Gaming Addictions

The staff of The Escapist discusses their own experiences with gaming addiction.

Each year, there are more and more cases of people playing videogames to the detriment of their overall physical and mental health. So it might surprise you to learn that in the eyes of the medical community, "videogame addiction" doesn't exist. Elizabeth Marsh examines how psychologists are struggling to define, diagnose and treat this contentious condition.

A semester-long bout of Quake II multiplayer cost Jorge Garcìa a college degree and his friends' and family's trust. But it also helped him learn how to play games while managing his other responsibilities.

It's easy to spot the odd rituals and behavioral tics that signal addiction - even if the "substance" in question is a videogame. Dean Sherwin examines a handful of these curious gamer habits.

There may be satisfaction in breaking the shrink wrap of a newly purchased game, but it pales in comparison to the last few moments of play before you have to put down the controller. Taylor Hidalgo ponders what's so special about those last 15 minutes of game time.