / 0) (#13)

Between gaming and blogging. I've been a gamer all my life. I did board games when I was a kid and thought that computer games were a dream come true. But because I was an adult by the time the computer games came out, they never seemed interesting enough to hold my attention quite that well.

Remember this about videogames. They are designed to feed the hungry egos of young males and some young women. They do this very effectively in a controlled environment. It's precisely this controlled environment that sets it apart from blogging, which is uncontrolled.

You can be a success at a video game just by playing the thing for a long time and reading the spoilers to save time. When you're done with a video game, you haven't learned much that you can take into the rest of the world because everything you've done has been controlled.

Blogging on the other hand, requires constant interaction with other people. So there is a genuine social element. You learn that if you want to have an interesting argument, civility is a must.

A persuasive blog takes time to craft and requires skill that can be generally applicable to life.

In conclusion, I think that there enough differences that comparing obsessive blogging to video game addiction can only be taken so far.

by Craig Weiler on Tue May 09, 2006 at 10:50:29 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Caveat and an Apology (none / 0) (#14)

Agree, Craig and wander. (Kfred nails it in her comment below.)

The caveat: some of the elements of blog design -- especially those that take from the Orange Mothership (dkos) model, whether intended or not, do have a "hook" effect, similar to video game design. The original need for hooking video game players was to get them to keep feeding the machine quarters and keep them coming back to see how well they "did."

The standard components are in the scoop-based blogs:

The old fuel remaining indicator -- recent diaries list where you can actually see your diary scroll off and run out of gas
Points -- alien ships shot down/lemmings making it across the great divide, ah, mojo points getting you trusted user status -- ah, Space Cadet
Reaching the next level (getting on the recommended list) Space lieutenant
Reaching the next next level -- top of the recommended list-- Space Commander
Being a front pager -- Master of the universe.

[Snark now off.]

Not saying that this is bad, but it helps understand why, for some of us, sometimes the thrill of writing a piece that makes the "recommended list" is almost as important as getting the information out or sharing ideas.

I think even Welshman has admitted to the seduction of that... [grin]

Apology

My original comment (about blogging) was just a flip snark, and I apologize that it hijacked the discussion from Craig's original thesis, which I think is really interesting.

In the mid-eighties, there was a lot of brouhaha about this, seminars at Harvard, yadayada, and the videogame industry countered with "educational games" -- such as the Oregon Trail --originally a shareware Minnesota Educational Resources game, The Learning Company's great Apple games, Reader Rabbit etc. etc. But, Craig's right, the audience for video games remains adolescent males (of all ages).

Wanderindiana and ilona have written about the role television has played in seducing us away from "reality" -- and certain video games -- because of their "interactivity" are more virulent seductions.

To conclude -- apologies for the hijack!

by Cho on Tue May 09, 2006 at 11:43:25 AM EST
[ Parent ]

And yet . . . (5.00 / 1) (#15)

You have hit upon some of the tools used for effectively recruiting and keeping volunteers. Tools used very effectively by Toastmasters and other volunteer based organizations.

In other words, a reward system based on meeting educational goals.

I'll be getting into this in depth in a future post.

P.S. By the way Cho, if you're apologizing for creating a polite and interesting side discussion, then this site is way more polite than Bayosphere ever was.

by Craig Weiler on Tue May 09, 2006 at 11:56:29 AM EST
[ Parent ]

: Craig... (none / 0) (#17)

definitely looking forward to that future post.

by Cho on Tue May 09, 2006 at 12:15:54 PM EST
[ Parent ]