My husband and I were flipping through the channels the other night and happened upon a broadcast of the Video Game Awards just in time to see World of Warcraft win the aware for most addictive game. Oh, the irony.
My husband and I were flipping through the channels the other night and happened upon a broadcast of the Video Game Awards just in time to see World of Warcraft win the aware for most addictive game. Oh, the irony.
Hi Jackie,
I too find this so ironic, it is pathetic. Giving an award out for ruining people's lives.
I did see that the game awards were on TV. I flipped to that channel. There was a commercial on, and I decided I did not want to waste my time watching that, because I knew it would be sickening to me, so I moved on to a more interesting show (although I don't remember what that was).
Liz
Liz Woolley
I dunno, this kind of relates to one of my other posts where I distinguish the term 'addictive' from the term "ADDICTIVE."
You have to remember that the awards show is not applauding the game because it hooks people to the point where their lives are ruined - It applauds the game because it is one that people play it for a long time and it still has enjoyable qualities.
I realize that in our context, the word 'addictive' has a different connotation, but we have to remember to consider the other contexts as well.
Ron
"Get a Life!"
Ron Jaffe AKA Diggo McDiggity
OLGA Admin and Member since 2001
eMail: ronjaffe@cfl.rr.com
Co-Founder of OLGA and member since 2002
So should there be a "Most Addictive" industry award for cigarette brands, cocktails, or gambling sites? The industry represented by the VGA is obviously not about to embrace the concept of video game addiction as a real problem. I do think it shows a severe lack of sensitivity for them to reward a game for being the "Most Addictive" though. It's really a slap in the face to those who have seen first hand the damage that can be done to people and their families by irresponsible use of gaming technology. They're just like the cigarette companies used to be, stubbornly clinging to the the outdated contention that cigarettes didn't cause cancer.
About the big A and little a use of the word addiction... It would sure sound strange if (back when I did smoke) I offered someone one of my brand of cigarettes saying "you gotta try one of these, they are so addictive" or told my friend "here try this wine, it's totally addictive." Yet gamers offer to get their friends hooked on games all the time using the same phrases. I wonder when, if ever, this will change? It seems to me that there are better ways to describe things than "Most Addictive." How about "Most Engrossing" or "Most Compelling" or "Best Storyline" or "Best All-Around" or "Best Content", etc., etc. or even "Most Bang for Your Buck."
Edited by: boredhousewife677 at: 12/20/05 20:44
Well, I kind of agree - it's a poor choice of words, especially since most gamers nowadays know about the 'addictive' aspects of gaming. Just look at any EQ Fanfare photo gallery and you'll see your share of 400 pound dark elves in costume. They don't get that way from playing for 30 minutes a day.
Ron
"Get a Life!"
Ron Jaffe AKA Diggo McDiggity
OLGA Admin and Member since 2001
eMail: ronjaffe@cfl.rr.com
Co-Founder of OLGA and member since 2002
Quote:Just look at any EQ Fanfare photo gallery and you'll see your share of 400 pound dark elves in costume. They don't get that way from playing for 30 minutes a day.
By the by, I've lost 7 pounds since I stopped gaming compulsively.
Wow, Jackie! That is great!
Liz Woolley
Quote:By the by, I've lost 7 pounds since I stopped gaming compulsively. Woohoo..that's great! One of the side benefits...
Ron
"Get a Life!"
Ron Jaffe AKA Diggo McDiggity
OLGA Admin and Member since 2001
eMail: ronjaffe@cfl.rr.com
Co-Founder of OLGA and member since 2002