The Bitter Reality Of Video Game Addiction

[@DownwardThrust]

This topic means a lot to me as I have had to overcome a lot of hardship to not be "addicted to video games" any longer. My hope with this video is that people take video game addiction very seriously. If you think it will help anybody, please share this video around with your friends and such. My life has been formed around this addiction, and i'm sure many people have been and are in the same boat as I was. So please respect this topic and be polite to those that contribute or share their stories. If it helps at least someone out there, than this video is a success to me. *If you have a story to share, please do so.*

[@Blood-PawWerewolf]

Downward Thrust addiction is horrendous. I was addicted to soda. I used to have one soda a week, then it was one soda a day, then 3-4 sodas a day. And I was drinking Mountain Dew so it was really bad. When I missed a day, I would get the common symptoms of withdrawal. Now, I’ve lost weight, drinking more water and limited sodas to just coke and only one when needed.

[@saldilici5296]

Downward Thrust I was in that situation too were i playd video games all day, all night ruining my life and wen i think what i was 2 years ago it disgusts me, but thanks to my family i have overcome the sensation of playing videogames everey moment i only play 1 houre a week now and yet i feel like i am still adictid

[@jackix9710]

Diarmuid Doherty All my friends are addicted to LOL. They play ranked EVERY minute in their life.

[@theblueneko677]

How do you just not play? That may sound like a stupid question but i find it so hard to just stop playing and to go out and do things with people.

[@jackix9710]

Downward Thrust IMO, video addiction isn't a bad thing if it didn't affect your normal life. We have addiction, because we don't find anything else to have fun. Like if we have fun in other things, very FEW will addict to games.

[@markvodicar6040]

Many people here did not understand the point of the video. Playing video games is fine, but being addicted to video games isn't. There's a difference between playing for fun and playing it for a whole day non-stop. As soon as you put your priorities (studying, hygiene, family, friends, etc.) behind the video games, it becomes a problem.

[@Bengals6211]

This caused me to self reflect and realize that I'm one of the people he made this video for. I became that person who spends almost all of his free time on gaming. I've become very boxed in, cut off from all my friends, and complacent with where I'm at in life. I've even taken the small things for granted like family time. I stopped caring about anything, even allowed my health to slip. So today is the day I sell my console and make a new beginning.

[@godsoffice5714]

I just sleep, wake up play video games , sleep, wake up, video games = infinity.

[@vishal40007]

If it is a passion for esports than it is not bad imo

[@ferriliu880]

the problem is...video games designed to make you addicted

[@evsrcandgaming7691]

A good idea could be trying out a new sport to do instead of playing video games it gives you something to do or think about and try to get better at that sport

[@PhillDrakeEntertainment]

You know you're addicted when you can't stop when you decide to.

[@davidtolle9533]

1130pm "i should stop playing" 1230am "I'll stop at 1am" 0123am "what is wrong with me?"

[@The_RealBond]

@@davidtolle9533 XD

[@theaafesoperator]

@@davidtolle9533 brotha it can go till 3am for me. I really need help

[@luisrodriguez-qm9ov]

you guys aren’t alone, im up til 4:30-5 am most days playing all night long and over the course of the past couple weeks ive realized how much it has really consumed me so im deciding to just cold turkey sell all my gaming stuff and really focus on what’s important because i shouldn’t be in the position i am right now. good luck to you guys i wish everyone the best

[@erikwalter6598]

@@luisrodriguez-qm9ov same bro ive been gaming to 4 o clock on school nights dude

[@caperjim]

I think most people should avoid MMO style games. Shooters and story driven RPGs are fine as long as there is an ending. Lets level up our lives not our characters.

[@DPham1]

"Level up our lives, not our characters." Amen to that.

[@robloxaccountant7086]

I lost everything because of videogames. Please play MMO and other online competitive games with caution.

[@yunggsosa9761]

caperjim ok boomer

[@alejandromomota6934]

GARAFE KING you mad?

[@thundageon5962]

I've never played an MMO game in my life which makes me so lucky but it doesn't matter for me

[@frdsg8350]

I spent 2016 -2018 on Overwatch, never left the house. I dont have ANY memory of those two years, they basically never happened.

[@cuppedcup]

Yuh same

[@user-pd9xj1bt4e]

smoky_Bacon this is exactly what happened to me

[@TheBlueFlame112]

Science shows that whenever you do regular activities it will blend together and when you try to recall that period. it will all feel the same. The brain is only good at remembering things that are very different than what you experience regularly

[@hannabas6229]

Very dark years yes

[@sallubhaigamer3322]

If you enjoyed those days it means its not bad thing even its good

[@mrAZcardinal]

That's why when I play games, they have endings. Forced stop. Mass Effect. Dragon Age. If I play LoL or any game with no hard ending, I lose myself.

[@leagueoflegendsesmierdaadi6393]

and the difference between the mentioned games and the online games like lol or fornite is that at least the first ones leave you an experience, in lol everything is to lose and win endlessly and absurdly

[@remicasallena]

Talk about the little that contribute in life cancer players, might need to start doing the same, play games with ending.

[@AllThings_Gaming-c1m]

Here’s the thing, you can control WHEN to stop playing Singleplayer games... it’s save your progress and resume at any time. Online competitive games in the genre of Looter shooters, MMORPG has the MOST addictivebility I find. These games is a like a drug addiction, wanting to win more, wanting to reclaim the match that you lost to play another match to win back the loss , grinding for materials for endless hours ,etc I know how it is.

[@nilfux]

Mine is Overwatch, I play it for the opposite reason, that it's 10 minutes at a time, but then they compound to 9 hours. Blizzard is wicked.

[@crystalpulseTV]

Yeah I found this to be one of the most helpful things. I've come in and out of game addiction over the years for sure, and when I get the itch to dabble I force myself to look into a game that has an ending with little to no online action! Other things were packing the console up and putting it out the way so it's a pain to get set back up again, sometimes out of sight does mean out of mind!

[@RicardoT213]

made me unninstall League, thank you

[@astra706]

Ricardo Silva how has your life been ever since? Has It been better?

[@KosmicAura]

People very rarely change all at one time. You need to replace the desire you have to play with something constructive. The cravings aren’t going to go away for a while. I would suggest going for a walk or engaging in something more physical in the exact moment you are feeling like hopping in a queue.

[@zweihanderu]

Thank you, now install dota 2

[@neutrinoenergylover6102]

Dude probably installed it again 😂

[@RicardoT213]

2 weeks later, already reinstalled D: but lost the necessity of playing, i tried to trade a solo queue for 10 push-ups and some other strategies and that resulted in a overral improvement in my quality of life. I still play on weekends, but only with friends

[@AnimeFreakatyoutube]

I was training to be an artist and animator, then I decided to try out Elden Ring. In 7 days I logged 100+ hours in the game and could stop looking up item locations and quest guides. When you exit the game to desk top it tells you how many hours are on the file you are playing. I was turning off the game and saw that 108 hour number after having owned it for just less than a week and flashed back to my alcohol problems of 5 years ago. Horrified, I immediately deleted the game. I caught myself this morning trying to redownload it so I could play and in a moment of clarity stopped it and deleted ALL my saved data. I googled around and found this video. Big help knowing that I was not alone in this. I hope more people can catch themselves before it becomes a true problem in their lives. HUGS!

[@SunlightGwyn]

That’s crazy. I love Elden Ring but I haven’t played it in months. I have around 600 hours in it.

[@Spewb]

I have over 3k hours on it with much of that happening early on, I don't play it anymore. I'm not exaggerating when I tell you that across the souls series (I started playing in 2012 with the GFWL version of DS1), I've accrued at minimum 20,000 hours. Likely several thousand more. These games were my escape from life. Nonetheless I know I'm making progress. I would play the others for a minimum of 8 hours a day every single day, only stopping because the next one came out. With ER thrusting the series into the spotlight the once small and tightly knit community doesn't exist anymore and therefore is not my home anymore. ER is unique in that it's the only souls game to date that I've actually stopped playing (along with the others). I haven't touched steam in months. I don't know why the largest installment to date ended up being the one I was least addicted to, but in just the span of a year give or take I feel like a completely different person. I'm completely unrecognizable from who I was when I was rabidly addicted to the series and it's bittersweet saying goodbye to my old passion, which at one point in time was the only thing in life that brought me any amount of happiness, but I know I'm headed for better places because of it.

[@artmarashli]

Im very proud of you, don't even reconsider the choice of deleting the game. "Maybe i will control myself" or "maybe it's not that bad". Thats BS !! Just play real life bro trust me it's not worth the struggle.

[@underhorse5367]

@@Spewbim sorry but how the heck would you have 3k hours on a single player game😂

[@mattdos7171]

Elden Ring is the exact reason I’m looking for videos like these right now lmao

[@GuitarLessonsBobbyCrispy]

Video games are so addicting because mission you are on in the game gives you a strong sense of purpose and focus, whether it be finding a treasure, or killing an enemy, or destroying a building or whatever...unlike or normal lives in the real world which most often doesn't have this sense of purpose, and therefore our lives in the real world seem empty and boring in comparison.

[@the_ivybrown189]

@Horshu jesus loves us

[@TheJacob5676]

Very true

[@tempestzz5682]

@@the_ivybrown189 very clever but It works only if the people Reading your name are not from the other part of the globe😂

[@GeofryMasters]

LOL that was the hands down most pathetic shit I've ever read

[@clashoclan3371]

And also because you'll never get tired video games, hence infinite dopamine. You'd get tired from playing basketball for 8 hours, in gaming, you do not, that's why it's addicting.

[@dextermorgane9287]

I'm not as addicted as you where but I do feel It has take too much space on my life. Your video made me realise that. I guess I have to give some discipline to myself. Thanks for the video, be safe and I hope you'll someday find peace in you.

[@JohnTheOutsider]

Same here

[@oceanside9508]

100% agree

[@crazyjdog1]

same

[@moakashi4457]

Me too! Tone, if you're seeing this, then know that I too have been awaken from my foolishness, thanks to you! Thank you.

[@willypataponk]

Yes and this is not applied to just video games. I know people that are addicted to watching tv shows or reading books. They would never admit it but in the end it is the same phenomena. I love that he talks about this. Not a lot of youtubers have done it. A lot of respect!

[@voncoluted]

i really relate to your experience. i grew up with a dad addicted to games like WoW, Diablo, and OSRS. i remember my mom and i wishing we had more time with him and that he wouldn't choose video games over quality time with us. now that im 22 years old and in the trenches of my own video game addiction, he tries to tell me how much of his life he feels like he lost in front of his computer. it wasn't worth it. he has so many unanswered questions about what his life would be like without the addiction. he likely lost his marriage because of it, never went back to school, and doesnt have many friends. im experiencing the same thing now, ive left school twice and only have 1 semester left. i believe my addiction to the internet and videogames is the reason. the last few days ive gotten sick of parading in society by day as a competent and capable human, but a true online hermit degenerate by night. its not working. ive been watching endless videos to get me out of this hole and this video struck a chord with me. hopefully im able to follow through. thanks for being vulnerable with us. best of luck to you and all your viewers. [EDIT/UPDATE:] 2 years later my PC has been in the box and collecting dust for about 1.5 years. I go on discord on my phone or laptop occasionally to check in with my old friends from gaming. i now have a full-time job, am in a pretty healthy long term relationship, exercise regularly and eat pretty well, and am in therapy to learn better ways to manage stress. lastly, I’m planning to return to school in the fall to complete my degree. i say this not to brag, but to show others also struggling with gaming addiction that a better life is possible, just do the work and invest in yourself and the life you want 💖

[@MrMDanny]

The first thing I did was sell my computer. Although I miss gaming from time to time, I don't have the ability to play, so it keeps my addiction at bay

[@MoneroMac]

At least you're trying. I'm going through the same thing.

[@iHaveTheDocuments]

A guy who was addicted to WOW has a wife and daughter? Now I've heard everything

[@TheSorestLoser]

How are you doing now? I hope you managed to get out ❤

[@randombedroomguitarrist5253]

MMOs would be the worst addiction as they really gives you literally infinite things to do and you always want to go back to keep doing these things that seem to be endless. I think dropping gaming tottaly like, deleting everything and not playing anymore etc is ok to have a hard detox from the addiction but if you go to the other extreme, in my experience, being a game addict since the 90's up to today, takes you to the other extreme. If you give up something tottaly, it gathers strenght and comes back full strenght. I suggest learning to dose it properly. I had this at some stage in my life, where I played games (not MMO's) in a discipline way for only a set amount of hours per day. In this way you wont keep swiging through extremes. But by all means each one has to feel what they need. So maybe one should really stop tottaly for a while. You can never go wrong by stopping something. Just know it can come back. Maybe it's better to keep the enemy at sight than miles away.

[@adrianruiz5919]

That sensation that when you are studying, eating, spending time with your family and friends, makes you want to run away to your room to play videogames, thats an addiction

[@GlazeonthewickeR]

@@SimbaSenseii nobody cares mate

[@eddyterrero7872]

@@SimbaSenseii i care man , great job keep at it . i am doing that as well , just uninstalled lol and OSRS , if i play i only play single player games which gives me an experience and at some point it will end . Proud of you !!

[@iguana6746]

​@@ECoolbro45you gotta find other hobbies, its easier to cut back now instead of waiting for it to become a huge addiction that is much harder to end. Play single player games, try to limit the time and do other fun things too

[@askingwhyisfree7436]

playing video games are more fun when you are running away from responsibilities. It's the escape that feels good.

[@clairecabuello2452]

exactly. and i almost have the same story as him: used to be straight A's, but chose to play Genshin Impact over studying, mainly because i have no motivation to comply, and playing games is my escape from responsibilities, which will hit me back right in the face stronger once i log out.

[@zay_tiggygaming]

Maybe that’s why now that I’m older, I realize it’s not as fun as it was when I was in college or staying at my mom house

[@alexr6068]

People say exactly the same thing about drugs and alcohol

[@randomvintagemap160]

I'd have to disagree. I feel guilty when I play when I should be working. playing after a few good hours of studying feels a lot more rewarding.

[@s.m.5077]

@@clairecabuello2452 exactly. That’s why I’m here now. I’m going to quit. This pain is not worth it.

[@SmoothKenny]

11 years deep. One to two games a year take up a majority of my time off of work. Ambition is down, consumption of my vice is up. Changes have to be made. This was a tough video to make, but we all needed to hear it bro. Thank you.

[@Xpertman213]

Perhaps that is an addiction, but only if you feel there is something wrong with making a living and spending your time playing video games. Like if there are other things you want to do but can't because video games. If you can still take the time to work and support yourself, it's not that big a deal what you do with your off time.

[@astraldragon5483]

DwayneW1987 "take up a majority of my time off work" LOL! that's not an argument for "addiction". People are free to spend their own free time however they want, how you spend your own time is your personal business. "Ambition is down" Ambition for what? Not everyone wants the same things, again, not scientific grounds for claiming an "addiction", more like personal issues. "Consumption of my vice is up" We live in a consumerism based economy, no matter what you do, you're consuming something. It's fine to express the desire to want something different in your own life, but subjective feelings are not scientific grounds for a claim of "addiction".

[@Sam5D]

Astral Dragon lol you guys are addicted to video games while im addicted to cigarettes and pills as long as you can afford your lifestyle and your happy you should be fine but ive had friends that were addicted to video games they grew out of it

[@SmoothKenny]

HackerMan Cigs, bud, beer... All within reason but I see a trend building that isn't helpful to myself or anyone else.

[@Sam5D]

DwayneW1987 ive been hit in the head alot so im a little slow can you explain that better

[@narfd.8837]

My story: I started playing games at the age of 10 (I'm 27 now) and became fascinated very fast. I loved it, but with the years, I got into it too much. I started to visit my friends for the sake of playing with them only and at the age of 13, I stood up at 4 in the mornig to get to play at least 2 hours before I had to go to school. Moving forward I started to miss classes because I thought that I did not need to take them and while my grades were still good, my social skills degraded. I became angsty and progessively more unable to be a part of society until I just didn't feel like I was a part of it anymore. Then, my friends which I held very close to my heart at the time told me, that I started to change and that they didn't enjoy being with me anymore. So I decided to put away my games and traded one addiction with another; I started bicycling like a maniac, hundreds of kilometers a week. I became physically fitter, but the time I wasn't participating in social life had already took its toll. I was unable to find a girlfriend as I just could not connect with myself anymore and although I was with my friends, going out to partys and such, I never really was a part of it and always left alone, with my friends from which I hid my problems, staying at the party to have fun. I never had any fun and all it did to me was that I felt more and more isolated. It didn't make my psychological condition any better and depression took the last bit of hope to grow into society. Fast forward to today and I sit here alone, with basically nobody left (besides my fellow cat) as my isolation and my self-hatred led me to abandoning almost all my friends. All contacts to family members broke and still nobody in my sorroundings sees how I feel. I am a good talker, very intelligent and open-minded, but all of it is just that last bit of good personality thats left inside from the self that I could have been. I'm around 220 pounds now as my knee couldn't handle the bicycling anymore and I have pain whenever I move my right leg. But all my isolation and all my social problems, especially with women, come for the most part from those few years that altered my personal developement, my growth. So yes, games can ruin your life or at least alter it in ways that you will never be able to recover from.

[@dijkstra4698]

Thats pretty shitty. You should try hobbies and stuff like that. You are not that old so maybe life has something in store for you. Its bad to lose all your friends but just have hope that things will get better i guess.

[@zyllergaming]

Narf D. Wow Narf D. How hard it can be :(. I have always admired streamers and to be honest I have been trying to go on camera myself but at the same time your story and this vid make me think rhat maybe what I should do is to figure out how to get rid of this addiction and life consuming habit.... it is very hard to know sometimes what the right choice is.

[@justsomenobody2165]

You should seek help mate. It's not worth it to live like that. I know how it feels. I would reccommend going to a sports club or something where you can make friends. Don't give up. Things will get better

[@abhinoorsinghpannu2993]

Ayy Lmao.. same situation here man. Just keep your head up and keep on trying. One day we will break through this mess

[@Darkreaper71]

Narf D. This is one of my fears of how I become too.. I'm sorry to hear that about you. I'm no psychologist but the problem doesn't directly seem to be your video game addiction but your lack of self confidence or simply the things that you enjoy doing are not what "normal" people enjoy doing. Maybe you should search for a hobby as someone else said, join a society for people similar to yourself who share the same hobbies and slowly regain that confidence you lost. Of course what I said is only words and action is way harder to do. But good luck man, I think this video is way more relatable to more people than the creator thinks.

[@petrinafilip96]

Sometimes I'm thankful for my short attention span. I get bored of games quickly and then anxiety makes me go back to schoolwork. It helps me balance gaming, social life, schoolwork and fitness.

[@robertoperez9495]

F P FACTS

[@anthonyosorio5120]

F P 👍

[@something6510]

F P it's true dude! I can't even watch movies and shows since I'll get bored but in a way that help.

[@petrinafilip96]

Only problem is that it also has a negative impact on my concentration while studying.

[@Nathan-fl6is]

Thank you for posting this. I’m a 23 year old Aerospace Engineering student who works a part time job at State Farm doing sales. I am at a point where my life has been put on pause because of my video game addiction. I failed 3 classes last semester and as a result, I’m on academic probation. I’ve told myself for the last 5 years of college that I just have a hard time learning. I’ve lied to myself and refused to see that it has been video games this whole time. Today was that day of staring at myself in the mirror and crying because of what my life COULD be vs. where my life IS. This video helps me understand myself so much now. Thank you for being so personal. I will change who I am today.

[@eduardomaia6357]

Hey dude, was just wondering how you were doing regarding your addiction after 4 months. I can personally relate quite a bit to your situation as i am also an Aerospace Engineering student who has been failing a couple of my classes for the last semester and the ones that i do pass i manage to just about scrape by. A lot of the time i just don't feel the motivation to put time into studying or even going to classes and even when i do, i immediately feel a pull to retreat back into video games. Hope you were able to combat your addiction and if you did, maybe give me some tips about what helped your experience.

[@Abm5544]

You can do it man! I'm doing it too

[@Mr.RealMeezy]

Im currently in the same space right now, im 21 realizing I could've been somewhere else right now if I just put the game down.... you're supposed to play the game not let the game play you. Currently taking a break from playing/limiting my hours

[@NIL0S]

I got to know my now wife in World of Warcraft; I moved country to live with her, and the only way I get to be with my old friends is in World of Warcraft. I don't even like the game that much anymore, I always joke that I've already got the best possible drop from it. I wouldn't say i'm addicted, but I do put several hours a day into it. It's more like a place to hang out rather than to prove anything to myself anymore. I would totally switch it up for something more fresh like Monster Hunter World, but all my people are stuck in WoW. Before this I probably spent 10 years in a row just skulking behind a monitor. My life and career did suffer for it, but I have also achieved insights and had experiences not so easily gained in other places. Gaming made me more empathetic towards other people, taught me cooperation, leadership, management and tolerance, paradoxically self discipline through failure and that everything is possible if you apply yourself hard enough and keep on trying. I wouldn't say it's been bad at all, but it is a world in and of itself, that sometimes is only very abstractedly connected to the material reality we have to make our lives in. You might once have led 40 people to kill a dragon... But you still have to pay your rent, bills and taxes :)

[@Thegermanhunter]

I know were you're coming from. I've tried to use this sort of justification before. In the end, I realized that I was trying to make myself feel better about something I couldn't change (my past). WoW was a great voyage for me to to meet people and get involved, but I think the message here is that, should you have had the chance to live your life differently, perhaps more actively involved with people and seeing the world away from a computer screen, it would be generally healthier. We can't change our past.. but I think the biggest message is that we can't just throw justification at our decision to game our life away. Yeah, some people end up fine, and grow out of it, but others are still reaching their 30s or are already there and still live by a computer screen. We should be encouraging people to stop finding solace in gaming, and rather let it be a little hint of greatness in a healthy life, being outdoors regularly, making ties with classmates, coworkers, and teammates. Working towards something great than completing a virtual quest. As much as we want to say "I had a great time behind this monitor for X amount of years", we were just not meant to live that way and we should encourage others to make healthier decisions than we did. I am 23 and I am learning more each day about how to control my need for gaming. If you're reading this, and you're hooked.. trust me.. we are creatures of habit. Unplug yourself and you'll see that gaming isn't the only place you can find satisfaction. We are social creatures and just being in simple small adventures with like-minded others will end up being 100x better for your happiness than getting the best raid gear/score.

[@Dzonssi]

Werner Kayser While that is true, there are introvert people who do not enjoy hanging out with coworkers and etc because they prefer being alone, and who are we to tell them what makes them happy? I personally think that happiness is the most important factor, if you are happy traveling or playing video games, who am I to tell you something

[@patricklapinski1526]

JoVi this is me. I spend a decent chunk of my time playing games and not having social outings unless its with my girlfriend. But i just dont like going out and being social very much. I find that i cant act myself when im out and about doing social things. Even if i am with my friends i feel like im not being true to myself. I dont spend as much time gaming as used to but there was a time where i spent all day everyday playing halo 3 or world of warcraft. And i dont really regret it becsuse i had more fun and made more memories im fond of doing that than if i was out being social all the time. I find being around people for lengthy periods of time (more than anout an hour or two) to to be completely draining and depressive

[@BansheeKing22]

Werner Kayser i call bullshit. Humans are not social creatures. Just because you and some others have to socialize doesn't mean the rest of us have to. I'd rather lose myself in video games and fantasy books then waste my time in this shitty reality. You can speak for yourself but dont act like you speak for everyone because you dont.

[@TheGFFA]

"I always joke that I've already got the best possible drop from it." That's a fantastic joke. Never stop using it.

[@Yerite]

Thank you for this video. It is by far your best in my opinion. I am going through this addiction as I'm typing and I am aware that if I don't stop, I will end up the same way as you did. It has gone on for about 4 years now but got really bad just a few months ago where I didn't go to school, lying to my friends and parents that I did go or that I was sick but in reality stayed home and played games. I was about to be kicked out of my college about a month ago and my mom was getting really frustrated and scared about my situation, saying she will kick me out if I don't finish my school and play games all day. I have tried to get out of the habit that's developed but it's really difficult. I do not want to end up homeless, without any friends or family that support me. So thank you for telling your story. In these 4 years I've learned to lie too well to others and to myself and make it seem like there's nothing wrong with me. But there clearly is. It started to feel like lying was easier than admitting the truth and so I kept it going til I absolutely couldn't anymore. Even if video games have let me meet some of the best people in my life, I can't ignore real life and live only in games. Thank you for making me really realize this. I just don't feel like I can thank you enough. I recently got a job and have been going there any chance I get and when they have things to do and I'm hoping that when school starts again I can keep up with it and finish it up. Just... thank you so much

[@TheSSL72]

This one went right through me. I got lucky, I was addicted for over 15 years and it has definitely stumped my career growth and friendships and breadth of life experiences. I think from your experience and from mine it was a tragic event that knocked us out of our addiction. I think it's the only way. Nobody can pull us out of it. One way or another we have to be pulled out by the harshness and unforgivingness of the real world. I always wanted to make games, read about them, play all of them to offset my addiction as a justification for it. I know how all of it was wrong and a vicious cycle. I am so happy I don't play games anymore.

[@cfusin7828]

Moral of the story:don't throw away the things that brighten your future for video games.I play games myself but I know when I can play and when I'm supposed to get some work done

[@sadgepeeps2774]

basically me

[@alexisa2393]

Actually !...

[@gninja92]

But i like playing more. I play because I have no social skills not despite them

[@supercoolboom4828]

+gninja92 it's ok if you don't have social abilities, I didn't have any but I was able to get some by small talk and by listening to other people

[@georgeshawki4561]

Exactly

[@MikeOzmun]

This video must have taken a lot of courage to plan, create, and release. Thank you for making yourself vulnerable and for dealing with such a personal topic head-on. There will be haters and mockers, no doubt, but you *will* help people with this video, because of your honesty. I think addictive patterns come as a result of an absence of a feeling of purpose in life. Purpose fosters discipline, and discipline fosters excellence and self esteem. Self esteem fosters meaningful relationships, which feeds back into purpose. Again, thank you for this candid essay.

[@isidorodaviddoro1920]

Good comment bro video games can be very addictive games like lol,Dofus, world of WarCraft can ruin a person life it takes a lot of courage to say that you are Addicted

[@co0lman_]

God damn i never took people saying video game addiction is real seriously, but i see a little of myself in ur stories and the path u ended up going down scares me, definitely going to get my priorities in check. Thank you for sharing your story, cause I feel like i am in a position where i can try and balance things better.

[@co0lman_]

RYANiDE-OZZY- I don't think most us play games thinking of it as a job prospect but more as a way to take ourselves out of our lives for a little bit, and experience something different. I think it becomes an addiction once u start ignoring ur responsibilities and let the games take priority over everything.

[@yourmum1004]

Update?

[@RamnoMusic]

People like you are a godsend. Those who take the fall, having their lives permanently changed for the worse and still live on, spreading awareness of possible pitfalls and trying to make sure others dont have to go through what you did. Very honorable work and definitely gave me more perspective on my problems as well. Thank you!

[@justkevin09]

I am a recovering heroin addict and this video made me tear up.

[@zaktrytodive7582]

hang in there buddy :)

[@cptpate]

Dweliq You are the biggest loser here

[@ayoub8712]

Since u stop its all ok :)

[@ruen99]

Dweliq lmfao

[@andrzejdziedzic7511]

keep going dude. just maybe drop the anime profile pic k. thanks :)

[@dizzee2100]

"Can it ruin your life?" Never had one to begin with

[@emilhaugaard2708]

that’s.... sad

[@dizzee2100]

nah, the time you enjoy wasting is not wasted

[@emilhaugaard2708]

Wise words, my man. Wise words

[@federicos6290]

Dizzee Well said. Everyone wastes their time but in different ways. We choose how to.

[@ZahinTan]

same here dude...

[@ForceCatcher]

This actually helped me to realize that I have it. My life story is actually pretty similar, except I forgot that the games eat up my whole day. You may have given me the wake up call.

[@TubeOLube]

The One True Snake Fidget WHATEVER YOU SAY BOSS!

[@Fabian-w7x]

I'm actually crying right now. I've been addicted to video games since I was 3. I'm currently 25, have no secondary education, no job, I live in an apartment given to me by the government, and I live off of welfare. I have next to no friends irl, and I've only recently sought help against my addiction and got diagnosed with internet gaming disorder. I really need to do something about this. I've also applied to a boarding school for adults to help me finish my secondary education so I can go to college afterwards. I really feel lost in life.

[@jasonmurphy4501]

How are you these days?

[@Fabian-w7x]

@@jasonmurphy4501Much better, actually! I'm doing a programming internship for a company that'll hopefully hire me soon. I'm also no longer addicted, really. My life got better and I don't play as much as I used to. I think what really happened in my late teens is that I was feeling really depressed for various reasons and played video games to escape from life. That habit then became hard to break even as my life got better in early adulthood. I still play video games, but I'm no longer addicted at all. In fact, I often struggle to decide what to play and once I do, I get bored after an hours or so, often less than that. Thank you for asking!

[@freelogen8685]

The 2.9k people who disliked, cannot accept reality.....

[@jackdorminey7706]

FreelosoFur so true

[@jarveybiscuits4760]

U do what u want with ur life rather it's video games or any thing else

[@cleverhype]

so true

[@sunder4392]

I disliked bcs of shitty ass channel

[@jagermaster1758]

@@sunder4392 why?

[@Vilegorico]

My life is already ruined, but the saddest part is that I'm not even good at any of the games I waste my life in.

[@Leep458]

Same....

[@Nathan-ip5dd]

Haha same here

[@chikenfish4133]

hashaship same here lol

[@yaaniz1337]

I used to be upset about that too. But ask yourself this - why is it that any other leisure activity is still fun even when we suck at it? People who can barely stand straight on skis, still have a blast even when they fall every few minutes. It's called having fun, enjoying the ride. So what if you'll never be as good as the pros? They didn't get where they are solely through practice and dedication - there has to be some kind of genetic lottery element there as well. Most of us will never "git gud" no matter how hard we try and it's not our fault, so why worry about it? People need to take breaks from gaming, play more single-player or less competitive online games and just learn to enjoy the moment! The only thing stopping you from having a good time is you!

[@BÉZIERMAFIA]

@@yaaniz1337 Thank you, I needed this comment

[@redbeardnj]

I replaced a life of crime and herion addiction with gaming. Been sober 15 years now. Im 45. Video games saved my life. Id be dead or doing 25 to life. I was a complete animal thug, and gaming has tamed me🖒 game therapy works😁 sure,, i replaced one addiction with another. But i chose life over death.

[@underfire131]

Joe Ceresini glad to hear you're doing better

[@redbeardnj]

Underfire131 thanks, i appreciate it!

[@ghostshooter1914]

Joe Ceresini Out of the fire, but into the frying pan. It is admirable that ye changed from thy wicked ways, but you have chosen the better of two evils. Stating video games "saved you" In example it's like saying i was saved by criminals from worst criminals, so i should appreciate that and continue my wicked ways with those whom saved me. Because you have a sense that you owe it to them. My advice replace them with books and chess.

[@romanbellic4673]

Dont seem right a hoodass criminal uses emojis

[@mohdarafathossain2872]

He's probably in a live chat typing :Kappa: right now. At lease he is alive to use that emoji :P :P :) :D ;)

[@educatedguess7416]

Quit video games for 2 years. I still remember the debt my parents went through after me getting dropped due to cutting classes and playing lol. It was the best decision ive made. Now im back to college, playing piano and drawing as my new hobbies. Its never too late or wrong to admit you have a problem.

[@pcl5636]

This was a wake up call for me, thank you

[@iSuperVamp]

Amazing )

[@aob3366]

That is one guy, Congrats Downward Thrust! Mission accomplished ^^ we can never change the past, but we can affect the future

[@shahabmos5130]

A wake up call of duty .... just one more round

[@cro-magnum7642]

Change your pfp. Its giving me the wrong idea.

[@KINGGEORGEIO]

I swear this pfp always has some weird guy reply

[@rabidrivas]

Well, remeber the bad part of videogame addiction is addiction. Videogames can lead to wonderfull thing they can create relationships and let people bond over them. This is not an excuse for addiction, I just wanted to say all addictions are bad, no matter what you are addicted to

[@RockLock2000]

What if I'm addicted to the satisfaction of having no addictions XD........ All jokes a side; 100% agree with you.

[@Kokuyous3ki]

Yea, I realized I don't play as much as I should when I started counting the games on my steam profile and then counting how many I ever installed of those many of which were games I was genuinely interested in. Fuk my job for ruining my gaming life! Guess I'm addicted to earning money. But seriously, why don't we have more stories about how good gaming is? We do have the occasional "afflicted child's condition improving thanks to gaming" and similar stuff but not even close as much as stories about how bad gaming can be for you.

[@lordmaximus5]

Real life relationships>video game relationships

[@gervoh]

Kokuyous3ki That's the point, people create relationships over the game and they blossom into the real life ones.

[@rabidrivas]

I mean't think like playing smash bros with your brother instead of finding a soulmate on WoW, but I guess the WoW relationship applies to my coment to

[@baigagee]

I was addicted to video games and now I am addicted to youtube. I don't know whats next.

[@TheSaNdMaN5000]

Heroin is great

[@baigagee]

xD

[@baigagee]

Same here DragoN 3 FTW I've never used any social media other than youtube it is super addictive and fun. Just when I am done watching a video and tell myself this is the last one. I click on another and the cycle keeps going forever. I really hope me, you and other people find discipline in life :)

[@MegaYo444]

Reddit

[@vegetta00]

Most people are addicted to staring at a screen and numbing out in one medium or another on one device or another.

[@cej3940]

I recently realized that people can be toxic despite not actually being toxic I remember watching this video when it first came out and agreeing with it, it added to the lump of coals burning away at me, all reasonable advice and things I agreed with but not dedicated enough to exemplify them Before quarantine, I met a group of people who I really resonated with, as a person that was always on decent terms with everyone but never truly close to people, this was very new to me and I considered them my family (I was closer to them than my family) Dark times pass and I move from home, I reset and drop video games for about a year, I felt good. I'd deprive myself of food, sleep, time to myself and whatever but it felt SO GOOD, I felt like I was sucking shit but it was in my control and that I wasn't becoming a slave to myself and my impulses, I went from 260lbs down to 190lbs as well, I began to see that my goals were reachable again and that I was simply happy I recently started playing again with these friends and reconnecting with them, I felt out of place a bit and I thought I would be able to have a healthier relationship with video games, but then I realized soon that the highs the video games would give me were vastly overshadowed by the lows of having wasted days numbing my brain and almost compacting my negative feelings to hit me like a wave right after I exited the voice chat I realized that I didn't care for video games like I did as a teen, but moreso was a slave to the desire of closeness and its associated FOMO, I felt so fucking alone and unable to deal with it like I did only a couple months prior My toxic aspects used their presence and their desire to be close with me again to hold me as a slave to myself, chronically online and obsessively checking their online status to see if they were online too, every couple minutes, I'd get paranoid if they weren't there I hated feeling the guilt of not being strong enough to stand against myself, my automatic and impulsive desire to be competetive causing me to obsessively invest into the things we did together, I hated that I knelt to this vice despite it spitting in the face of the dogma I only recently felt confident enough to say I was on the right track to exemplifying eventually, I hate the fact that I could feel myself withering away; eating away at myself, my emotions cannibalizing the hard work I put in to controlling myself, I cursed the mental differences I have that contributed to relapsing as well as becoming worse when I did relapse I eventually broke down a couple days ago and decided to wipe the slate clean again, delete it all and pray that they move on quickly from me because I wasn't strong enough to be alongside them Right now the suicidal thoughts are back, more managable than the first time, but still a huge hit. I hate that self sacrifice was turned back into suicidal ideation, but I know it will be gone after a bit of time and processing, maybe after a hike or a few But yes, the parasitic mind latching on to video games and social interaction is absolute hell

[@aviate0skydom363]

I don't ever comment on videos unless i am driven to by some deep urge. But personally for me, after playing video games since i was 5 (23 now) there are different phases. When i was young there was an amazement factor at the technological capabilities video games produced. It was entertaining and sucked in a little child with all the fantasy and characters in games that could do things, a child could only wish they could do e.g., Spiderman (It was pretty cool back then). When i reached my teenage years I didn't have much access to playing video games, my parents gave me strict warning that they didn't want me to have a console until I had finished high school. Which was a VERY good parental decision. However, I still was able to game at my friends houses and had portable gaming devices (even old school ones like gameboy colour). There was a time though where my motivations to play video games had changed. This is where i believe is the most important part when trying to intervene in someones life, where video games are concerned. You need to know what their motivation for playing video games are. Mine was because I didn't end up making any friends, I tried so hard at being social and I did everything I could. Believe me. I wasn't being weird about it either, I just didn't end up finding people I could relate to or people that wanted to be associated with me. I was bullied. I ended up not having a group of friends or a best friend that I could rely on. Video games helped me make online friends. Chat to those who sometimes were older than me. I also used it as a form of escape, whenever I had a bad day i would come home and just play MMORPG's. I had to come up with a world or reality which I could control and give myself happiness in, because the 'real world' sucked. For a highschool student. Do you know how sad this is? I hadn't even reached adulthood yet. Slowly gaming for me became a form of expression about who I can be digitally and I learned so much from different genres and games. This could also tie into my passion for cartoons/ Anime and anything else geeky or nerdy. I know this is long. All I want to end off with is that, life isn't always good or bad when it comes to video games. Everything in moderation, there is no such thing as 'a game is taking control of me' because we always can make the decisions for ourselves. We choose to game because we can. What we lack is a sense of moderation and knowing how to carry through on a commitment e.g., commitment to 3 hours a day, commitment to being physically active for 30 mins/day, commitments to socialising with friends and family, commitments to our job / studies. Just please, find out first what someones motivations are for playing video games. Sometimes people just haven't had a balanced lifestyle, we lack the support to make healthy and conscious decisions for ourselves. I think about my teenage years and why I needed video games. It hurts to remember, because all I remember was being alone and not appreciated for when I was being myself. Respect others, help those who need support, don't hate. Peace.

[@islambasiony4388]

I have been there, in real life ur just a lame person with no awsome capabillity ,you feel lonley outside you go home you get nagged by your parents, You turn your pc on and play the game you forget your terrible reality and live in a fantasy world of your own choice You can be anything you want in the world of videogames(a hero,fighter,warrior,king,general,etc) You can make hundreds of achivment that you cann't do in your life in a few hours(wealth,respect of others people inside the game,power) If you fail in the game just press (load game)unlike the real life you have to face the consequenses of your fail Thats why game is addictive we want escape our world but the question is for how long will we escape our reality ?

[@iyeid]

And here i am wasting my 2019 reading all that

[@elie3423]

my story is very similar to yours. i couldn't find friends because i was poor. i couldn't afford even going to a party or something. until i found a girl and we started walking together every day. and stopped spending all my time playing on my pc, but thinking about her instead. After couple of years she didn't registered at the school. but i have heard that her family moved to another city. that moment i concluded that my pc addiction was caused by a lack of love.

[@plasmodius9449]

@@elie3423 damn, that's a bit sad, not in a bad way tho, it just is, not trying to be offensive... I think that might be happening to me as well..

[@lokifrostpaw2976]

It's very hard to live in the real world where no one understands you, and games might did better understanding you. I have friends, but, we never really talked about something important until recently. Mainly because I know that they wouldn't understand me (or why I did what I did). Well they started the friendship, and I was sort of "adopted". But slowly I tried my best to open up, and help them understand (because they wanted to). I will never really know if they actually understand me (not that it matters anymore if they don't). But maybe they will, who knows.

[@tumulovermelho93]

I don't have an addiction, but I do find myself trying to "play the pain away." Been clinically depressed since my high school years, I feel like I have nothing to show for in life and chasing trophies is a twisted way of feeling productive, even though it doesn't actually help. I don't feel the urge to play games but I constantly fail at everything else. I end up playing under the mindset of "this is the only thing you're good at."

[@terri1150]

João dos Santos Cabral sadly i know that feeling all too well. :(

[@tomi9562]

thirsty guy well i suck at everything i try to do but games they will allways get me to good mood cuz i know im good at something

[@TylerBoogg]

I relate to this on so many levels bro...

[@MoonlightShield]

I think you can have the same dedication you put into collecting trophies, in other areas of your life too...

[@DukeNukenum]

Start going to the gym. That's what I have been doing almost as l ong as gaming. When you see results, and you look as ripped as your customizable characters. You'll know it was worth it bro. God bless.

[@IAMOP]

Damn dude. This was too deep 😓 All the best Man

[@nws6146]

We all needed to hear it. Really makes you reflect.

[@oblivionfps6058]

I have spent over 4000 hours in the last 3 years trying to become pro in a video game. I thought of it as a good thing that I have a passion for something I truly love. Now that I’m a almost a senior in hs I have woken up. I have made it no where in the pro seen and spent countless of days wasting my time. Thank you for this video!!! It’s time I live the real world

[@Zythezero]

I normally never leave comments on anything...ever. However, I just wanted to say thank you for sharing your story.

[@garveziukas]

Zythezero It's never too late to change because 99.9 percent of the time you have more than enough to make the change pay off

[@franzpattison]

I recently dropped out of 7 years of neurology studies at University to pursue my real desire which is writing science fiction. I was absolutely miserable and one day I thought "how much of my life am I going to waste doing something that I hate and neglecting something I love, just to tick a box in the "societal norms" list? It's also a story about life crushing addiction, but instead I was addicted to the desire for social recognition and impersonal success, and I was more miserable, anxious, and depressed than I had been in years. I feel like a great weight has been lifted.

[@DeepScarZ]

Franz Pattison damn, I'm going through something similar, I dropped out after 3 years of engineering, now I'll persue Graphics design which is my passion.

[@franzpattison]

Deep ScarZ good on ya man

[@franzpattison]

Just wanted to say though, to call it video game addiction is missing the point. The video game is simply the vehicle. It's actually a very reasonable addiction to human connection and a feeling of worthiness in the midst of a life within which we are not receiving those basic needs from society. It's no coincidence that every incidence of video game addiction I've heard of is in online multiplayer games. It's because we as humans need to feel like we're part of something larger than ourselves with interpersonal connection, reward, and meaning. Most of the time our culture/society is set up to make is feel the opposite of all those things. No wonder so many people "ruin their lives" by escaping from lives that are already ruined by the society within which we live. We're searching for something deeper. Cooperative video games offer a glimpse into a core value which is undervalued in our society.

[@fntatn]

hope you're doing great now :D

[@franzpattison]

@@fntatn haha well I abjectly failed at that so now I'm onto the next thing: narrating audiobooks :D

[@josuecari]

This video has inspired me to quit, I al going to sell my ps4 and quit forever and level up in the real world

[@tafedits]

Good luck my friend , low levels can hurt you just to let you know.

[@stan5825]

Your missing the point. Video games are meant to be enjoyed, this video isn't encouraging you to quit, just to not let addiction consume you.

[@sZzzMAXzzZs]

@@stan5825 Well he mean fps games So...... Ehhhh.....nvm👋😧

[@MrMDanny]

Did you do this? Did you still your ps4?

[@nabilbensafi]

@@MrMDanny I sold mine over a month ago , I don't regret it !

[@Rayanx22]

"I may have just as well as seen more of the world through a computer screen at this point than out of my own eyes" i felt that :(

[@Perfectsolar]

Try switching to a console ull play less then on a pc cause off the distractions.

[@Daniel-to5jd]

I was also addicted to video games, I lost my adolescence and part of my 20 years locked up playing, now I am 25 years old and I no longer play, but I am paying the consequences: a failed life full of depression, without professional skills, without money, without women and being an embarrassment to my family. I regret having lost so much time, but now I am studying and working hard to recover my life and also be successful.

[@yurihageshi8008]

Bingo! Same here!

[@MikiTroy]

Good luck bro! Try also to learn some artistic skills, like drawing, music, dance, circus or anything like this. The more you do it, the more you enjoy it.!

[@Meusberg]

u dont need a woman to be successful. thats just a ridiculous beta thing to say

[@danishcamb]

You're recognition of the problems means that you're already on your way to a better life.

[@googlrfluff7863]

25 feels like most of your life has gone by, but actually you're still young brother ! Keep it up, you still have plenty of time to live a happy life !

[@CyStefanos]

There are no right or wrong decisions in life. There is no correct way...there is only your way. Each decision you make in life will prove to be correct, because if it was wrong, then you have learned a valuable lesson. If it was right, then you have learned another valuable lesson. Your addiction to gaming may have been addiction to drugs. So if you ask yourself ''Would life be different if i was not a gamer? It could be better, it could be worst. Would you have been a happier person? You ll never know. Accept your decisions you made and become a better person in the process. Time can not turn back now. Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, and today is a gift. That 's why it' s called present. You don 't have to become a doctor, a scientist or an astronaut. You can be the every day garbage man, and be happier this way. Yes people will always see you as the garbage man, but who cares? The world needs the garbage man as much as the world needs the scientist, or the doctor. Life is unfair, but is it really? People will love you either way, the only challenge is...do you love yourself? As ironic as it sounds, the most important person in your life is you.Through this game addiction, you have already helped thousands of game addicts, and this is the gift that life gave you. God makes no mistakes in whom he chooses for each role. Thank you for sharing your experience with us.

[@timbomcjimbo]

Thank you for sharing your perspective, I really enjoyed reading it.

[@InSTaDev]

I really like this comment! I enjoyed reading this

[@tangtangtang1372]

wise words

[@TensinghJoshua]

WTF!!! How did you read my mind

[@ddman7867]

thanks friend

[@sunnynexxt]

Dopamine burnout, that's what addiction does. Then you get bored of gaming & are unable to enjoy anything else in life. Not everyone gets addicted to stuff though. Some people are more prone to getting addicted than others. Addiction is just a symptom of bigger problems a person has. It's a form of escapism.

[@noskillzdad5504]

Subsequently leading to a depression (in some cases)

[@anon2427]

Not really burnout but basically you got it 95% right :)

[@jeremygibbs7342]

Everybody has an addiction some are just more acceptable. Workaholics for example its a real thing but hey! They are making money right? Just wish I had more time to spend with my family members who are busy making money.

[@EdDaBawsh]

As a Smite player since 2015. I felt this. It has taken over my life and even married with my own house, it's STILL an addiction for me. I'm looking to sell my Xbox and put that money towards stuff for the house and focus on my music and voice acting 💯

[@tropper15]

Im sitting here crying. I was studying for one of my last college finals with an itch to go play some of the games i have waiting just a button away. Considering just closing up these books, to just wing the final that im good enough but in reality knowing im underprepared, just to prop my self up with some game. I see this notification for this video, jus at the right time. I sit here, with tears in my eyes, concerned for myself and my future, afraid, but grateful being reminded that i should keep studying, reminded that i should go hang out with friends after the final instead of going back home to go play.

[@gendumthegreat805]

tropper15 good luck mate

[@momisthatyou2542]

This has moved me. I’m not addicted but I would say that gaming has destroyed my self motivation towards any goal besides progressing in a fictional world. To me it seems ridiculous that I let them break who I was. I’m only in 8th grade but have had no motivation for school or anything else. This was a real wake up call and I hope I can change what I have become. Last year I almost gave up on trying in anything. This year I have somewhat tried but I haven’t done as good as I know I can do. Thank You for this video, a warning of what I can become.

[@TwoDollarGararge]

MOMisTHATyou2 hey it's okay I had no motivation for two years now I'm a junior and I'm hauling ass to get into college

[@epilepticbro]

MOMisTHATyou2 no not trying in school is definately normal, don't worry

[@thunderbagel3886]

I'm 28 now and while I enjoy a successful career thanks to my time in the service, I always regretted not trying in school. You still have plenty of time to get back on track. finish high school strong. Oh, and if I could go back in time and tell my 8th grade self one thing, it would be to not worry about being popular. While popularity seems like everything at your age, after you graduate high school, you literally never see any of those people ever again and you think back about how dumb it was that you cared so much of what people thought of you.

[@Dynamic1312]

Talk to your parents about it, bro. They care about you more than they'll ever care about anything.

[@andrewmcdade422]

Don’t worry school doesn’t matter until 9th grade anyways

[@stephenlamar596]

Real talk. Thanks for sharing.

[@TheHandsomeOne]

I used to game everyday, stopped while in college by leaving my laptop at home intentionally. Now that I finished college and the lockdown happened having nothing to do, it came back again. But, it's no where near the level of addiction I had in my school days and ill make sure it never will. This video was a great reminder, thank you.

[@tighfield3900]

mad respect for you to make a video like this. thanks for sharing your story

[@Borderlines]

I've worked on a rehab center and I've seen young adults get institutionalized for gaming addiction. Many look back on their lives and regret how much time they have wasted on it. I appreciate you sharing your story and helping shed some light into the issue.

[@radioactivwaffl]

Im not gonna pretend that i am addicted, as my life hasnt been destroyed and i still have friends, but i feel i was headed towards your path. Thank you for making this.

[@lostfauna6784]

Radioactivwaffl Slagboom lagiacrus!

[@radioactivwaffl]

Rhexx thegreater yep :DDD he mah fav

[@wesley8135]

I keep coming back to this to see how far life has taken me. When I watched this, I was halfway through college, spending 12 hours on video games, no meaningful friendships, no life experiences, low self esteem, broke and clueless of what to do after grad. This helped me out so much, I sold my pc for cheap the next day, signed up to volunteer abroad that very spring. Exactly 3 years later, I have travelled around the world, met and connected with amazing people, learned other languages, other cultures, graduated, moved out, found my passion, pursued it full, been the most confident and daring I have ever been. Thank you. To my fellow brothers and sisters down in the rabbit hole, life is hard and frustrating as hell, don't get mistaken, yet so are video games. That's why we play them, we like the challenge and the incremental progress. You can instead use that amazing drive for challenge to live a life of adventure, and risk and instead of a virtual progress bar, you'll see it in the form of relationships, your personality, the way you hold your shoulders high, hell even your bank account if that's your thing. What I'm saying is that change is a good thing. Uncomfortable as hell but good. If you know you're not passionate about video games and you just play it because it's available or you're bored, it's time for a switch up. It's gonna be hard but keep going. Also did you see the graphics outside? How blue the waters are in the Mediterranean? How pretty the mountains up north are in autumn season? Or hell how pretty that person sitting next to you in class or the bus? Try saying hi and see how it goes ;)

[@tomasmartos7101]

banco

[@justanothergamer1068]

So much relatable, you gained my respect today mate.

[@southpark4ever100]

I don't know how I stumbled upon this video, but it hit me right in the feels ... Last year when I started college, i kinda had it under control for the first semester. Wasnt a straight A student but still managed to get my work through. Had time to play and time to work. But then in April, my father passed away and my addiction got from controlled to completely uncontrollable. I played games so I could hide from reality and forget about things. Atleast I was disciplined enough to get a part time job so I could atleast pay my own bills and help my mom. Still when I got home it was game after game ... Watching this video really made me think about the situation, and hopefully the mindset i got from it, will stay. I don't want my life to get ruined, and I didn't want to get out of my only comfort zone ... Thanks. Really made me re-think about the situation I'm in and I realised I can't hide from my reality anymore. Like you said, I have to accept who I am and what I am. I'm glad for the wakeup call.

[@Nyanonymousify]

This video really relates to me. Games got me through depression but it became the reason for my depression when my grades started dropping and also caused me to start taking drugs just to run from my suicidal thoughts. Video games saved my life and destroyed it too. Luckily my mom found out about my situation after I tried ending my own life by slicing my arm open and she helped me through this tough time. Now I'm starting uni and slowly becoming more happy and no longer addicted to games.

[@justahuman-being5983]

wish you the best, bro.

[@phantomwolf859]

Victor holyahit that's deep

[@Dark_Ukiyo]

Stop blaming everything on video games.

[@bpagsolingan]

It's not video games, you just lack self control

[@shostakovichistheshit7322]

Ryan Madaire Yes, it appears you have to be mad to expect anything from KZbin comments since people like you exist...

[@MelkyWayVT]

I can't begin to express how much I appreciate you making this video. It took a lot of willpower in me to even search up the phrase "video game addiction". Currently I'm in a very similar situation you described about your work-life. Previously masking my addiction at work, I was given freedom to play League during my office lunch hours (1hr max) and boy was that a mistake. One game turned into two, turned into sneaking games in when my boss was on the work floor/out of office. Eventually I got caught in the act and video games were banned at work. You'd think I'd stop there since my job was on the line, but I just decided to play on my phone instead (obviously I was just doing it wrong and I needed to be more sneaky). I've got caught again and now I'm staring at the cliff's edge of unemployment. Your video has really inspired me and I hope one day I'll be able to look past my addiction 💛

[@2HeadedHero]

Many people - self included - wear different masks and combat/cope with the difficulties of real life in similar ways. You are not alone, and the personal nature of this video is a welcome, honest, and refreshing breath of air. Life balance is extremely important, and with Downward Thrust you have found a creative channel to help balance it out. Cheers on you for that.

[@GuerraProd]

Bro are u kidding me? You are one of my top3 youtubers, i love yhese videos and this one is a special one, not many people are able.to open up like this and it takes huge nuts to own your own fears and mistakes like that, be proud of your path, you have beaten the addiction and found a way to be successfull thats amazing! Another thin, you have a talent, your voice projection, your text and energy are amazing, never give up, you have a fan right here, also strugling to find his path! Big hug.

[@ionicc]

Anything as an addiction will cause your demise nonetheless. Balance everything and you can enjoy everything.

[@MegaReinart]

im addicted to success

[@krishbhalla4789]

I was addicted to playing Tekken online, and thank god I am not allowed to renew my PS Plus as it expired, until after the exams. Do not feel as aggressive and cheeky without games, than I did with games. I still play, but less than what I used to.

[@lisztdylan7846]

I completely agree, nothing like juggling my morning heroin dose with my afternoon cocaine pick up. I love smoking weed in the early AM and popping a Xanax before my seminars. Not to forget my quick codeine nightcap. Despite this I balance it all, still spend a lot of time studying and socialising. So ye kids, balance everything and you can enjoy all those different drugs.

[@qapaMcFly]

Krish Bhalla your frame reflexes will never be the same, been there done that. Anyway good luck :)

[@CupOvTee]

+MegaReinart that addiction is ok, but you'll come to a point when you'll start feeling hollow. You'll have huge amount of achievements, but none will make you happy anymore. Be careful not to waste moments and don't push yourself a lot. Let some desires come slower than you'd want. That way you'll feel them as something significant.

[@exchangeofwisdom8475]

Thanks!

[@DownwardThrust]

Thank you 🙏

[@rezcellent]

I can’t get addicted to games anymore. They are so half ass that I just stop playing right after an hour.

[@TheOneGreat]

I really respect you for talking so openly. Everyone has their story/problems and that was a nice reminder of that. In the end you can't change your past. Nobody can. But taking ones (bad) history and turn it into something better/productive is what counts. I hope you're getting where you want to be.

[@rahkeemharris9259]

Really makes u look at ur own life

[@SmokeDowDaKa47]

omg such a noob , git gud or leave

[@rahkeemharris9259]

Bill Hill yes ur right

[@rane2855]

Bill Hill what's wrong with a video making someone self aware

[@CwitiwinChinzal]

Alex yea, how?

[@6railvisuals801]

Bill Hill I don’t really understand where the correlation lies. Videos and any other form of media can have the same effect or near the same effect as a face to face talk or a lecture. The only difference is that through video and the internet these messages are now able to reach a much wider audience without the cost of a $200 ticket to some huge public event or even the cost of your life being in the dumps to actually realize when your life needs a turn around. Rahkeem, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with you. It’s better that this video reached you sooner or later

[@ChristopherJohnson-ps5kl]

hey man i'm 23 and currently fighting to stay clean from alcohol and weed. I'm pretty much where you were at when your mom kicked you out. I'm maybe a month into trying to change my life and I'm making progress but damn some days are tougher then others. I can relate to the wondering how things could've been different, and that has been my biggest motivator besides loneliness. all in all i just want to say congrats on making your life better and thank you for giving me some hope.

[@bigtrolly]

I'll be honest, I've never heard of you as a KZbinr. This video popped up in my recommended videos and it sparked my curiosity. But that doesn't matter. For you, it was sitting in front of your house with packed bags. But for me... It was your video. Hearing you talk, I couldn't reflecting on my own past. I see myself putting important things on hold to do the next day, which repeated itself the say after that. I see myself using ritalin, which I've gotten to help me live with a heavy case of ADD at school (which it did), while gaming because it keeps me awake and focussed on my game. I see myself sulking about not having a girlfriend, but now I see it's because I've spend most of my days at home in front of a screen or tv playing games. I've been bad at school. I've been bad at relationships. I've even been bad at interacting with my family. And now I'm even abusing prescription drugs. I can't believe what gaming has done to me. I don't know if you'll read my thoughts in this ocean of 7.5k comments, but I just wanted to say thank you, Downward Thrust. Your video made me realise what my life has become. And I'm going to better myself from now on.

[@TheAlex11880]

Gaming didn't do anything to you. You are doing it to yourself. You sound like drug addicts blaming drugs instead of poor life decisions.

[@bigtrolly]

hat0narm I'm not putting the blame on gaming. I'm putting the blame on myself. There's a difference in gaming and drugs though. Throughout life drugs are portraied as bad, unhealthy, and lifewrecking. Gaming on the other hand is portraied as a past time activity. Addiction isn't something that pops up into the mind of a child when they start gaming for the first time. While in most cases people know the risk of using drugs when they take any kind of drug for the first time. But to be clear, gaming addiction is a consequence of poor life decisions. The things that happened afterward are caused by gaming and the addiction. You can't argue that gaming can't be blamed for said consequences. If a heavy smoker with lung cancer sees a doctor and asks for the cause of his disease, the doctor will say 'cigarettes', not 'poor life decisions'. Everything just leads back to the point of a poor decisions, but there are many steps in between.

[@TheAlex11880]

Gaming isn't addictive in itself, that's the difference to drugs. Like eating isn't addictive in itself, but it can become an addiction. Or reading. Also gaming, at least in the general public, is often more portraied as addictive than alot of other things. At least in my county people are fast in calling a gamer an addict. However they wouldn't recognize a sex addict or a "book" addict. But yeah at least we agree partly.

[@MegaDodl]

hat0narm gaming in itself isn't adictive but a lot of games out there are designed to be addictive. Especially with the lootboxes right now this should become very clear . But i get what you meant just wanted to complement that.

[@TheAlex11880]

Yes they are designed to value time effort, or ranking but you can find this on classic games too. Chess uses an ELO system, as example, but yeah i know what you mean.

[@Melv7x]

This video relly got me thinking about My own Life :(

[@SkokFPS]

i dont know what do do whit my life i just know i always loved gaming and whanted be pro player

[@chrismaxie2864]

Melvin347 Me too but as long as you can take time for family and don't just shed into your room you should be fine

[@SmokeDowDaKa47]

Melvin347 noob get a job and keep playing

[@otto5371102]

agree, i gotta find a job and still keep playing but in less hours. problem solved !

[@jakestephano3145]

Rudy Ready of ur literally getting a job just to stare at pixels instrad of getting one to advAnce in money and society, then it means ur aspirations are fucked and youll live in a 10 dollar flat infested with rats just so u can stare at pixels accomplishing nothing

[@theOneGuy113]

Im coming out boys! I’m supposed to have graduated from engineering on May 2017 (2013-2017) but since buying the Xbox one in 2015, lost all control. I spent almost 2 years in my room, leaving only to buy food from the grocery or at restaurants. I had roommates which I saw only every couple months because I wouldn’t leave my room. I stopped talking to my friends, I stopped going to class (didn’t care about my exams anymore), just to play call of duty black ops 3 (zombies mostly). I quit cold turkey, gave away my Xbox, took a 2 month vacation to Japan, and planning on finishing my last year at school. Problem is that I managed to install civilization 5 on my Mac and starting to get addicted again. Help me god.

[@haloman6477]

HarbingersPug1 are you serious?

[@redhammer92]

Macs, trips to Japan, studying engineering. Doesn't really sound too bad imho.

[@theOneGuy113]

mastakilla2234 serious confession. My addiction got me to one of the top players in zombies ladders on Xbox but at the cost of everything. Like in the video, gaming a fine so long as it doesn’t consume you.

[@cuptarts]

LITTERALLY same I was prestige master in zombies and prestige 8 in multiplayer on PS4. Sometimes a platform switch can be good. PS4 felt like a drug because my parents never let me have a console so I fetishized them. Eventually I got a nice pc. I still play a lot but I don't feel addicted and like it consumes me. Just a thought.

[@elishamorgan]

I appreciate how you put yourself out there and showed your vulnerable side. It's never easy to talk about addiction, and I think one that isn't talked about as much is addiction to media and social media. It's just as much a problem that needs fixing. I am a few years late to this, but I hope things in your life have become better and you have more people to talk to. I really enjoy your reviews on games and your videos in general. Good luck and keep on!

[@lorancehack3303]

The reason why it's so easy to get addicted to video games is because life itself isn't as enjoyable. Living the life as a fantasy protagonist is a lot more exciting than being just another office worker until retirement. In a way, video game addiction only makes life more bearable.

[@enemystorm7013]

Makio Fujiyama I agree with Eric we are addicted to these games to avoid reality. It's probably part of the reason why I'm depressed because I'm not making friends or going out with my family. Games are fun but I just can't keep living this way it makes me sad. I'm quitting this now to see where it takes me. Good luck to you

[@levibaruch]

Makio, thats a self forfilling prophecy. If you are addicted to games, life becomes shitty due to the lack of social interaction. Life becomes just slaving away at a job.The addiction fuels itself

[@Inferno1633]

Hopeless Divinity I hope that goes well for you! Good job

[@enemystorm7013]

Symbiote_IV Thank you so much

[@enemystorm7013]

kermit I wish you the best

[@ExecrableCZ]

There's nothing I dislike more than a human who has the sheer arrogance and ignorance to judge what is and what isn't an important thing in life. People tend to put some things above others in terms of their "meaning" or "sense", yet having nothing but innate ethics and archetypes of thinking entrenched in us by our ancestors (be it our parents or grandparents) to base such judgement upon. If you make distinctions between "real life" and video games you're walking on thin ice. Video games are a part of life just as any other activity we humans dedicate our time to. Since birth, we've been told and continuously reminded of the importance of school, social life, friends and qualities like humbleness and tolerance towards others. This kind of dogmatic and limited (euphemistically referred to as time-proven) tutelage is what makes us subconsciously think that other people, girlfriends (or boyfriends), family, school and any other obligations are of far greater importance than activities we do for our own sake. Wrong. In my eyes, completely wrong. If one is a very social person, he feels he "has to" spend time with other people in order to feel good and relaxed, do we mark him as "addicted to people"? If one loves to read and can't fall asleep without reading a few hundred pages of a fantasy book, do we say he is "addicted to books"? Hardly so. People, books, video games are all objects (yes, people are objects in the very sense of the word) we choose to spend our time with, sometimes to such degree that we can't imagine our life without them. That's not called addiction, that is called dedication. Everyone of us has the liberty to choose what things/activities are of the most importance to them and not be bound by "time-proven" prattle about the significance of that we don't care about. Whether it is sports, science, art, farming, girls (or boys), money, video-games or actually whatever crosses your mind that defines your life then that's just fine and no earthly being has the sufficient amount of wisdom or experience to decide what is the most important thing in life to another existence. I'm sorry if I've deviated too much from the point, but what I wanted to convey was: As long as an activity makes you happy and satisfied, don't let others make you believe you're doing something wrong, for you're not. Your addiction to it is of no relevance at all. There is no human devotion that objectively takes priority over another. That's only up to each one of us to choose. I do appreciate the intention of helping others free themselves from video-game addiction. Nonetheless, to claim that video-games are of lower weight than anything else in the world and actually separating video-games and "real-life" is extremely narrow-minded. I, for example, would never hesitate to balance the importance of video-games against the importance of the inveterate and declining scholar system to my life.

[@Aleks-ep3sd]

kek

[@thugles104]

Your point is perfectly valid, but you made it in the wrong video. You are replying someone who said video games are of little to no relevance, and that they should be avoided whenever possible. The video, however, talks about addiction. "If one loves to read and can't fall asleep without reading a few hundred pages of a fantasy book, do we say he is 'addicted to books'?" No, but the video doesn't talk about that person. it talks about someone who spends 8-12 hours reading per day, arriving late at work and withdrawing from all social contact in order to spend more time reading. That person is addicted to books, and badly. "As long as an activity makes you happy and satisfied, don't let others make you believe you're doing something wrong, for you're not." It didn't make him satisfied at all. Not if he had a compulsion to play every day and all the time, while losing everything else in the process (his family, his friends, his girlfriend, his college, his life). He speaks about an exaggerated devotion to something - which is bad by itself, not only when it comes to video games. I believe we can all play games - and do anything else like reading, watching T, playing music, drinking - as long as we manage to balance it with other essential things in life. It's not that other things are most important than games - but having a job and a social life ARE essential things, and he wasn't having them properly.

[@ExecrableCZ]

You're right, in a sense. However, the issue of "exaggerated devotion" as you've called it was part of the point I tried to convey as well. I don't believe you can rightfully claim that exaggerated devotion is bad in essence. This is just a specific case of what I said in the aforewritten comment. One person doesn't have the privilege to judge what is good for another person and what is not. For some people, exaggerated devotion is what makes their lives meaningful and satisfactory. For others, it's an "illness" they desperately try to find a cure for. That being said, should the people of former nature dedicate themselves to other activities they'll feel anxious and empty. There are few such people, but there certainly are. If you're one of those, you should never try to find balance in your life, because you're not "suited" for it. The only thing you find important is the one you chose and you must try to keep it that way, despite the opinions of those around you. There is nothing like an essential thing in life to every person indistinctly, there are only people who consider them such. In the case of video-games, should you really feel that it is what you wish to do in your life and it makes you feel "full" then do it and don't mind any people close to you who only embody their own views and ideas, which are (even if they are shared by the majority of human population) subjective and not applicable to you.

[@sallee132]

Adam Klepáč Real Life -> Fantasy World

[@toa9151]

This will get lost in the comments but, if you ever need anyone to chat to, about anything in life and this goes for anyone reading this. Hit me up, not weak to speak.

[@gizzy2478]

TOA 1991 Did not get lost. Thank you for putting yourself out there!

[@SmoothKenny]

Good look

[@danielmcgarrie159]

Is there a way I can private message you? I just have a lot of things to get off my chest, and you seem like a good guy to talk to.

[@RM-ds2ex]

Daniel McGarrie I know I'm not the original commenter but I can talk to you if u want. Just post an email here and I will get in touch

[@chipchippington4551]

Had a video addiction, it was mid high school, I was excelling at sports and social activities (friends, girlfriends) then I had problems and started lashing out and got sent to live with a aunt, I started playing games more regularly, you see I used it as a coping mechanism when I was younger when things were rough, so when this got rough again I started gaming more and more, the I stopped going out with friends, girlfriends, and I eventually lost interest in sport, it was so deep into videogame addiction I lost track of the days even months, I got home for my final year of high school and realised what had happened, lost all muscle mass, and was unfit asf and looked at myself feeling angry, I got my life back on track moderating my gaming, getting a Mrs and setting down, had kids. It was hard to kick the addiction, but it was 100% worth it, so any of you commenting with videogame addiction don't let it eat away your life.

[@ED-209UHD]

Been a gamer since I was 6 I’m 42 now and I’ve had serious periods of time off gaming in this time I’ve never let it take over everything in moderation! I hope this finds you well game on!

[@vlogersblog]

People call me addicted too. But i have a job, a wife and a home (working on a child). Games don't ruin life's if you know when to game and when to live in the REAL game - life.

[@GastonBoucher]

The thing is though, if you are truly addicted, you don't know when to stop or when to do something else, you just keep going until you finally realize how badly it affects your life, but that might take years to realize.

[@sadranezam3367]

GastonBoucher so true it is. As an addict I say, u dont have to be dumb not to know when to finish , u just cant do it. And u do it on and on again til u look at the mirror and if u r lucky u realize u just lost the moments and hours and people of ur life

[@newserttv7002]

If you are married and have kids always remember to put them first. You're wife might not say anything but you ever know she could be miserable inside. I've gone through this. My gaming habit wasn't my marriages only problem but it was a big one and she didn't say anything. One morning I wake up after nine years of marriage and she is crying and tells me she doesn't love me anymore. I'm not saying this will happen to you. But just felt like growing a warning out there.

[@Mr.Honest247]

CptRageMore Life can be a very boring game though. I wouldn't call going to WORK and washing dishes for 9 hours a day an entertaining experience.

[@nodusman6445]

NewsertTV Yeah I was about to say the same, even though you might feel like you are in control make sure you really are and spend a lot of time with your family.

[@gtabro1337]

Why do American parents always seem to throw their kids on the street when they get stuck in life? Why not help them?!?

[@Antifaith29]

Thats not the domain of american parents alone. its just what you hear about the most as american media is the most widely consumed worldwide.

[@anhnguyen-vq1rn]

best way to help them is to let them face the harsh reality

[@bangforyourbuck101]

Video game relieves me from the stress of life. It's like reading a book.

[@eksadiss]

Overcoming lifes challenges should be relieving you from the stresses of life.

[@bangforyourbuck101]

It's entertaining, some people drink, some people go to the beach, some people draw, some people sing. It's more of a hobby. If you don't have work and you're 30+ and just playing games that's addiction

[@bangforyourbuck101]

@Jc Denton that's not your problem, play the console that you like.

[@marvelbulgaria9072]

except that when you read books you at least get some knowledge and expand your vocabulary

[@marvelbulgaria9072]

i mean its cool to game but dont make it your priority

[@richardchao6739]

Thank you for sharing your story. I first heard your story 5-6 years ago when this essay released. It saved my life. I knew at the time video games was a problem but I couldn't admit it to myself until you released your video. I have listened to this video 10-15 times over the past years. Always to remind me of what could happen if I get video games get the best of me. For me, my addiction was Minecraft. During my first year of college, I really struggled because of how much time I lost to the game. I then heard your video and I quit cold turkey for several years. Since then, I improved my scores and resume have gotten into one of the best medical schools in the US. I'm about to graduate and apply to residency positions now too. I have an amazing partner who I want to marry soon and is also a medical student. Your video essay serves as a beacon to all of us gamers out there. It was one of the first video essays to address a controversial topic and no one has done better to highlight the issue of video game addiction better than you in my opinion except for gamer.gg. I'll never forget your quote "What could my life have been without video game addiction". That hit me so hard and I can say it is what motivated me to clean my life and get to where I am today. I have relapsed once in the past 5-6 years and I came back to this video. This time it was due to League Of Legends and I remember your quote where you said that you didn't want to go out with your girlfriend to do anything because you wanted to keep playing. I experience the same with my girlfriend. And that's when I realize I had to stop. Thank you so much for everything you have done for many souls like m

[@exhalerwolf1272]

I have been addicted to Warframe for more than 2 years. I was studying animation when I found out about the game. It seemed like just the game I needed in life. I started playing for longer and longer each day. After a month or two I stopped going to college to play Warframe all day. Funny thing is I'd read about Warframe addiction stories on Reddit and laugh about it before I became one. Eventually I lost track of time. I'd start playing at evening and continue playing till next day morning till I couldn't stay awake anymore and so my mother would remind me to take shower, eat lunch and go to sleep. Only to wake up in the evening to repeat the cycle. It was at that time they took me to a psychiatrist. He gave a medicine that had severe side effects among teens. I had suicidal thoughts all day and my face was like a mask, always smiling. A close friend pointed that out to my parents, that I wasn't smiling at any particular thing. I was smiling all the time to not let people know the crippling depression that was going on inside. I was a physics student before all these began. I had pride in my deep understanding of natural phenomena that most of my classmates lacked. That medicine pushed me out of the fantasy I was living and made me realize I wasn't that person anymore, I was beginning to believe that I actually never liked science and I was more interested in science fiction. Then I was taken to a rehab facility and finally I began to see the patterns in my gameplay. Warframe is a game with almost never ending list of things you can learn. So I was still sort of learning to play it like pros. I would play during daytime only cause the psychiatrists at the facility convinced me that playing all night was bad. But I still continued to mostly play Warframe during my free time. This is also when I realized I hardly talked with a friend I used to chat everyday on hangouts. I wanted him in my life again but he wasn't interested in any of the Warframe stories I had. So our conversation was largely mocking each other. A month ago, I suddenly snapped out of the addiction. Idk why but suddenly I felt my old self. I felt that urge to know the secrets of universe again. What I forgot to mention is that during my time in rehab, my maternal grandfather admitted me to a college in physics Hons. And I barely passed the first two semesters. But now, I feel completely restored. I'm learning new things almost everyday, creating proofs for stuff in mathematics that have no proof/poor proofs in text and online and also got my pride and self esteem back and most importantly my old conversations on mysteries of universe with my friend. I still play Warframe, I'm still finding out builds and unique mechanics in game, but now I can see how bad its design is. It's like a huge mess of poorly executed ideas and layers of rng to keep players invested. I can't thank my parents and family enough to give me the chance to study physics again. If they just listened to my life decision of playing Warframe for as long as possible, and gave up on me, idk how would I be living right now. I'm really happy that I realized I have a second chance. If you're addicted to games, just ask people you know about what they think you should be doing instead playing video games, in most cases you'll find a good enough answer.

[@theMadZakuPilot]

thank you for sharing your story.

[@rageengine6272]

I spent 1000 hours in Warframe within 7 months. Warframe was chill and like an escape route for me from my reality. I was really good at the game. After I realized how much time I spent with it. The only way for me to quit from Warframe was selling the account and I was successfully done it without any hesitation.

[@spacex6997]

I just started on the game, but I haven't the slightest clue what to do, so I don't exactly play it.

[@chilldoc9638]

Maff Addiction

[@artofnocula]

Games like Warframe prey on one's indecision on what to do in life. You constantly get more loot, more weapons, more item slots, more *stuff*, without actually developing into a better human being. They shift your perception of worth from 'what do I learn?' into 'what do I have?' There is a very easy way to determine whether a game is manipulating you or not. Ask yourself: If I lost my account, my character, or my save file, would that mean I'd have lost hundreds upon hundreds of progress, or can I get back to where I was in a matter of hours or days, now that I'm experienced and I know how to play the game? I firmly believe games like League or Overwatch are not inherently bad for you, whereas WoW, Warframe, Guild Wars 2, Diablo or Path of Exile most definitely are. I do not care how many friends you've made thanks to your WoW guild; the game itself relies heavily on doing the same boring crap, over and over again, watching the numbers go up and having NPC's reassure you you're the hero of whatever mystical land your hero happens to inhabit.

[@St0dal]

im addicted. but mainly because i dont have friends. i wish i could go out and do stuff. but well. i dont want to do it alone.

[@chamba149]

Go out to a bar or a club and meet people, it will go better than expected, I can tell you by experience

[@Fandomsaddict]

@@chamba149 not everyone is into bars or clubs

[@Jotunnheimen]

To my surprise..this video actually kind of hit me. Made me reflect on my own life. And I usually dont comment on videos, but you mentioned the urge you had to play a game, and I feel that very feeling right now. This video was very insporational and relatable. Wish more would see it and that it one day will end up on trending. Thank you.

[@lucast3989]

This really touched me and has inspired me more to get out of my situation. I'm only 19 and at least I'm coming to terms with what I've faced and what I threw away my teenage years. I'm still so young and I want to fix this now rather than never.

[@DataRadar]

Thank you

[@WestCoastDon448]

The only point in my life I didn't play video games I was heavily using/selling drugs, partying and clubbing for 5 years straight. A lot of money earned a lot of money spent and a lot of regret. Now I enjoy video games again it's very cheap entertainment. It keeps you out of trouble. There are a lot of good to video games just don't play them with all your free time

[@picklechin3061]

WestCoastDon448 That's a mate of mine tbh. We have all gone into year 11 this year, really starting to find ourselves but not this guy. He dropped out end of year 10 and now makes it by being a dealer. Not exactly THAT close with him in all honesty but he's gonna make some decisions in the next few years he's gonna really regret.

[@nonusbusinissus5632]

Its not an addiction. Its escapism... the two things are entirely different as stated in your example too. Escapism exists to create balance in the psyche. Its much like creating invisible friends. Is it a healthy state? Hardly Is it preventing worse things from happening: Sure as f does. This video was wrong starting from minute 0 since it called this an addiction. Videogames are not a substance and calling them an addiction happens only to avoid uncomfortable questions otherwise which we would need to ask ourself as a species and society. Its disgusting and hypocritical, borderline virtue signalling about something ppl couldnt give two fcks thinking about. Videogames prevent death.

[@pro_154]

WestCoastDon448 exact same.

[@stevenbaron2851]

WestCoastDon448 kn

[@leoroth6162]

i feel ya bro. almost same story here!

[@andrewilogho6022]

I think I would be this guy, if I had the luxury of being in a developed country... I LOVE games, even if I can buy, I have no TIME to play, I wake up by five fetch water in the borehole like two miles from my home... Trek to school... My assignment must be done, or I would be flogged the living daylight out of me, come back to chores and church... Even as an adult I only rest in the evening... With few moments where I can destress... KZbin is the only place I now play games... Through other people.... Something I wish I knew what it felt like to play a game for an entire day... But I can't...

[@markomestrovic7560]

😥

[@justanotherblackwhitemicke7817]

In a way its better, Idk if you go to school or are already working, but you are a productive person, if you feel disgust on how you are living, try writing in an agenda everything you do, be organize and search for videos on how to change youre life, Im telling you, its worst having an addiction, because even though you are having "fun", it will be like smoking, you feel bad of yourself, dont do anything about it, feel depressed and to calm youre depression, you go to youre addiction again, its a really toxic cycle...

[@alikryeziu5894]

Keep going. If u work hard it will pay off

[@vipuljr2565]

I relate to you Where you're from?

[@MMCV963]

Its already happened to me, its been an addiction since i was 5, im 27 now.

[@hzuiel]

I don't think video games are an independent addiction, I think they are more of a symptom of another underlying issue. Social alienation often drives people to online communities where they feel they can find acceptance, and so they spend all their time there. If you have a crappy life, or you feel unmotivated and unfulfilled so you employ various forms of escapism to get away from your life, or possibly to achieve a sense of fulfillment as you accomplish tasks. I have frequently had family accuse me of being addicted because they think sheer volume of time = addiction, but addiction is dependence, both physical and mental and a bit more complicated than that, and still the root cause isn't addressed even by calling someone who is dependent on a video game, addicted. Something else that I think highlights this is that people who are are often characterized as video game addicts, often find other hobbies that provide them an escape and take sometimes lengthy breaks from video games. You don't frequently see people who replace heroin with working puzzles or knitting. In reality my problem was more complicated psychology, and when my actual core problems are addressed, I don't have any particular need to spend all day on games, I may not even touch one for days. Even when I was at my worst, I would still take family vacations and have no problem leaving the video games behind and not even think about them. It has never struck me as an addiction in and of itself.

[@bobmcbobbington9220]

Most, if not all forms of addiction, come from something else.

[@diegotm6520]

hzuiel too

[@mikegsgta3]

*watches video* "is this me?" *denial activated* "Naaaaaahh. 5k hours in arks not bad. ive seen some with 12k"

[@viljamipaimen7703]

Hi good sir! It's 9.25 PM up here in Finland, my name is William and Im a 15 year old guy who likes video games, especially Halo:) Im so sorry to hear what you have been through, in my humble opinion kids really should not be exposed to media and digital entertainment so early. Its true that we dont know each other, and likely will not, but out of all the youtubers Ive watched (and believe me thats quite a lot, Its growing to be quite an addiction for me:) you seem like the most reasonable, responsible, civilized and nice guy. And thats a lot considering I only hear your scripts and see your face. Man Ive been through some stuff too, including a bit more mild game addiction... and its never too late to start something new. Ive found, and because it looks like we are both very... easily addicted people :3 Im sharing this with U, that making your self addicted to something healthy such as sports, cooking, digital or classy arts, studying or doing some projects can be a goodway to counter or atleast limit the "bad" addiction U are having. Just a wild suggestion :) Also man, U are like 32? U still have Ur whole life ahead! Cmon, get out there, start step by step:) I have faith in you... - William from Finland PS. If anyone reading this happens to agree, like! ;D

[@FilipTarpov]

A great comment, friend! :) You sound like a grown person already.

[@viljamipaimen7703]

Thank you good sir =) Im honored!

[@luckieluuke131]

haha my thought exactly! Are you sure you´re 15? ;-) Anyway glad to hear that you already managed to get some perspective into your life!

[@viljamipaimen7703]

Thx m8! Yeah I hear that a lot, guess Im just a bit ahead of my time lol. :3

[@thorgefalk3575]

Thats a good thing! :D for 15 years ur pretty mature! Keep it up ;)

[@theaafesoperator]

Gaming is a escape from me. I tend to hide myself away from the people I love. I play games for numerous reasons whether it is to escape reality, play my pain away or connect with the friends that I have been closer with on a screen then some of the people I know in real life. I am 23 and have been in the military for 4 and half years and I use the military as a way to fund my addiction. I am a functioning gaming addict. When I am out in public I can put on this fake face and be a charismatic person only for so long till people start to realize what I really am. A gaming addict who will push people away to get to that next level.

[@so4n726]

This is 100% me

[@justbeyout]

@mooppy mcd. THANK you for sharing. Thank you for being so Very candid.

[@theaafesoperator]

@@justbeyout Thank you for listening.

[@justbeyout]

@@theaafesoperator You're welcome. Anytime

[@---nc3zc]

I think my ex a gaming addict that uses his unfulfilling military career to fund his addiction. Your comment gave me some closure on our breakup. He ended our 2 year relationship because he said that because I didn’t play with him/more I didn’t really value him or the relationship. Im devastated but learning about game addiction is helping

[@theperfidalbion5455]

Excellent video ! I’ll admit I have not always like your videos but through this video I can see this a subject that you are truly passionate, interested in and believe that needs to be shared. I have had to overcome an addiction to video games as well and believe as you do that this is a subject that NEEDS to be adressed more often. Once again, great video.

[@AncestorEmpire1]

I'm still slightly addicted to playing video games, but not for the same reasons as before. It's more of an escape from the depression and me being an epileptic. Plus in my neighborhood, the highest paying job is being a stripper at heavenly bodies

[@funkdejunk3938]

Ancestor Empire Damn dude, that’s gotta be tough. But you know what, just stay strong, and go talk to some of your friends and family about how you are and what your condition is. Best wishes!

[@AncestorEmpire1]

I stay strong but I'm more thickheaded than Kratos. One of the few reasons i stay around is because i know from personal experience that someone picks up the pieces after we are gone.

[@PhillyDillyDee]

Thanks for sharing brother.

[@evgenyrus9980]

I'm a 40 year old gaming addict. I have a good wife and a kid, and my own business... But I still play games. Only on my phone now. I try to avoid addictive games - the ones that make me "lose myself". But I still get into them from time to time. Does my real life suffer from my gaming addiction? Hell yes. I could've been much better dad and husband. I could've developed my business, earned more money. I could've made more friends (now I almost don't have any). I used to like sports. But now I barely do any. I'm fat and overweight, on the brink of diabetes. So why do I still play games? With 10 year experience in meditation, I looked deep into that question. And my answer for it is that sometimes I really hate the real world. I hate myself and everyone around me. I just want to escape and forget that this "real life" exists. Yes, I can deal with that feeling by taking antidepressants, or just by relaxing. But video games seem to be the best away to deal with this feeling. Nothing I tried so far beats video games. Unfortunately.

[@HurricaneForceGaming]

This was a serious wakeup call for me. I still have straight A's, I still run track, and I have a steady job that I'm always on time for. But I've noticed that my effort in school has decreased a bit, and that I spend every free moment playing Fortnite or Forza. My room is a mess, my bathroom is disgusting, and I have no clean laundry. Though not as severe as some, thank you for the wakeup call. And my prayer is that God will lead you where he wants you to go, and that you can have a wife and a family, you can have meaningful relationships, and that you can experience true joy. Thank you.

[@toogudd4dis]

Nobody:

[@frostgamerfrosty7657]

Thank u wonderful person

[@shalevsaada7596]

Well done man throw your console away best thing for tou i was ince addicted when i was 9 until age of 10 and half luckily i didnt had a lot of money to buy games or all that so i got bored from it and throw it away and now im 16 and i didnt touch a computer for 2 mounths and even when i do its not for games best decision i made

[@johnsmith-eo3nz]

@@bukayosakafan7 I also think that, however, pointing it out at a place like this is just stupid

[@hamvirvalyshh9713]

Same, im 14 and now I really need to fix my schoolwork. I still study 10-11 hours a day, but I always sneak gaming in and I don’t do as much as I should.

[@EricJacobusOfficial]

When I was knee deep in my addiction in 2008 I was a hundred something hours into Fallout 3 and still unemployed. I put it down and I was employed within a month, and never let myself get consumed by gameplay again. I did go through a game BUYING addiction and wasted a ton of cash buying old games only because other people valued them, which came from a place of major envy. Once I broke that I was able to tackle other addictions, eating disorders and anxiety problems that every millennial suffers from. The work is ongoing but it started here. Thank you.

[@jakobfroberg6715]

i got over 900 hours in CSGO, and over 200 in other games that i didn't play that much

[@meliodas9309]

hundred something. THESE ARE ROOKIE NUMBERS

[@91722854]

let's play chess!!!

[@fcurcic]

>hundred something come on dude that's nothing

[@nigelgold2]

if it isnt one thing its another

[@lonestargazer9255]

World of Warcraft, 8hrs a day? You ain't nothing but a filthy casual

[@josephvessel5569]

damn lol

[@HealthyWC-2]

Ner' Zhul right I used to 12 hours a day in Rumble Fighter

[@lonestargazer9255]

ImHealthyWC HA I'm just messin with you buddy, I'm glad you got over your addiction, we all have something we do to much, or not enough

[@sauldownbadman876]

Got a bump those numbers up, those are rookie numbers

[@SmokeDowDaKa47]

yup hebis a noob

[@_wallab_]

5 years old and this video is still helping people out...like me. I am glad I am not the only one with this addiction and when I hear you talk about not having anyone close to confide in and your experiences...I just think of myself. Thank you for this video, it really helped me realize that I do in fact have an addiction, and how much of my life I am wasting. It is so hard to quit because all of my friends are online, I have no IRL friends. So I delete my video games, I delete my friends and my social interactions. Not sure if I want to do that, but I am not sure I have a choice. Thanks again for making this video, it has helped me so much because I can relate to you and your testimony.

[@wubdo8409]

Hey man I just wanna tell you that somebody has read your testimony. You can get through this. I too spend too much time in the past playing video games, now I'm wasting away my time on KZbin, often late into the night. Let's level up man - in real life. Let's be free

[@_wallab_]

@@wubdo8409 Thank you man for your words, I really appreciate it. Let's do it!

[@wubdo8409]

@@_wallab_ there we go