Addiction Psychologists & Video Game Creation: What You Need to Know
Statistics show that nearly 80% of children ages 5-18 play video games. Given this high percentage, parents should be aware of how addictive these games can be. Trends indicate that video game companies are hiring psychologists to help them create addictive video games to drive player engagement. This may be one of the reasons why many parents have to pry their children away from the screen, and for good reason, since video games can become addictive.
What insight are addiction psychologists providing video game companies as they create these games? We’re going to answer this question and look into the problems that can arise from video game addiction.
What is an Addiction Psychologist?
Before we can examine the role an addiction psychologist plays in the gaming industry and with video game creation, we must first understand what they do. This type of psychologist studies the range of behavioral addictive behaviors as well as substance use issues and how they impact people. An addiction psychologist specializes in treating those with behavior and substance use addictions.
Understanding the Role of Addiction Psychologists in Video Game Creation
Addiction psychologists know the science behind what drives addiction since they treat people dealing with these issues. When it comes to video games, this type of knowledge is valuable because they will know what principles need to be applied during the design phase to make these games more appealing.
They can advise on elements such as in-game progression systems, rewards, and social elements like talking to other players, which will make them want to play longer.
When a psychologist is helping a video game designer, they can help them better understand a player’s motivation as well as the needs that gaming can fill. They can help developers pinpoint what concepts will deliver the rewards that players need to keep playing.
Addiction psychologists also analyze data to better understand what makes a game effective. Designers can maximize these points for increased player engagement.
When all of these elements are put together, they lead to more people playing games, which increases the profits for video game companies.
What Makes Video Games Addictive?
Video games can become addictive because of the elements we mentioned above. Let’s take a closer look at how they are used:
Rewards
When a game rewards a player, the brain releases dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter and hormone that is associated with feelings of pleasure. Game developers give players rewards at random times to keep them hooked and playing more.
Introducing New Elements
Game designers also reset players’ progress and bring in new elements so they’re always interested and have a reason to start over. Sometimes, these new elements also require in-game purchases, which video game designers also like to promote.
Setting and Beating Records
Players can get rewarded for logging in and playing every day, and get more rewards for playing multiple days. This makes them not want to ruin their streak, which can lead to addiction.
Punishments
Just as players can get rewarded for playing more, they can also get punished for not playing. Addictive games use this tactic because they know players don’t want to ruin their game and will continue playing.
One of the main takeaways about video game addictions is to understand that the brain does not finish developing until around the age of 25. This means that young gamers are more vulnerable to the tactics the gaming industry uses to attract players. Studies have actually shown that people who play games online have less gray matter in the parts of the brain that are responsible for impulse control, attention, and emotional regulation. This explains why video games can become so addictive for children and teens.
Signs of Video Game Addiction
Besides seeing your child spend endless hours at their video game console, there are other signs that may indicate they are becoming addicted to their games.
- Poor school performance
- Signs of withdrawal, such as sadness or anxiety, when games are taken away
- Retreating from previous activities and social settings
- Lying to others about the amount of time spent playing
- Using video games to deal with stressful situations
- Poor hygiene because of too much gaming
If you notice any of these symptoms of video game addiction, it’s important to talk to your child and seek help if needed. When these issues are ignored, they only create larger problems with more severe consequences.
FAQ About Video Games Addiction
Is video game addiction a recognized medical condition?
Yes, the World Health Organization recognizes video game addiction. It is defined as the inability to control gaming habits despite the negative consequences that can form.
What are video game addiction lawsuits?
People who have experienced significant harm due to video game addiction may have grounds for a lawsuit. You may have a case if the game developers intentionally designed addictive features such as loot boxes, variable reward systems, and other features. Companies can also be held responsible if they did not disclose the risks that come with excessive gaming. Other cases center around deceptive marketing practices when it comes to video game creation.
When you meet with one of our lawyers, we can review your case to see if you have legal grounds for a lawsuit.
Can my lawsuit lead to compensation?
In some cases, yes. This compensation can include therapy or treatment costs linked to the video game addiction. It can also include damages for emotional distress or lost wages, or academic opportunities due to excessive gaming. Each case is different, which is why you want to have an experienced lawyer on your side.
Have You Been Affected by Video Game Addiction? Contact Us Today
If your family has been affected by video game addiction, we can help. Our job is to hold video game companies accountable when it comes to video game addiction. We work with experienced attorneys who understand the legal issues gaming addiction can cause. Call us today at 480-771-2988 to schedule a free consultation or reach out to us online.