How do you get a friend unaddicted to videogames?

Answer 1

First of all, the friend in question has to WANT to become "unaddicted" to video games. I've never known anyone who has felt that they played video games to the point that it was controlling their life. Keep in mind...it's an addiction if you have a psychological (and/or physical) need to play video games. Does your friend frequently forgo things like eating or going to school/work so they can play more games? This may sound silly, but that's what a true addiction is. Your friend who is constantly playing games and would just rather do that than spend time with you isn't addicted. They just have a hobby that at the moment is more important than friends. Sorry!

If you want to spend more time with this person, you'd better think of things to do with them that are more fun than gaming, and go from there. Or, you could just play video games with them.

Answer 2

I'm afraid I'd have to disagree with korryl_fgd. Playing 10 hours straight is absolutely normal for the "hardened" gamer if the game is right. I know I've played the Fallout games twice as long back in the day.

But to get back to the point, ultimately, gaming is escape from reality. Sort of like movies or books, only way more immersing. Movies and books tell a story. A good game lets you be a part of it. Hence, probably the only thing you can do for your friend is make sure that he (or she) gets more enjoyment and excitement from the real world than he (because I'm pretty sure it's a "he") does from video games.

This can be done by having lots of sex, for example. I'd take that over a video game any day. Well, at least until Bethesda releases Fallout 3. Or drinking lots of beer. Or smoking cigarettes.

Come to think of it, is video game "addiction" really all that bad?

Answer 3

Best advice is to stop thinking he's addicted and you're helping him. I'm sure he's happy being a drone and you're miserable thinking about how much better off he is, not being bogged down by RL because he can have fun. It's ok tho, when you grow up, you'll grow out of it, as will he.

Answer 4

below 2 hours an afternoon is superb, If more beneficial i imagine you should both a million) spoil the Xbox 2) mix the Xbox 3) Rob the Xbox 4) Throw the xbox out of the window 5) replace each of the buttons on the controller to spikes

Answer 5

As a gamer my self I must say an addiction to games is hard to remove I must say that you need to tell him that you don't like his addiction to games so much and hope in time it will be in his head and he would slowly stop his addictions to video games thats what happened to me.

Answer 6

well frnd let me tell you that u r really a true frnd who really takes care abt ur frnd.
Neway coming to your problem.
You please make sure that you hide all the cassettes and cd's of your frnd's videogame and try to involve him in frndly talks.
so that you try to involve your frnd in talks instead of videogames.
try to take ur frnd outside instead of making him 2 sit at house.
ok?
neway if anymore contact me my frnd
i am always for u

Answer 7

Force him/her to play 10 hours or more straight, or just let him play it until he/she loses interest in it, don't force the other way or he/she will only hate you

Answer 8

If you have an iPod, let your friend borrow it.

Answer 9

You don't. Unless it involves steak and "that other thing".