Playing a Dangerous Game
Health experts are worried that the deepening love affair some video gamers have with their consoles may lead to addiction
Video gamers are gamers for life, analysts say. But health experts are worried that the deepening love affair some gamers have with their consoles may lead to addiction. Consumer spending on video game hardware, software and accessories rose by 19 per cent in the US in 2008 to $22.9 billion, according to a report released by the Entertainment Merchants Association. The data also shows that the number of video gamers is broadening across many demographics, meaning as people get older, they keep playing because they are now playing video games with their kids. One factor behind the rise: The average console game typically provides between five and 25 hours of playtime. When that game is completed, gamers look to a new game, often without replaying the old ones.
Meanwhile, the notion that video gaming can become addictive has remained controversial. A study published in Psychological Science found that nearly one in ten youths who play video games behaved in ways that were similar to other addictive disorders. These include skipping chores, lying to parents and stealing money to support their gaming habits.