Addiction to Online Games And How to Cure It

"When players of massive multiplayer online roleplaying games (MMORPGs) talk about ""death penalties"", they refer to the resources they lose when the character they are playing dies. Usually this can be anything from invested time, items they acquired in long play sessions or their virtual currency. Recent games, like World of Warcraft (WoW) avoid that penalty in order to make the game ""more fun"". Unfortunately it's not as easy to remove real casualties that result from those games - from suicides of addicted players to parents who neglect their children to the point they starve while they are playing World of Warcraft.

Not all stories of excessive play end that bad, but the extent of the problem is being underestimated. Those high profile cases are certainly the saddest examples of what can result from excessive play. But in regards to the people who are affected by serious online gaming addiction, they represent only the tip of the iceberg. What goes unnoticed are the thousands of stories of players who get involved in an online game to the point that they seriously neglect or even abandon school, work, friends and families. There are no statistics on the depressions that result from extensive immersion in virtual worlds. There are no statistics showing how many careers have been destroyed this way. There are no statistics showing how many divorces this has caused.

As one of the oldest MMORPGs, Everquest is still very popular with around 450,000 subscribers. A google search for ""everquest addiction"" returns 234,000 results. But it gets worse: Final Fantasy XI currently has 650,000 players and it's still growing fast. Number of results returned for ""final fantasy xi addiction""? 2,140,000. That's 10 pages for every single gamer. While not all of them are directly related to cases of addiction, it certainly shows the importance of the issue. If for every player of a game, ten feel compelled to discuss a possible addiction, it's a phenomenon that has to be taken seriously.

There are also signs in the offline world that this problem is existing and growing. In July 2006, the first detox center for gaming addicts in Europe opens in Amsterdam. More than 20 players have already been enlisted in the 8 weeks program. They range from 13 to 30 years of age, showing that this is not something that only happens to teenagers. In Canada and the US there are already multiple clinics and even in China a facility has opened already.

Families and friends of affected players are often at a loss as to how they can help them. Addicted players will often react disinterested or even aggressive when confronted with their behavior. They become socially isolated, no longer accessible to persons that used to be close to them and tend to loose interest in anything that happens outside of their game worlds. A successful anti-addiction strategy thus has to come from within.

One possible solution was unintentionally described over a hundred years ago: ""There are only two tragedies in life: one is not getting what one wants, and the other is getting it "" Oscar Wilde might have got it dead on for online gamers. Constantly struggling in their virtual world to get better equipment, more money and a higher level and looking for a way to advance faster, online gamers are usually trapped in a vicious cycle. But what happens if those challenges become obsolete? If they simply achieve those goals without effort? What if you can cheat?

Single player games have cheat codes, allowing you to bypass any difficulties of a game with a few ""code words"". Everyone who used a cheat code in a game knows, that from there on the hours of entertainment are numbered. It is simply no longer of interest to invest your time since all achievements have become meaningless. Fortunately for addicted players, this also holds true for online games. Only, there are no cheat codes. What there is though, are unintentional flaws, glitches and bugs in the games. If you know them, you can skip difficult parts, get rewards with ease and cut down on the time investment significantly. Swimming in virtual currency after a few mouse clicks tends to remove the incentive to ever spend hours again, trying to get it.

How to Get a Video Game Tester Job

It's true the video game testing industry generates billions of dollars each year. A video game to produce and make takes a lot of time and energy to fully get it complete and live. Programmers consistently work and develop the coding behind the game level by level. During this process, there needs to be people who actually go through each program or module and test to make sure everything is working properly.

This is where the game tester job comes in. Companies eagerly seek people who will diligently test thoroughly new games while they are in the work in progress stage. Being a video game tester is not as easy as many people think. You can't just go to work and play the video games you want all day. Basically you make have to play the same game, same level, and same area of the game for days or weeks straight making sure that every step, move, etc. works properly.

Video game testing can be a tedious job, but the pay is definitely beneficial. Top video game testers make up to $80 per hour which is equivalent to around $200,000 per year. Starting wages for a video game tester can range from around $10 per hour, but that will go up quickly as you begin your video game tester job. Finding out how to get these video game tester jobs is not that easy because of the demand in the industry. You won't find these jobs available on Monster or HotJobs. There are certain websites that provide all the information to access many companies that are looking to hire video game testers.

Pocket PC Games

These are some of the most popular and best-selling games for the Pocket PC, available for download on the Internet.

Scrabble, developed by Handmark (www.handmark.com), features a built-in Official Scrabble Player's Dictionary and an optional full-definition dictionary to view the definitions of each word as they are played. You can play in two different modes - Friendly and Tournament mode - against an automated computer opponent or real opponents using multiple devices with IR (infrared) beaming. Registration is $29.99.

GameBox Solitaire by PDAmill (www.pdamill.com), is a pack that includes ten popular card games, featuring good graphics, nice music and sound effects, smooth card animations, alpha effects, and great playability. The GameBox Solitaire is available for download on PDAmill website (www.pdamill.com) for $14.95.

Pocket War, developed b MetalShard (www.metalshard.com), is a strategic turn-based war game in which you start with a single city that can produce an assortment of war machines and troops in order to try and defeat the automated computer opponent. The new version 1.58 is more realistic and includes additional options. You have to register the demo ($24.97) in order to unlock the Save, multiplayer-disabled, 150 turns max options.

PocketSlay, from Sean O'Connor's Windows Games (www.windowsgames.com), is a strategy game with a medieval set, where the main island is divided up between the six players. The game objective is to try and capture the enemies’ territories and link them up with your own to make it stronger. The game can be registered for $20.

Arcade Park is game collection from C-EON Software (www.c-eon.com) containing seven great classic arcade games - Arkanoid, Asteroids, Black Shark, Digger, Lode Runner, Pac-Man, and Ping-Pong

The Potential Of PS3 Games Console

The word wars between Sony and Microsoft just won't die down. With Microsoft's Peter Moore's ragging about the PS3 games console's price, surely, people don't expect the Sony CEO, Steve Howard, to turn the other cheek. It's pathetic to see two guys in power suits and power ties bicker like two kids in a playground. Sounds to me like they're fighting about who could spit the farthest. But since Moore has been hounding publicity, well, we might as well give shy Howard a chance to defend his PS3 games.

It can be recalled that Peter Moore of Microsoft used Sony console's price as a spring board in launching a new Xbox 360 marketing campaign. Moore released statements that gamers get more value in buying a Nintendo Wii and Microsoft Xbox 360 for the value of a single PS3 games console. No doubt that the statement made even hard-core Sony fans hesitant about buying a PS3. After all, $600 is big money. Plus, the possibility given by Moore is a no-brainer: it is a choice between two next-gen consoles and more gaming options or one PS3. Sony has to act; and the usually quiet Steve Howard finally broke his silence.

In a recent press conference in Tokyo, Sony Corp's Steve Howard released a statement justifying the new Sony console's price. He claimed that the in buying a PS3 games console, the consumers are actually buying potential. Such a vague statement needed further clarification and Howard obliged. According to him, though the PS3 console is admittedly pricier ($599) than Microsoft's Xbox 360 ($300) or Nintendo's Wii($250), it provides users Blu-ray technology-- touted to be the technology of the future. Further, if the new Sony console's performance reaches its full potential, users would benefit from higher technology and longer years of use. Howard also implied in his statement that Xbox 360s and the Wii's are cheaper because they are merely "transitional" consoles with inferior technology when compared to the futuristic PS3.

However, market analysts and yours truly, seriously doubt this claim by Howard. Times are hard, and people are sure to think about whether the PS3 games console deserves its price tag. This can look bad quickly for Sony because reviews show that PS3's Blu-ray-supported graphics are only equal to that of the cheaper consoles. If there are differences, these are highly indistinct, unless you want to spend game time analyzing the graphic pixels. Even the controller is deemed inferior to that of the PS1 from seven years ago.

In fact, the Wii sports a much better controller. Also, Howard's potential-based argument is stretched too thin and poorly supported. What if the new PS3 didn't reach its full potential? Then, there is the case of disappointed consumers whining over their loss. What about the long years of use? I doubt that five years would pass before the gaming giants come up with a new console prototype. Surely, Howard can come up with something stronger than an argument based on "potential". PS3 games enthusiasts need more fuel for their cause. Meantime, do you know what I'm excited to hear about? Peter Moore's response to Sony's "potential".

10 Reasons Why Everyone Should Play Video Games

Since its inception video games have caught the fantasy of children as well as adults. The success of gaming is reflected in the fact that it is a multi billion dollar industry. And, games fascinate not just children but adults as well.

From time immemorial mankind has played games of all kinds—cowboys and Indians, the battle of the North versus South, hunting, war games, as well as sword fights, and wrestling. A taste for excitement and a touch of violence runs in our veins. What makes video games attractive is that they are full of action and three dimensional in nature. They can be played even alone, have fascinating graphics, and are fast paced.

While many articles focus on why gaming is evil or detrimental to health here we present 10 reasons to play video games!

1. Playing video games enhances the ability to think quickly as the game proceeds. The mind can make quick-fire decisions on the next strategy to be taken.

2. Many children who are avid players fare better in vision tests. Video games exercise the eyes.

3. Many games nurture logical skills. Gamers have to build cities or entire nations or plan wars such that they are won.

4. Video games sharpen thinking abilities and problem solving skills. Both these qualities are much appreciated and valued in our fast paced world.

5. You will be astonished to know that kids who play video games excel at school and in math. Playing games increases brain function.

6. Playing improves co-ordination of hand movements and the ability to concentrate without getting disturbed. The games captivate the children and the kids can play with huge levels of focus blocking out all sounds and disturbances from the surroundings.

7. Since many games are based on facts kids learn a lot about pioneers, business planning, town architecture, communicating and more. Researchers feel that the three-dimensionality of the games makes history easy to learn.

8. Gaming improves social skills as kids learn to play as a group with each performing different functions. Many games have role-playing incorporated and from a young age kids learn quickly from the heroes they choose to be.

9. Video games, research proves enhances hand-eye coordination as well as reflexes.

10. Creativity, imagination, and storytelling are all improved and children are able to comprehend the flow of a story as well as its bases. Video games ignite a spirit of adventure and daring in city kids who are otherwise living is a predictable environment.

Contrary to popular beliefs video games have their uses and can even be considered as a learning tool. They help the kids process information faster and to take decisions rapidly. Many are able to use their talents to better the game design and strategy. Video game players become successful soldiers, surgeons, architects, software designers, scientists, and more. Games teach ethics, finance, governance, town planning, as well as social behavior. What one needs to do is to know the content of the games and regulate the number of hours played so that the benefits are reaped and disadvantages are avoided.

Kid Board Games

One of the best ways to sharpen your child’s mind and provide fun entertainment at the same time is to have plenty of children’s board games on hand. Considering the fact that board games are a challenge for many adults, you can easily picture how much interest they generate in small children. They are a great way for kids and their families to get together and have some fun especially on a cold, rainy day.

Board games for kids are divided into three major categories. The first category refers to board games for preschool kids that are very simple and colorful. The main purpose of these games is to get have preschoolers begin exploring shapes, colors and simple movements. The next category introduces symbols, numbers and letters to children between 4 and 6 years old. For ages 6 and over, games are designed much like those played by adults, i.e., Monopoly, Scrabble, Battleship, etc.

Other popular kid’s games include the classic board game “Connect Four,” that is much like Tic Tac Toe. It is played vertically, and the goal is to get four checkers in a row first, while preventing your opponent from doing the same. Twister is an action filled, fun game that involves a mat with different colors. Players spin the spinner that gives instructions on what color disc is to be selected on the mat, as well as whether a hand or a foot goes on the spot. By the end of the game, depending on the number of players, everyone is piled up in a twisted ball – the player still standing wins.

These are all excellent board games with kids who want to have some serious fun with family and friends.

The PS3 Games Mystery

The news is out: the PS3 games console is to be launched simultaneously around the globe in November 2006. But despite the grand global launch plan for the PS3 games console, there are doubts about its impact on the market. Even more, game analysts doubt if this global launch can help Sony regain lost market because of the earlier release of Microsoft's Xbox 360. There are also many speculations why the new PS3's launch keeps getting delayed.

Though Sony claims that the delays were due to digital rights management or DRM troubles, many analysts believe otherwise. Analysts pose more pressing issues as reasons for the PS3 games console's launch delays. Eiichi Katayama, an analyst from Tokyo-based Nomura Securities' Financial & Economic Research, suggests that the delays are probably caused by the slow progress of graphics chip development. Others offer reasons such as insufficiency of appropriate software titles. However, Sony is quick to dismiss these rumors and again reiterated the problem of DRM for their Blu-ray optical drive.

Blu-ray chips provide the new console with removable PS3 storage capacity that is five times bigger than the storage provided by DVDs of older consoles. Reports that PS3's Blu-ray and DRM feature are almost finished make them unlikely causes of delays. According to Katayama, ROM mark and BD+ licensing have already started which make copy protection technology an implausible reason. Analysts believe that if DRM technology really cause the delay, the profit from PS3 games console would not suffer too much. However, if the reasons are as they believe -- graphics chip development -- the sales impact would probably be the worst in Sony's history.

Sony contradicts the analysts' measure of the situation and denies that the delays set the PS3 games console and the company at a disadvantage behind Microsoft and Xbox 360. Xbox 360 hit the stores last year and is still the top gaming console according to market trends. Jennie Kong, Sony's European branch's PR manager, defends the company's strategy and claims that the company doesn't allow itself to be dictated by their competitors' moves. However, history supports the analysts' views of the matter. It can be recalled that Microsoft and Sony had once faced the same situation, only this time, Sony has the advantage with the early release of their PS2 over the first Xbox. Current Analysis' Steve Kovsky reminds that at that time, Microsoft suffered huge losses; clearly, Sony is slated for the same fate with PS3.

If Sony pushes for the November 2006 launch, it gives the Xbox 360 a full year sales advantage. However, the PS3 games franchise's problem does not end with the launch's delays. Rumors and news are circulating that even before its game console's launch, Sony is planning to outlaw its resale. Different sources claim that Sony plans to sell the new consoles with their own individual licenses. This effectively prohibits second-hand sales in person or in online shops like Amazon.com and eBay.com. In essence, buyers are only purchasing the license to use the consoles; Sony still holds the proprietorship of the product. Game analysts comment that this is a logical move, if proven true. Sony would need all the push it can have to increase the sales of individual PS3 units.

The company refrains from making comments about the allegations no licensing. They maintain that all important announcements have been made during the E3 trade show and all other announcements would be made on the PS3 games console launch. This announcement, instead of putting a stop to the rumor mill only fuel the fire. But as it is, there is nothing gamers can do but just play their PS3 games and wait.