Hey I just need some thought on an issue...Why do people play World of Warcraft so much?

Question

So here's the deal. I will admit that I played this horrific game for a while... maybe 2-3 weeks at most. Anyway, I got bored of it pretty quick, but my little 13 year old sister found it and started playing it. It has been almost a year since that fateful day, and now she plays at least 8-12 hours a day, stays up until 4:00 in the morning playing, and consequently sleeps in until about 3:00 in the afternoon. So any advice/thoughts regarding this matter would be helpful. Doesn't she play way too much?

Answer 1

The question becomes "How much is too much?"
Is she playing to the exclusion of food, Hygiene, other pursuits and sleep? (Sleeping late doens't count. I mean if she gets Maaaaybe 5 hours a night)
If so, then maybe you should try using the Parental features on the Site that allow you to limit her time on the game.

As to why WoW Is so Addictive, is because there's so much to do.
I myself am an Avid player (One character at 70, and two very close.) and I hardly ever get Tired of the game.
One, the world is Artistically amazing. Metzen and gang have put their heart and Soul into making this game pretty to look at and thought-provoking if you get into the Lore and backstory of the game. Role-playing is a much-cherished past-time of many.

Two, if you can Find the right people to play with, it is no longer a game, but a Hang-out spot to kick around with your friends. I will attest that the game is no fun to play alone.

Three, There is TONS to do, and if you get tired with one playstyle, roll a new character and try out something else. Or go to a new area and fight different kinds of baddies. The quests are varied, rewarding, and plentiful. PvP Combat is deep and Heated. I've been in matches that have lasted 16 hours. (No Exaggeration)

Is 8-12 hours excessive in my opinion? Yeah. I try to limit myself to 6, tops, but I'll let that slide if my guild is doing a Raid.
The first thing I suggest to try and get her to a normal routine is to Talk to her. Let her know that even though the Game is fun, it's unhealthy to play it to the exclusion of Life. Negotiate a Time-limit per Day (6 hours being generous, 3 or 4 probably being Fair.) Use the Parental controls if you have to.

Second, negotiate a true and Proper bed-time. 11:00 is a fair hour. Come down at that time to shoo her off to bed and actually shut the computer down. If she insists for further time, allow ten minutes, and no more. Give her a half-hour's notice, so she can disengage from a Group or other involved activity. She will probably start to anticipate your arrival, and hopefully discipline herself to get off without being told.


Or, if you don't have the Authority or Self-discipline to carry this out on your own, you can show these suggestions to your Parents. (I'm assuming a normal Parental structure and that you and her live with them here. Modify to suit your needs)

But do not try and Stamp out her WoW playing. That will only breed animosity, contempt, and rebellion.



On a Side note Perhaps you should see about playing the game WITH your sister sometime. Use another computer, download the 10-day trial, and the both of you roll brand new characters and level in the same area together. Questing together is one of the most fun and personally rewarding experiences in my opinion.


Just my opinions, Use, Discard, or Modify at your discretion.

Good luck, and I wish your sister Good Looting! =)

Edit: I forgot to post the link to the Parental Controls.
http://www.worldofwarcraft.com The link to the Controls is on the Right.

Answer 2

Buy her a new game. It is like an addiction. There is nothing to occupy your mind, you are bored and the only game in the house is the stupid warcraft game. Its better than nothing? DOnt you remember being that age and going for the computer games and ignoring homework, dinner, your friends, just trying to get to the next level? Thankfully it is only a game, and a phase.

Answer 3

Ya....save her life man and MAKE HER STOP! It will get to the point that she wont play it just for fun, she'll play it just to be playing it.....it will take over her life and she'll have no friends. Do us both a favor and STOP HER NOW!

Answer 4

some people find certain things appealing. oh and about your sister, she seems like she has an addiction, and your family should try and get her professional help. (not joking).

Answer 5

it is too addicting.