We’ve heard of cosmetics, alcohol, drugs, tobacco, etc., being addictive, but today, video game addiction is also very common. Minecraft is a game that is a fad among youngsters these days. Let’s see what Minecraft addiction is really about and how the youth of today are affected by it.
Did You Know?
Minecraft was released in 2011, and since then, this game has won many accolades, like the Best Downloadable Game Award, Best Debut Game Award, Innovation Award, Seumas McNally Grand Prize, Golden Joystick Award, etc.
Minecraft is a creative game which enables gamers to build monuments and buildings using textured 3D cubes. This game urges its users to explore and broaden aspects of their mind, like using quick reflexes, crafting methods, survival techniques, combating strategies, etc. Minecraft is a very interesting game, and it gets more gripping with each mode that you come across.
There are various versions of this game. It is easily downloadable on Android phones, PCs, Xbox, Mac, Windows, and Linux setups. There are millions of gamers worldwide who love this game, due to which the Minecraft convention, MineCon was started. And why not? This game is so enthralling and addictive. This Techspirited write-up presents to you some of the most common signs of Minecraft addiction.
Signs that Should Not be Ignored
One of the first signs that your loved one or you are addicted to Minecraft is that you prefer staying indoors and playing rather than venturing out. This is the most common sign of any video game addiction. Gamers prefer staying indoors as they get more time to play their favorite game; going out to socialize with their friends who do not follow their game is regarded as a waste of precious time. Some other signs of addiction are:
» Constant blogging or finding out information on new releases of the game
» Making or joining exclusive gaming groups
» Excessive buying of merchandise
» Blogging or constantly refreshing the Notch’s blog
» Having the game installed on your phone, laptop, PC, etc.
Some of the more serious signs are:
» Restricting themselves from going to the bathroom
» Not having meals on time
» Missing out on important activities, like family reunions, birthday parties, school, college, work, and the like
» One tends to think that he/she is still playing the game, even if he/she is away from it
» Excessively talking about the game and its perks
» Linking everything that happens in real life to the game world and comparing the two worlds
Every person is different; hence, the signs that each show are also different. Some people enjoy the world created by these kinds of games, and they find this illusionary life more interesting than real life, so they do end up getting a little carried away. If your loved one who is addicted to Minecraft starts behaving as if he/she is playing the game in real life, then an intervention is necessary. Signs you should watch out for:
» Panicking if the computer screen goes blank
» Refusing to meet anyone unless they are online
» Not eating or sleeping for 24 hours at a stretch because they were playing
» Wearing adult diapers to prolong the time for going to the bathroom
» Making people around you refer to you by your Minecraft nickname
» Forgetting to do household chores
Intervening
If you or your loved ones are addicted to the game, you could try getting help for it by holding an intervention, talking it out, trying to reduce the time you spend playing the game every day, going out more often, rediscovering yourself, and helping your friends rediscover themselves. Talking to a psychiatrist and dealing with the withdrawal symptoms will be tough, but it has to be done for the happiness of you and your loved ones. Going cold turkey on any addiction is not the solution to the problem.
On a Lighter Note
You know you’re addicted to Minecraft if …
► You Google Minecraft Addiction.
► You exchange your bed for one made of stone and wool.
► Your dreams feature blocks in them very regularly.
► You consider coal as the best gift that someone can gift to you.
► You create a website about Minecraft and explain how amazing it is.
► You are always happy about the weather, because it never changes in Minecraft.
► You think about hitting the “F” key on your keyboard when you see fog.
► You get a Minecraft-themed tattoo and you start writing a Minecraft fan fiction.
► When you are offline, you worry about server griefing.
► You find reality bland due to lack of cubes.
► Every time you see a log of wood, you picture it in a monument that you would build in Minecraft.
► Your excitement levels rise when Notch releases a demo video about the next Minecraft update.
► You know the game and everything in it so thoroughly that you do not need to refer to Minepedia for information.
► You feel the urge to place torches in every dark area you come across.
► You are better in Minecraft than academics or your profession.
Minecraft addiction is not life-threatening, but it is one that should be looked into. It not only affects the users addicted to this game, but also their family, friends, and loved ones.