Obsessed with video games might be how some describe kids today, but let’s face it—video games have come a long way since the early days of Mario and Pac-Man. Now, they’re diving into massive online worlds like Fortnite or crafting endless creations in Minecraft.
They come home, drop their backpacks, and before you know it, they’re lost in a game, saying, “Just one more match!” Sound familiar?
But what makes these games so hard to step away from? There’s a lot of science behind it—from how games affects the brain.
Let’s take a closer look at why many loves playing video games, what risks to watch out for, and how they can actually be beneficial when used in balance.
Why Do We Play Games?
Before diving into why so many people are obsessed with video games, it’s helpful to first understand why humans are drawn to playing games in general.
According to child psychologists, play is an important part of growing up. It’s not just for fun. Play also has a role in normal cognitive development.
Part of the reason is that play prepares children for the mental and physical challenges of adult life. It’s like practicing to be grown up.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) [1], play allows children to use their creativity while developing their imagination, dexterity, and physical, cognitive, and emotional strength. Play is important to healthy brain development.
Just look at the kids playing online games. Whether it’s creating their dream home in The Sims or role-playing as heroes in Among Us, many of their favorite games mirror real-life scenarios or tap into their imagination.
“There are a variety of ways adults can enhance this kind of pretend play. One enjoyable way is simply to play along with children—take on a make-believe role, play parallel to or directly with them, make play suggestions, ask questions, and encourage role-playing.” – Dr. Trawick-Smith
Now, this may explain why children play games, but what about adults? It seems that the desire to play is hardwired into our minds at a young age. This partially explains why we love games, including sports, even as adults.
What Are Video Games?
When video games first entered the scene in the early 1970s, few knew how big the industry would become.
The video game industry has been a massive global powerhouse since its breakthrough, generating billions in revenue.
According to Statista [2], in 2024, the worldwide gaming market brought in nearly $455 billion, with mobile gaming alone contributing approximately $98.7 billion to that total.
If we return to the reasons why games, in general, are so popular, we see why video games are such a huge hit. The sense of satisfaction when a game ends, especially if you win, feels good.
However, compared to video games, other games take time to set up and play. A video game, on the other hand, can be very visually stimulating, complex, and rewarding in a short period of time. Set up and replay all happen with the simple push of a button.
Video Games: A Break or a Mistake?
Another reason we love video games is that they offer a quick escape from the pressures of life. Playtime distractions help clear your head and may even relieve stress. However, video game recreation can be a double-edged sword. For instance, if gaming begins to interfere with life responsibilities, then you have other issues besides a simple need for recreation.
The most extreme examples can occur with those who participate in role-playing games where they feel successful. The problem is that this may replace self-fulfillment in real life. If the satisfaction in the gaming world is much greater, some people may develop video game addiction or Gaming Disorder, a condition recognized by the World Health Organization that closely resembles drug addiction.
DSM-5 Criteria for Gaming Disorder:
To diagnose Gaming Disorder, formerly termed as Internet Gaming Disorder, the following symptoms must persist for 12 months and cause significant distress or impairment in personal, social, or professional life:
- Preoccupation with gaming (thinking about it constantly or obsessing over future play).
- Withdrawal symptoms when unable to play (irritability, anxiety, or sadness).
- Increased tolerance (needing to play more to achieve the same satisfaction).
- Loss of control over gaming habits.
- Neglecting other activities (hobbies, work, or relationships take a backseat).
- Continued gaming despite problems (ignoring negative effects on life).
- Deception about gaming (lying to others about the time spent playing).
- Gaming to escape negative emotions (using it as a way to avoid stress or unhappiness).
- Risking opportunities (losing relationships, jobs, or educational achievements due to gaming).
“With gaming disorder, people kind of leave reality and they enter this other world, so to speak. They become completely absorbed by this virtual reality where they’re a player, where they’re part of a team, they’re part of a purpose, and they forget about everyone else.” – Dr. Judith Joseph, Psychiatrist
If these symptoms persist and disrupt daily life, it may be time to seek help. Gaming Disorder is a serious condition, and a licensed mental health professional can provide proper diagnosis and support. Seeking help is a proactive step toward restoring balance and improving well-being.
Biochemical Response
Beyond just being fun and attractive, is there a biochemical explanation behind video game popularity? A study at Stanford University investigated this in 22 college students. Brain activation scans showed that key areas of the medial forebrain “pleasure circuit” lit up when the students played video games. While both sexes showed activation in these regions while playing, the effect was significantly stronger in men [3].
The research also confirmed that pleasure circuit activation is rapid and repeated, much like what occurs when smoking cigarettes. Other video game studies using positron emission tomography (PET) scanning have shown an increased release of dopamine while players moved to higher game levels.
Benefits Vs. Risks
Obsessed with video games? You’re not alone. Given the potential for addiction, video games have faced a lot of scrutiny over the years. It’s clear that some people can become deeply hooked, leading to concerns about the impact of gaming on daily life.
However, according to American Psychological Association, video games have also been shown to have surprising benefits [4], even educational ones. For instance, research is mounting that shows long-lasting positive effects of video games on basic mental processes, such as perception, attention, memory, and decision-making.
Some of this research is quite compelling. For example, video games may improve performance for jobs that require good eye-hand coordination, attention, memory, and quick decision-making. One study showed that gamers were better than nongamers in piloting drones. Video gamers were even as good as formally trained pilots. Other research showed that inexperienced surgeons who were also avid video gamers could outperform experienced surgeons.
Some argue that intelligent people tend to like video games in general. However, studies were also done on nongamers, and improvements in skills occur when people play video games for the first time in their lives.
Tips for Effective Gaming Regulation and Control
Maintaining a healthy relationship with gaming is essential, whether it’s for yourself, your kids, your partner, or a friend. Here are practical tips to help manage gaming habits effectively:
- Set Clear Boundaries: Establish specific time limits for gaming, such as no more than 1–2 hours per day, and stick to them consistently.
- Prioritize Responsibilities: Ensure daily tasks like work, school, chores, or family commitments are completed before gaming begins.
- Schedule Breaks: Take regular pauses during gaming sessions to stretch, rest your eyes, or engage in a non-screen activity.
- Encourage Other Activities: Balance gaming with other hobbies, like reading, sports, creative projects, or socializing offline.
- Use Technology to Help: Leverage built-in parental controls, screen time trackers, or apps to monitor and limit playtime.
- Play Mindfully: Choose games that offer positive experiences, such as those that encourage creativity, teamwork, or problem-solving, rather than only competitive or addictive games.
- Communicate Openly: Discuss gaming habits with family or friends to understand their perspective and agree on reasonable limits.
- Be a Role Model: Demonstrate balanced screen use yourself to encourage healthier habits in others.
- Replace Negative Patterns: If gaming is being used as an emotional escape, introduce healthier coping mechanisms like exercise, mindfulness, or talking with someone trusted.
- Monitor the Impact: Regularly assess whether gaming is interfering with daily life, relationships, or health, and adjust habits if needed.
Back To Life
As the games get more complex, and the rewards become less defined, the question comes up: How much different is this than life? With the advent of virtual reality, one also has to ask: Will we blur the division of reality and games to the point where we won’t know which is which?
For now, this Matrix-like scenario is far away. So, enjoy your video games as they might even be good for you. Just don’t overdo it.
Feel refreshed and re-energized in minutes! Download 10 Gentle Chair Yoga Poses to Undo the Damage of Sitting All Day and start relieving tension today—no mat required!
FAQs
Why am I so obsessed with playing video games?
Video games are designed to be immersive and rewarding, triggering dopamine release, which can make them hard to put down.
What do you call someone who is obsessed with video games?
They are often referred to as “gamers,” but extreme cases may be described as “video game addicts.”
Do people with ADHD play a lot of video games?
Yes, individuals with ADHD may be drawn to video games due to their stimulating and engaging nature.
How many hours of gaming a day is an addiction?
Gaming more than 4–6 hours daily, especially if it interferes with daily responsibilities, can indicate addiction.
What age is most addicted to video games?
Teenagers, particularly those aged 12–18, are most prone to excessive gaming.
Is 7 hours of gaming bad?
Consistently gaming for 7 hours a day can harm physical and mental health, particularly if it disrupts sleep, exercise, or social activities.