The video game industry is worth billions of dollars and has enjoyed mainstream attention for years, with both good and bad press. While there are things to debate when it comes to representation in games and ethics in gaming journalism, a more tangible issue has emerged that could directly affect all gamers: the World Health Organization’s recent inclusion of gaming addiction as a mental disorder in the 11th revision of the International Classification of Diseases.
Gaming, like any other activity, can certainly be enjoyed to excess. However, how could WHO categorize gaming addiction in general as a mental disorder when there are so many different subcategories in video games with their own addictive properties including the gambling-like nature of loot boxes? How can we help reassure gamers who are worried about the potential for this revelation being blown out of proportion by the news media?
I reached out to PHD student, researcher and ’Psychology and Video Games’ author PlatinumParagon to discuss this new designation and its potential impact on gamers.
Read the entire interview over at FanBolt.
Syxx Sense Media 