Curse

Aewyne · Dec 29, 2006, 04:46 PM // 16:46

Hello everyone, I'm new to these forums!

I actually haven't played Guild Wars in a long time, my computer meets the bare minimum of the requirements and the game runs so slow for me that I can't get much done. D: But my friends still play, and once I get a new computer in a few months for my birthday, I'll be up and running again!

I came here because I really, really need some help. I'm currently doing a research paper for my english class and my topic is on MMORPG addiction-- is it a real phenomenon or not? My previous obesessions with Guild Wars and the deterioration of the relationship with my boyfriend as a result sparked me to choose this topic.

The problem is that I had set up an online survey previously, and my computer crashed... I lost all my data. I have set up a new survey, but I need somewhere around 1000 people to take the survey by Sunday o_____o;

The survey is located here:
www.freewebs.com/crystalchalice/mmorpgsurvey.htm

I would really appreciate it if you could take just a few minutes to answer the quick questions and help a fellow gamer out =D And of course, I'd love to discuss here exactly why Guild Wars (and other MMORPGs, if you wish) are so darn addictive!

Thank you so very much!

Kendar Muert · Dec 29, 2006, 04:51 PM // 16:51

I took it. Personally, i think the more stress you have in your real life, the more you are drawn to MMos, where there are people just like in real life, but thier decisions dont effect you in any real way, and you know that the friends you make will help you out more than the ones you have irl, even if it is in a game.

Edit- I just had norton run a scan and found it. Thanks for the heads up.

Aewyne · Dec 29, 2006, 04:55 PM // 16:55

That is basically the point that I'm arguing in my paper. By themselves, Guild Wars and other MMORPGs aren't a problem.. in fact, they are good ways to relieve stress and relax. However, when used as an outlet to "escape reality" in times of extreme stress/depression/etc., this is where MMORPG "addiction" has serious consequences.

quickmonty · Dec 29, 2006, 05:34 PM // 17:34

Answered survey. Yes, I am addicted but the only thing I am trying to "escape" is all the negative media reports that bombard us on a daily basis. I just get so tired of hearing nothing but negative news.

Ryo Azuro · Dec 29, 2006, 05:40 PM // 17:40

I took the survey. I personally like to play GW as a place to have fun and also interact with my other "family." I've known most of my guildies for 4 years or so. So its great to chat with them and get the low down on what's new in their lives. I guess its a stress reliever for me and social connections.

- Ryo

brokenmonkey · Dec 29, 2006, 05:48 PM // 17:48

Hey, I answered it. Like I said, as long as you get your excersice, and social in, your not addictive IMO.

Grolubao · Dec 29, 2006, 05:51 PM // 17:51

Done! Cheers

-LiamB · Dec 29, 2006, 06:33 PM // 18:33

Done, I just play MMORPGs to have fun and speak with friends around the World

knoll · Dec 29, 2006, 07:11 PM // 19:11

Done, I play it for the freindships.

Spike · Dec 29, 2006, 07:18 PM // 19:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by -LiamB

Done, I just play MMORPGs to have fun and speak with friends around the World

Same Here. Its far better for people to play a game to much then drink or smoke to much.

Menzoberranzan · Dec 29, 2006, 07:23 PM // 19:23

Done, I do it because... well hey thats a good question. Why do I play online games? lol

Jason Xll · Dec 29, 2006, 07:27 PM // 19:27

Survey taken

I'm definately addicted but fortunately not as badly as i was when i first got the game a year and a half ago. Used to play 10hours a day back then, now its only around 3-4hours

However, despite my addiction, GW never got in the way of any social activities and i still find time for both studying and going out

Aleta · Dec 29, 2006, 07:35 PM // 19:35

I think all the talk about "addiction" is over rated.

Now I am looking at this from a 40+ age group point of view.

I don't have schoolwork, tests etc to do. I work full time
as an accountant and have never called in sick to play

I did take vacation when each new chapter came out

Am I obsessed and/or addicted most likely.

I also play EQII so double addiction

Everytime old Dr. Phil gets somebody with "my kid is addicted" my husband
looks at me.
This from the man who has the tv channel clicker glued and I mean glued
to his hand lol lol

As long as your do RL stuff and keep RL as most important (including doing
the laundry) lol well what's the problem.

When I first got GW I will admit I was playing from like 6pm until 2am.

Husband said finally stop it! And he was right.
So I have a pretty decent balance of work, family, gametime now

Bottom line? killing charr beats killing my boss

Jason Xll · Dec 29, 2006, 08:38 PM // 20:38

There are definately some real addicts out there, I'm sure we have all heard stories about people dying from heart attacks in computer clubs from sitting too long and such. The most recent story i heard was some teenager who got so addicted to WoW that he didn't get out of his house for one and a half months (causing his skin and nails to go yellow from lack of oxygen and sunlight, and the blood in his legs to stop flowing and forming blood clots O_O) and when his parents attempted to take away his PC he assulted them with a knife to get it back. Eventually he was taken to some clinic for reabilitation... I'll try to find the article and post the link later.
People are lead to become THAT addicted to a game by serious social problems; the teenager I mentioned above later on explained his "state" by saying he recieved more respect from the people in WoW due to his ub3r g3ar than he did from his class mates causing him to retreat into this virtual world where he was treated better than at school

I think that article would be very relavent for your survey.

Aewyne · Dec 29, 2006, 08:59 PM // 20:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason Xll

People are lead to become THAT addicted to a game by serious social problems; the teenager I mentioned above later on explained his "state" by saying he recieved more respect from the people in WoW due to his ub3r g3ar than he did from his class mates causing him to retreat into this virtual world where he was treated better than at school

My paper is basically on this topic... that not all MMORPG players are crazy like the media depicts, and it's not the game's fault for being "addictive" -- it's the motivations why one plays that lead to dangerous consequences.

MMORPGs just happen to be an easy outlet for high stress/depression/low self-esteem/etc.

I won't say any more... I don't want to influnce any results

But thank you all for helping me out! I've actually almost reached my target number already.

Thorondor Port · Dec 29, 2006, 09:05 PM // 21:05

how many people taken it now?

Relambrien · Dec 29, 2006, 09:48 PM // 21:48

Alright, I've taken it. When asked about why I play MMORPGs, I said something along the lines of that due to my heredity, I can't play sports, and MMORPGs give a sense of accomplishment and ecstasy unmatched by any other thing I could do.

big papi · Dec 29, 2006, 09:50 PM // 21:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by knoll

Done, I play it for the freindships.

i play to pwn n00bs like you..

now go lvl ur mage b4 i 1 shot u again

leeky baby · Dec 29, 2006, 10:14 PM // 22:14

done and dusted....hope u get a gd mark

Lysander Freeman · Dec 29, 2006, 11:08 PM // 23:08

answered it