Tuesday, November 13, 2007

An even-handed look at gaming addiction

From Rock, Paper, Shotgun--an interesting article that presents a refreshingly multi-faceted look at gaming addiction. The article features the varied perspectives and sometimes contentious points of the authors.

Example: “There is no such clinical criteria as ‘video game addiction’,” states Dr Richard Wood. His forthcoming paper, The Myth of Video Game “Addiction” argues, “It has not been acknowledged by any reputable organisation responsible for defining disorders of the mind or body (e.g., The American Psychiatric Association, The World Health Organisation etc.).” (It should be noted that the APA are currently investigating the topic to consider whether they will recognise it).

Example: In his essay, Are Games Addictive: The State of Science, [Neils]Clark explains, “A normal personality usually has a number of activities that they regularly use to feel excited, relaxed, or what have you. Yet people are drawn to some things over others. A huge gambling win is more attractive than cleaning a toilet. For most people. When the soon-to-be addict finds that special activity, they can have [an] ‘aha’ moment… At its most extreme, such a behavioural addiction dominates a person’s life. They need the activity, and they’ll sacrifice nearly anything – long term plans, the company of people, even work in order to have it.”

Definitely worth a read! See the whole thing>>

Labels: , , ,

Friday, September 14, 2007

Interviewed by Gamasutra.com

This morning I received an email from Neils Clark at Gamasutra.com, telling me that the cover feature article he wrote, titled "The Academics Speak: Is There Life After World of Warcraft?" is out.

I was one of five scholars interviewed on our thoughts for the piece, including Edward Castronova, Aaron Delwiche, Henry Jenkins, and Jeff McNeill.

The objective was to have a conversation with "academics immersed in the research," as well as raise important questions for the way we look at games.

Here's some coverage of the article from Slashdot.

No wonder my blog traffic spiked on Wednesday.

See the article>>

Labels: , , , , , , ,