How logical is it to compare video with tobacco and gambling?

News Desk: Comparison with tobacco or gambling is not pleasant for any industry. But this is exactly what is happening with video games. For years, parents have complained that their children are 'addicted' to PlayStation or smartphones.

The term is also being used by physicians nowadays. On January 1, the term "gaming disorder" was recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO), which means playing extra games despite the damage. Just a few months ago, China, the world's largest gaming market, imposed strict restrictions on the subject. Under the new rules, children in the country will only be able to play online games for one hour on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. The game is strictly forbidden for them during the rest of the week. Western politicians have also publicly expressed concern about the similarities between some online games and gambling. Clinics around the world are working hard to get rid of this 'addiction'. They promise that just as alcohol or cocaine addiction can be cured, so too can game addiction. But the question is, are online games really addictive? Psychologists are divided on this. People in favor of the game claim that this is nothing but another moral concern. In the past, entertainers have similarly warned about television, rock 'n' roll, jazz, comic books, novels, and even crossword puzzles. Proponents of her case have been working to make the actual transcript of this statement available online. According to them, playing extra games is not a disorder, it can be a symptom of depression. But unlike gaming opponents, online games are not like rock bands or novels.

Game makers have both a purpose and a way to make their products irresistible. And this purpose comes from a business model. Earlier games were bought at one time cost. Many now use the ‘freemium’ model, where games are available for free, but it costs money to buy a variety of products within the game. This creates a direct play time relationship with the business. And game creators use psychological theories and information to motivate people to take that time to the maximum. Psychologists already know a lot about long-term research, which can be fruitful. Smartphones and modern consoles send all gameplay data to developers using a permanent Internet connection. This motivates them to increase the cost of the games with constant additions and refinements. Moreover, the gaming industry has already started using various words used in gambling business.

The most commonly used game is called 'whale', a term commonly used in casinos. However, there is disagreement among psychologists as to exactly at what stage it will be considered addictive and whether online gaming techniques exceed that limit; However, everyone should acknowledge that this problem is real in the world and it is growing. After receiving a new name for gaming addiction from the World Health Organization, this time its treatment will become more normal. Clinics are already booming as lockdown gives gamers the opportunity to play more games. Restrictions on technology are being tightened.

But game makers must keep in mind that comparisons with gambling and tobacco will not benefit the industry.