I used to play Everquest, played it for about a year total, spent WAY WAY WAY too much time playing, but it was a fun escape. You talk with "real" people, and spend time accomplishing goals. Leveling is hard work, and mind-wrackingly boring sometimes if you stick in a "good" exp place etc.
My question is this. As graphics become better, and eventually Virtual Reality is introduced, isn't this going to be a huge threat to society? I know people who normally don't play games get caught up in things like this because they enjoy the "realism" or challenge. It's like a hobby that can consume all of your free time, and some of your time that isn't free.
I know its idiotic to blame companies for feeding addictions by producing more games, but sometimes, especially referring to Evercrack, it's easy to point the finger. The companies know that there is a huge market for this, and peddle it making huge profits not unlike a drug dealer. I've seen a friend's life ruined by drugs, and I've also seen a different friend's life ruined by Everquest. Each made a decision, but both ended up similarly.
Anyway, I was bored at work and felt like ranting. Ignore or call me a moron, I didnt think this through well so its probably a waste of time to read. (notice that I put this disclaimer at the end, muhahahah)
PS I know not everyone becomes addicted to online games, whereas almost everyone becomes addicted to drugs, but its a close enough analogy I thought It was worth making.( and yes, I know its been made before, hence the term Evercrack)
My question is this. As graphics become better, and eventually Virtual Reality is introduced, isn't this going to be a huge threat to society? I know people who normally don't play games get caught up in things like this because they enjoy the "realism" or challenge. It's like a hobby that can consume all of your free time, and some of your time that isn't free.
I know its idiotic to blame companies for feeding addictions by producing more games, but sometimes, especially referring to Evercrack, it's easy to point the finger. The companies know that there is a huge market for this, and peddle it making huge profits not unlike a drug dealer. I've seen a friend's life ruined by drugs, and I've also seen a different friend's life ruined by Everquest. Each made a decision, but both ended up similarly.
Anyway, I was bored at work and felt like ranting. Ignore or call me a moron, I didnt think this through well so its probably a waste of time to read. (notice that I put this disclaimer at the end, muhahahah)
PS I know not everyone becomes addicted to online games, whereas almost everyone becomes addicted to drugs, but its a close enough analogy I thought It was worth making.( and yes, I know its been made before, hence the term Evercrack)