GAMING DISORDER
Have you wondered whether you or your child is spending too much time playing video games? Today's games are increasingly sophisticated and often designed to encourage ongoing play through new levels, challenges and rewards.
For most people, gaming is an enjoyable form of entertainment. However, maintaining a healthy balance is important. Gaming can become a concern when it begins to interfere with school, work, relationships, physical health or other important areas of life.
What is Gaming Disorder?
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines gaming disorder as when a person’s gaming behavior has significantly impaired their personal, family, school or work life for at least 12 months.
Spending more money than intended on gaming
Unable to reduce amount of time played or have tried unsuccessfully to stop
Feeling the need to spend more and more time gaming
Gaming is causing conflict with family or friends
Lying about how much you play
Constantly thinking about gaming or gambling
Feeling anxious, depressed or angry when not playing
School and/or work suffers from gaming
How is Gaming Disorder Different from Gambling Disorder?
Gaming disorder and gambling disorder are separate conditions, but they can sometimes overlap. Many modern video games include gambling-like features, such as loot boxes, which allow players to spend real money for a chance to receive virtual items or rewards. For some individuals, repeated spending on these features can contribute to problems related to both gaming and gambling, including excessive time and money spent.
The lines between gaming and gambling can also be blurred because some gambling products are designed to resemble video games. Their familiar appearance and interactive features may make gambling more appealing to gamers and increase exposure to gambling-related risks.
What are Loot Boxes/Microtransactions?
- Loot boxes are in-game purchases made with small amounts of real money (microtransactions).
- More valuable loot boxes can be purchased with larger amounts of real money.
- Most are mystery boxes where the contents are not revealed until paid for. This resembles games of chance, like slot machines.
- Players can feel pressured to buy loot boxes to keep playing or to move up a level. Certain games only reward and unlock an achievement when a player completes a purchase.
- In-game purchases do not equal in-game currency (example: $5 of real money equals 250 gems). This is meant to confuse players as to how much real money they are spending.
- Disclosures about loot boxes are confusing to younger players.
- Game developers have admitted that they use psychological manipulation to get players to spend more time and money.
(Federal Trade Commission Report – 2019)
Occasional purchases won’t lead to a gambling problem. However, in the UK, children who played unchecked racked up thousands of dollars of purchases seeking to get a particular "skin." Addiction is not necessarily related to the loss of money. Time loss, loss of relationships, growing isolation, efforts to reduce anxiety and escapism can all play into developing an addiction.
What to Do If You Suspect Someone Has a Gaming Disorder
For many people, gaming provides enjoyment, social connection, a sense of accomplishment and an escape from everyday stress. For some, it can also serve as a way to cope with feelings of loneliness, anxiety or difficulty fitting in. Because gaming may play an important role in a person's life, abruptly cutting off access can be counterproductive and may increase distress.
Instead, approach the situation with curiosity and compassion. Nonjudgmental conversations and open-ended questions can help you better understand the person's gaming habits, motivations and any challenges they may be experiencing. Listening without criticism can help build trust and make it easier to discuss concerns and explore support options.
RESOURCES
- If you think yours or your child’s playing may be out of balance with the rest of their life, check out GAMEQUITERS
- If you have a loved one who is struggling with a gaming problem visit gamer-anon.org/online-meetings
- There is a Minnesota support group for gaming – Minnesota Online Gamers Anonymous Group (OLGA)
- Online Gamers Anonymous meetings (OLGA) - Nation wide meetings with various topics
- Talking to Your Child About Gaming - brochure
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Young Brains & Video Games
In this video the main character, BE, experiences what it’s like to be hooked on video games.