What's with all the "World of Warcraft" bashing?

Question

I am married, one son, 40 hour a week job. I play World of Warcraft fairly often. Usually at least 2-3 hours a day, 5-6 days a week (depending on how busy I am).

I am constantly hearing about how "addictive" the game is, how it is ruining lives. People claim to be "recovering WoW addicts" and try to warn others from even starting to play it.

All I want to know is where is all of this coming from. It is a GAME, not a drug.

It someone is ruining their lives playing a game, it is not the game's fault, it is their's.

If your husband plays 9+ hours straight, there is something wrong with your marriage, not the game. Either he is an idiot and you need to leave, or he is hiding from you and he needs to leave.

If your kid is failing at school because he plays too much, shouldn't someone be putting a foot in his behind? How is it the game's fault?

How do people figure that they need to blame a video game for their own weaknesses

Answer 1

Amen! I've been saying that all along.

Edit: I should add that I also work 40+ hours a week, attend college full time (12 credits this semester), and maintain a healthy relationship with my boyfriend of 2 years. I really only get to play WoW on the weekends lately (~6 hours total for the week), but some people think even that's too much. I'm sorry if some people think I'm a loser for playing WoW, but I want to point out that I probably am doing a lot more with my life than you are at the moment.

Answer 2

Realistically, people can get "addicted" to just about anything. There's certain things that can cause chemical addictions, certainly, but people can just as easily get psychological additions as well.

Warcraft is certainly easy to get pyschologically addicted to. It's an interesting, immersive game, with beautiful graphics, good gameplay, and lots to do. Add it all together, and it satisfies a lot of psychological cravings for a lot of folks.

The game isn't the source of the addiction - it's simply the target of the addiction. Take away the game, and the person's cravings will still be there - which means they'll (likely) fulfill those cravings with something else, be it computer games or watching basketball or any of a million other things.

If problems arise because of the game - kids not doing well in school, the spouse disappearing, etc - sure, try to limit it, or even remove it. But only focusing attention on the game is treating the symptom, not the cause.

Answer 3

I used to play every waking, non-working hour for about a year and a half. I have 7 level 60+ and one level 40 and others of no significance, but as soon as I get a girlfriend I drop the game hard core.

I just moved to San Francisco for art school and I've been taking school seriously, but I have to admit there was a time before I moved here that I was extremely addicted. I found that I would play the game because it made me feel like more of a hero when I felt like a loser in my waking life.

It's not the game's fault, you're right. It's the individual, but you have to admit the game was built on a foundation doomed for addiction. The game concept of an MMORPG, that other people are getting more powerful than you if you don't play all the time is very addictive.

I don't think Blizzard is 100% irresponsible, but if I were them, I'd be enjoying the money. I think the game's evil because deep down, it's built by people who care more about money than families sticking together. Sure, maybe this father already had problems, but the game can magnify them.

Answer 4

My friend, there are two types of people in this world:

1. Overachievers

2. Underachievers

Both types of people play WoW.

The overachievers live busy, balanced lives. They play WoW, they work hard, they love their partners with passion and respect, they involve themselves in their community and they still have time to play WoW and enjoy it as a hobbie. Congratulations to those individuals.

You are right, it is not the game. Those who find themselves "addicted" and ruining their lives because of it fall into the second category.

Underachievers are playing because they are not currently achieving anything in the real world. They have trouble holding down a job, trouble keeping a decent relationship healthy, are recluse and do not involve themselves in their community and so on. These people are individuals who need help with their lives. Until they can live a balanced life, they DO need to avoid adding extra activities to it, such as playing a game. Life is challenging enough for these individuals, playing WoW is just going to complicate it further.

I am a Business Development Manager for one of the largest software manufacturers in the world. I am a member of Toastmasters and a past executive officer in my club. I am the current President of my Rotary Club. I am in a healthy, loving relationship where we have respect, intimacy and independence all at the same time. I consider myself a member of the first category.

I know your frustration with the WoW bashing, but you simply need to remember that you are a member of the first category. Just make sure you stay there!

NOTE: Your profile says you play waaay too much World of Warcraft. Interesting! Do you believe what you say? Do you truly believe you play too much? Is this question related to that belief?

Cheers!

Allobar
Level 70 Dwarf Priest
Magtheridon

Answer 5

Thank you for pointing this out. I hate when people bash wow or blame wow for their doing poorly in life. its not the game's fault. i got to college full time, am involved in clubs, work, have a healthy social life, and a bf (who plays with me) and somehow i manage to keep a 3.9 while still playing wow on the weekends or for an hour each night. its all about moderation (i love the startup tip that say everything is good in moderation even wow.) thank you i'm glad to hear other people stand up for it so people realize that it isn't just a bunch of shut ins playing 60 hrs a week. its just a fun past time.


noodlynoob
lvl 25 troll mage
mannoroth

Answer 6

I agree with you 100%. I also am employed full time, am an Assistant Scoutmaster in our local Boy Scout troop, am getting married soon, and also have my own Computer Repair business on the side. Needless to say, I am very busy.

I do play WoW quite a bit (just about as much as you do), but it certainly does NOT run my life, or keep me from doing other things if they need done.

If a game is keeping someone from doing what they need (or should) do, then it is time to take a break. I have always been a huge gamer, but I have never let the games take that much control of my life.

Answer 7

Exactly, the people that let it ruin their lives are idiots that get distracted by flashing lights anyways =) I love the game, but I know when to stop and do my homework. You hear about these people that don't eat, get divorced, fired...These people probably ALREADY HAD problems and are trying to consolidate by sueing Blizzard and other companies.

Fyreballz
59 Mage
BloodScalp

Best of luck to you on the game! =P

Answer 8

Empire 70 Undead Mage
Son 60 Gnome Mage <>
Tea 55 Night Elf Druid <>

3750+ total hours played.

So..
How do you deal with someone who's in denial of being addicted?
I'm clearly not addicted, I mean.. I've barely even played the game, right?

Answer 9

See, i admire wwe giving the tag titles to part and Jericho it has made the tag titles a substantial experience identify..with a bit of luck that's the commencing up of wwe attempting to rebuild the tag branch

Answer 10

Honestly, I think it all comes back to the fact that too many people don't take responsibility for themselves and their actions. They'd rather blame a game, or a company, for something they do.
Brendini
Level 17 gnome warrior (yes, you saw that right!)