Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Editorial: I can never play Diablo 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/i-can-never-play-diablo-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/i-can-never-play-diablo-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/i-can-never-play-diablo-3/#commentsThis is an editorial based on Dave Hinkle's personal experiences with 2000's Diablo 2. Joystiq's review of Diablo 3 is still forthcoming.

It's not because I lack the requisite memory blocks and quantum computers to run Blizzard's latest, Diablo 3 - it's personal. You see, I'm genetically predisposed to Diablo. It's something I think about each and every day.

Diablo is a proper addiction to me. Diablo 2 is something I associate with the darkest moments of my life, when I skipped showers and seriously lived on Pop Tarts. My only comfort back then was the dim glow of the monitor and the random piece of treasure the game would occasionally drop for me as I toiled away hours doing nightmare-level Meph runs.

I have an addictive personality, as many of those who have met me in real life can attest. I eat horribly, can't seem to quit smoking cigarettes and have drunk to excess on occasion. The Diablo experience is like some kind of magical talisman created by the wizards of southern California that is meant to poke and prod that dark place inside me I actively ignore and deny every day of my life. Diablo brings out my greed and disdain for everything other than myself in the worst way.

But again, these are just words. They don't mean anything without examples, so I'm going to take you back to when I was in college and Diablo 2 ruined my life.

Continue reading Editorial: I can never play Diablo 3

JoystiqEditorial: I can never play Diablo 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 May 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionaddictionblizzarddiablo-2diablo-3macpcWed, 16 May 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[South Korean psychiatrists treating StarCraft 'addiction' with drugs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/20/south-korean-psychiatrists-treating-starcraft-addiction-with-dru/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/20/south-korean-psychiatrists-treating-starcraft-addiction-with-dru/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/20/south-korean-psychiatrists-treating-starcraft-addiction-with-dru/#commentsFiled under: , ,

A study recently conducted by the Department of Psychiatry at South Korea's Chung Ang University has found that StarCraft "addiction" can be treated with Bupropion, an antidepressant and anti-smoking aid. According to Wired, the study found that individuals who took the drug for six weeks saw their average StarCraft playtime decrease by 35.5 percent. Also -- we swear we're not making this up -- MRI scans showed that participant's brains reacted less strongly to pictures of Zerglings after the treatment.

Treating someone's obsessive behavior towards a video game with real-life pharmaceuticals is a fairly heavy prescription. Then again, out of the survey's eleven participants, six had dropped out of school for two months due to the amount of time they put into StarCraft every day. Two participants were divorced due to their demanding StarCraft schedules. Isn't it possible these people are suffering from depression because of their obsession with a video game? Or, rather, couldn't they have become obsessed with a video game because they were depressed? In either case, doesn't it kind of make sense to treat them with antidepressants?

JoystiqSouth Korean psychiatrists treating StarCraft 'addiction' with drugs originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Aug 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>addictionblizzarddepressiondrugskoreapcStarcraft-2strategyFri, 20 Aug 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Korea to impose gaming curfew to curb minors' playtime]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/13/korea-to-impose-gaming-curfew-to-curb-minors-playtime/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/13/korea-to-impose-gaming-curfew-to-curb-minors-playtime/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/13/korea-to-impose-gaming-curfew-to-curb-minors-playtime/#comments
The South Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has announced two new policies aimed at stifling so-called video game addiction among the country's youth. Dubbed the "nighttime shutdown," users ages 19 and under of certain online games will be required to select one of three mandatory six-hour blackout periods set for the middle of the night, during which a user would be barred form online access to the particular game. The blackouts will be instituted for a number of popular online games, such as Maple Story, in the second half of this year.

Additionally, testing of a second, "slowdown" policy has already begun, affecting four popular pastimes, including Dungeon Fighter Online (pictured above). The system is said to "drastically" reduce the internet speed of any underage user logged into a policed game for an unspecified but "lengthy" play session, according to The Korea Herald. Eventually, this dys-functionality will be rolled into 19 RPG titles, representing 79 percent of Korea's online game market. Some affected game companies have questioned why equally popular MMOs, such as Lineage, have not been marked for regulation. (Good question.)

For years, South Korea has identified and sought treatments for "game addiction," which continues to be a major headline generator in the country and abroad. Critics of the new playtime enforcement policies believe that underage players will inevitably find ways to get around the shutdowns and slowdowns, suggesting that even unprecedented government intervention is not a reliable solution. That is, until the government sends its army of guys with bats to your door.

[Via Massively]

JoystiqKorea to impose gaming curfew to curb minors' playtime originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Apr 2010 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>addictioncurfewdungeon-fighter-onlinegame-addictionkoreamaple-storyministry-of-culturemmonighttime-shutdownonlinerpgsouth-koreaTue, 13 Apr 2010 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Kick your WoW habit with ReSTART clinic]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/07/kick-your-wow-habit-with-restart-clinic/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/07/kick-your-wow-habit-with-restart-clinic/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/07/kick-your-wow-habit-with-restart-clinic/#comments Just when you think this kind of thing can only happen in the Netherlands, along comes ReSTART, a Washington state-based rehab center that offers a 45-day course of treatment crafted to help you kick your internet or World of Warcraft addiction. Oh, and it's all offered at the bargain price of $14,000!

"We've been doing this for years on an outpatient basis," Hilarie Cash, the center's director, told the AP. "Up until now, we had no place to send them."

Of course, if you want to kick your WoW addiction for just a little bit less cash, the serious professionals of the Joystiq Internet Rehabilitation Clinic Staffed By Serious Professionals have some fine replacement therapies to recommend.

JoystiqKick your WoW habit with ReSTART clinic originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Sep 2009 09:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>addictiongame-addictionrehabwowMon, 07 Sep 2009 09:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Shock treatment for gaming addicts halted in China]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/14/shock-treatment-for-gaming-addicts-halted-in-china/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/14/shock-treatment-for-gaming-addicts-halted-in-china/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/14/shock-treatment-for-gaming-addicts-halted-in-china/#comments
In a step widely regarded by Joystiq staffers planning on traveling to China someday as "the right call," the Chinese government has halted the use of electroshock therapy to treat video game addicts. The order came down yesterday to a clinic in Linyi, Shandong province from the country's Ministry of Health, according to China Daily.

While we assume the practice was halted because of ... you know, the obvious, we'd like to believe that the treatment was stopped because it was just making the patients even more addicted to the Addams Family Electric Shock Machine game.

[Via GamePolitics]

JoystiqShock treatment for gaming addicts halted in China originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Jul 2009 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>addams-gamilyaddictionchinaelectroshock-therapygame-addictionTue, 14 Jul 2009 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Suda 51 plays Burnout Paradise (a lot) more than you]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/suda51-plays-burnout-paradise-a-lot-more-than-you/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/suda51-plays-burnout-paradise-a-lot-more-than-you/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/suda51-plays-burnout-paradise-a-lot-more-than-you/#comments Grasshopper Manfacture boss Goichi "Suda 51" Suda likes to do everything to the extreme, whether it's the ultra-violence of No More Heroes or -- as we now know -- playing other developers' games, specifically Criterion's Burnout Paradise. The British dev's head honcho, Alex Ward, issued a tweet revealing that Suda had recently popped by his studio (likely after the recent Nordic Game Conference) and is a "hardcore Burnout fan."

"Hardcore" may be an understatement, as Ward disclosed that server logs show Suda has played more than 700 hours of Burnout Paradise. So, there it is: Even more proof that Suda 51 knows great games and takes everything to the extreme. It may also explain why we haven't heard anything more about the horror title he's working on for EA alongside Resident Evil creator Shinji Mikami.

[Via VG247]

JoystiqSuda 51 plays Burnout Paradise (a lot) more than you originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>addictionburnout-paradisecriterioneaelectronic-artsgoichi-sudagrasshopper-manufacturesuda51Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MTV True Life looking for gamer addicts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/16/mtv-true-life-looking-for-gamer-addicts/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/16/mtv-true-life-looking-for-gamer-addicts/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/16/mtv-true-life-looking-for-gamer-addicts/#comments
"Have video games totally taken over your life? Is your game play increasingly getting out of control? Have your friends or family confronted you about your gaming habit? How about your marriage or personal relationships - are they being affected? Is it difficult to balance work and gaming time? Do you sometimes skip doing homework or household responsibilities to play? Have you played video games as a way of escaping your problems? Has your game playing habit become so encompassing that you may need to go to rehab to kick it? If you can identify with any of the above, MTV wants to hear from you." -- Actual MTV casting call, in verbatim.

While we agree video game addiction can be a problem, especially if it gets in the way of your social life, we doubt appearing on a MTV reality program is the best solution for shaking the habit. If you don't want your 15 minutes of fame, consider taking the Joystiq Two-Step Plan to Stop Playing Games[TM]. Step one: buy Terminator Salvation. Step two: Play it. You'll learn to hate games in minutes! Pretty soon, you'll want to go outside and make friends -- all without the embarrassment of being on the same network as Tila Tequila. You can thank us later.

[Via Siliconera]

JoystiqMTV True Life looking for gamer addicts originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Jun 2009 23:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>addictioncasting-callmtvrealitytrue-lifeTue, 16 Jun 2009 23:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Herald Sun: Game addiction on the rise, industry 'in denial']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/19/herald-sun-game-addiction-on-the-rise-industry-in-denial/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/19/herald-sun-game-addiction-on-the-rise-industry-in-denial/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/19/herald-sun-game-addiction-on-the-rise-industry-in-denial/#comments
Let's face it, folks, game addiction is hot. We've all read the stories, some of them funny and others tragic. And then, of course, there are the scare pieces. Enter Australia's Herald Sun, which declares that gaming addiction is on its way to becoming a national health problem. The article notes that "psychologists" are claiming that gaming addiction is affecting a growing number of Australians and the headline even proclaims "Tech addicts playing video games for up to 10 hours a day."

The source, apparently, is one psychologist by the name of William Campos. Said Campos, "I had one patient who was so involved with one game called World of Warcraft and would play it up to eight [to] ten hours a day.'' To clarify: That's one psychologist referring to one patient.

Furthermore, in reaction to a statement from the Interactive Entertainment Association of Australia, which claims that gaming addiction is "not a lasting obsession for the majority" of players, the article claims that the games industry is "in denial." We won't deny that gaming addiction is a problem for some gamers, but to imply that the majority of players are addicts -- which the Herald Sun has done by calling the IEAA's statement denial -- is simply fallacious.

Then again, maybe we're just in denial.

JoystiqHerald Sun: Game addiction on the rise, industry 'in denial' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 May 2009 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>addictionaustraliagame-addictionTue, 19 May 2009 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[ESA CEO takes his own shots at game addiction study]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/29/esa-ceo-takes-his-own-shots-at-game-addiction-study/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/29/esa-ceo-takes-his-own-shots-at-game-addiction-study/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/29/esa-ceo-takes-his-own-shots-at-game-addiction-study/#comments
After ABC's polling guru Gary Langer decided to tear down a recent study claiming that 8.5% of children are addicted to video games, the Entertainment Software Association is joining in to lob a few PR bombs of its own. According to Gamasutra, ESA CEO Michael Gallagher responded in a letter to the Psychological Science journal, in which the study is expected to be published. Gallagher takes the same essential exception as Langer, specifically the study's claim of a 3% margin of error.

Like Langer, Gallagher points out that the sampling used was not random, but rather based on an opt-in panel that gives rewards to participants. Writes Gallagher, "such a sample is not truly representative of a national population group," adding,"Thus the results cannot be projected onto the broader population of children in this country." He notes further that the 3% margin of error is "meaningless."

Prof. Douglas Gentile has since admitted he was unaware of the sampling methodology used in the study, a fact that Gallagher says the ESA accepts at "face value." He states, "The admission is "especially ironic considering that the first words of the abstract in the article went out of its way to note the shortcomings of previous convenience studies"

Gallagher concludes by asking Psychological Science editor Dr. Robert V. Kail to make sure that any reference to Gentile's study notes its "methodological flaws," saying, "It would be unfair and misleading for a respected publication to leave on the record such knowingly mistaken information."

JoystiqESA CEO takes his own shots at game addiction study originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Apr 2009 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>addictionentertainment-software-assoctiationesaWed, 29 Apr 2009 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[8.5 percent of U.S. youth addicted to video games, study finds]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/20/8-5-percent-of-u-s-youth-addicted-to-video-games-study-finds/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/20/8-5-percent-of-u-s-youth-addicted-to-video-games-study-finds/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/20/8-5-percent-of-u-s-youth-addicted-to-video-games-study-finds/#comments
Douglas Gentile, a research psychologist from Iowa State University (and director of research for the National Institute of Media and the Family), recently conducted a study that found 8.5 percent of Americans between the ages of 8 and 18 (that's roughly 3 million people) are addicted to video games. During his research, Gentile polled 1,178 youths to see whether they possessed symptoms of pathological gaming -- symptoms which include spending increasing time behind a controller, irritability when playtime is reduced, "escaping problems through play," skipping homework in favor of gaming, and stealing money with which to purchase additional games.

Using these criteria, we've been addicted to the following at some point in our lives: Pokémon cards, Pogs, Skittles, Spelling Bees, laser tag, gardening, dating, Lego bricks, Frisbee golf and blogging. Yet somehow, despite our multitude of unshakable, soul-crushing dependencies, we turned out just fine.

You can check out the Entertainment Software Association's response to the study after the jump.

[Via Edge]
[Image]

Continue reading 8.5 percent of U.S. youth addicted to video games, study finds

Joystiq8.5 percent of U.S. youth addicted to video games, study finds originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Apr 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>addictiondouglas-gentlenimfpathologicalpsychologyvideo-game-addictionyouthMon, 20 Apr 2009 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[China declares victory over online game addiction]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/20/china-declares-victory-over-online-game-addiction/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/20/china-declares-victory-over-online-game-addiction/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/20/china-declares-victory-over-online-game-addiction/#commentsChina's General Administration of Press and Publication claims that the government's anti-game-addiction program is proving successful, as evidenced by new statistics released by the China Youth Social Service Center this week.

According to the CYSSC, the proportion of people under the age of 18 playing online games has dropped 7 percent, to 15 percent of the total online gaming population in China. Fewer kids playing online games apparently translates to less game addiction.

The program requires online game producers to discourage online play for more than three hours by reducing game credits by half after that period. In addition, players are required to register with their real names in order to verify their age.

[Via GamesIndustry.biz]

JoystiqChina declares victory over online game addiction originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Mar 2009 15:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>addictionchinagame-addictionmmoFri, 20 Mar 2009 15:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq Interview: How to quit games for a year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/12/joystiq-interview-how-to-quit-games-for-a-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/12/joystiq-interview-how-to-quit-games-for-a-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/12/joystiq-interview-how-to-quit-games-for-a-year/#commentsFiled under: ,


Though he may not necessarily be a "hero" in the traditional sense of the word, Matthew Shafeek is something of a folk legend in the Joystiq offices. Against all logic, Shafeek decided to mark his 29th year of life with the complete abandonment of his favorite hobby, video games.

He's getting close to the 365-day finish line, and in the interim he's managed to read more, learn some recipes, travel, run a half-marathon and catalog all his progress on his blog Paused. We recently caught up with Shafeek via an email exchange to find out why he quit, when he's going back and from where he draws his staggering, iron resolve.

Continue reading Joystiq Interview: How to quit games for a year

JoystiqJoystiq Interview: How to quit games for a year originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Dec 2008 16:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>addictionfeaturesinterviewjoystiqfeaturesjs-twitterquitquittingFri, 12 Dec 2008 16:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Video games not so addictive after all]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/26/video-games-not-so-addictive-after-all/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/26/video-games-not-so-addictive-after-all/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/26/video-games-not-so-addictive-after-all/#commentsFiled under:

Over the holidays, when Auntie Mabel starts railing at you for your inability to put down that "Nintendorn GameWii thing," you can happily tell her (or whomever) that it's perfectly okay -- you're not addicted to gaming. After a lot of fuss over long hours of gaming, a rehab center in Amsterdam that began a treatment program for video game addiction a few years ago. Now, however, those same individuals who began the program no longer think that gaming is the issue. Instead, the root of the problem lies elsewhere.

Keith Bakker, the clinic's founder, says that "ninety percent" of the kids they're treating are not addicted to gaming, though the symptoms are sometimes similar to people in the throes of substance addiction. But now that they've worked with so many patients, Bakker believes the root of the problem lies with parents, and with schools, for not noticing the feelings of isolation and social frustration that can often lead young gamers to escape for hours each day with their consoles.

This is interesting to us, of course, as gamers, because it reinforces the same things many in the community have said when games are linked to various crimes. Now, if only we can take games completely out of the equation -- because they're just a convenient tool for escape, after all, and now even science knows they're not the cause -- maybe we can start to help kids who are struggling to find ways to fit in.

[Via Terra Nova]

JoystiqVideo games not so addictive after all originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 Nov 2008 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>addictionWed, 26 Nov 2008 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[European clinic admits game addiction isn't the issue]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/25/european-clinic-admits-game-addiction-isnt-the-issue/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/25/european-clinic-admits-game-addiction-isnt-the-issue/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/25/european-clinic-admits-game-addiction-isnt-the-issue/#commentsFiled under:


A couple of years after opening, a "game addiction" clinic in Amsterdam is still doing swift business, but its founder says he has realized that game addiction isn't really the problem. In fact, Smith & Jones Centre founder Keith Bakker says that 90 percent of those diagnosed with addiction are actually just compulsive gamers, pegging excessive gaming as a social problem rather than a psychological one. (And hey, he realized this just a little more than a year after the AMA. Great job!)

Not that the clinic has stopped taking money to treat over-gaming, oh, no, no, no. They've simply focused treatment on teaching patients more social skills to help re-acclimate them to the world. Right ... so, basically, Bakker has become Mystery.

[Thanks, Usman]

JoystiqEuropean clinic admits game addiction isn't the issue originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 Nov 2008 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>addictiongaming-addictionTue, 25 Nov 2008 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Philosony: Carpe Trophaeum]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/23/carpe-trophaeum/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/23/carpe-trophaeum/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/23/carpe-trophaeum/#commentsFiled under:


Kylie Prymus is the first columnist for PS Fanboy. A Ph.D candidate in philosophy, Kylie specializes in the sociology of technology. Through this new weekly column, Kylie will explore the impact of PlayStation on thought and culture.

My PSN profile tells me that I am a Trophy n00b. An abysmal 1st level collector. I've acquired most of the trophies that you average primate could gather with ease, and I'm not sure I'll be able to get many more. I have a paltry 8 trophies, all of them from PixelJunk Eden. That puts me at a 33% completion rate, firmly in the middle of category: l-o-s-e-r. Still, I didn't download Eden for the Trophies any more than I downloaded it hoping it would teach me to finally get my snozzberry* plants to grow. I downloaded it because it was a much lauded and quirky, not to mention exclusive, PSN title and I happen to have a soft spot for such qualities (particularly the exclusivity). Being able to collect Trophies through the game is just a bonus, a diversionary side quest that makes the whole package slightly more appealing.

As I venture for the first time into this whole trophy business I've had to ask myself why I should even bother. What is the appeal of achievements Trophies? Do they add to or take away from a game? What is it about the Trophy system that made it such a sought after addition to the PSN? Milestones? Bragging rights?

Continue reading Philosony: Carpe Trophaeum

JoystiqPhilosony: Carpe Trophaeum originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 23 Aug 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>addictioncommunityjoystiqfeaturesphilosonypixeljunk-edenpsntrophiesSat, 23 Aug 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Another reason to love Ernie Hudson]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/10/another-reason-to-love-ernie-hudson/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/10/another-reason-to-love-ernie-hudson/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/10/another-reason-to-love-ernie-hudson/#commentsFiled under:

As if brilliant acting in films such as The Basketball Diaries, or his great TV work in shows such as Oz, weren't enough to love the man, we now find out he's addicted to one of our most beloved puzzle games: Tetris. During an interview regarding the upcoming Ghostbusters game, Hudson let the cat out of the bag.

"Years ago, I bought my son Tetris. He said, 'Wow, this is cool, Dad, but are you sure you don't want to play? Here, this is how you do it...' So I start playing Tetris. I have to be at work at six o'clock the next morning. Then it's 4.30am and I've been up all night, playing Tetris." It didn't end there, as Ernie (we're allowed to call him by his first name, it's cool) continued his affair with the puzzle game for a lot longer than you might think.

"For 15 years, I was hooked on Tetris. I played it every single day. I can still hear that stupid song in my head. I thought, if that one game did that to me... I just don't have time for that. So I'm not a gamer. But the kids, they spend more time than I'd like to see them spend playing games." 15 years, only to kick the habit cold turkey? Man, Ernie, talk about impressive.

[Via Go Nintendo]

JoystiqAnother reason to love Ernie Hudson originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Jul 2008 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>addictionernie-hudsonghostbusterspuzzletetrisThu, 10 Jul 2008 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Games to help curb your addictions]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/24/games-to-help-curb-your-addictions/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/24/games-to-help-curb-your-addictions/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/24/games-to-help-curb-your-addictions/#commentsFiled under:

The "self-help" era is upon us, even finding its way into the video game industry as of late. Aside from the obvious fitness awareness game on Nintendo's other system (we mean Wii Fit, of course), there have been quite a few attempts to help gamers improve their lifestyles and habits. Take, for example, the upcoming My Weight Loss Coach and Ubisoft's "Easyway" title to help people quit smoking.

Our favorite approach so far, though, was when DS Fanboy reader Dan used Pokémon to quit smoking. If there's anything we've learned from Dan's inspiring story, it's that the best way to curb an addiction is to replace it with another. We then decided that we wanted to help more of our fine readers that are suffering from such torments day in and day out. Pokémon may cure smoking, but what about other plaguing ailments? We're happy to say that after months of testing on monkeys and small children, we've finally come up with a few perfect video game cures.

So, look no further than Dr. DS Fanboy, and check out our ultimate self-help guide to find the fixes for your addictions.



Master that addiction!

JoystiqGames to help curb your addictions originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Jun 2008 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ace-attorneyaddictaddictionapollo-justicecontra-4deal-or-no-dealetrian-odysseyetrian-odyssey-2etrian-odyssey-iiharvest-moonheroes-of-lagaardhomie-rollerzjoystiqfeaturesmy-weight-loss-coachphoenix-wrightpokemonprofessor-laytonpuzzle-questrune-factoryTue, 24 Jun 2008 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[DS Daily: Now is not the time]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/07/ds-daily-now-is-not-the-time/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/07/ds-daily-now-is-not-the-time/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/07/ds-daily-now-is-not-the-time/#commentsFiled under:

For how much some of you enjoy your DS, we'd think you had a pouch for the device grafted into your skin. As such, we thought about what kind of effect playing all the time could have on someone's life. We then thought about the addiction of enjoying great DS games, and how they could drive a person to play when it's not really appropriate to.

Have you ever whipped out the DS and played at an inappropriate time? Perhaps you were caught solving cases in Apollo Justice while in the chair waiting for the dentist to inspect your teeth? Have you been yelled at by friends or family for playing when you should've been listening to Uncle Carl talk about his trip to some boring location? When have you enjoyed your DS when you probably shouldn't have?

JoystiqDS Daily: Now is not the time originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 May 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>addictioninappropriatenot-the-timeWed, 07 May 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Late-night Wii Fanboy: why the Wii and sex don't mix]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/06/late-night-wii-fanboy-why-the-wii-and-sex-dont-mix/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/06/late-night-wii-fanboy-why-the-wii-and-sex-dont-mix/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/06/late-night-wii-fanboy-why-the-wii-and-sex-dont-mix/#commentsFiled under:



Here in the UK*, the nation's favorite one-handed newspapers regularly contain relationship advice that is portrayed in picture form. Obviously, these hilariously scripted columns are simply another excuse for tabloid editors to meet their monthly quota of exposed female flesh, and would usually line our cat's litter tray as a result, but this recent column from the News of the World made us chuckle, as it heavily features the Wii and Wii Sports.

Anyway, the story so far: we've learned that young couple Ash and Mel are in a crisis. Young Ash up there is apparently declining Mel's amorous advances in favor of boxing on the Wii, so Mel did what any rational individual would do with their relationship on the rocks: she wrote to a national newspaper to explain her problem and have it presented to millions of readers in pictures.

Want to see how they ended up and what conclusions agony aunt "Jane" reached? Then click the image above or hit up the "Read" link below (it's NSFW, naturally), and see for yo -- you've already gone, haven't you? Hello?

* From what my colleagues tell me, U.S. papers don't carry such features. But then they read nice, respectable newspapers.

Continue reading Late-night Wii Fanboy: why the Wii and sex don't mix

JoystiqLate-night Wii Fanboy: why the Wii and sex don't mix originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 May 2008 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>addictionnews-of-the-worldnewspapersexTue, 06 May 2008 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Show and Tell: Trading Pokemon for smokes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/17/show-and-tell-trading-pokemon-for-smokes/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/17/show-and-tell-trading-pokemon-for-smokes/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/17/show-and-tell-trading-pokemon-for-smokes/#commentsFiled under: ,

This week, we're getting away from our usual Show and Tell format. We're not sharing pictures of cute crafts or decorated DSes. Instead, we sat down with one of our readers to discuss a pretty serious subject: smoking. Or, more specifically, quitting smoking. More specifically still? Quitting smoking by playing Pokémon. Reader Dan is doing just that, and we sat down with him to discuss his unusual decision.

Next week, we'll be back to our usual format, but remember -- if you have something to show off, be it a collection, a craft, or yes, even a story (like Dan's), take some pictures or write it up and sent the lot to showmeit [at] dsfanboy [dot] com. We'll take care of the rest.

Continue reading Show and Tell: Trading Pokemon for smokes

JoystiqShow and Tell: Trading Pokemon for smokes originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Apr 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>addictioncigarettejoystiqfeaturespokemonquit-smokingsmokingThu, 17 Apr 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Research: Game addicts show traits of autism]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/03/research-game-addicts-show-traits-of-autism/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/03/research-game-addicts-show-traits-of-autism/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/03/research-game-addicts-show-traits-of-autism/#commentsFiled under:


Researchers at the British Psychological Society's Annual Conference in Dublin presented a study showing that video game addicts have similar personality traits to those with Aspergers (a high funcutioning form of autism). The study of 391 gamers (86% male) found that players who showed signs of "addiction" had three personality traits that are typically linked with Aspergers: neuroticism, lack of extraversion and agreeableness.

The scientists don't believe these people have Aspergers, but "share some of the same characteristics because they find it easier to empathize with computer systems than other people." They say professions like engineers, mathematicians and computer scientists are closer to the non-empathizing end of the spectrum, but Aspergers is much farther along that line. Their main point is their research supports the idea that those heavily involved in game playing may be nearer to the autistic spectrum disorders than those who don't play at all -- and here we thought it just meant they were nearer to nerd spectrum disorders.

JoystiqResearch: Game addicts show traits of autism originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Apr 2008 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>addictionaspergersautismresearchstudyThu, 03 Apr 2008 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Peggle taps Nintendo DS vein [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/07/peggle-taps-nintendo-ds-vein/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/07/peggle-taps-nintendo-ds-vein/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/07/peggle-taps-nintendo-ds-vein/#commentsFiled under: ,


PopCap co-founder John Vechey tells PocketGamer that crack-cocaine derivative Peggle will be available over-the-counter for DS sometime in the future. This follows the announcement in early January that Xbox 360 owners would be able to play the pachinko-style ball bouncer in glorious HD. Considering it's in line with PopCap's strategy, expect Peggle to eventually exist on every appropriate format possible - the article also alludes to a mobile version being in the works.

Vechey says Peggle has now outsold Bejeweled with over ten million downloads. He explains that the game's sales weren't doing well on many casual portals when it first released, but that PopCap kept promoting it on its website and the designer drug took off. We're just waiting for the day a PA (Peggle Anonymous) group pops up on our local community center's bulletin board.

Update: File this away as rumor for now. PopCap has issued a statement denying Peggle has been green lighted for DS. More here.

JoystiqRumor: Peggle taps Nintendo DS vein [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Feb 2008 12:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>addictiondspeggleThu, 07 Feb 2008 12:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Science says: Men's brains get more 'reward' from gaming]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/05/science-says-mens-brains-get-more-reward-from-gaming/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/05/science-says-mens-brains-get-more-reward-from-gaming/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/05/science-says-mens-brains-get-more-reward-from-gaming/#commentsFiled under: ,

Developers and executives that are struggling to develop games that appeal to women now have a new excuse to fall back on if and when they fail. According to a study by Stanford University's Alan Reiss, men are hard wired to feel more "rewarded" playing games than women.

The study, which looked at 11 men and 11 women, asked participants to play a simple territorial point-and-click game while hooked up to an fMRI machine. The men in the study showed much great activity in the brain's "mesocorticolimbic center," which is associated with reward and addiction.

Interestingly, the amount of activity for men went up as they did better at the game, while the amount of activity for women stayed roughly constant, regardless of achievement. "The females 'got' the game... they appeared motivated to succeed at the game," Reiss said. "The males were just a lot more motivated to succeed." Yeah, yeah ... tell it to the Frag Dolls.

JoystiqScience says: Men's brains get more 'reward' from gaming originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Feb 2008 14:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>addictionfrag dollsFragDollsgendergirlsmenrewardsciencewomenTue, 05 Feb 2008 14:55:00 EST<![CDATA['Xbox is crack for kids,' declares Times columnist]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/22/xbox-is-crack-for-kids-declares-times-columnist/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/22/xbox-is-crack-for-kids-declares-times-columnist/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/22/xbox-is-crack-for-kids-declares-times-columnist/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Is anybody else feeling dizzy? It must be due to the constant eye rolling prompted by the mainstream press' recent vendetta against informed opinion and logical argument, the results of which have yielded a particularly mystifying (and entirely non-existent) version of Mass Effect. Though the attention paid to every sensational sentence is undeserved, watching someone go off the rails and take their keyboard with them is, at the very least, an excellent source of entertainment. Today's performer is The Times columnist, Janice Turner, who doesn't waste a single punctuation mark before declaring, "Xbox is crack for kids."

The greatest thing about Turner's meandering piece is its ability to convince you that it's a somewhat reasonable defense of children's exposure to television and the "unfathomable black magic" of technology. There's even some evidence of parental influence (!) in the suggestion to monitor kids' total "screen time." But like a skilled magician, Turner saves the real reveal for the last few paragraphs, dramatically pulling hypocrisy out of a hat when you least expect it. How'd she do that?

Turner proudly declares that "unlike the TV-hating parents," she simply bars game consoles -- otherwise known as "Satan's Sudoku" and "crack cocaine for the brain" -- from her home. In a single sentence, she manages to give television far too much credit and gaming nothing more than a scornful, ill-informed glance. "Even the crappiest cartoon or lamest soap teaches a child about character, plot, drama, humour, life," insists Turner. With these qualities clearly lacking in any games ever made, children have no choice but to become "mentally imprisoned, wired into their evil creators' brains."

Books and television are given a free pass, but as soon as the media becomes interactive it warrants the label of "addiction," one applied so aloofly when the subject matter is alien and obviously unfamiliar. While the final judgment urges kids to "get an inner life," we feel we have better advice to offer: Write sensationalist drivel to bring in the hits! Just remember, darling. They'll come to your credibility too.

Joystiq'Xbox is crack for kids,' declares Times columnist originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Jan 2008 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AddictionDSGameCubeJanice-TurnerPS2PS3PSPThe-TimesXbox-360Tue, 22 Jan 2008 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[DS Daily: A week without]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/05/ds-daily-a-week-without/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/05/ds-daily-a-week-without/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/05/ds-daily-a-week-without/#commentsFiled under:

The awesome Leigh Alexander, who writes for pretty much everyone (including herself) thinks she has a problem. She has figured out that between playing games, making game-related crafts, and doing other game-related things (like writing about games), she may be a little unhealthily addicted. After all, as shocking as it may be, there is an entire world out there without games (we know, it hurts us to think of it, too!) So what's a girl to do?

Clearly, attempt to go an entire week without playing games of any kind. Nothing. None. Not even, as she says, Minesweeper. Having just restarted Puzzle Quest (again), this blogger feels the burn of potential obsession as well, but a whole week? Without any games? That's daunting. Could you do it?

JoystiqDS Daily: A week without originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 05 Jan 2008 10:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>addictioncold-turkeyleigh-alexanderSat, 05 Jan 2008 10:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Mahalo Daily ponders WoW addiction]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/08/mahalo-daily-ponders-wow-addiction/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/08/mahalo-daily-ponders-wow-addiction/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/08/mahalo-daily-ponders-wow-addiction/#commentsFiled under: ,

We're gonna ask you to remember back, way back, to BlizzCon 2007 wherein one Ms. Veronica Belmont - friend of the 'stiq - interviewed the legendary Leeroy Jenkins (read: Leeeerrooyyy Jenkins). That video, recorded nearly 3 months ago to the day, was meant as a preview, or tease if you will, of her upcoming Mahalo Daily video podcast. Now, with the podcast underway, she's returned to the grist of BlizzCon for Mahalo Daily's fourth installment titled, naturally, "Video Game Addiction." Our favorite part? "Probably not a good question to ask me." Something told us he was going to say that.

JoystiqMahalo Daily ponders WoW addiction originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Nov 2007 22:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>addictionMahalo-DailyVeronica-BelmontvidcastThu, 08 Nov 2007 22:32:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO couple plead guilty to child neglect]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/16/mmo-couple-plead-guilty-to-child-neglect/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/16/mmo-couple-plead-guilty-to-child-neglect/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/16/mmo-couple-plead-guilty-to-child-neglect/#commentsFiled under:

A Reno, Nev couple who were apparently obsessed with the internets and video games have plead guilty to child neglect. The couple, Michael and Iana Straw, have a 22 month boy and and 11 month girl who were severely malnourished and near death last month when doctors examined them at a hospital. The couple, according to prosecutors, were so obsessed with Dungeons & Dragons Online they neglected their children. Guess it's true what they say about bad games and addiction. The couple faces a potential 12 year prison sentence each.

"They had food; they just chose not to give it to their kids because they were too busy playing video games," said the prosecutor to the Reno Gazette-Journal. Now would be a good time to stop reading if you don't want the bad details. Police say hospital staff had to shave the girls head because it was matted with cat urine and the boy had to be treated for a "genital infection." Apparently Michael Straw, an unemployed cashier, received a $50,000 inheritance, which he spent on computer equipment and a plasma TV. Allegedly the couple was simply addicted to video games and there was no drug abuse. Maybe it's time the AMA got cracking on trying to figure out what the real deal is with video game addiction.

JoystiqMMO couple plead guilty to child neglect originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Jul 2007 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>addictionamachild abusecultureparental neglectvideo game addictionMon, 16 Jul 2007 13:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Addiction experts: Video games aren't an addiction]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/24/addiction-experts-video-games-arent-an-addiction/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/24/addiction-experts-video-games-arent-an-addiction/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/24/addiction-experts-video-games-arent-an-addiction/#commentsFiled under:

Apparently the doctors from the American Medical Association (AMA) who were looking to have video game addiction classified as a disease have backed away from their decision. They now recommend the American Psychiatric Association, who would have had the final word on the matter anyway, consider doing more research into the issue and possibly add the diagnosis to their revision of the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) in 2012. The AMA doctors who believe video game addiction exists say it affects approximately 10% of players, but say more study is needed.
.
"There is nothing here to suggest that this is a complex physiological disease state akin to alcoholism or other substance abuse disorders, and it doesn't get to have the word addiction attached to it," said Dr. Stuart Gitlow of the American Society of Addiction Medicine and Mt. Sinai School of Medicine in New York. But Dr. Thomas Allen of the Osler Medical Center says, "Working with this problem is no different than working with alcoholic patients. The same denial, the same rationalization, the same inability to give it up." But is that addiction, compulsion or just playing really bad games? That's the question.

Dr. Louis Kraus who deals in child and adolescent psychiatry says it's not such cause-and-effect issue. He says certain kids just have a more "compulsive component" in what they do. Kinda sounds like the same argument about kids who play video games and kill. The AMA will make its final recommendation on the issue later this week.

JoystiqAddiction experts: Video games aren't an addiction originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 24 Jun 2007 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>addictionamaamerican psychiatric associationdoctorsdsmSun, 24 Jun 2007 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Carson Daly beats his Wii addiction]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/08/carson-daly-beats-his-wii-addiction/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/08/carson-daly-beats-his-wii-addiction/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/08/carson-daly-beats-his-wii-addiction/#commentsFiled under: ,


Yes, okay, it's a hokey clip from a talk show, but it's also Wii-related and the funniest thing Carson Daly has ever done. That puts it ahead of ... that one thing that Carson Daly said, and, uh ... probably something else. Oh, oh, he was on My Name is Earl! Okay, this is funnier than that one time he was on My Name is Earl. This clip parodies the A&E series Intervention with the sad, sad tale of Daly's battle with Wii addiction.

We'd probably watch more Last Call and Intervention (more than none) if they featured stuff like this instead of whatever it is they actually feature. We've embedded the YouTube video after the break.

[Via NeoGAF]

Continue reading Carson Daly beats his Wii addiction

JoystiqCarson Daly beats his Wii addiction originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 May 2007 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>addictioncarson dalyCarsonDalydalyinterventionnintendonintendo wiiNintendoWiivideowiizeldaTue, 08 May 2007 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Religious broadcaster takes balanced look at games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/18/religious-broadcaster-takes-balanced-look-at-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/18/religious-broadcaster-takes-balanced-look-at-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/18/religious-broadcaster-takes-balanced-look-at-games/#commentsFiled under:

The stereotypical image of a fiery preacher warning about the moral dangers of video games took a hit today with the relatively balanced look at games on Christian lifestyle program Living the Life.

The CBN program talked to Richard Abanes, author of What Every Parent Needs to Know about Video Games, who started by noting the positive effects game playing can have on logical thinking, social interaction and teamwork skills. Later, he said that media talk about games creating violent killers is overblown. "Whenever you see those stories in the news, it's just for the sake of getting some news," Abanes said.

Living the Life fixture Dr. Linda Mintle was up next, talking about the potential addictiveness of video games. Her professional opinion? "Is it really physically addicting. Probably not. Do the chemicals rise and you get into it? Yes." Still, Mintle warned parents to watch out for children using games excessively as an escape from social problems. Both guests recommended parents play games with their children and warned of potential desensitizing effects of prolonged play -- good advice that thankfully avoids the sensationalist fearmongering of some other media outlets.

Of course, the program did touch on some explicitly Christian issues. Abanes said that Christian games are not yet "hip enough" for kids, but that Christian games could eventually serve as "ministry points" to connect with hard-to-reach children. Mintle warned that parents should consider whether they want their kids "dabbling in the occult" through games. So, in summary, keep your kids away from The Witcher and you should be OK.

Watch - Living the Life 4/18/07 (WMV Link)

JoystiqReligious broadcaster takes balanced look at games originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Apr 2007 15:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>addictionCBNChristianparentsreligionreligiousWed, 18 Apr 2007 15:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Game addiction on the rise, but 'stable' genes should prevent violent outbursts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/04/game-addiction-on-the-rise-but-stable-genes-should-prevent-vi/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/04/game-addiction-on-the-rise-but-stable-genes-should-prevent-vi/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/04/game-addiction-on-the-rise-but-stable-genes-should-prevent-vi/#commentsFiled under: ,

game addictWhen combined, a pair of new studies (conveniently stacked on GamePolitics.com) suggests that game addiction is a rising concern among American youth, but, if we also trust Aussie researchers, violent side effects are not. According to a new Harris poll, 8.5% of the US's youngsters are now clinically addicted to games, and as many as 23% have felt the jonesing itch for a fix. Thankfully, Australia's Swinburne University of Technology has published findings which indicate that violent games ('cause let's face it, violent games are the only kind American tweens get lifted on) don't increase the likelihood of a "stable" child becoming more aggressive.

The Swinburne study seems to define "stable" as non-hyper. So, considering that about 7% of children are currently diagnosed with ADHD, presumably about 0.6% of America's young people (percentage of ADHD-diagnosed kids addicted to games) pose a potential threat to society. A small percentage no doubt, but with a reported 73.5 million children in the US in 2005, we could be living among something like 450,000 latent killer gamers -- hit the panic button!

[Disclosure: blogger's math skills have not been evaluated since December 1999; some calculations may be inaccurate. Call for panic still very real!]

Read - Poll Indicates Game Addiction on the Rise Among Youth
Read - Study Says Stable Kids Unaffected by Game Violence

JoystiqGame addiction on the rise, but 'stable' genes should prevent violent outbursts originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Apr 2007 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>addictaddictionadhdaustraliachildrenpollstudyususaviolenceviolentyouthWed, 04 Apr 2007 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[University: Gaming addiction is real but over-diagnosed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/27/university-gaming-addiction-is-real-but-over-diagnosed/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/27/university-gaming-addiction-is-real-but-over-diagnosed/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/27/university-gaming-addiction-is-real-but-over-diagnosed/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Research at the U.K's University of Bolton says that gaming addiction may be over-diagnosed up to 10 percent of the time because indicators that were previously thought to relate to a gaming addiction had been borrowed from gambling addictions; what are the odds? Those markers may not translate between the two behavior patterns as well as previously thought.

10 percent doesn't sound like a major mistake -- unless you're in that group -- but the study balances some recent reports that hype and overstate the problem. (Oh Tyra, we thought you were better than the local news.) Still, the research stresses that gaming addictions are real.

See also:
Game addiction battled with silent sound
Dutch game addiction clinic is "swamped"
Gamer addiction patient says he "peed in a bottle"
Faux News investigates WoW addiction

JoystiqUniversity: Gaming addiction is real but over-diagnosed originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Mar 2007 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>addictiondiagnosegame addictionGameAddictiongaming addictionGamingAddictionuniversity of boltonUniversityOfBoltonTue, 27 Mar 2007 14:40:00 EST<![CDATA[UK's The Times becomes WoW pusher this Saturday]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/27/uks-the-times-becomes-wow-pusher-this-saturday/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/27/uks-the-times-becomes-wow-pusher-this-saturday/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/27/uks-the-times-becomes-wow-pusher-this-saturday/#commentsFiled under: , ,

This Saturday, UK newspaper The Times will offer readers a disc with a 14-day trial of World of Warcraft. The edition will also include an eight-page guide to the game. Like a good drug dealer, Blizzard knows that you just have to give a customer that first hit of WoW to keep them coming back for more. The only real difference between a drug dealer and Blizzard is that dealers can't advertise in The Times -- well, not legally.

We can certainly expect Blizzard to start using more unorthodox approaches in growing their customer base. With 8.5 million WoW players, they've got plenty of money to blow on marketing now and continue the march toward the mind-blowing 10 million user mark. Blizzard is sure to announce their upcoming WoW expansion in the next few months, along with whatever new title they're working on.

JoystiqUK's The Times becomes WoW pusher this Saturday originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Mar 2007 09:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>addictionannouncementdrugsnew gamePCpushingthe timesTheTimesworld of warcraftTue, 27 Mar 2007 09:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Game addiction battled with silent sound]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/13/game-addiction-battled-with-silent-sound/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/13/game-addiction-battled-with-silent-sound/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/13/game-addiction-battled-with-silent-sound/#commentsFiled under: , ,

must ... stop ... playing ...Hear that? No, you can't. But, according to a report in The Korea Times, venture start-up Xtive claims to have developed an inaudible sound sequence that could have already broadcast its message 200,000 times since you began reading this post. And what message is that?

Xtive says its message will encourage so-called game addicts to stop playing. "Game users can't recognize the sounds. But their subconscious is aware of them and the chances are high they will quit playing," says company president Yun Yun-hae, before adding, "We can easily change the messages. In this sense, the potential for this technology is exponential." Yun then cracks a grin, followed by a sinister cackle. Exponential...

[Via GamePolitics]

JoystiqGame addiction battled with silent sound originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Mar 2007 16:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>addictaddictionkoreasubliminalxtiveTue, 13 Mar 2007 16:43:00 EST<![CDATA[VR game helps addicts quit smoking]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/08/vr-game-helps-addicts-quit-smoking/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/08/vr-game-helps-addicts-quit-smoking/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/08/vr-game-helps-addicts-quit-smoking/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Game addiction might be a hot topic at the moment, but researchers at the University of Georgia are hoping a specially designed virtual reality game can help people get over a much more prevalent addiction: smoking.

Patients in the study don a ridiculous looking VR headset and are placed in simulations of situations where they might be tempted to smoke, like a party full of other smokers or a tight traffic jam. With the help of a therapist, the smoker gradually learns how to handle these situations without lighting up.

Does it work? One elderly smoker interviewed for the story had failed to quit with the patch and medications, but after the VR sessions found she could "be in a room with four or five people smoking and I don't light up." We have the opposite problem -- after years of playing Mario, it's hard for us to be in a room full of turtles without feeling the need to jump on their backs over and over.

Related: Virtual reality student project aims to cure acrophobia

[Via Game|Life]

JoystiqVR game helps addicts quit smoking originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Feb 2007 16:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>addictionPCsmokingtherapyvideovirtual realityVirtualRealityvrThu, 08 Feb 2007 16:17:00 EST<![CDATA[British cops caught playing PSP on duty]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/30/british-cops-caught-playing-psp-on-duty/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/30/british-cops-caught-playing-psp-on-duty/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/30/british-cops-caught-playing-psp-on-duty/#commentsFiled under: ,

First a Lancanshire bus driver is fired for playing a PSP while driving, now this. England's Sun newspaper is reporting on a pair of East London police officers caught playing a PSP while they were supposed to be guarding a wall in danger of collapsing. The cops were so engrossed in the game that they didn't even notice a passerby snapping a camera phone picture of their loafing (above).

The Sun reports that the cops were playing a "footie" game (soccer to us normal people), which is a little disappointing to us. If they were playing Grand Theft Auto or something, at least they could argue they were researching the motivations behind the criminal element or something. Heck, even Lumines would have been beneficial for cops' spatial and quick thinking skills. If these cops want to play soccer, they should join a league.

[Via Columbus Dispatch]

JoystiqBritish cops caught playing PSP on duty originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Jan 2007 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>addictioncopfootieloafingPSPsoccerTue, 30 Jan 2007 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Civilization causes missed book deadline]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/18/civilization-causes-missed-book-deadline/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/18/civilization-causes-missed-book-deadline/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/18/civilization-causes-missed-book-deadline/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Ever spent months getting absolutely nothing done because you're so obsessed with a game? You're not alone. British sci-fi author Iain Banks has admitted that his next book, Matter, will be delayed due to the author's crippling Civilization addiction. The Independent reports that the author of The Player of Games played the game for three months straight without getting any work done.

To solve the problem, Banks eventually had to "delete all the saved files and smash the CD." There's always the chance of a relapse, though -- maybe someone should tell this guy about Civilization Anonymous.

[Via Idle Thumbs]

JoystiqCivilization causes missed book deadline originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 Aug 2006 17:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>addictaddictioncivcivilizationMacPCFri, 18 Aug 2006 17:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Gaming plague sweeps South Korea, at least 1 million infected]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/15/gaming-plague-sweeps-south-korea-at-least-1-million-infected/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/15/gaming-plague-sweeps-south-korea-at-least-1-million-infected/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/15/gaming-plague-sweeps-south-korea-at-least-1-million-infected/#commentsFiled under:

South KoreaFirst SARS, then bird flu, and now video games. In the past three years, South Korea has been a hotbed for the contemporary world's most deadly plagues.

Despite government intervention, an estimated 1 million South Koreans exhibit symptoms of the most severe stages of the gaming virus, forcing many to drop out of school or quit their jobs. Some are so sick they can barely eat or maintain an appropriate level of personal hygiene. In 2005, at least seven individuals fell victim to the disease, and according to a recent survey, 6 out of 10 South Koreans, ages 9 to 39, show signs of infection.

Some speculate that the gaming plague has found a home in South Korea due to the country's fascination with new technology, a government policy that encourages the internet as an engine for economic growth, and a prevalence of urban, high-rise apartment blocks that make broadband networks commercially viable. It is not known at this time, to what extent, the video game virus has spread beyond South Korean borders. Here in the US, the threat level remains 'orange.'

JoystiqGaming plague sweeps South Korea, at least 1 million infected originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Jun 2006 14:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>addictionplagueSouth KoreaSouthKoreavideo gamesVideoGamesThu, 15 Jun 2006 14:55:00 EST<![CDATA[European game addiction clinic opens next month]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/01/european-game-addiction-clinic-opens-next-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/01/european-game-addiction-clinic-opens-next-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/01/european-game-addiction-clinic-opens-next-month/#commentsFiled under:

Smith & Jones, addiction consultants, have latched on to a goldmine -- an obsessive type of behaviour that has few treatment options, save their soon-to-be-opened treatment centre in the Netherlands. The behaviour? Gaming, of course.

Their target is the gamer stereotype -- a socially awkward adolescent boy who spends 18 hours a day locked in his room pretending to shoot people. Their treatment? Get out more.

"You can't do a urine test to see that they're not still gaming. And if a coke addict said they wanted to go out to a club or to see people, we'd be worried about whether they'd meet a dealer. But if a gamer said he wanted to go out for the night and meet people we'd throw a party."

Whether there are sufficient game addicts in Europe with the funds for expensive private treatment, we don't know. However, for those who are addicted to games, in whatever form, a new form of treatment may well be welcomed.

JoystiqEuropean game addiction clinic opens next month originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Jun 2006 07:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>addictionbbccliniccommentarydisordereuropestereotypestreatmentThu, 01 Jun 2006 07:55:00 EST<![CDATA[The science behind game addiction]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/01/the-science-behind-game-addiction/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/01/the-science-behind-game-addiction/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/01/the-science-behind-game-addiction/#commentsFiled under:

Are games addictive? That's the question posed over at Gamasutra, and Neils Clark has gone into some detail to explain the science behind addiction and its relevance to gaming. Unfortunately, the answer isn't as clear-cut as a simple "yes" or "no".

Addiction itself is a complicated area of psychology and neuroscience, and it's often implicated with gaming by those who fail to understand either concept. What's increasingly clear from this article is that there may be flaws in research relating to game addiction--from conceptual confusion to extended assumptions, as well as the tendency to embrace concepts before they are fully investigated. Clark points out that "research has simply suggested that at most, people are becoming addicted to games, not that games themselves are actually responsible for addicting people."

JoystiqThe science behind game addiction originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Mar 2006 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>addictiongamasutraneurosciencepsychologyscienceWed, 01 Mar 2006 21:00:00 EST