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October 20, 2008, 1:58 pm PDT
10/20 Virtual Chaos
Quote From: fabratI have 2 boys ages 14 and 11. They both love video games and the oldest loves the rpg games. However I have a very strict rule of no EQ and no WOW. I have heard way too many stories of addiction associated with these games. I have rules for video games in general. On nice sunny days my kids are required to spend at least one hour playing out in the sun. They also have to keep up with school work and bring in good grades to even play video games. On the weekends if we go somewhere the psp stay at home. If then have done chores then they will likely get several hours to play video games. Now my youngest would rather be out riding his bike or playing with friends than to play a video game. My oldest is starting to like riding a skateboard. They still love games but they see there is more to life other than games. My 16y/o daughter started talking to this boy she knew from school. At first it was fine they talked every day and for long periods of time. At one point he told her that she was the only girl who made him want to stop playing WOW to spent time with her. She refused to talk while he played that game. After only about 2 weeks or so his calls became shorter and shorter and before long he was right back into that game. He has only 1 good friend and has never had a girlfriend. I think that's really sad. Parents need to take time to teach their kids that there is a lot more to life than video games!!!!!!!!!! As a gamer, and a player of Warhammer online, I applaud your efforts. THESE GAMES ARE NOT FOR KIDS THESE GAMES ARE NOT FOR KIDS THESE GAMES ARE NOT FOR KIDS. I would never let a 15 year old play an MMO. This is an adult's game, and honestly after a long day of school/work when you just want to sit down and kill some Bright Wizards (who are super OP btw) I really don't want to deal with kids when I play. They can't contribute anything, never play their classes right, and generally ruin the experience for everyone else.
On a serious note, gaming, especially MMORPGs, are a great way to chill out and play with friends. My friend met his girlfriend playing WoW. Its a blast playing with your friends and it's a very social game (For the record, I play Warhammer, not WoW, Warhammer is more player vs player focused.)
Honestly, Blizzard is doing EVERYTHING in their power to make WoW noob friendly and more casual. There is no excuse for someone to be spending 80 hours a week on that game, or any game for that matter. Blizzard has created the most succesful MMOs in history, and they are truly some of the greatest game developers on PC, or any platform for that matter. WoW is succesful because its a good game. Personally, it bores me to tears, but 11 million subscribers can't be wrong.
Let me explain this to the parents again: its not the game's fault. Its not Blizzard's fault. The game is not evil. Blizzard is comprised of some of the most talented developers in the games industry and makes so much money each year they could probably buy the Dr. Phil show if they wanted to (and use it to promote WoW! I kid, I kid.). My point online game addiction is the result of little to no self control. For the love of the Raven God (Warhammer refrence :D) PLEASE TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR KIDS. ITS NOT THE GAMES FAULT ITS YOURS. Unplug the computer, do what you have to, or at least make him pay the $15 subscription fee by getting a job.
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