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tatiana86

Pre-Searing Cadet

Join Date: Nov 2007

E/Mo

20 Nov 2007 at 14:00 - 1

I’m doing a dissertation for University on MMOGs and I have a few questions for people if they would be kind enough to answer them:

1. How often do you play this game?
2. Do you play any other online games as well?
3. Would you say that gaming is addictive? Would you say you are addicted?
4. Do you play the game to escape from real life?
5. Is playing the game part of real life?
6. Do you think there are boundaries between the game and reality?
7. Would you say that gaming helps people to become involved with society no matter who they are?

Yes or No would suffice, but people are encouraged to write reasoning. Thanks

Coridan

Forge Runner

Join Date: Jun 2006

US

Old Married Gamers {OMG}

W/

20 Nov 2007 at 14:14 - 2

1 1-2 hours daily...sometimes more sometimes not at all
2 no, don't have time or interest
3 probably, have played alot of hours in 1.5 years
4 no, but it is a nice way to relax
5 no, my RL is full of family and friends
6 yes
7 no, i believe its more of an antisocial thing

Neo Nugget

Site Contributor

Join Date: Jan 2006

R/

20 Nov 2007 at 14:30 - 3

1.varies, an hour to an hour and a half.
2.Yes, on Xbox live, but no, no other MMO's
3.Not as much as i used to be, but i guess so

4.Not really.
5.Nope.
6.Oh yea.
7.not really, i think gaming is something most people do for fun

Gonna move this to riverside btw

neighto

Lion's Arch Merchant

Join Date: Nov 2005

The Heart of Life is [Love]

20 Nov 2007 at 14:44 - 4

1. When i have spare time, I play.. maybe 2-5hrs all dependant on my work load
2. Not really, I have others.. but they dont hold my attention longer then 10mins
3. At times it can be when your trying to achieve a goal, But overall i wouldnt say it was addicting.. Am i addicted? no
4. Nope. Purely entertainment for me
5. No.
6. Definatly. this is just a game. has no bearing on my R/L whatsoever
7. No. Gaming in general is entertainment.

Shakkara

Krytan Explorer

Join Date: Oct 2006

W/

20 Nov 2007 at 14:47 - 5

1. How often do you play this game?
Varies greatly. Sometimes I don't play for months, and then I play 12 hours straight.
2. Do you play any other online games as well?
Used to, but not any more.
3. Would you say that gaming is addictive? Would you say you are addicted?
Yes to both.
4. Do you play the game to escape from real life?
Definately.
5. Is playing the game part of real life?
Yes.
6. Do you think there are boundaries between the game and reality?
Define reality.
7. Would you say that gaming helps people to become involved with society no matter who they are?
I hate society.

~ Dan ~

Forge Runner

Join Date: Dec 2006

D/

20 Nov 2007 at 14:52 - 6

1. Most days, but not that long anymore..
2. Nope.
3. Yes, but i wouldn't say i am.
4. No, i play it for fun.
5. Course not.
6. Yes.
7. Not at all.

gremlin

Furnace Stoker

Join Date: Oct 2006

GWAR

Me/Mo

20 Nov 2007 at 15:05 - 7

1 Two or three times a week and for around 3 hours on average.

2 Yes I Play others with friends.

3 When I first had GW I was playing 7 days a week and for hours sometimes all night so I guess it was for me.

4 I play to relax although there is an element of escapism.

5 no not for me anyway.

6 Yes although some games might blur the line esp if there is an educational element.

7 No, gaming is mostly introspective.
I do interact with people and from several online games I have long time friends and contacts.

Aera Lure

Desert Nomad

Join Date: Aug 2005

In Baltar's head

Bring Out Your Dead [BOYD], former officer [LBS]

Mo/

20 Nov 2007 at 15:10 - 8

Quote:

Originally Posted by tatiana86

1. How often do you play this game?
2. Do you play any other online games as well?
3. Would you say that gaming is addictive? Would you say you are addicted?
4. Do you play the game to escape from real life?
5. Is playing the game part of real life?
6. Do you think there are boundaries between the game and reality?
7. Would you say that gaming helps people to become involved with society no matter who they are?

1. 3-4 hours a day. Sometimes more, sometimes a little less.
2. No.
3. Yes for online MMOs. Yes. I work harder now at limiting how long I play.
4. Yes.
5. No.
6. Yes.
7. No, gaming doesnt. If anything it weakens those activities.

Drop of Fear

Forge Runner

Join Date: Nov 2006

W/

20 Nov 2007 at 15:20 - 9

1. How often do you play this game?
depends on work load. 0-12 hours. average 3 hours / day the last 18 months
2. Do you play any other online games as well?
negative.
3. Would you say that gaming is addictive? Would you say you are addicted?
what u mean with addiction? something u cannot stop and u're forced to play, feeling sick if u have no access to it? then no. i spent days / weeks in a row without touching this game nor feeling the impulsive need to play. can stop when i want. i did stop when i wanted. no addiction here.
4. Do you play the game to escape from real life?
i would rather describe it as a safe haven to forget your job/personal everyday problems for few hours and relax. isn't it what most ppl do when they go to the movies or to a football/basketball game?
5. Is playing the game part of real life?
Helps a lot reducing my stress level. if this counts then ye... else i don't think so, it's just a game.
6. Do you think there are boundaries between the game and reality?
I know few ppl that met in the game and still date each other even if they both quit guild wars.
7. Would you say that gaming helps people to become involved with society no matter who they are?
Hell no. noone logs in a new game to "find new ppl to talk with". if someone does, it's time to pull the plug. again, it's a game

Cebe

The 5th Celestial Boss

Join Date: Jul 2006

Inverness, Scotland

The Cult of Scaro [WHO]

E/

20 Nov 2007 at 15:26 - 10

Quote:

Originally Posted by tatiana86

1. How often do you play this game?

Daily. Typically 4-5 hours, used to be a little more, and much more at weekends.

Quote:

Originally Posted by tatiana86

2. Do you play any other online games as well?

Yes.

Quote:

Originally Posted by tatiana86

3. Would you say that gaming is addictive? Would you say you are addicted?

Yes (part 1). No (part 2). I used to consider myself addicted, but not any more. I can stop playing with great ease these days. It used to take a lot of will to stop myself from "just completing that one last quest" when I started playing. I also don't find myself REALLY wanting to play the game now either, I've achieved as much as I'd like to at the moment, and that'll do for me. I don't play because I specifically want to complete a certain mission or gain a certain title these days, I just play for the "witty banter" in alliance chat and to relax by beating the hell outta some deserving monsters.

Quote:

Originally Posted by tatiana86

4. Do you play the game to escape from real life?

Yes

Quote:

Originally Posted by tatiana86

5. Is playing the game part of real life?

Playing any game should be part of anyone's real life...so yes. You can't play the game in any other way...you have to be awake, and you have to be real. You can't play the game by not having a real life, as by definition, you would not exist to play said game.

Quote:

Originally Posted by tatiana86

6. Do you think there are boundaries between the game and reality?

Yes

Quote:

Originally Posted by tatiana86

7. Would you say that gaming helps people to become involved with society no matter who they are?

The Gaming Society, Yes, though this is vastly different from meeting people outside the room their computer is sat in. The gaming society doesn't represent a random portion of overall society. Does gaming help people become involved with society outwith the gaming world? No.

Tactical-Dillusions

Desert Nomad

Join Date: May 2005

Grimsby, UK

R/

20 Nov 2007 at 15:31 - 11

Quote:

Originally Posted by tatiana86

I’m doing a dissertation for University on MMOGs and I have a few questions for people if they would be kind enough to answer them:

1. How often do you play this game?
2. Do you play any other online games as well?
3. Would you say that gaming is addictive? Would you say you are addicted?
4. Do you play the game to escape from real life?
5. Is playing the game part of real life?
6. Do you think there are boundaries between the game and reality?
7. Would you say that gaming helps people to become involved with society no matter who they are?

Yes or No would suffice, but people are encouraged to write reasoning. Thanks

1- 12 hours per day minimum, until i get bored then i go play something else.
2- Yes, Call of Duty mainly now, until AoC is released, hopefully in March.
3- Yes and yes.
4- I play games to escape real life and then play real life to get away from games... especially when i get owned in RA when i thought i had a good build.

5- Technically yes because i have incorporated it into my life but on the flip side, i know that real life would carry on without games.
6- Of course, but there are also areas where the boundaries are more fuzzy and these areas can be of hinderance and benefit to both sides of the game.
For example, you get to feel part of a community and a whole new world which gives you a feeling of satisfaction, but it's just a temporary illusion and doesn't make the problems of real life go away. Failure to notice that fact can make real life harder by ignoring lifes problems.
7- It depends on the game in subject but also on the individual. A game cannot force someone to be more social unless that person is forced to play it. For example, a person may be attracted to a game that he/she can solo entirely, barely saying a word to anyone ever, but if you expose that person to a game where they must talk to someone, they would be driven away because it goes against that persons personality.
Sometimes though, a game can be so enticing that it blocks out reality and the problems and responsibilities that come with it and can hinder a persons ability to communicate and problem-solve, especially in children. So i think it's more down to the individual.
I think my answer would be 'only for those who want to become involved'. Does that make sense?

pkodyssey

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Nov 2005

In a cardboard box with Internet

The Order of the Frozen Tundra (TofT)

N/

20 Nov 2007 at 15:31 - 12

Quote:

Originally Posted by tatiana86

I’m doing a dissertation for University on MMOGs and I have a few questions for people if they would be kind enough to answer them:

1. How often do you play this game?
2. Do you play any other online games as well?
3. Would you say that gaming is addictive? Would you say you are addicted?
4. Do you play the game to escape from real life?
5. Is playing the game part of real life?
6. Do you think there are boundaries between the game and reality?
7. Would you say that gaming helps people to become involved with society no matter who they are?

Yes or No would suffice, but people are encouraged to write reasoning. Thanks

1. Weekday evenings 1-2 hours, Weekends 5+ hours if I don't have other plans.
2. No
3. No/No There are often occassions that I can't play, it doesn't concern me when I can't play.
4. No, but the immersion can completely take you out of context with reality.
5. No
6. Yes
7. Not for me, but others that can't get out or have reservation about doing so, may find a social outlet in online gaming.

$neekie

Academy Page

Join Date: Jun 2006

Netherlands

R/

20 Nov 2007 at 15:34 - 13

1.I game every day but not always this game, weekdays about 1-1,5 hours. weekends depends...
2.Yes,atm its a tos up between bf2 and Guildwars.But games like c and c,age of empires,ect too, just not that often.
3.Yes and yes
4.No
5.For sure. If a game frustrates me i turn it off,wish real live was that easy at times.
6.Dont get the question,define society??country,neighberhood,world..............b ut i dont think so in any case.

mzzls

I D E L E T E D I

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Oct 2007

[BAAA] guest me NOW

Mo/

20 Nov 2007 at 15:38 - 14

1. How often do you play this game?
Usually around 5-6 hours a day, but due to Uni exams i have been playing less.
2. Do you play any other online games as well?
Nope and never tried any either
3. Would you say that gaming is addictive? Would you say you are addicted?For some it might be addictive, but for me no i have had 2 long term breaks from this game already and i would have no problem stopping to play if the need in RL arises.
4. Do you play the game to escape from real life?
Yes and No. I play to get away from all the stress in RL but i do have RL friends who i play this game with too.
5. Is playing the game part of real life?
Since i have RL friends on this game i suppose thats a yes
6. Do you think there are boundaries between the game and reality?
Of course there is.
7. Would you say that gaming helps people to become involved with society no matter who they are?
Not at all, although i have realiyed something in life through me playing GW

wsmcasey

Jungle Guide

Join Date: Jul 2005

Right behind you.

HeRo

W/Rt

20 Nov 2007 at 15:39 - 15

You should play the game for yourself. You be the judge.

1. How often do you play this game?
(almost everyday, until i get bored and put it down for months to play other games)
2. Do you play any other online games as well?
(yes)
3. Would you say that gaming is addictive? Would you say you are addicted?
(definately) (I wallow in my addiction and love every minute of it) /sarcasm
4. Do you play the game to escape from real life?
(sometimes, its a great escape from reality, but mainly its just a great source of entertainment that you cant get from watching TV)
5. Is playing the game part of real life?
(No, but the friends you make in game are real people that share your interest of playing Guildwars)
6. Do you think there are boundaries between the game and reality?
(duh........its a game, not real life.)
7. Would you say that gaming helps people to become involved with society no matter who they are?
(definately, the annonimity of meeting people on the internet breaks down barriers so that people cannot judge you based on your appearance. You can be ugly as sin and crippled, but it doesnt matter because people dont see YOU, only your online character and your personality thru typing or chatting via TeamSpeak or Vent.)

Questions for you:
Do you play online games?
How do you feel about people that play online games?
If you dont play online games, then whats your main source of entertainment?

I'm 37 years old and I refrain from telling people that I work with in the office that I play Guildwars. Why might you ask? Because the TV watchers of the world are hypocrites. Its okay for them to watch TV for hours and hours on end and they dont get judged for it. Why do they feel the need to judge me or lable me an "immature adult"? That should be part of your dissertation.

I dont know you and dont wish to judge you by what you decide to do for fun in your spare time. As long as its not hurting others, I dont see the problem. Honestly, your particular questions lead me to believe that you think we are addicted and cannot separate fantasy from reality as if we are less that you in some way. Please feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.

Ctb

Desert Nomad

Join Date: Apr 2006

W/

20 Nov 2007 at 15:43 - 16

1. 1-2 hours weekdays, 3-4 weekends. Playtime is heavily fragmented though by family, the dog, etc. I was particularly unhappy with Factions, however, and stopped playing for about 8 months after it came out.

2. Not currently. Since getting Guild Wars I've played:

WoW - 4 months
Eve Online - 3 months
Everquest II - 1 month
Runescape - about 2 minutes

3. I have no reasonable way to form a meaningful opinion on the first part of the question because I have no meaningful experience with "addiction" as a medical issue. However, based on a layperson understanding of the term, I do believe a video game, like any other repetitive action which can alter moods/physiology/etc. can be addictive. No, I don't believe I'm addicted based on my layperson understanding of the term.

4. No

5. Technically, yes. In the likely spirit of your question, no.

6. Technically, no. In the likely spirit of your question, yes.

7. No. Based on my experience with people in-game I think many of the "hardcore" players are actually using the game as an escapist fantasy and that many people use the psuedo-anonymity afforded by the internet to reinvent themselves and quash actual personal traits that they are not happy with (which can cause conflict in the real world when they try to artificially adopt the invented traits in a setting where it is not appropriate). I also believe "casual" players are often simply using it as a relatively inexpensive form of interactive entertainment and don't take it seriously enough to make it a dedicated social event.

Earth

Always Outnumbered

Join Date: Jul 2006

20 Nov 2007 at 15:46 - 17

Quote:

Originally Posted by tatiana86

I’m doing a dissertation for University on MMOGs and I have a few questions for people if they would be kind enough to answer them:

1. How often do you play this game?
2. Do you play any other online games as well?
3. Would you say that gaming is addictive? Would you say you are addicted?
4. Do you play the game to escape from real life?
5. Is playing the game part of real life?
6. Do you think there are boundaries between the game and reality?
7. Would you say that gaming helps people to become involved with society no matter who they are?

Yes or No would suffice, but people are encouraged to write reasoning. Thanks

1: It depends, once every 2 days for like 3 hours mainly.
2: Nah, not really.
3: I'd say it is addictive to some people. And no, I'm not addicted. If I were I wouldn't be playing for only 3 hours right?

4: Sometimes when I'm feeling really shit.
5: No.
6: Yeah.
7:No.

Cebe

The 5th Celestial Boss

Join Date: Jul 2006

Inverness, Scotland

The Cult of Scaro [WHO]

E/

20 Nov 2007 at 15:46 - 18

Quote:

Originally Posted by wsmcasey

I'm 37 years old and I refrain from telling people that I work with in the office that I play Guildwars. Why might you ask? Because the TV watchers of the world are hypocrites. Its okay for them to watch TV for hours and hours on end and they dont get judged for it. Why do they feel the need to judge me or lable me an "immature adult"? That should be part of your dissertation.

That goes for me too, except I'm 14 years younger.

also /vote for inclusion in said Dissertation.

Mr. G

Desert Nomad

Join Date: Jul 2006

S. Wales

Mo/Me

20 Nov 2007 at 16:11 - 19

Quote:

1. How often do you play this game?
2. Do you play any other online games as well?
3. Would you say that gaming is addictive? Would you say you are addicted?
4. Do you play the game to escape from real life?
5. Is playing the game part of real life?
6. Do you think there are boundaries between the game and reality?
7. Would you say that gaming helps people to become involved with society no matter who they are?

urg, i intend to put my dissertation off as much as possible =P, but ill be glad to help with yours

1 - 6/7 days a week =P
2 - on and off, nothing as long as GW though
3 - see 1 ^^
4 - hell yes, not so much to avoid life but to avoid people (sounds bad i know), but you can forget about this person doing that - or when they are doing this
5 - not really
6 - yes, and the key is to know them - playing endlessly isnt too bad if you understand its just a game
7 - err yes, but it has a dark side - the whole secret identity (theres a real word but i cant remember it,so that will do) often lets people show their true face. Not always good.

------------
and on the note of the whole gaming is no different form tv thing, i know people who can easily spends hours on MSN talking to people - but for a game its somehow different? even if i spend time talking on GW? - meh gaming has a bad reputation, the lines are very blurred - but people still see black and white

Snow Bunny

Alcoholic From Yale

Join Date: Jul 2007

Strong Foreign Policy [sFp]

20 Nov 2007 at 16:14 - 20

Quote:

Originally Posted by tatiana86

1. How often do you play this game?
2. Do you play any other online games as well?
3. Would you say that gaming is addictive? Would you say you are addicted?
4. Do you play the game to escape from real life?
5. Is playing the game part of real life?
6. Do you think there are boundaries between the game and reality?
7. Would you say that gaming helps people to become involved with society no matter who they are?

1. 1-2 hours a day, if I play. 3-4 days a week maybe
2. No
3. Of course it is. I am not.
4. No, I don't.
5. No
6. Absolutely
7. No.

Jecht Scye

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Dec 2005

Lucky Crickets[Luck]

N/Me

20 Nov 2007 at 16:45 - 21

Quote:

1. How often do you play this game?
2. Do you play any other online games as well?
3. Would you say that gaming is addictive? Would you say you are addicted?
4. Do you play the game to escape from real life?
5. Is playing the game part of real life?
6. Do you think there are boundaries between the game and reality?
7. Would you say that gaming helps people to become involved with society no matter who they are?

1. Depends on the week. I've played this game for over 2 years(since BWE weekend) and have 2500 hours logged.
2. Yes, Command and Conquer Renegade every great once in a while.
3. Yes, and Yes. My addiction has mellowed since a few years ago though.
4. Yes, college sucks.
5. No, it's a game.
6. Yes, and those boundaries are the monitor screen. Output doesn't travel farther than that for me.

7. Absolutely not. Online, people are nameless and faceless. Therefore they act differently than if they were in front of a real person.

tatiana86

Pre-Searing Cadet

Join Date: Nov 2007

E/Mo

20 Nov 2007 at 18:33 - 22

Quote:

Originally Posted by wsmcasey

You should play the game for yourself. You be the judge......

Please feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.

Oh I do play the game and I play for enjoyment. I play EVE online as well. I must say I do it to an extent to escape reality but as you say I believe it’s mainly for enjoyment factor.

I’m currently studying media production and as gaming has always interested me it was a good topic to choose. I like the sense of interactivity and where would I be if I didn’t like others who enjoyed playing too.

The whole reason for asking these questions was to get an input of other gamers and how they think. It wouldn’t be primary research if I based it on my own opinions.

My dissertation is entitled “Has the Games Industry Encouraged Extreme Escapism to the Point of Addiction?” and I’m trying to investigate the argument. I have been reading a lot of media theorists research on gaming and addiction and the fact it has become a increasing issue in the past few years with new MMORPGs and addiction especially with the AMA.

I wanted to see what people who game think; if they agree with me that it is not always an extreme escapist notion and it is part of everyday life to want to enjoy yourself whether you use gaming as entertainment or television. I want to be able to ask the questions the theorists suggest and form my own conclusions.

I appreciate your (and everyone elses) input. The fact that it’s been so quick and I’ve got such detailed and varied opinions is really great. If you have anything else you’d like me to consider that would be helpful also

Thank you.

erfweiss

Krytan Explorer

Join Date: Jul 2006

Cold Black Eyes

W/A

20 Nov 2007 at 18:39 - 23

1. How often do you play this game?
Depends on my schedule. About 2 hours a day if I can play at night.

2. Do you play any other online games as well?
No, I don't play anything else online currently

3. Would you say that gaming is addictive? Would you say you are addicted?
I would say that gaming is addictive. I would not say I'm addicted.

4. Do you play the game to escape from real life?
Absolutely not. I have too much to look forward to (young kids). I try to game only when they aren't home or asleep.

5. Is playing the game part of real life?
Depends on your point of view. It is real, as people do converse. Are the characters real? No. But consider it an extension of the real world (as I can game with my twin brother, who lives 900 miles away).

6. Do you think there are boundaries between the game and reality?
Yes, and once you cross them, please get help.

7. Would you say that gaming helps people to become involved with society no matter who they are?
No. People on games all want to be the perfect person. Something they are not.

Steboy93

Furnace Stoker

Join Date: Feb 2007

Trinity of the Ascended [ToA] | Ex-Officer [TAM]

W/

20 Nov 2007 at 18:40 - 24

1. How often do you play this game?-1-2hrs on weekdays, about 4hrs on weekends.

2. Do you play any other online games as well?-No

3. Would you say that gaming is addictive? Would you say you are addicted?-I would say i am quite addicted however i do also spend time with my family and go out with mates ect.

4. Do you play the game to escape from real life?-Sometimes after a crap day, most of the time just to have fun

5. Is playing the game part of real life?-Not really as it's a game, but it has a place in my life.

6. Do you think there are boundaries between the game and reality?-yes

7. Would you say that gaming helps people to become involved with society no matter who they are?-Unless you play with real life friends like I do, then no.

Hope that helps

Yichi

Furnace Stoker

Join Date: Sep 2005

Guild Hall, Vent, Guesting, PvE, or the occasional HA match...

Dark Alley [dR]

20 Nov 2007 at 18:45 - 25

Quote:

Originally Posted by tatiana86

I’m doing a dissertation for University on MMOGs and I have a few questions for people if they would be kind enough to answer them:

1. How often do you play this game?
2. Do you play any other online games as well?
3. Would you say that gaming is addictive? Would you say you are addicted?
4. Do you play the game to escape from real life?
5. Is playing the game part of real life?
6. Do you think there are boundaries between the game and reality?
7. Would you say that gaming helps people to become involved with society no matter who they are?

Yes or No would suffice, but people are encouraged to write reasoning. Thanks

1.) Not that often anymore.
2.) Not as much as I used too.
3.) In the wrong person's hands, yes it can be. No I am not addicted.
4.) To take a break from things yes, to totally escape, no.
5.) A couple of the friends I have met online I like to try and keep in contact with, otherwise, No.
6.) There should be. Although there are a few people in real life that I wish I could drop a Meteor shower on occasionally.
7.) In some ways yes. A person that is shy can also become more sociable due to the anonimity of the internet. But it can also withdraw some from having an actual set of social skills.

ThyNecromancer

Ascalonian Squire

Join Date: Apr 2006

20 Nov 2007 at 18:56 - 26

1. How often do you play this game?
2. Do you play any other online games as well?
3. Would you say that gaming is addictive? Would you say you are addicted?
4. Do you play the game to escape from real life?
5. Is playing the game part of real life?
6. Do you think there are boundaries between the game and reality?
7. Would you say that gaming helps people to become involved with society no matter who they are?

1) Everyday
2) Yes
3) Not really. No.
4) No
5) No
6) No matter what the judge told me, I still say NO! Of course there are boundaries between the game and real life.
7) No. I'm anti social in RL and I'm just the same in the game.

Toutatis

Walking Wiki

Join Date: Nov 2006

Isle of Medication

Visitors from Aranna [VFA]

Me/E

20 Nov 2007 at 19:06 - 27

Quote:

1. How often do you play this game?

Clocked up over 2000 hours over the last 13 months, though taking a semi-quasi-break from the game for a coupla weeks right now while I focus on some RL matters.

Quote:

2. Do you play any other online games as well?

Guild Wars is the only game that I play online at the moment. I used to play Black & White online before they closed the servers, and I used to play Dungeon Siege online as well before the Broken World expansion utterly destroyed the DS community.

Quote:

3. Would you say that gaming is addictive? Would you say you are addicted?

Video games, just like everything else enjoyable, can be addictive. I am not ashamed to say that I am a video game addict; on the plus side, I'm not addicted to anything life-threatening.

Quote:

4. Do you play the game to escape from real life?

I don't think so... It's nice to have a bit of an escape from the issues of every day life but it's not really an escape to me. As soon as you log out of the game life's still there with all its problems. I play games to blow off some steam and clear my head a bit.

Quote:

5. Is playing the game part of real life?

In a way, yes. I usually play with a select group of friends, many of whom I know in real life (and scattered across the globe). So it's a great way to spend some time having fun with friends if I can't see them in person.

Quote:

6. Do you think there are boundaries between the game and reality?

There are definite boundaries between the game world and the real world. The game world is only a fantasy, and fantasies don't come to life.

Quote:

7. Would you say that gaming helps people to become involved with society no matter who they are?

Yes and no. The anonymity that comes with the internet can help shy people come out of their shells and get involved more easily, but that doesn't help at all if a person doesn't have adequate social skills to integrate.

Vinraith

Desert Nomad

Join Date: Dec 2006

20 Nov 2007 at 19:08 - 28

Quote:

Originally Posted by tatiana86

I’m doing a dissertation for University on MMOGs and I have a few questions for people if they would be kind enough to answer them:

1. How often do you play this game?
2. Do you play any other online games as well?
3. Would you say that gaming is addictive? Would you say you are addicted?
4. Do you play the game to escape from real life?
5. Is playing the game part of real life?
6. Do you think there are boundaries between the game and reality?
7. Would you say that gaming helps people to become involved with society no matter who they are?

Yes or No would suffice, but people are encouraged to write reasoning. Thanks

It's worth mentioning that Guild Wars isn't massively multiplayer (that is, since the entire game is instanced there are no areas other than city hubs with more than 8 human players in them). It's essentially an action RPG with 3d interactive lobbies in the form of towns and outposts. That said:

1. I average 40 hours a month, but I tend to play intensely for a month or two and then shelve the game for a few months, only to come back to it later.

2. No (though I play plenty of non-online games), and I don't really play this one like an online game. I spend most of my time playing solo or playing with one or two real life friends of mine. I spend less than 1% of my time playing the game with people I don't know outside the game.

3. Not really. Any computer game, and especially RPG's, operate on a reward mechanism that keeps things interesting, but I've gone months without playing without putting any effort into keeping away. When it ceases to be fun for me, I put it away.

4. I play most games to relax, which is escaping from daily stress, so I guess the answer here is yes. I wouldn't say there's anything special about GW that makes it better escapism than other games (and other genres of games) that I play.

5. Not really, no. It's a recreational activity I share with real life friends, so I guess there's a layer of real life socializing going on over top of a virtual activity.

6. I'm not sure I understand the question. The game is just a computer game, like any other, it's only connection to reality is the people playing it (and I suppose the physical systems its stored on).

7. Not really. As should be pretty clear from my other answers I don't really use this game as a means to socialize with and meet new people, it's just a game I play with friends or by myself when I need to relax. I don't really have any interest in making virtual "friends," and don't consider playing games with strangers relaxing, so there you go.

Hope that helps.

Squishy ftw

Desert Nomad

Join Date: Aug 2007

Your backline

W/

20 Nov 2007 at 19:20 - 29

Quote:

Originally Posted by tatiana86

I’m doing a dissertation for University on MMOGs and I have a few questions for people if they would be kind enough to answer them:

1. How often do you play this game?
2. Do you play any other online games as well?
3. Would you say that gaming is addictive? Would you say you are addicted?
4. Do you play the game to escape from real life?
5. Is playing the game part of real life?
6. Do you think there are boundaries between the game and reality?
7. Would you say that gaming helps people to become involved with society no matter who they are?

Yes or No would suffice, but people are encouraged to write reasoning. Thanks

1. 3+ hours a day at least

2. yup, not much tho.
3. Gaming is addictive alright. Am I ? No, real life will ALWAYS be more important than this game, or any game. Guildwars is fun, it beats watching tv, and it sure beats reading a book or god knows what else.
4. Nope, just to have fun

5. lol no, It's a game.
6. I dont fully understand this question thus I won't answer

7. No.

Syrinx_dm

Ascalonian Squire

Join Date: Oct 2007

Atlanta, Georgia, USA

W/R

20 Nov 2007 at 19:47 - 30

Quote:

Originally Posted by tatiana86

1. How often do you play this game?

About 2 hours almost every night, with an additional 3-7 hours most Saturdays.

Quote:

Originally Posted by tatiana86

2. Do you play any other online games as well?

Yes, Battlefield 2141 (a first person shooter) about 2-4 hours a week.

Quote:

Originally Posted by tatiana86

3. Would you say that gaming is addictive? Would you say you are addicted?

Yes. And Yes, for more then 15 years.

Quote:

Originally Posted by tatiana86

4. Do you play the game to escape from real life?

No. I play it because it is fun. Real Life is nice too.

Quote:

Originally Posted by tatiana86

5. Is playing the game part of real life?

No – although most of the people I play with, I know in real life, and we often talk about the game.

Quote:

Originally Posted by tatiana86

6. Do you think there are boundaries between the game and reality?

Yes, most certainly.

Quote:

Originally Posted by tatiana86

7. Would you say that gaming helps people to become involved with society no matter who they are?

That question doesn’t really apply to me – I play in game with people I know out of game. I’m not looking to make new friends online. It might help some people, that have difficulties making friends in real life, but I’ve never had that issue

blackknight1337

Jungle Guide

Join Date: Jan 2007

USA

Mo/

20 Nov 2007 at 20:16 - 31

1. hardly play at all right now, due to RL stuff. when i was active, anywhere from 2-6 hrs a day, depending on school.

2. nope.

3. gaming definitly can be addictive, depends on the person. i was addicted to gw for a while, no longer am.

4. nope, i play it for fun. some activities in game make a good stress reliever though.

5. depends on if your addicted.

6. darned right there are, if there aren't for you, then your addicted.

7. no, i'd say its the opposite. being friends with someone online is pretty shallow, and if your addicted to the game then imo it decreases your social life, your just sitting at your computer most of the day. BTW, this is from personal experience.

Zeek Aran

Forge Runner

Join Date: Aug 2006

Earth, sadly

BORK

A/

20 Nov 2007 at 20:23 - 32

1. How often do you play this game? Every day about 4-5 hours. I multitask in there too [I'm on here, right?]
2. Do you play any other online games as well? Nope.
3. Would you say that gaming is addictive? Would you say you are addicted? Probably yes.
4. Do you play the game to escape from real life? Sometimes.
5. Is playing the game part of real life? Since all my real life friends stopped playing the game... not really.
6. Do you think there are boundaries between the game and reality? Obviously? What am I, a crack addict?
7. Would you say that gaming helps people to become involved with society no matter who they are? No no no not at all.

Sub Frost

Krytan Explorer

Join Date: Aug 2005

Portugal

R/

20 Nov 2007 at 20:39 - 33

1. Varies alot, from 0 to 2 hours.
2. No
3. No
4. I play this game for fun/relax.
5. It's has much part of real life has any game can be.
6. Yes.
7. That would depend in the manner and purpose in which the game is played.

Mordakai

Grotto Attendant

Join Date: Aug 2005

Kyhlo

W/

20 Nov 2007 at 21:04 - 34

1. How often do you play this game?
10 hours a week on avg

2. Do you play any other online games as well?
not at the moment, I was a RTS player (StarCraft, WarCraft, Dawn of War, Battle for Middle Earth) before GW took over

3. Would you say that gaming is addictive? Would you say you are addicted?
Gaming, like most things in life, can be addictive. I do not think I'm addicted.

4. Do you play the game to escape from real life?
I play games for entertainment. For me, it's more enjoyable than watching TV. But, I'm married, have a son and a life outside of Guild Wars

5. Is playing the game part of real life?

Well, it's something I physically do. It's a very philosophical question: We dream in real life, so are dreams part of real life or not? Are reading fiction books part of real life, even though we are tranported to fictional places? I say, yes, these are all parts of real life!

6. Do you think there are boundaries between the game and reality?
Of course. My characters do not "live" in the same sense that I do. That said, I do devote time outside the game planning names and thinking of what to do next, so there is obvious overlap between my life and the game.

7. Would you say that gaming helps people to become involved with society no matter who they are?
Depends on the person. It could harm some people's ability to socialize outside of the game, others could find it a way to break out of their shell.

Unless someone if physically suffering (ie, losing weight, missing work, not taking care of themselves) from playing the game, I don't think it's a bad thing to play the game for social reasons (or any other reason, for that matter). There are worse things one can do with their time!

crazybanshee

Desert Nomad

Join Date: Jun 2006

Look out!

E/

20 Nov 2007 at 22:52 - 35

1. How often do you play this game?

I play from 5-6 days a week, between 2-5 hours a day.

2. Do you play any other online games as well?

I used to play a game called Lineage, but now I only play GW and console games.

3. Would you say that gaming is addictive? Would you say you are addicted?

Any game can be addictive, but the social aspect and the ability to compare directly with other people and 'be better' than other people makes mmorpg gaming more addictive. I wouldn't say I'm addicted really because if something comes up and I end up not playing for a day or 2 I'm not really bothered by it, whereas if I was addicted I think I would be really annoyed not playing every day.

4. Do you play the game to escape from real life?

Yes, it's a good way to unwind and gives you a feeling of accomplishment (ie killing a boss, gaining titles, doing something difficult)

5. Is playing the game part of real life?

No, it's something that happens but has no effect on real life, at least not on mine.

6. Do you think there are boundaries between the game and reality?

I hope there is. I worry if people can't separate a game from real life.

7. Would you say that gaming helps people to become involved with society no matter who they are?

Yes, because it gives people a certain anonymity. For example someone who may be a social outcast in real life for a variety of reasons can play a game and have a complete blank slate where their reason for being an outcast (a lisp, physical deformity, disability, physical aspect, manner, clothing, whatever) will not affect the way other people see them.

Exhonour

Lion's Arch Merchant

Join Date: Oct 2007

douches

W/E

20 Nov 2007 at 23:20 - 36

1. How often do you play this game?
It matters on my day, but it can range from 1-3h on some free days. In a year i got like 300 hours.

2. Do you play any other online games as well?
No, used to, but no.

3. Would you say that gaming is addictive? Would you say you are addicted?
I wouldnt call guildwars that addicting COMPARED to other games. But in general it is a bit like everything you like and do. I am not really addicted anymore.

4. Do you play the game to escape from real life?
I play it as a hobby, for fun, relax, to waste sum time, and sum times to escape from rl!

5. Is playing the game part of real life?
Well if i played the game for 300 hours, thats 12 and a half days of my life wasted on this. Yes it is part of real life but maybe you mean it in a different way...

6. Do you think there are boundaries between the game and reality?
Ya ofc, life is life, gaming is a hobby. Even if sumone is terribly addicted and plays a lot, there are still boundaries.

7. Would you say that gaming helps people to become involved with society no matter who they are?
Yes it is easy for anyone to play and get involved with other people, even if its online. Anonymity helps a lot with this. For people that are not very much involved in real life or are shy, this is a perfect thing that can actually help. It doesnt matter if its online, you are talking with other humans - strengthens ur communication skills too.

mrmango

Desert Nomad

Join Date: Oct 2006

Southern California

Charter Vanguard [CV]

Me/Rt

20 Nov 2007 at 23:24 - 37

1. 3 days a week, 3-5 hours per day.
2. Not at all regularly.
3. Could be. A slight bit addicted, perhaps.
4. No, but on one account it relieved some stress.
5. Not at all.
6. Yes.
7. They get involved with online society, and the best of the best (PVPers in GW) get to be known by some real life public (like the GW championships).

Here you go, hope your dissertation goes well.

Messy

huh?

Join Date: Jun 2005

Follow the rainbow, make a left and voila

Guildless

R/

21 Nov 2007 at 01:04 - 38

1. How often do you play this game? Depends on how much time I have available. It can range from 1-2 hrs a day.... to 6-7 hrs + on weekends.

2. Do you play any other online games as well? No, most of my free time is exclusively GW.

3. Would you say that gaming is addictive? Would you say you are addicted? Absolutely. It's almost like working a second job, only having loads of fun doing it.

4. Do you play the game to escape from real life? No need to escape from anything. I play it because it's fun, I have made great friends, and I truly enjoy playing it.

5. Is playing the game part of real life? No, it's just a game.

6. Do you think there are boundaries between the game and reality? When I first started playing... I don't know.... I used to dream with the bad guys from guild wars. I would dream how to beat them, I would see Charr beating the daylights out of me... it was pretty scary. I don't dream GW anymore.

7. Would you say that gaming helps people to become involved with society no matter who they are? Absolutely, you are as good and as fun as you character is. There is no racial, economic.... boundaries.

william1975

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Aug 2006

Scotland

Dragons of Torment (DOA)

Me/

21 Nov 2007 at 01:24 - 39

Quote:

Originally Posted by tatiana86

I’m doing a dissertation for University on MMOGs and I have a few questions for people if they would be kind enough to answer them:

1. How often do you play this game?
2. Do you play any other online games as well?
3. Would you say that gaming is addictive? Would you say you are addicted?
4. Do you play the game to escape from real life?
5. Is playing the game part of real life?
6. Do you think there are boundaries between the game and reality?
7. Would you say that gaming helps people to become involved with society no matter who they are?

Yes or No would suffice, but people are encouraged to write reasoning. Thanks

1. A hour or so a day but not always, depends on the events occuring at the time

2. No, i don't actually play anything else a I have to much to do other than this to devote time to other games

3. Yes its addictive simply because anything can be addictive, addiction is more a thing of personality than in the item itself, obviously apart from some narcotics. However I am not addicted to the game as I do not become stressed if I don't play, and I find no need to continuously play. quite often i don't play for a day or two

4. No.

5. obviously yes, as it is imposible to do anything that is not connected to real life. Time is spent playing, talkign etc. without coming of the game you dont eat, drink etc. If you play the game you aren't working as you play, therefore to play continually would effect your lifestyle and terefore must be a part of reality.

6. If you can define what reality is and also how the game is either a part of it or not then maybe you can answer this question. The devs and community relations people play this game as part of their job, they get paid to do so, Is work a part of reality? If so then is not the game too? Is having firends and talkign to them about life and such other things part of reality? Do you do that in the game? The Cartesian notion in his Meditations revolving around doubt throws a question upon what reality is, and how you can know what it is, how you can be sure of what it real and not purely based on the infalible senses. With this in mind how can you define boundries between what you cannot define and a game?

7. Everyoen is involved in society whether they think they are or are not. Comminication, the lack of it, by one person does not mean they are not part of society, they still influence it in many subtle ways. gaming therefore soesnt help anyone become involved in society, since they already are. It can however encourage soem peopel that are not necessarily very communicative face to face to be so online

Taurucis

Jungle Guide

Join Date: Jul 2006

The edge of reason

I don't play any more.

W/E

21 Nov 2007 at 01:34 - 40

Quote:

Originally Posted by tatiana86

1. How often do you play this game?
2. Do you play any other online games as well?
3. Would you say that gaming is addictive? Would you say you are addicted?
4. Do you play the game to escape from real life?
5. Is playing the game part of real life?
6. Do you think there are boundaries between the game and reality?
7. Would you say that gaming helps people to become involved with society no matter who they are?

1) Usually about 3-6 hours a day online... but I spend about 2-4 actually playing.
2) Yes.
3) Yes. Not really, all the MMOs I have are boring as heck XP
4) Yes.
5) Sort of.. I don't really understand the question, but I get bored when I'm offline =P
6) Yes. I find the game to be better than real life, heh...
7) No.