World of Warcraft is an addictive online role playing game which should be banned, until proper safeguards have been put in place to protect gamers and their families from the dangers of Video Game Addiction presented by playing this game. In its present form, World of Warcraft presents a clear and present danger to the mental, social and cultural development of teenagers and young adults in the United States.
Video games themselves are not the problem, and it must be stressed that World of Warcraft itself is not deliberately or maliciously at fault. While it is clear from academic research and studies that the use of video games can be beneficial when used as part of a wider range of applications to support educational programs and to help individuals develop specific skills - responsible oversight remains the duty of the game producer.
The benefits of using video games can include improved hand-eye coordination, reflexes, motor skills and concentration. Video games can be used in a positive and supportive manner by assisting with learning and education - especially with younger children and those with learning disabilities.
The responsible use of video games is an issue that needs to be addressed by the companies producing such games - in this instance Blizzard Entertainment. Video Game addiction is a reality of life today. As such, adequate safeguards must be put in place by the companies producing the games to ensure, as much as possible, the health, safety and well being of their customers as their first and foremost concerns - even above profits. These companies have a corporate duty of responsibility to act in the best interests of their customers - World of Warcraft gamers!
It is estimated hat there a approximately 2.5 million World of Warcraft gamers in the United States alone, with a further 8-9 million around the world. This makes World of Warcraft one of the biggest and most successful online games in the world.
The comments featured at the top of the page mirror the growing number of complaints and concerns by the family and friends of loved one's succumbing to Video Game Addiction. A quick search of the internet using Google, Yahoo or MSN will highlight the number of negative experiences people are having.
For many years the issues of drug and alcohol addiction have been taken very seriously by the general public, lawmakers and companies involved in the production and sale of legal drugs and alcohol. Video Game Addiction poses an equal threat in American society today. With the proliferation of electronic goods and the growing phenomenon of the 'virtual-online' lifestyle all current and future members of this 'cyber-community' are at risk.
Do not be mistaken. Freedom of choice, freedom of use and consumer rights are not the issues at stake here - Video Game Addiction is. Over time rational and reasonable responses have put in place to address some of the most dangerous forms of addiction in society - alcohol, narcotics, etc. It is now time for the community at large, lawmakers and games producers to recognize this issue for the growing problem that it is and to take positive steps in addressing it. It is clear that practical, workable and innovative solutions exist, and equally, that proper mechanisms and controls can be put in place to tackle the problem.
It would be both irrational and illogical to call for a total or indefinite ban on the World of Warcraft game itself - but a measured and balanced response, in the form of a voluntary ban on World of Warcraft, is necessary to clearly demonstrate to lawmakers and the computer games industry that the community at large is concerned with Video Game Addiction and wants appropriate action taken to address the problem... NOW!
Producers of goods and services have a duty of care to their customers. They must supply such goods and services in a responsible manner, ones that are fit for use. Video games are no different. Blizzard Entertainment must ensure that the World of Warcraft games have inbuilt safeguards to prevent players from putting their health and safety at risk by prolonged gameplay and the subsequent development of Video Game Addiction. If they will not, then we would call on you, the general public, to exercise your voice in unison to clearly demonstrate to Blizzard Entertainment, and other video game companies, that the consumer has a voice - and that voice must be listened to.
Video games should be fun, exciting and entertaining. We appreciate that every individual is different, and their perception of what constitutes fun, excitement and entertainment is different. We accept that people have differing views on taste, morality and what is appropriate. These are all issues that should, where necessary, be debated in the public arena. All that we would ask is that video game players be allowed to experience these in safety and comfort - free from the menace of Video Game Addiction.
Video games themselves are not the problem, and it must be stressed that World of Warcraft itself is not deliberately or maliciously at fault. While it is clear from academic research and studies that the use of video games can be beneficial when used as part of a wider range of applications to support educational programs and to help individuals develop specific skills - responsible oversight remains the duty of the game producer.
The benefits of using video games can include improved hand-eye coordination, reflexes, motor skills and concentration. Video games can be used in a positive and supportive manner by assisting with learning and education - especially with younger children and those with learning disabilities.
The responsible use of video games is an issue that needs to be addressed by the companies producing such games - in this instance Blizzard Entertainment. Video Game addiction is a reality of life today. As such, adequate safeguards must be put in place by the companies producing the games to ensure, as much as possible, the health, safety and well being of their customers as their first and foremost concerns - even above profits. These companies have a corporate duty of responsibility to act in the best interests of their customers - World of Warcraft gamers!
It is estimated hat there a approximately 2.5 million World of Warcraft gamers in the United States alone, with a further 8-9 million around the world. This makes World of Warcraft one of the biggest and most successful online games in the world.
The comments featured at the top of the page mirror the growing number of complaints and concerns by the family and friends of loved one's succumbing to Video Game Addiction. A quick search of the internet using Google, Yahoo or MSN will highlight the number of negative experiences people are having.
For many years the issues of drug and alcohol addiction have been taken very seriously by the general public, lawmakers and companies involved in the production and sale of legal drugs and alcohol. Video Game Addiction poses an equal threat in American society today. With the proliferation of electronic goods and the growing phenomenon of the 'virtual-online' lifestyle all current and future members of this 'cyber-community' are at risk.
Do not be mistaken. Freedom of choice, freedom of use and consumer rights are not the issues at stake here - Video Game Addiction is. Over time rational and reasonable responses have put in place to address some of the most dangerous forms of addiction in society - alcohol, narcotics, etc. It is now time for the community at large, lawmakers and games producers to recognize this issue for the growing problem that it is and to take positive steps in addressing it. It is clear that practical, workable and innovative solutions exist, and equally, that proper mechanisms and controls can be put in place to tackle the problem.
It would be both irrational and illogical to call for a total or indefinite ban on the World of Warcraft game itself - but a measured and balanced response, in the form of a voluntary ban on World of Warcraft, is necessary to clearly demonstrate to lawmakers and the computer games industry that the community at large is concerned with Video Game Addiction and wants appropriate action taken to address the problem... NOW!
Producers of goods and services have a duty of care to their customers. They must supply such goods and services in a responsible manner, ones that are fit for use. Video games are no different. Blizzard Entertainment must ensure that the World of Warcraft games have inbuilt safeguards to prevent players from putting their health and safety at risk by prolonged gameplay and the subsequent development of Video Game Addiction. If they will not, then we would call on you, the general public, to exercise your voice in unison to clearly demonstrate to Blizzard Entertainment, and other video game companies, that the consumer has a voice - and that voice must be listened to.
Video games should be fun, exciting and entertaining. We appreciate that every individual is different, and their perception of what constitutes fun, excitement and entertainment is different. We accept that people have differing views on taste, morality and what is appropriate. These are all issues that should, where necessary, be debated in the public arena. All that we would ask is that video game players be allowed to experience these in safety and comfort - free from the menace of Video Game Addiction.