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Why are Video Games So Addictive? – ATV Today – ATV Today


Many people enjoy playing in a virtual world…

Playing video games can be an enjoyable activity for many to switch off after work or connect with friends, however, when games are consumed for hours on end it can be a sign gaming addiction In 2021 a systematic review has revealed that 3-4% of gamers worldwide were addicted to video games, meaning that there can be as many as 60 million people or more suffering.

With this in mind, addiction specialists at Private Rehab Clinic Delamere have revealed what makes video games so addictive to users to ATV Today Lifestyle..

Martin Preston, Founder and Chief Executive at Delamere:

“Gaming addiction refers to the uncontrollable use of video games that is characterised by compulsive behaviour and can develop after a long period of excessive gaming.

“When a person who enjoys playing video games engages in the activity, the brain’s reward centre releases dopamine chemicals in response to the pleasurable experience and so they will often go back, again and again, to seek out the dopamine release. People can often develop an addiction to games like Rocket League because they are designed to be naturally addictive by creators who incorporate small “wins” into the game that keep you coming back for more, including high scores and completing levels.”

  1. There is no defined end 

One of the most common reasons people become addicted to video games is that a lot of them don’t have predefined ends – this is most common in MMORPG games. What this means, is that the player does not get to a point where they have ‘completed’ every challenge or task, which brings the game to a natural end and allows them to move on.

Instead, they are presented with continual challenges and tasks to overcome, that keep them coming back again and again.

  1. Small wins incorporated throughout the game 

Another feature that makes video games addictive is the small wins that are often incorporated throughout games. This can be in a number of forms including levelling up or achieving high scores by collecting items like coins. The more rewards you get as you go through the levels the more it makes you want to come back and play again.

  1. They help build relationships 

Games often have a social aspect to them that allows you to talk to and play with other people. For some, this community that is formed becomes a place in which they are most accepted, and keeps users coming back time and time again.

  1. You often beat a rival 

When playing games, users are often challenged with beating a boss or rival in order to level up. This levelling up feature often gets people hooked, as it feeds their desire to beat the game and makes them come back for more.

  1. They offer a form of escapism 

For some gamers, playing with others and taking on a different role offers a form of escapism from the stresses of daily life. Having the ability to complete challenges and level up in a game, will make the gamer feel good and achieve something they may have otherwise found challenging in real life and keep them coming back for more.

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