Will the economic downturn hurt WoW?

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

2-05-2009 @ 9:21AM

msingletary said...

I don't think it has so much to do with addiction as it does to the game just being fun. People are usually feeling down when they lose a job and playing a game they enjoy is a really great way to take your mind off things and have a good time.

WoW is relatively cheap compared to other activities, and if I were to need to tighten my budget after losing a job I would happily eat out one less meal a month so that I could play WoW. As you mentioned in the article, it makes better economical sense to spend $15 on something that can easily get you 100+ hours of enjoyment a month or something that tastes good for maybe 15 minutes. It's not that I'm addicted, but what's wrong with doing something that I enjoy that costs money even after losing a job? If someone goes to see a movie, are they now movie addicts?

2-05-2009 @ 11:22AM

Jay in Oregon said...

A good definition of addiction -- this is paraphrased from an actual definition used by specialists in addiction therapy -- is progressive use of the addictive substance or activity in the face of adverse consequence, with negative effects on school or work, health, financial or legal obligations, and relationships. Denial is often a factor in addiction as well; the oft-cited "I can quit [XXX] any time I want to!"

If you're using WoW as a form of cheap recreation while you're looking for a job, that's one thing. If you're using it as a way to avoid looking for a job, that is quite another.

2-05-2009 @ 2:37PM

dawnseven said...

I had the same thought. I used to watch 35 hours of tv a week and now I hardly watch it at all. Was I "addicted" to television? I don't think so. I think my whole day doesn't need to be filled with unpleasantness and I'm entitled to a little entertainment/amusement/camaraderie. WoW provides that at a reasonable price. In the long run I guess I'd rather be an "addict" than a killjoy.

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