Gaming addiction

[Jennie@ifish]

What do you know about it, and is it a real addiction?

Jen

[Jennie@ifish]

I'm very concerned that my son spends too much time playing games on the internet or on x box live. Does anyone elses teen do this?

Jen

[Hogmaster]

I believe the question should be, "Who's teens DON'T do it!"

Over 90% of teens 14-24 now depend on internet access, and gaming is a huge part of it. If he isn't network gaming - he will...

And they are doing it for more and more hours.

Another demographic I recently heard is that the heaviest users of internet chat are females between 14 and 24.

[HammondSeaRanger]

I limit my son. 2 hrs a day max. then its outside. On rainy days I might let him play longer.

[8-guage]

My friends son is, in my opinion, addicted to it to an extent that he doesn't go outside much have a healthy social life or good social skills and knows little of Gods great playground.
I will never let my son have one in our home. Same thing with TV too. No TV here except for rare occassions of PBS and video rentals (HIS choice with limitations of course.) Computers for some entertainment and research but that's it.
They ARE addictive, it's wrong and it keeps them away from nature(GOD.)
I don't personally care how trendy it is or how many others on the globe are doing it. Not my son.
Nature teaches us basically all we need to know and kids these days are so far removed from nature and their parents too! These days, kids just want to be near an "outlet"!
I know what many will say: what you don't let them do, they will seek out with a vengance. I say, fine. When he is 18 he can do what ever he wants. I've done most of my work at that point at preparing him for this world and to be a good man. And I won't HIDE it from him 100% anyway. I just won't allow that stuff in our home.
I'm not saying that ALL kids who DO play with video games are all messed up or that they aren't also exposed to these values but, exposing him to God/spirituality, art, music, nature, volunteering, some sports, hard work, responsibility, other cultures, education, humility, the love of reading, forgiveness and love will have to suffice in our home.
Just my opinion.

[Jennie@ifish]

He lives in the most miraculous "God's playground" in the world, IMHO...

I just don't get it! He's 17. He says he's happy this way. He says, "What's wrong with it?"

I just can't come up with any good answers.
He keeps saying, "This is my summer vacation. I'm a good student. I do my chores. I do my work. This is what I like in my free time. I'm happy, Mom..."

He does seem happy, but it just can't be good for him!!!

:depressed: I'm bummed.

Jen

[waterfowlin101]

Ohhhhhhhh Jennie........

don't casts stones if you live in a glass house!!! Look at us . What to we do all day?

At least I have an excuse....I blame YOU!

[EZOP]

I have 2 X-Box's and 1 PS2, I play games when I have down time, which maybe a couple hours a week. 4 out of 5 of the guys I work with are also gamers and play way more then I do. One guy will play 8 hours or more nightly, which is just crazy. He's an electrical engineer with lots of spare time. I'm 40, married 15 years with no kids and have a million hobbies that the wife and I enjoy, this being one of them. The other guys I am talking about are between 45 and 55.
I'm finding that when I introduce these games to a friend of mine, it will generally grab them and keep them interested. Depends on what type of game someone maybe into. (Role playing, shooter games, racing, problem solving, ect)
If I had this type of game when I was in my teens, I would have been really addicted, know doubt. Now it's just cheap entertainment. For me, I mean cheap as in, 50$ game that will take me a year or longer to complete. But for kids who play all day long, that game could be done in a couple days.

[The Chub]

I use to be really addicted, but I have kinda grown out of it. Been playing games since the Atari 2600 days, and have owned all of the consoles at one time or another. I have spent $1000's of dollars on games, and this year I decided that I had had enough. I still play now and then, but not even close to what it used to be.

Don't be hard on your boy. At least he isn't out running around getting into trouble.

[McBaine]

My first gaming console was an Atari 400, then NES (Nintendo). I think I was in 1st grade or younger. Anyway, I grew out of the console games and quickly became a flight simulation addict since the first gulf war. I can still remember playing Falcon on our 8088 and EGA monitor. Ever since then I've been hooked on PC games. I've flirted with first person shooters, Castle Wolfenstine (original), Doom 1 and 2, Duke Nuke'm and finally Counter Strike. I never got into online games because of only ever being dial-up, and I still am. I stopped playing CS only a year ago. I would consistanty play up to 6 hours a night. Yes I still got my Computer Programming degree.

My heart is still with flight simulators. I've had Falcon 4.0 on my computer since it first came out, and now Falcon 4.0: Allied Force. Fight sims were a large factor in me getting my private pilots certificate. I'll be going up in front of an Air Force Pilot selection board in Jan '06.

As the X generation ages they tend to turn more to complex type games, rather than shootem up instant gratification ones. There's something satisfying flying the most highly complex F-16 civilian flight simulation to downtown Pyongyang, hit your target and land safely with your whole flight.

[Silver Hilton]

He keeps saying, "This is my summer vacation. I'm a good student. I do my chores. I do my work. This is what I like in my free time. I'm happy, Mom..."

I wouldn't worry about it, my son is the same way. Good grades, plenty of friends, just likes video games. It's not chasing fish, but I'm not sure it's any more obsessive...

[Shortbus Flashers]

My son is the same, but does alot of chatting. At least I know where he is, and what he is doing. But sometimes I wish he would go outside and enjoy the weather/world. O'well, guess it isnt the same as when I was a kid.

[The Chub]

My first gaming console was an Atari 400

HAHAHA That thing wasn't even worth buying. Was really a kiddy computer that played a few games. Might be worth a little coin if you still had it though

[Ryan Pultz]

Hmmm Games or Going out partying and taking chances I think you are lucky he is into games. Get that boy some hunting and fishing games hahaha rp

[McBaine]

My favorit game was Miner 49er, and Star Command (I think that's what it was called).

[sinker]

I'd be happy to have my kid playing games, it's either that or they're out causing who knows what and doing god only knows.

I've played video games from back in the Atari 2600 days but didn't really get into it until I discovered online gaming playing Return to Castle Wolfenstein. Then it was Medal of Honor and then Call of Duty. Who knows how many hours I played those. LOL.

Now I'm working nights again. Get home at 3AM and I surf the net for a bit, and I'm into GTA: San Andreas right now so I play it for an hour or so and head to bed. Imagine that, playing Grand Theft Auto and I'm not even tempted to run anyone off the street in my race to get home to play.

[Jennie@ifish]

...and I have an excuse, too... It's my work! :smile:
I surely wouldn't be here so long if it weren't for billing, marketing, sales, and simple html. :smile:

Besides, I also have OTHER hobbies and actually leave the house on occasion.

That's all I ask. I ask that he has other things. Everything in balance, is what I think is best.

He just wants to game all the time.

I do understand the addiction, I guess. I used to play Mario all the time when it first came out! :smile: Then, it got too complicated. Thank GOD!

Jen

[troybuz]

I will bet a million dollars that my 20 year old son has WASTED over 30,000 hours playing X Box, PS2 or Internet games. What's he going to tell his kids about when (notice I say when) he grows up..."yea, I remember when we didn't have a computer", or better yet "Boy, I remember when I finally got to the top level in Kill, **** and Mutilate...man that was a cool game in its day". I believe it to be one of the biggest crisis our country faces, yet any parent who thinks they can control it clearly has their head in the sand. Most of the new folks we hire are gaming pros, yet they don't know a spark plug from a spare tire...oh yea, that's because Oil Can Henry or Les Schwab will keep the cars running; they certaily can't.
Wow, do I sound like a frustrated Dad!!!!!!!

[Jennie@ifish]

What hurt me, was one day he wanted a ride to the store. I was upset about Andrew leaving home, and had been feeling sad. I was also worried, because David was left alone, and thought that was a bit sad, too.
On the way there, David said.. "I'm happy! I feel really happy!" Wow! That brightened my day, as I had been worried he'd be depressed without Andrew around.
Then... it hit me. He was going to the store to buy a new game. THAT is why he was happy! Can you imagine? Your happiness coming from anticipation of a BOX with a new game in it?
Yich!

:depressed:

Jen

[ampersat]

One of the things that gaming teaches is problem solving skills (unless you're into cheat codes and walk throughs with your games). Sure, he could be skipping stones across the river and running through the grass but is that developing problem solving skills?

The other thing that gets developed via gaming is attention to detail. That thing shooting at you from a dark corner in the distance, the little indicators for where the secret goodies are and such as that develop this ability in young and old.

There is also some evidence that gaming teaches the brain to accept and process greater amounts of information due to the number of things happening simultaneously in many games and the complexity of the control systems.

Addiction is a word that gets overused these days in my opinion. And, happy because he's going to buy a new game? How about the happiness of going to buy a new rod, reel or some other piece of fishing gear? We all have that, don't we?

[Jennie@ifish]

Yes, and see, Amp? That's why I'm having such a hard time with this. There IS good in it...

But how to get him to do something else, too?

You know, have friends over, go to friend's houses... work? Have another hobby, too?

Jen

[ampersat]

You could get him one of those little cubish gaming PCs and he could go over to his friend's houses for gaming parties.

Think of it this way: you can lead a kid to water but you can't make him fish. Give him some opportunities to broaden his experience and interests, see some other stuff out there, and maybe he'll find something else he likes to do. If you try to make him do stuff, he'll likely just resent you for it.

[Jennie@ifish]

He does that already!!!

I give. :smile:

[SeaSparrow]

Relax Jen! Let him have his summer doing what he wants, especially if he is getting his chores and responsibilities done. School is right around the corner and with it comes limitations on his gaming, right?

[mandinga]

Can you imagine? Your happiness coming from anticipation of a BOX with a new game in it?
Yich!

:depressed:

Jen

I can certainly imagine that! I am dying in anticipation waiting for MADDEN 06'!!!

[Flying Roast Beef]

Beware of online interactive games then. ie Everquest.

[steelhead22]

From personal experience as a member and president of an OSU fraternity, I can tell you that our house "lost" (kicked out for low grades by the University) at least 5 times more guys to "gaming" than we did to alcohol and drugs COMBINED. It may be A LOT higher than that, honestly. Occasionally, you would find a with an alcohol problem or drug problem, but it was EXTREMELY RARE (we don't drink as much as most people think). Every term I was in a constant battle with at least 10 guys, just trying to get them to get off the computer and GO TO CLASS!

It really is a serious problem these days, much more than people give it credit for.

[mustang66]

If he's still doing chores and tending to his responsibilities, I wouldn't worry too much. When I left for college, I was weaned from gaming just due to the fact that I didn't have the disposable income. That's when I got back outside. We won't even get into what I did when I was in high school before I got into gaming...

[rimrock]

Depends largely on the nature of the games he is playing…some are just fine others are definitely not. Some of the most popular are with extreme violent and sexuality these will cause problems. All forms of media are an influence. Therefore the particular question is what influences do you want to have in our own lives and that of our children?

Like I said some games are fine, but not all.

[Dullhook]

I don't know anything about your son personally, Jennie, but one thing that has to concern today's parents is, are the kids getting enough vigorous physical exercise?

There are more and more kids today that have high blood pressure, diabetes, attention deficit disorder, and a series of other problems, not just confined to the obese, because of a lack of vigorous activity.

Older buzzards like me, and even our kids, didn't have easy temptations like computers, and cable TV to occupy us when we got home from school. Sure we had network afternoon TV, but how many young boy's wanted to plop on the couch and watch " The Day's Of Our Lives" after school?

So what this usually meant was either outside, to the gym, to the mall, or what-not. If you're out of the house, that usually means that your whole body is physically active, opposed to the alternative. Just a thought!

[8-guage]

Obviously not all video games are 100% bad but, the videos games like that one where you blow away cops and **** women or hookers and then kill them is disgusting!
People that think it's funny are either very troubled or shallow, immature entities in my opinion.
It caters to the lowest common denominator in human beings!
I don't like to get the government involved with much but, that kind of material is horrible for people of ALL ages and I would like to see it banned like a drug!
The filth that produce and market that kind of entertainment are a disgrace to society and the human race in my opinion.
I don't even expose myself to that kind of graphic ugliness.
Why on earth would anyone subject children of A N Y age to that kind of game????

[8-guage]

Jennie, it sounds like you are doing the right things!
He sounds like a great kid!
Does he like fishing like his mom?

[sinker]

What hurt me, was one day he wanted a ride to the store. I was upset about Andrew leaving home, and had been feeling sad. I was also worried, because David was left alone, and thought that was a bit sad, too.
On the way there, David said.. "I'm happy! I feel really happy!" Wow! That brightened my day, as I had been worried he'd be depressed without Andrew around.
Then... it hit me. He was going to the store to buy a new game. THAT is why he was happy! Can you imagine? Your happiness coming from anticipation of a BOX with a new game in it?
Yich!

:depressed:

Jen

I look at it the same as being excited about going to the store and buying that rod or reel that you've had your eye on. Everyone is into something different.

As far as physical exercise, it all depends on the kid. Some kids need ALOT more than others.

[The Chub]

**** women or hookers and then kill them is disgusting!

What game is that? Grand Theft Auto doesn't let you **** anyone, if that is what you're using as a reference. I think parents really need to get involved instead of just buying everything for their kids. Games are rated, and the ratings will never work if the parents just buy it anyway.

[bobber_boy]

I am 14, and have no video gaming systems, or a desire for one, or computers or TV in my room, but many of my friends do, and it is all they ever do, or talk about. They spend way too much time indoors, and have sports equipment that hasn't been used in years. It seems to effect their daily lifes more and more every year, in a bad way. Is he interested in boating? If so, I would suggest finding him a cheap project boat to work on. (floor replacement, minor engine work, ect.) It can be rewarding, and takes up a lot of free time. :smile: also a great learning experience.

[greenbuttskunk]

that's too bad Jennie. Like you say, it's god's playground. Although maybe to you, but not to him. It's a bummer kids are so glued to TV's and games. In alot of ways I think it stunts there creativity. I know it's easy for me to say now, but my wife and I really want to try and discourage too much gaming.
We'll see if it works. Good luck with it! 17 is a tough age to tell him he has limits on it. Sounds like he's hooked in a big way.

[steelhead22]

That reminds me. When I was about 7 or 8, my dad got this wild plan that we were going to, as a family, take the TV out of the house. We weren't going to have dinner in front of the TV, we were going to have it at the table. Instead of wasting my time in front of the tube, we played board games together, went to social events(Chocolate Chipper on McLoughlin Blvd. was a favorite) and of course, went fishing.

I think originally, we planned to "just try it out". But, we didn't have a TV in our house for 3 years.

About this time is when the "fishin' bug" really bit me. Since we didn't have the tube to sit in front of, my dad and mom would take me fishin' after work. Usually for crappie and bluegill at Meldrum Bar. Sometimes we would run up to Faraday Lake and throw in a line for a couple of hours.

This decision definitely cost my parents more money (and some grief in the beginning 'cause we weren't happy about the move orginally), but it definitely helped my brother and I realize that there are more things to life than just the TV or video games. I grew up always feeling comfortable speaking with adults and in similar social situations, and got very used to all the compliments of "my maturity". Looking back on it now, I realize how much I changed in those years that we didn't have the TV in the house. It was about that time that I started separating myself, so to speak, from the rest of the kids my age, socially.

I think it's critical to get your kids away from the TV and out into the REAL world where they can learn, converse and grow up with real people and real events, rather than simply staring at a screen.

[StinkyH]

What hurt me, was one day he wanted a ride to the store. I was upset about Andrew leaving home, and had been feeling sad. I was also worried, because David was left alone, and thought that was a bit sad, too.
On the way there, David said.. "I'm happy! I feel really happy!" Wow! That brightened my day, as I had been worried he'd be depressed without Andrew around.
Then... it hit me. He was going to the store to buy a new game. THAT is why he was happy! Can you imagine? Your happiness coming from anticipation of a BOX with a new game in it?
Yich!

:depressed:

Jen

Almost as crazy as being happy in anticipation of a box with a new lure in it?

Yeah - I can imagine very easily getting excited like that about a game cause I got amped like that when I was a kid and still do even as an adult when a new game comes out that looks cool(been gaming since I was 12). :smile:

Like sinker said... people are into different things. If they enjoy it and it makes them happy, shouldn't you be happy for them even if you can't fully appreciate/understand it?

Moderation is the key.

StinkyH

[rimrock]

I’d recommend parents not put much stock in the ratings for these games – they may contain material one wouldn't expect. For example Grand Theft Auto is rated “M” which is for 17 and older. Below is an excerpt from an on-line ministry that reviews games. If anyone is interested in this excellent resource to get a better idea what your children are involving themselves in you can PM me for the link.

Grand Theft Auto Vice City is set in the mid 1980's, you play a former criminal named Tommy Vercetti. The viewpoint of Grand Theft Auto Vice City is in the 3rd person viewpoint. The objective of this game is to take over Vice City. This takes a long time to complete, possibly 50+ hours, and involves playing a multitude of missions. Most of these missions involve killing people, either as a direct objective or something that must be done for you to survive.

The worst thing about this game is the fact that you are required to kill people in order to win the game. You are paid, in some of the missions, to kill people. There are many times that characters in this game will make sexual comments and/or motions. As you play the game, you can pick up prostitutes for sex. When you are engaging in sex, you only see the car rocking. However, this is not the most blatant sexual material in this game. You can own a strip club and a pornographic film studio. In both, there are times that you see nude women. There are also a few times in which you see sex occurring between two characters in the game, and even though you don't see the act directly, you hear and see enough to know what is happening. There is also one point in the game where you see some female breasts that are projected on the side of a tall building.

The review goes on, but I think you may get the drift - this is according to the label acceptable for 17-year olds. It's hardly exceptable for anyone period.

[HammondSeaRanger]

Self edited to avoid :

[The Chub]

Below is an excerpt from an on-line ministry that reviews games.

Biased, I think so.

The game is based off the movie Scarface, with a little Miami Vice thrown in. It is terrible that people allow themselves to be missinformed about things they no nothing about. There is one point in the game where you have to break a man out of jail to help you in a heist. That is the only time when you are killing police to accomplish a mission. If you kill innocent civilians for the hell of it, you recieve wanted stars and the police are alerted to your activity's. The majority of the missions are about taking over territory's from rival GANGS. You do not run around and kill innocent people in order to beat the game. You are an Ex Mafia guy that has been wronged, and you are going to get even. There are driving missions, collecting missions, RC missions, stunt missions, and yes the occasional hit on a rival gang.

First and foremost, this is a GAME! A 17+ rating is a fair rating for this game IMO. If parents don't want their kids playing this game, then they need to spend more time and see exactly what their kids are doing. I get so tired of the media and the religious groups beating their chest, telling us what to do all of the time. If an adult wants to play this game, they should be able to. If you are letting your child play this game, shame on you. It says right on the box who this game is for.

[Ryan Pultz]

I am 14, and have no video gaming systems, or a desire for one, or computers or TV in my room, but many of my friends do, and it is all they ever do, or talk about. They spend way too much time indoors, and have sports equipment that hasn't been used in years. It seems to effect their daily lifes more and more every year, in a bad way. Is he interested in boating? If so, I would suggest finding him a cheap project boat to work on. (floor replacement, minor engine work, ect.) It can be rewarding, and takes up a lot of free time. :smile: also a great learning experience.

What Bobber boy did not tell us is he is Amish! JK haha rp :grin:

[sinker]

Biased, I think so.

The game is based off the movie Scarface, with a little Miami Vice thrown in. It is terrible that people allow themselves to be missinformed about things they no nothing about. There is one point in the game where you have to break a man out of jail to help you in a heist. That is the only time when you are killing police to accomplish a mission. If you kill innocent civilians for the hell of it, you recieve wanted stars and the police are alerted to your activity's. The majority of the missions are about taking over territory's from rival GANGS. You do not run around and kill innocent people in order to beat the game. You are an Ex Mafia guy that has been wronged, and you are going to get even. There are driving missions, collecting missions, RC missions, stunt missions, and yes the occasional hit on a rival gang.

First and foremost, this is a GAME! A 17+ rating is a fair rating for this game IMO. If parents don't want their kids playing this game, then they need to spend more time and see exactly what their kids are doing. I get so tired of the media and the religious groups beating their chest, telling us what to do all of the time. If an adult wants to play this game, they should be able to. If you are letting your child play this game, shame on you. It says right on the box who this game is for.

what he said!!!! :smile:

[Jennie@ifish]

Let's try not to get too critical of anyone's point of view. I just don't want anyone to leave this thread upset.

Heck, like others said.. "It's just a game!"

We are all going to have strong feelings, one way or another, so let's just let the world go on, and respect the way others feel about it. Please?

I didn't mean to start a fight! :depressed:
Jen

[bobber_boy]

What Bobber boy did not tell us is he is Amish! JK haha rp :grin:

Nope

[ampersat]

This isn't just about GTA. There are a ton of games out there and not all of them are violent. This discussion is about time spent with the game console versus other activities.

I guess I'm just lucky that way. Since my early years, I've been pretty self regulated. Sure, I've wasted more time than I care to think about with my Atari 2600 but I still did other things as well. I still spend time on game sites on the web these days, but of late, when I'm playing a game, I end up chastising myself for it mentally (is this a good use of my time?) and end up moving on to doing something else that may or may not be more productive.

In the end, it's about having options or providing them to your kids. Projects (boats, cars, whatever) and hobbies are a great way to build a number of skills and have fun. You can't make anyone do anything they don't want to do. The point is to expose kids to a lot of different stuff and let them find something they like to do. Then support it.

[fishbait]

"This is my summer vacation. I'm a good student. I do my chores. I do my work. This is what I like in my free time. I'm happy, Mom..."

Sound like he's OK. at his age you just kinda have to have faith in what you did in years 1-16. Just watch for changes in his core behavior, otherwise give him his space......

my 0.02 worth

[steelhead22]

"It is just a game!"

I'm not trying to freak anyone out here, but, this is EXACTLY the line I was getting every single term from the guys who would stay up until 4am playing and never go to class. Almost all of them left college, after getting kicked out for poor academic performance by the University or the fraternity, scratching their heads and wondering what they could've done differently.

I just looked at them while they packed up their stuff and said, "It WAS just a game."

I'll say it again. Gaming is a HUGE problem. Just like anything else that causes people to be unproductive, like alcohol, drugs, etc. Unfortunately, when we see people playing a game night and day, we just chalk it up to, "Well, they are PHYSICALLY hurting themself or anyone else. It's just a game, right?" So, we let the behavior slide, when in reality, an addiction is created/has been created. It's unfortunate, but many people are not living up to their full potential simply because they sit around on their duff and play video games all day. It's sad.

Like I said, of the students that get KICKED OUT of college for poor academic performance. The cause is AT LEAST a 5:1 ratio, gamers to alcohol and drug users.

Any other college students watch their friends and roomates come to college, pay $12,000 a year to play video games, never go to class, and promptly get kicked out?

I wanted to add: Just like alcohol and other addictions, there are MANY of us out there that can use them, but don't get addicted. There are a ton of guys that play games when they are done with their homework, test, etc. and are very successful in school. It was said earlier, just watch your kids. If the grades drop and they are up until 3 am playing games, it's a "no brainer" what change MUST be made.

[Jennie@ifish]

My son plays Warcraft. I don't much care for the name, and I don't know anything about ratings, really. Doesn't matter much, he's almost 18... but does anyone else play it?

Jen

[rimrock]

Youth of today face a world we wouldn’t recognize from our adolescence. The first big mistake is to compare our youth and theirs – it is sooo different.

Are There Benefits to Video Games?
Those who extol the benefits of video games often make their living creating, marketing or selling them. Commonly cited "virtues" include the opportunity for parents to spend time playing with children, improving hand-eye coordination or cognitive thinking skills by maneuvering characters on screen, and stimulating a child’s imagination. But such positive comments must be evaluated in light of the growing problem of video game addiction.

THE GAMBLE: Most parents are unaware of the risks associated with video game play. Studies indicate that over twenty percent of adolescent children are susceptible to video game addiction - with boys much more likely to become hooked than girls.

GAME SYSTEM OWNERSHIP: More than eight in ten kids own at least one game system. (Kaiser Family Foundation, 3/05)

THEIR FAVORITES: According to a November 2004 report from the National Institute on Media and the Family, 78% of adolescent boys admit that “M” rated games are among their favorites.

ADDICTION: A 1998 study showed that one out of five adolescents is “dependent” on computer games. One of the key reasons video games are addictive is the physiological effect. A study at the Hammersmith Hospital in London found playing games triggers release of dopamine in the brain. Researchers discovered that dopamine production in the brain doubles during video game play. The increase of the psychoactive chemical was roughly the same as when a person is injected with amphetamines. (National Institute on Media and the Family, April 2003)

SOCIAL ISOLATION: Video game addiction has been associated with social isolation, decreased pro-social behavior and lowered self-esteem among adolescents. (National Institute on Media and the Family, April 2003)

In truth, all of the "benefits" to playing video games can be achieved through other, more productive activities. So it is best to become INFORMED about both game content and risk of addiction when deciding whether and which games your child will play. If pornographic material and extreme violence are not a concern for you I guess as some said you can do what you want. It’s only a game; nothing can come of it.

[StinkyH]

My son plays Warcraft. I don't much care for the name, and I don't know anything about ratings, really. Doesn't matter much, he's almost 18... but does anyone else play it?

Jen

Warcraft as in World of Warcraft?

[Jennie@ifish]

I think so. He plays online and says that the community is actually very nice. They get after others for foul language and David has found it the most pleasant of online communites.

Jen

[Jennie@ifish]

I certainly wish he'd choose games like, oh... say,,,, "It takes a village..." or
"Peace in happyville..."

:smile:

[StinkyH]

I think so. He plays online and says that the community is actually very nice. They get after others for foul language and David has found it the most pleasant of online communities.

Jen

I've played this particular game for about 4 months now and your son's assessment is pretty accurate. It's easy to sit down and play it for an hour to several hours. Profanity and vulgarity are usually frowned upon and those that show integrity get along in the game and finding others to group/raid with is not a problem. The guilds that form in-game can vary but the better guilds are made up of quality folks and definitely ups the quality of game play through teamwork and help in general due to the complexity of this game.

FWIW, his brain is definitely doing problem solving with this game as it is quite complex as you get up in levels and team work is essential.

Often things in game can take an hour to three hours of play to complete.

To give you an idea of the scale of this game... one of the big bosses at the high level of this game takes a group of 40 players(people) a few hours to get to and roughly 30 minutes to take down. Games have come a long way since pong, eh? :grin:

Moderation is key of course... long as playing this game doesn't interfere with normal tasks and commitments.

StinkyH

[Corkie Monster]

PHYSICAL EXERCISE

That's all I gotta say.


CM

[Tarterman]

Warcraft as in World of Warcraft?

The new World of Warcraft has a nickname...it's called Warcrack (Warcrack Shirt). Just like Everquest (similar type of game) was called Evercrack. Some people can control how much they play but those that are prone to addictive behavior get sucked in. One of my roommates started playing it about 4 months ago and averages anywhere from 40-60+ hours a week playing that game. I'm the first one to leave my house in the morning and there have been multiple times when he is still up plaining. Needless to say, he doesn't make it to class on those days. Some days he'll spending 12+ hours playing and only stop to grab a quick bite and use the bathroom. I had other roommates that got hooked on Evercrack.

Basically, it's what others have said. As long as he is taking care of what he should be doing and isn't becoming a total hermit, I wouldn't worry about it. I still play PC games every now and then but I prefer playing Battlefield 1942, Desert Combat, Battlefield Vietnam, etc...

Just my thoughts and experiences.

Tarterman

[Jennie@ifish]

Thank GOD! He landed a job at Fred Meyers! Now, the true test! Can he KEEP his job and keep his gaming at the same time? If not, the gaming goes! :smile:

Will keep you updated! :smile:

Oh yeah, in Warcraft, he keeps saying things like, "I'll take out the trash in a minute, Mom... I just made it to a new city and..."

So, is that the Warcraft you are talking about?

Jen

[PapaHog]

My wife works at Fred Meyer.
My son works at Fred Meyer.
My Daughter-in-law works at Fred Meyer.

And I spend our money at Fred Meyer. :grin:

Jen Just think now you can get a 10% employee discount on most non food items at Fred Meyer.

[rimrock]

The problem may not be the game – The real problem is
How are you going to communicate your values to your child?

It’s not just length of play, but what content the game contains. I’m surprised this is mostly irrelevant to parents today, who are simply turning a blind eye to it in order to get along with their kids. IMO, you are of course free to disagree, youth don’t need parents to be their friend, but need parents to their parent.

[Jennie@ifish]

Hey, i'm legally blind, so it's legal. :smile:

Jen