The year is 2015 and video games are more popular now, than ever, due to the incorporation and expansion of the online factor in gaming. This online component has transmuted casual (offline) video gamers into addicted gamers. According to Rooji et al. “Both Korean and western researchers report specifically that Massive Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games (MMORPGs) are the main culprits in cases of online video game addiction” (205). These massive multiplayer games are essentially a semi-large box with multiple computer hardware and software installed that creates a server. On these servers is the virtual reality that these video game addicts delve into and live out their dreams through a relatively non-existent universe via an Internet
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Some examples of rewards could be completing achievements, obtaining the best items within the game in addition to earning a so-called “legendary” status (being the best) in the desired game of the player. Many MMORPGs have reward systems and are designed to never reach completion. Reward systems typically are performance based and is one of the determining factors in video game addiction. Darling explains “Psychiatrists noted that receiving rewards and bonuses actually releases a chemical called dopamine in the brain” (13). The usage of cocaine can also yield this exact chemical. This displays how serious video game addiction has …show more content…
This adds more hours to time spent playing these games and results in the loss of sleep and the skipping of meals, along with other health related issues. Online MMORPGs contain content that can take an insane amount of hours to complete. In Taiwan, Beres “Why People Die Playing Video Games” explains the death rate of video gamers is higher than anywhere else because of Internet cafés. Internet cafés are very inexpensive in these regions and contain caffeinated drinks, high humidity and many smokers. As a result, people lose track of time playing games and may be subject to death. Players are staying awake into the early hours of the morning and omitting food all together in order to receive a reward that they are not even guaranteed to acquire. However, other players that don’t eliminate food from their schedule during gaming sessions may still be disregarding exercise. This could possibly lead to obesity and a lethargic lifestyle because of a game being their number one
Some examples of rewards could be completing achievements, obtaining the best items within the game in addition to earning a so-called “legendary” status (being the best) in the desired game of the player. Many MMORPGs have reward systems and are designed to never reach completion. Reward systems typically are performance based and is one of the determining factors in video game addiction. Darling explains “Psychiatrists noted that receiving rewards and bonuses actually releases a chemical called dopamine in the brain” (13). The usage of cocaine can also yield this exact chemical. This displays how serious video game addiction has …show more content…
This adds more hours to time spent playing these games and results in the loss of sleep and the skipping of meals, along with other health related issues. Online MMORPGs contain content that can take an insane amount of hours to complete. In Taiwan, Beres “Why People Die Playing Video Games” explains the death rate of video gamers is higher than anywhere else because of Internet cafés. Internet cafés are very inexpensive in these regions and contain caffeinated drinks, high humidity and many smokers. As a result, people lose track of time playing games and may be subject to death. Players are staying awake into the early hours of the morning and omitting food all together in order to receive a reward that they are not even guaranteed to acquire. However, other players that don’t eliminate food from their schedule during gaming sessions may still be disregarding exercise. This could possibly lead to obesity and a lethargic lifestyle because of a game being their number one