The addictive nature of games: MMORPGs

MMORPG stands for Massively Multi-player Online Role Playing Game and as the title suggests it is a game that is played Online by many people who can interact during game play. They are usually set in a fantasy world with magic and mythical creatures.

RuneScape

RuneScape is one of the biggest free options out there and it has a large map to explore that gets bigger if you decide to pay for membership. It also has a large set of skills for you to gain experience in. Again there are more if you are a paying member.

Yes they can be but you can also get bored of them after a while.

MMO's are designed to keep players playing and wanting to come back for more. There gaming systems are such that you have to play for hours to level up your character so that you can complete missions or tasks. They have a large map to explore for the same reasons.

Although the games are designed to keep players interest it sometimes does not work and the tedius nature and time it takes to level up a character can cause players to become disinterested in the game. This however can take a while to happen and in the mean time the player can become addicted to the game.

It is when that addiction turns to frstration that things in the players personal life can turn nasty. This will not always happen but a frustrated gamer can turn their frustration on others.

• getting so engrossed in the game that you loose track of time.

• not wanting to leave the game when you need to go to work or somewhere important.

• Logging straight into the game when you get in the door.

• Missing meals to play for longer.

• Wanting to play rather than do your chores or homework.

• Wanting to play rather than see your family or friends.

You need to set yourself time limits when playing. Play for an hour at a time, no more. If you are one of those people who loose track of time while in the game then set the alarm on your phone to go off after an hour. This will also work for getting you to work.

Don't go straight to the computer when you get home. Do some chores instead and make yourself a meal if it is that time of day.

Plan to spend time with family and friends in person and go out for the day.

When you feel the need to play try to find something else to occupy your mind. Read a book or watch TV if there is nothing to do around the house. But don't replace one addiction with another.

Don't go Cold Turkey as it will make you angry and less fun to be around than you probably already are.

If you play the games but are not yet addicted use the above advice to help you stay that way.