hapes

The cake is a lie.

@ #9 Shagittarius

I'm offended by your use of the word 'up!'

On a more serious note, people get offended by the stupidest stuff.

The Larch!

@#12: Asgeras

Any activity that generates addictive behavior is a sign of an unhealthy obsession (in some cases minor). Even if it's something theoretically 'good' for you such as reading...I mean, what if your Aunt read Harlequin romances the entire 6 months? What if you played The Matrix Online for 6 months, stopping only to eat, sleep and take a dump? I mean, just thinking of TMO makes me die a little inside.

The key is: The games aren't the problem, it's the people. As with other addictions (I'm thinking of the ads I've seen while having poker on TV during the time I make dinner), if the game industry makes an effort to address the 'problem', it will enable Congress (antonym of progress, anyone?) to enact pointless legislation that endorses the process, thus making it a non-issue.

Is it a good idea for Blizzard to suggest WoW players play less? I think so, because they won't STOP playing, they'll take longer to get to Lvl 70, which results in more fees. Puzzle Pirates gives you a little poke every hour or so, suggesting you take an ergonomics break (I always translated what they said as 'Stand up, you fat fuck!'). That's a good start.

@32: Rob

There are no legal restrictions on games, but game stores tend to have policies not to sell naughtier rated games to underage buyers. Similar to the record stores that don't sell discs with 'PARENTAL ADVISORY' stickers to minors.