The subject of computer game addiction has been pretty prominent in both mainstream news and online blogs for a few years now – especially in relation to World of Warcraft (even WIkipedia has a tab under WoW titled ‘Game Addiction’). The release last month of the latest expansion pack, Wrath of the Lich King, again coincided with similar – and mostly relevant and much-needed – debates on the issue.
(NB there is even now an online WoW rehab clinic, WoWDetox, for those worried about their use).
Like many others, this blog covered the debate – but since then has not featured much WOW or even gaming news. So this week we’re going to put the spotlight on something really positive coming out of…
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Last week saw the release of the latest World of Warcraft expansion pack – Wrath of the Lich King, and as with previous releases the hype and anticipation across the gaming community was huge. But in the news and press once again questions are being asked about computer game addiction and the negative consequences of virtual ‘living’ – with WOW unsurprisingly at the center of the debate.
Not for the first time I found myself wondering – how serious is gaming addiction, and also who or what (if anything) is to blame? It can’t be a simple case of pointing the finger at Blizzard and ignoring the wider contexts in play…
Firstly though one quick observation about the release evening. As thousands…
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