The parents of a teenage son who committed suicide just over a year ago claim that their son become addicted to the massively multiplayer online role-playing game, World of Warcraft. They believe that as a result of this addiction he took his own life. Now these parents are suing World of WarCraft developers Blizzard Entertainment, blaming the game developers for the tragic loss of their son.
The details of just how many hours this teen had been playing World of Warcraft prior to his death has not yet been published. Just what would constitute an addiction is hard to quantify. The generally accepted medical definition of an addiction is a habitual psychological and physiological dependence on a substance or practice beyond one's voluntary control. So using this definition as a guide we could assume he had no control over how often he sat down to play the online role playing game.
Looking at a common addiction many people can relate to, smoking. Nobody would claim that the actual act of smoking could lead to anybody’s death. Rather it is the chemicals being inhaled while smoking that have been linked to various diseases leading to a potential premature death. Following this same logic we could then say that spending large amounts of your day playing World of Warcraft could not kill you. So the real problem in this case most be something else.
Examining suicide we should look at what really causes someone to take their own life. While a lot more research on the subject is still needed, it is believed that some type of psychiatric disorder, depression being the most common is the leading cause of suicide. If properly diagnosed most mental health problems can be treated and controlled. The difficulty is for people to realize that they have a problem and to go and seek treatment. The unfortunate stigma still attached to mental health problems leads many to go without getting treatment for what could be a highly treatable disease.
Looking back at the case at hand, we can see that a teen playing World of Warcraft too much could definitely be a potential sign that something is wrong. People who have difficulty dealing with reality or interacting with people are two possible signs of a mental health disease. So every parent should be aware of this, and if their children are using computer games as a way to withdraw from friends and family they should definitely seek profession medical advice, it just might save their child’s life.
» left by Jim Dole from Beverly Hills, CA (3 years 48 days ago.)
Well written article on a very delicate subject, the more PR for mental health problems the better. Thanks. Respond to this comment
» left by Warcraft Player's Mom from Fort Wayne, Indiana (2 years 330 days ago.)
This is a VERY serious problem. I have seen my own son leave college and quit his job to play this game upwards of 12 hours a day. Hopefully, this teens death will result in increased recognition of this as a TRUE addiction. Respond to this comment
» left by Meg from Azeroth, Avid WoW player (2 years 307 days ago.)
This article is utterly ridiculous. Had his parents been paying attention, they probably would have noticed something else wrong with this kid. How dare they blame a game for what they failed to notice. WoW is fun, but it doesn't replace life. Respond to this comment
» left by Marjade from Agamaggan from Canada (2 years 295 days ago.)
I think too that its Stupid ! WoW is a fun game and you'd never take your life for a game ! Stop putting nonsens in the head of the parents ! its perhaps for that and their commentary about his ''Addiction'' that killed him! Respond to this comment
» left by Alex from Canada (2 years 289 days ago.)
WTF? How freaking stupid are these people? The game is rated teen, and as it clearly says on the lable: May not be suitable....means if the parents where paying any attention to their son, they would have clearly noticed his mental problems. Respond to this comment
» left by Ludvig from Sweden (2 years 269 days ago.)
Interesting point of view, really - never thought of it that way.
Well written et cetera, but best is the thought. Respond to this comment
» left by Camsolo (WoW player) from Kil'Jaedon (2 years 210 days ago.)
It makes sense why the kid committed suicide. Because the parents are retarded. How typical of these idiot parents to blame a "game" for their son death. Is it not the parents responsibilty to raise their kids in a safe and loving environment? Is it not the parents responsibility to talk to their kids and make sure they address any problems their kids are facing? Respond to this comment
» left by Sara from Minnesota (2 years 193 days ago.)
This is an excellent case of shooting the messenger. The article is clearly not blaming the game, rather it is suggesting how to utilize obsessive habits to better monitor kids who might be in danger. I agree not everyone is obsessed with WoW, but there are a few who do fall in the category. However, I do agree with previous comments that the parents failed in their attempts to address the matter before it became a problem. Respond to this comment
» left by margit jameson from newberg, Oregon (1 year 199 days ago.)
My 11 year old is obsessed with this game. His self-worth seems to be attatched to his success in the game. The hardest part is that his father also plays and is impressed with his ability. That may be because his dad works full-time and doesn't have time to do WOW and nothing else. I'm scared. What should I do? Respond to this comment
» left by crystal m from athens tennessee (1 year 198 days ago.)
why dont everyone go outside and play a game called "the real world" why spend countless hours in the house ,when you could be outside living life to the fullest /my brother is possessed by wow and dont pay his bills ,or take care of his kids , i have his children because his computer broke and he had a nervous breakdown because he couldnt play wow , he was biting his nails and crying like a baby i thought he might kill his self . dont that tell you somthing ,this game is mind altering , and i cant find any info about it .,i want to help my brother to get away from this ,so he can live his god given life with his children Respond to this comment
» left by Susan from Georgia (143 days 17 hours ago.)
I agree with you! My husband and 16 yr old son has been playing for 2 years and I am so tired of it. It seems to me that its no different than being an alchoholic or drug addict.
» left by Tibs from England (1 year 175 days ago.)
You seem to be missing the point crystal. Think of WoW, 8.99 a month (In UK), for what is essentially any given amount of time you chose to play, encountering new challenges with new and old friends. The drive is once one challenge is completed, you crave success, and move onto a harder, more impressive encounter.
The outside world ? Indeed, there are many other things to do out there aswel to push yourself, but these things cost money. Fun is rarely free. A night out on the town, just one night, can set you back anywhere from 20us and upwards. A steep fee when compared with a small monthly price tag for such an involved game.
A very common issue however is not addressed, and seems to often be missed by many critics. Many people who play MMO's like World of Warcraft do so to escape the depressing nature that their real life entails. For some, the ever continuing nature of exams, the pressure from parents, and the ensuing rivalries that occur in a school environment can leave the individual feeling crushed. Once he/she feels accepted in a different environment (In this case WoW), it is only understandable that they would want to continue being there. This in itself completely defies the terminology of an addiction, because everyone craves acceptance from their peers.
People who slate gamers persistantly really need to open up and have a look at themselves before tearing other people down. If your wallet is empty, you cant afford to go out with your friends, what else are you going to do? Yes I thought so, sit infront of a box watching trash TV. No Friends, no challenge, and certainly no benefits in that.
My case is laid for all to see.
The issue of Suicide is a touchy one, but the onus can not solely be placed on a single event, especially a videogame. The issues regarding why he was so involved with the game in the first place due to real life occurences, not to mention his mental state should definitely be addressed.
People are too quick to judge, and too quick to blame. Maybe if more people stopped being so damned ignorant and opened their minds to the truth of a situation they may find results.
Margit, your situation is by no means uncommon. Many middle aged men play MMO's, probably for reasons allready addressed in this post. What needs to be provided is a better lasting alternative to the game in order to find results. Do not expect your husband or son to quit the game completely. There is absolutely nothing wrong with moderate play. Do your utmost to provide activities during the day, as it is the evening they will most likely use to play the game. Finally talk to them, open your heart and your feelings, even if it means a few tears here and there. If they truely care they will heed your words and compromise.
» left by Kaloyan from Svishtov (1 year 61 days ago.)
This is a truly serious issue.But what can we teens do if we have no friends and nothing to do?Or if we have a bully hanging over our hads,or if we are self concious.For example i think im really ugly,my classmates are always making fun of me,the only thing i can rely to is my mother and my best friend,but he no longer lives in my town.
I first found out about WoW when i was in my second cousins house about 2 years ago duringr summer break.I couldn't stop thinking about ithe game for a few weeks after mom and i went backto my hometown.But I eventualy got over it.Then the game became famouse in my town as well,and I started wasting my money going to internet clubs.The server droped about a monthe later and was reactivated several months after that.This time I was too busy to pay attention and spend my time some WoW obsessed people(thank God!).But now I have the game on my PC,but it cant start cuz my computer is weak.But I just can't bring myself to delete the game,I don't know why...i just can't.
P.S.:I live in Bulgaria.WoW became popular,I believe,six months after it did in America. Respond to this comment
» left by Steve from Ireland (1 year 39 days ago.)
Get a part time job, save money for a good PC that will run WoW train a Warlock to lvl 70 and live the dream.
These people that kill themselves over a game are just troubled people that would have killed themselves anyway full stop.
I play WoW and have a social life and have great gear in-game even though I don't play "full time".
Warhammer online will come out 2nd quarter of next year hopefully and it may blow WoW out of the water so keep your eyes open.
I have no more to say on this subject..... Respond to this comment
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Article added to SearchWarp.com on Tuesday, November 22, 2005 View other articles written by Mark MacKay(199)
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