WHO identifies Gaming Disorder, Gamers declare they can quit whenever they want.

by P.N. Guinn

The World Health Organization has rolled out a Beta Definition for a new disorder: Gaming Disorder.  Though currently in its Beta status, the intent is clearly present to release the disorder in the upcoming ICD-11.  This has provoked much conversation within the gaming and medical community.

Dr. Dyat Pepa tells us that, “The medical, and especially the psychiatric community, is concerned by the emergence of sometimes intense behavioral issues surrounding gaming without regard to social or economic consequences.”  Dr. Pepa was quick to add, “Most consumers of video gamers would not qualify, this is for those experiencing some pretty intense consequences.”

While some responses have been fairly well reasoned to the idea of a mental health disorder related to video games, others have responded with strong hostility.  A gamer, whose in game name for PUBG is “PlayzAllDayzandNitez” tells us, “Look, this is just a way to trivialize real disorders.  So what if I play 14 to 18 hours a day?  I stream, and make at least $1,400 a month between that and my unemployment insurance, it’s totally supporting me as a job.  Why, I could cut down to 10 or even 8 hours a day, but my income would drop, you know?”

Another gamer who goes by the name of Onesh0t1Kil1 in CS:GO told the Daily Rager, “Look, I play a lot, so what’s the big deal?  I can totally cut out my time if I wanted to.  I just don’t want to.  That’s why I dumped my girl friend, she said it was me or games.  Sometimes I miss her, but then I just play some times, but then I forget about it while taking down some terrorists.  Now f**k off, you’re keeping me from my match.”

Others were even more blunt, “Look, I’m a RPG fan.  I don’t have to play them, I could find other hobbies, but why?  Games work for me.  Now I need to split, I need to donate some plasma in preparation for the Steam sale.”  Or the gamer who told us, “F**k doctors and f**k you, I’m not an addict, my Sims just love me more than real people. Why wouldn’t I spend all my time with them?”

Obviously there will continue to debate from the community, and the Daily Rager will continue to follow this story.  But really, we need to get back to Rocket League, we’re starting to get the shakes…