Virtually Addicted

Forget drink or drugs: computer games are being targeted as the latest dangerous addiction.

The government of Thailand is now so worried about the rise of online games addiction that it is set to impose a curfew on gamers, banning them from using games servers between 10pm and 6am.

The unprecedented measures follow increasing pressure from parents and politicians in Thailand to protect young children from the dangers of excessive online game playing.

The ban is due to be implemented during a trial period between July 15 and September 30, and will also curb the business hours of internet cafes.

Ragnarok Online, the Korean online role-playing game, was highlighted by Thai authorities as being a cause for concern. Subscriptions to the game have reached more than 500,0000 in Thailand alone, with growth also on the increase in Japan and Korea.

However, this is not something unique to Asian-Pacific gamers, as the flourishing popularity of online games such as EverQuest, Anarchy Online and Dark Age of Camelot have been causing concerns in the west for several years.

As most gamers will admit, it is all too easy to get sucked into a game and, hours later, still find yourself glued to your computer keyboard.

What makes online games particularly addictive is that players can create their own alternate universe, in which they get to virtually live another life in a fantasy setting, amongst a community of other players.

In an interview with ZDNet, Dennis Bennett, a network engineer from Indiana, explained how his obsession with EverQuest almost ruined his life.

"I ceased being me," admitted Bennett. "I became Madrid, the great shaman of the north. Thinking of it now, I almost cringe: it's so sad.

"I'd say that the most addictive part for me was definitely the gain of power and status, the way in which, as you progressively gain power, you become more of an object of awe to the other players ... each new skill isn't enough."

However, before you start cutting the broadband cable, it is worth remembering that this is an extreme case. All most gamers will suffer as a result of their hobby is a bit of fatigue and occasional bad hygiene.

Having said this, it seems sensible that young children should be protected from becoming too attached to gaming but, as with past fears over the violent nature of some computer games, parental intervention is usually the best method of nipping potential problems in the bud.

Thailand's draconian stance may help to curb the problem in the short term, but ultimately it is punishing the many for the actions of the few.

Scott McDaniel, vice-president of marketing for Sony Online Entertainment, the publishers of EverQuest, says that the common sense of players should be the prevailing factor.

"I guess our standpoint is the same as for all kinds of products: you have to be responsible in using it," he told ZDNet. "You don't see disclaimers when you get in a car saying 'don't run over people'.

"People have to exhibit their own good sense and, if they have kids, they need to pay attention to what they are doing."

But, if you find yourself still hooked into a virtual life at 4am, trust me: you're probably better off getting some sleep and a bar of chocolate.

Top 10 games (all platforms, compiled by ELSPA)

1) Tomb Raider: the Angel of Darkness (PS2, PC) Adios Interactive - £34.99

2) Eyetoy: Play (PS2) Sony - £39.99

3) SOCOM: US Navy Seals (PS2) Sony - £49.99

4) Enter the Matrix (PS2, GC, XB, PC) Atari - £39.99

5) The Sims: Superstar (PC) Electronic Arts - £17.99

6) Grand Theft Auto: Vice City (PC, PS2) Take 2 - £29.99

7) Starsky & Hutch (PS2, Xbox, PC) Empire Interactive- £37.99

8) HULK (PS2, Xbox, GC, PC) VU Games - £39.99

9) World Championship Snooker 2003 (PS2, Xbox) Codemasters £39.99

10) Midnight Club II (PS2, Xbox) Take 2 - £34.99