Online Gaming Addiction Is Real, and Users Are Losing Themselves in Their Games

The word addiction is typically related to drug paraphernalia and things of that sort, but a recent study suggests some online interactive gamers have developed addictions. Men and women addicted to massively multiplayer online role playing games (MMORPGs) are grouped into the same category of addiction as gamblers and compulsive shoppers. MMORPGs offer users the ability to virtually reinvent themselves and exclude any characteristics they view of as negative or unappealing.

Some Online Gamers View Virtual World as Real

MMORPGs have been labeled "heroinware" by many of their users due to their many addictive elements. These games require the user to devote themselves to their virtual world in order to succeed, and users are rewarded for certain accomplishments. This is similar to standard video games, except MMORPGs do not have endings like a traditional video game. Instead, these online worlds offer endless opportunities to explore and improve upon one's character, much like the real world. 

In some cases, users view their virtual characters as themselves, as proof by one user of the MMORPG Everquest, or Evercrack to many of its gamers. News.com quoted the gamer saying, "The game almost ruined my life, it was my life. I ceased being me; I became Madrid, the Great Shaman of the North…" Many users consider the most addictive attributes of MMORPGs the gain of power and status. Many users who lack these attributes in the real world, find comfort when they achieve them in a virtual one.

Number of Hours Per Week Spent Playing by Online and Offline Gamers

Online Gamers Spend Significantly More Time Playing per Week than Offline Gamers

Gaming is viewed a hobby by most, but some play so much it could be a full time job. As shown in the graph, more than 10% of online gamers play online more than 40 hours per week. These gamers play so much it could be a full time job, but it isn't. In addition, 34% of online gamers play 21-40 hours per week as opposed to only 4% of offline gamers who dedicate that much time per week to their games. Furthermore, almost 20% of MMORPG users view themselves as addicted! This unquestionably suggests online games are addictive and can't be classified in the same category as a traditional video game.

Large Portion of Online Gamers Find It Easier to Talk to People through Their Game

As much as 35% of MMORPG users feel more comfortable conversing and interacting with people in their online world rather than in real life. However, 59% disagree and do not feel more comfortable interacting in their online worlds. This likely suggests this portion of the MMORPG users do not feel more secure talking in their virtual world, but it could also suggest they view their online interactions as real world contact. Whichever way you view it, massively multiplayer online role playing games clearly have addicting features along with a large user base which loves experiencing them.