I used to be addicted to video games

[Alrex]

I remember what really got me hooked was Halo 2. I remember my friend used to play it competitively and was looking for a teammate, so we trained so much, everyday for about 15 hours a day.

Then we got into a game called Super smash brother melee, and got super hooked on that going to tournaments (We got number 1 in Alberta for Halo 2 and Super smash brothers melee)

When we weren't playing, we stratigized tactics. I used to set my alarm clock at 5 in the morning so I could play videogames.

Then I bought my very first Xbox 360 and that led to even worse problems. I played a game called Left4dead and got so addicted we even made replica costumes and props from the game. We won top gamers award in BC.

I once played so much I almost passed out from malnutrition. Also onetime I had to go to the hospital because I kept holding my poo and pee because at that time gaming was more important. At one point I pooped in a bucket.

Now I barely play video games anymore.

[Lightning]

I used to be the same way. I did nothing but video games but never for 15 hours. I used to play for about 5 to 8 hours a day. I remember I used to get angry whenever people stopped me from playing video games. I barely play video games anymore as well. I only play one game and it is for only an hour. I take breaks in between (like 3-4 hour breaks before playing again)

[Eyes on Fire-Xx]

Im still hooked. when i got left4dead 2, i swear i played through the night. but im better now...i remember to eat, at least. i still make stuff from games i love and i also reeealy love designing games, so now i spend more time designing the games.

[DarkSeph]

I used to spend a lot of time playing games, but mostly it was because I had nothing else to do. If I had the chance to spend time with friends, I'd do it in a heartbeat and I never really minded if I had to miss on gaming time. But I was an all-day-long player a lot of the time.

However, last year I did admittedly come very close to developing an MMO obsession. I didn't exactly choose it over real life, but it started really affecting my mood and depression and I'd play far too much, like 8 hours a day, and lost motivation in life. Fortunately my gf (ex) pointed it out to me, and I deleted my mmo account and couldn't be happier.

Then my ex who was already a very heavy xbox player, started playing an mmo herself and at the same time dumped me for a friend she played left4dead with a lot on xbox live. :/ Since then I barely play games at all anymore and lose more and more interest in them daily.

[Alrex]

I think the reason we do this is because it is a step away from reality.

Has anyone ever noticed you feel so much more relaxed and it takes your mind off things?

[DarkSeph]

Originally Posted by Alrex

Has anyone ever noticed you feel so much more relaxed and it takes your mind off things?

Actually, it used to make me moody, stressed and snap a lot easier. And I would often notice I wasn't the only one. In mmo's for example there seems to such a ridiculous amount of tension and anger in the gaming community. People fighting, arguing, insulting, flaming and competing with each other non-stop.

[sirjan xerdaj]

I didn't really spend more than 4 hours on Maple Story but every other month I would spend about $500 for in game money and skills, even the virtual clothes lol. Reality slapped me in the face when I saw my bank statements, never fell into debt like those WoW nerds, but I could've saved that money for something useful. HA! I learned my lesson.

[Veniathan]

Im a gamer, And no i will not stop. Even if its a addicition its controllable.. And its not harmful. I play games everyday ..

[EJD]

I used to be. It was just an escape from my harsh reality... every game was like a safe haven, well away from the drudgery of real life. My favourite escapes were the Burnout games, and Driver 3 as well.

I don't game anymore, since I got rid of the TV. But still, many happy memories.

[Alrex]

I'm glad I substituted more social and physical activities for games.

I can't sit down and play video games for more than 3 hours

[Banshee-Screamer]

i still am to some extent, i will sit there at weekends after i get booted offline at about 11ish and play video games in my room until about 2 in the morning. i play them during the week aswell. but im more addicted to the internet than anything. for me the internet and video games are an escape from whats going on in my life. it helps me releax.

[mIssIng:nO]

Originally Posted by DarkSeph

Actually, it used to make me moody, stressed and snap a lot easier. And I would often notice I wasn't the only one. In mmo's for example there seems to such a ridiculous amount of tension and anger in the gaming community. People fighting, arguing, insulting, flaming and competing with each other non-stop.

Ahhh, I miss the days of telling people to "QQ" on WoW.