The South Park Episode About Game Addiction

In this episode, you'll see how South Park successfully portrays video game addiction.
If you are part of the 90% of the population that doesn’t struggle with video game addiction, you’re probably wondering: how can anybody get addicted to a video game? Well, video game addiction is a complex process that has a lot to do with genetics, animal biology, environmental conditions, and above all else: the almighty dollar.
Disclaimer:
The content in this video, as well as all my other videos, is not intended to replace professional or medical advice. I share insights based on my personal experiences and what I believe may benefit a broad audience. If your experience with any discussed issue is more severe or complex, I strongly encourage you to seek help from a qualified mental health professional. Your well-being is my priority, and if you find even a single takeaway from this video, that means the world to me.
Copyright Disclaimer
#southpark #gameaddict #comedy

[@twothirtyfours]

Love your videos but I gotta say something as a video game developer. A few times in your video you said “video game developers don’t care about the fans” or “all they care about is money”. That’s not true. We care about the players and rarely about the money. Problem is that we have people above us, the studios, executive producers, consoles, etc who DO care only about money and make us, the developers, make decisions and do things that we otherwise wouldn’t do. You think it was game developers idea for WB Games to cancel any work on any other games besides their Live Service crap? Nope! That was all them. So, besides blaming this issue on the wrong person, excellent video.

[@IanMarley]

Nice explanation man! 👏🏼

[@blazryvlogs2535]

☝️🤓

[@Jaykeduzthings]

yeah, it's more of a corporate thing instead of a developer thing

[@McLiken]

​@blazryvlogs2535 What are you, six? Grow up bro.

[@yunguiar9596]

Hum actually 🤓

[@TheAllSeeingEye2468]

This show predicted hello Kitty island adventure

[@GNRUniverse]

Diddy island adventure

[@rotary64]

eppstine island adventure

[@PFSnypr]

Ever since i found out that fat guy was Thor's dad, i always imagine what a south park episode featuring him would be like

[@trentonshowers7366]

I feel like Thor would be put in because the town got hacked by (insert group here) because randy clicked a p o r n link and Thor fixes it

[@cephalogaming]

​@@trentonshowers7366 I'm gonna rage if I don't get this as a full feature movie within the next 5 years

[@TheAllSeeingEye2468]

I think he died

[@trentonshowers7366]

@@cephalogaming anyone got Matt or treys number?

[@saberthedragon]

😂😂🎉

[@krispingle]

It's weird they made this whole episode than a few years later they release South Park Phone Destroyer.

[@lordspazgaming]

11 years later. Episode came out in 2006. Phone destroyer came out in 2017. Stick of truth came out in 2014 that’s an 8 year gap still.

[@krispingle]

@@lordspazgaming alright shit waay more than a few 😂

[@lupo3694]

​@lordspazgaming to e fair, I am pretty sure he wasn't referring to Make Love Not Warcraft but to the Freemium Isn't Free episode, since it refers to mobile gaming addiction, and that episode came out 2014, 3 years before Phone Destroyer.

[@krispingle]

@@lupo3694 you are correct, I probably should've timestamped it

[@The_Stickle_Cell]

You're so right about Blizzard being so worthless man. I got banned for a month for saying ass twice, and I wasn't even calling other players ass.

[@shroomer3867]

ass if

[@LosaraVEVO]

While he was flaming blizzard, this was long ago. Blizzard was a respected company and granted permission to Matt and Trey for this episode and was hugely involved in the making of it. Blizzard has since then lost any respect it once had.

[@dublex22]

@@LosaraVEVOwas about to say the same thing. Blizz was pretty much loved at the time, and them allowing the South Park ppl to use their engine and film in game was a legendary collab that only highlighted their image. For sure crazy how far they’ve fallen

[@jakegenocide]

My guy, you're too young to remember LAN parties. In the early 2000's and late 90's, the gaming addicts got together, just like South Park, to play Diablo, Warcraft, Starcraft, Runescape, and any other addictive PC game. It's not unrealistic for the year the episode came out.

[@rasenshuriken7325]

Preach it brother

[@throwthrow-c7e]

Were gaming addicts actually common in the 90s and early 2000s? Even the turbo nerds back then seemed to play like 2-3 hours a day max so it was like a bad habit but comparable to television.

[@jh565bb]

I did that with bf2 on pc, good times.

[@Melontusk101]

When caartman's busy playing and his mom comes to hold the bucket so that he poops....

[@CharleyBlumer17]

Makes me think of the "GO TO THE BATHROOM" video lmao

[@nolanpinkerton9938]

As a person who has been playing video games since he was 2 years old with Super Mario World on my Dad's SNES and is now 26 years old still playing games on his Xbox Series X, PS5, PC, and who loves watching South Park this episode while entertaining hit me hard. It made me realize that while I play games every day sometimes for 1-2 hours and sometimes more if I didn't prioritize school, my family, my friends, household work, and eventually a job I could've gone down a similar road to the stereotype in Make Love Not Warcraft.

[@Chaoitcme]

I got into WoW about 18 years ago when I got my first subscription. Played it for about a year and then cut myself off because it was taking over my life. WoW can easily consume your life if you don't limit yourself.

[@bettybuttcheeks]

It’s awesome. I love this addiction

[@hollow259]

Despite my addictive tendencies and trouble with self control I never have much trouble with gambling

[@blackflyingfox3365]

Me too. I've always hated gambling.

[@brandonloaiza8595]

Gambling sucks lol

[@h0pey0ng]

not even in video games?

[@hikaruultma]

Blizzard in 2006 is not the Blizzard Activision of today... They did care back then.

[@RovingTroll]

The devil describing addiction as "a dopamine fuckip" always got me cackling

[@ThatLizardYouSaw]

I always assumed the addicts is rich cause how you gonna play games without ever paying a bill what is the secret???😂😂😂

[@darkira2129]

debt, leaching off your parents, etc

[@eidkristo6107]

KZbinrs lol

[@Merit1]

maintain healthy relationships and healthy habits. also a fucking job or small hustle

[@kricku]

It's called welfare

[@throwthrow-c7e]

Leeching off your parents and student loans is how people do it. A lot of people I met who were addicted were also on disability or a pension.

[@zeuszo_o1593]

As a kid I had a video game addiction and pretty much never stopped playing them. I still play them a lot but when something important comes up I will always choose doing something physical over virtual

[@watchagameing3031]

You have the greatest, and most theraputic voice I think I have EVER heard. it makes me wanna just shuffle a playlist of your vidios and listen to them for like 9 hours straight

[@Stinkydew1996]

Fun fact, the guy with no life guy based on a blizzard employee that was pirate softwares dad. But also, south park absolutely did not create the nerdy game stereotype, i cant say who did, but i remembee that stereotype from before this episode.

[@caseymcdonald9714]

That was around when I was young and I'm 31 so it's at least a couple decades old lol

[@baileymoore7779]

When I was addicted to heroin, and just wasting away shooting up, I got really into a Final Fantasy mobile game heh, and became obsessed with leveling up all my characters and their weapons. But jaysus, once I realized how pointless it was, not to mention the fact it was 95% grinding, and you could only get special weapons through lottery, you got one roll free per week, or pay $75 for FIVE rolls! Wtf!!!

[@boarderline6705]

I think what truly defines video game addiction isn’t the amount of time you sync in, but ignoring your family members and everyone else

[@Meekwinner]

now I also want to say, I really like your videos man. Keep going. Bro came out of no where and is one of my favorites already

[@BoopSnootAndTroubleshoot]

That "loser" was based on the father of PirateSoftware (on youtube), the game dev of Heartbound, who also has worked for Blizzard. His name is Joey Ray Hall, who worked for Blizzard for closer to a quarter century, and worked with Matt and Tray to make Make Love, Not WarCraft.

[@helpkirbyhasagun_2047]

To avoid gaming addiction I always set myself rules and setting these rules has actually made me enjoy games more due to limiting my playtime If I feel like spinning a loot box, I only spin it one time and then close the tab. If I have anything I need to do, I make sure it’s done before I even think to touch a game. If I’m feeling burnt out or just bored while playing, I stop playing and do something else. If a game is making me angry, I switch to something else.

[@throwthrow-c7e]

I used to play an unlimited amount per day as a teen but now I only play Saturday and Sunday if I have nothing else going on. Surfing and streaming are way more problematic for me because you can use them to fill any time you feel bored with no commitment like booting a game up is.

[@Trauson]

Everyweek no matter what I sit down quietly on the quiest place I can Imagine in my flat, I stay there for 20 minutes or however and how long it takes. Just no sounds, no nothing, I just stare at the front, and I just do not think, do not estimulate myself, is like fasting for the mind, it kind of helps down, it also makes me sleepy for some reason and I often sometimes find myself that I passed out on the sofa in a dreamless state, but my mind and my body wake up renewed. Then I can continue doing my youtube videos and my channel aside from gaming, its conforting and it helps me out whenever I think on the situation I am at the minute. I dont know if this helps but. It is something I wanted to bring so, take it or leave it. It works for me.

[@tpose6663]

i heard of many things but never in my life have i ever thought they would actually make a pigeon guided MISSILE, like how and why, just WHY, AND HOW DID IT COME TO YOUR MIND

[@blackflyingfox3365]

It sounds like they made a show about 4th graders going through teenager problems. Depression, acne, liking girls that don't like you back. The "Raisins" episode was totally weird.

[@baileymoore7779]

I get what you're saying, but absurdity factor I think is what makes it not weird. They do stuff that if anyone else did it, it would come off Hella weird. Like Butters "pressing pickle" 😂.

[@straingedays]

If Trey wanted this episode canned, it's scary too think what else may of been shelved and deemed never to be aired? This was one of the last great episodes of SP

[@StarlyLoxy]

they regret making this episode because they made phone destroyer

[@poIynomer]

Perfect timing.

[@ShaneSkaalerud-nk2jk]

That is one of my favorite episodes.

[@katecone2295]

This is making me think about my own gaming habits. While I may not be one of those in the addicted category, I'm definitely in the problematic section.

[@BMoney8600]

I used to be addicted to video games as a kid and my dad called me out for it. My grades were the worst they have been and I did everything I could to pass my classes. I am 24 now and I play video games occasionally but nothing excessive. Matter of fact I can rarely play any game for more than an hour since it feels like a chore to me.

[@dublex22]

“Now we can finally play the game” is more likely a line referring to what players do after hitting max level, which at the time was actually hard for most players (hence why they become nerds) 😂

[@jamessizemore7103]

No joke I once downloaded a trailer park boys mobile game that was literally the same thing as the Terence and Philip game

[@lupo3694]

I totally get substance addiction and I even developed a pretty concerning habit of using certain apps, like Reddit amd 9gag, for some time. But for some reason I was never suseptible to games or any form of gambling. I just get frustrated fast and quit. I'm not a fan of games in general, be it computer games or table top games, and I don't enjoy gambling or betting at all. Still super interessting how all this stuffs works. Good video.

[@murderman8578]

Games are great

[@thedemonpit]

Gamer with a slight problem here. I 100% agree with the idea of picking up a hobby to help get yourself away.I find that hobbies that heavily involve your hands help, as it helps to satisfy the urge you get to use a keyboard, a controller, etc. for me that’s drawing and miniature painting, I picked it up a few months back and try to occasionally take breaks solely to get away and do that. It opens up chances for me to go outside and take in the fresh air. And overall get away from the gaming dopamine. Luckily enough my problem is just playing too much, as I am too much of a stickler to drop cash on something unless I truly want to support the developers. Even then I maybe buy a 20$ bundle or something and call it good.

[@chenstormstout9456]

I was an addict, then I took a 7 year break. I came back and now only play for a few hours 4 times a week.

[@murderman8578]

Should be everyday

[@vybzclan1124]

Spent 15000 on clash of clans, fifa, nba and fortnight when i was 14/15. Absolutely disgusted with myself now but learnt from it, tried magic mushrooms and that helped broaden my mind and realise there's no need to spend on your money on these games but instead play for fun and when it's not fun, do something else. Seems pretty simple but once you get into a new routine, it becomes simple. Probably not applicable to everyone but i turned to reading, watching films, politics, museums and travelling and this has helped me dramatically. Solidarity with everyone going through this addiction and good luck to you all

[@cippy992]

I love how more accurate the german translation describes the higher leveled no lifer. In the original Stan describes him as a "one tough badass" While the german version Stan says: "Wer auch immer das ist, das ist so'n überfetter Pro Gamer" which translates to: "Whoever that is, he is an overfat pro gamer"

[@LiliumCruorem]

Anything that interacts with our Dopamine/Serotonin receptors is a drug. Video Games are like a super refined drug for me. I have sacrificed years of my life sinking time immemorial into video games. I don’t know why. I just can’t refuse the call. When I play video games I dissolve into the immersion and I feel that I truly become the character I am playing. For that reason I typically do not enjoy games where I have to play as a character that I didn’t create. If I am allowed to customize and create my own character I am capable of temporarily becoming that character so long as I play the game. World of Warcraft has been a serious addiction for much of my life. Mostly to supplant other addictions. Now I play only free private servers with increased rates for xp and loot. The addiction isn’t really about playing the game. The addiction for me; was all about getting to walk around with Thunderfury and The Warglaives of Azzinoth.

[@crovax1375]

I love that Sword of a Thousand Truths shows up as an easter egg in the Stick of Truth video game!

[@angelinacamacho8575]

game addiction has a lot to do with not only genetics but how games especially these days are designed. they are designed for you to keep coming back and warcraft and pokemon two great examples of this since one is an on going story with lots of DLC like content added monthly and the other gives you little niche in game goals and even the opportunity to get a shiny pokemon among other things like VGC which forces players to REALLY put time and effort in to the game. more so than if they just stuck with the story and collected pokemon during the post game. the episode "freemium aint so free" is another good example of another way games get you hooked by using bells and whistles and micro transactions just to complete a game or get items for characters.

[@Leeroy___]

bro just casually talks about skinner, which I have to study in my uni for next week💀💀💀...

[@hardlyfunny]

Came for a fun background video. Left with some encouragement to work on me. Great video.

[@BowieMinecraft]

This episode is definitely my favorite South Park episode

[@Apher69]

Bro I used to be SO ADDICTED to this mobile shit. After a time, I was like "I haven't played this game in a long time. I'll try it one more time." Turns out it was shit.

[@PolandDoge]

I hate when i buy a game for 30$ and then get microtransactions shoved in my face

[@lupo3694]

It is not only gaming. It is the same with alcohol. The top 10% of heavy drinkers buy almost 2/3 of all alcohol sold in the US. The industry trys to absolve themselfes by giving money to recovery programs, but it is all a sham. In reality they have no interest in stopping people from drinking extremely unresposibly, or really helping the people who get addicted, since these are their best customers.

[@goddessbraxia]

I've been caught twice by addictive mobile games, both times I was lucky, as they failed to balance the difficulty, and It snapped me out of it when I realized the money I spent wasnt helping me perform better. "get these new characters, then you'll be able to compete! then the next mission comes out and its the same issue. The first time was worse than the second, but I wish I could undo it. They were periods of weakness when my depression was at its worst. that tiny bit of dopamine is a dangerous thing when you cant make it on your own. Right now, I am struggling with retail therapy, so I'm still having the same problem, just a different outlet. But being aware of it doesn't make it any easier

[@cephalogaming]

I'm not going to pretend to have a solution or anything but, keep your head up. I'm sure it'll get better

[@_PannieCake_]

I embraced boredom once. I am now running a dnd campaign for my 6th year.

[@filipvadas7602]

A few things: A) South Park most definetly did NOT create the "loser gamer" stereotype. It existed long before this episode and the media in general is considered to be the "creator" of it by presenting gaming & nerd culture in such a negative light. South Park ,though, definetly helped popularised it and gave it a "face" Though it has been broken in the last decade. I mean, just look at Henry Cavill. Dude nearly missed the casting call for Superman cause he was too busy farming Invincible in ICC lol. Yet, everything about the guy defies conventional nerd stereotypes B) To be fair, the Blizzard of 2006 DID care, at least somewhat. They collabed with the creators of South Park on this one; all the in-game segments were made in WoW's game engine, using real items & locations from the game and its possible that by , effectively, giving this episode their blessing they were intentionally spreading some awareness about the very real, unintentional, effects their game was having on people who alredy struggled with self-control & addiction through a comedic outlet. While also being a perfect advertisement lol Fun fact(s): 1. The Sword of a Thousand Truths was apparently the original model for Frostmourne that was scrapped SUPER close to release. The sword would make an appearance years later as an actual weapon in Hearthstone in direct reference to THIS episode, as you needed to have a certain amount of *Elwyn Boars* , a minion you can put in your deck, to die; and the sword itself works exactly like it does in the episode by literally draining your opponent of all their Mana. Making it virtually impossible for them to win if they are hit since they basically can't play any cards for several turns. (Of course, for balancing, this is easier said than done due to rhe amount of laser-focused effort you have to put in to make this work) 2. This episode was NEARLY never released because they thought people wouldn't enjoy it. Only for it to still be considered one of the greatest episodes in South Park's entire history. 3. The "no life guy" was based on an actual Blizzard employee.

[@TillURide420]

U really make great SP content. This is probably my 5th video of yours I’ve watched and I’m super empressed

[@filipvadas7602]

The scariest part about mobile games is that they make TEN TIMES the money most AAA games do over their *entire lifespan* , with the exception of maybe subscription based MMOs For reference, F2P games like *Candy Crush Saga* and *Monopoly Go!* have earned earned over 500 million and 700 million respectively in the last 12-16 months ALONE. These are numbers are probably outdated too and they're not even close to being the most profitable mobile games out there.

[@trashcooon2498]

Ima be so fr If you keep posting videos this consistently you’re going somewhere These are so entertaining

[@6xCamox9]

man I hate these kinds of videos. Making me confront my demons like a responsible adult. I enjoy my games to cope with all the wrong decisions ive made in my life. Im damaged and live with extreme anxiety. I used to dream big but now, in my 30s, I just wanna get by, and gaming helps me do that.

[@LiliumCruorem]

We need a south park episode about Fromsoft games.

[@sunnysnow2226]

There is a simple way to reduce micro transaction addiction, set 1 cent = 1push up before you can purchase product. Think of it like this, that new skin cost u $2.5 + 250 push up. But then again this only works if you have base discipline and will hold your responsible. Try it none the less , it might work for you.

[@coeleor]

It's literally my favourite episode thank god it came out

[@stenkamx5406]

As someone who got incredibly addicted to Old School Runescape and gained 35lbs and nearly flunked out of college due to that and other games. I highly relate to this. Still a big gamer. But I've lost 25lbs, and do a lot of other things in addition to it. What a depressing time that was.

[@guvianii]

Pretty sure Double Dragon 3 the arcade game, released back in early 90's, was the first instance of micro transactions, waaaay before elder scrolls did it.

[@Alex-oz2eu]

Mhh the wrist brace looks more like a carpal tunnel brace. Bro is clicking so much he developed carpal tunnel syndrome☠️

[@Janoschy]

I have been playing way too much aswell as smoking both developed probably as a cope for my depression i am a wreck but maybe i should go on my nightly walks again and draw a bit more and even write a story i have in my head good video

[@rushink]

The looking down on their audience sounds more like a prediction of what gaming was to become. Devs need to play the game or understand it in some way, since they are the ones who balance the game and make sure it isn't too hard or too easy. The one with the glasses was not a dev, though, he was just an exec. Don't remember about the other guy, though.

[@gutt2528]

I have a rule for myself when it comes to mobile gaming. The very second I spend any REAL money on it, I delete it. And I will surely never never never download Raid shadow legends or candy crush. I understand the content creators who do advertise them. It’s income. I will never touch that shit

[@fatemoon1992]

Currently got 2 jobs and college and a few years worth of gym grind which really cured my addiction, recently reduced my nicotine intake from a full disposable vape in a few days to taking maybe a pouch every 5 or so days. We can ignore the zaza for now… but genuinely just being busy enough to only have a handful of hours to game a day has made life actually better. Not sure why I felt the need to share but eh.

[@mindlessjack3189]

A good video to put on the background while i farm runes for my 6th elden ring character.

[@MaidenHelll]

On my screen There is a sponsored ad right under this video for a mobile game called marvel snap

[@joshuajohnroa4321]

Babe wake up ceric artman just made a new video

[@Erik-bd6ll]

As someone who doesent game a whole lot, I kinda get how you could get addicted to video games. The need to win is a hell of a thing

[@CptGooch]

I love how the cinematic director of Blizzard became the ideal of the first loser gamer

[@HI-kb2cg]

Did i hear the word oil? does someone need FREEDOM and RIGHTS.

[@jacksongoodman3625]

Both of my parents are smokers but I don’t pay for a in game thing because it’s just a game I could delete the app whenever or forget my password and then I feel like shit

[@coggy5169]

Yes a great video to watch 40 minutes before my raid night

[@vixey6339]

I play games, but also I make sure to get around and get ready for work, get in my hour or two of exercise a day, make sure I'm eating, AND I make sure I sleep 8 hours a day. So, roughly, unless it's an offday from work, I'm on the computer maybe 4-5 hours a day, if that. And even then like an hour or two of that is just watching videos or movies cause I haven't got a "smart" tv

[@darthkijin4965]

You should do a vid about when south park covered tourettes. Also this vid made me realize i need to cut back my gaming spending 😅

[@saberthedragon]

"How do you escape the addiction engine?" Step one: Recognition of the problem. Step 2: Start online schooling that eats up your social life 😜💀 Step 3: Have an event in life (Divorce anyone?), that crushes your soul soo badly, that you needed the harder drugs. 😉

[@gurumelrose3728]

I respect the grind I love you analysis how you relate to real life the addiction one hit in currently 40 days sober keep grinding bro !

[@theconqueringram5295]

These episodes are a great way to show how gaming companies can use human psychology for their benefit. It's actually quite infuriating that they're allowed to do this.

[@hileutewie]

Activision patented a skill based matchmaking algorithm that entices players into spending money. That was probably 10+ years ago by now IIRC.

[@eduardorosales2958]

Your videos are so good keep up the great work

[@codypendency9482]

Bad ? This was my favorite episode of all time

[@FunNiceGuy444]

W starcraft reference

[@anthonyclashx2652]

love your videos bro keep up the work

[@Bonked_YT]

Some dealers do get high on their own supply

[@callumriley2388]

keep these videos coming man, look forward to the next one each time

[@gabriellacomito5918]

Stan also SORTA became addicted to the game "Heroin Hero" in the episode "Guitar Queer-O" for a bit, though. But mostly Randy did, really. :/

[@alvins.mindset]

How I avoid doing all the gambling for mobile games is playing idles games like coc it’s super micro transaction but at the same time you can just set your stuff to upgrade and leave go do something for a day maybe it check it later at night and you can do stuff like venture in capitalist you’re earning fake money and the game really never requires you to buy anything to proceed forward, or even just a swiping fishing game overall playing something that gives you instant gratification will probably get you addicted to that dopamine rush and soon when you can’t get that gratification because you’ve progressed to much you’ll start spending money to get that gratification again

[@lardytardy4965]

Can you make a video about the episode “You’re getting old/Ass Burgers”

[@Mr_Robotts]

Becomes...infinifat 😲😳😂🤣

[@destroylonely260]

this was the first ever south park vid i saw

[@N1RV4N4F4N]

I was playing roblox for 15 hours a day for 500+ days, glad to say im not a roblox addict anymore

[@shroomer3867]

Me when I watch this while grinding on old school runescape :D

[@Alex-oz2eu]

I‘d love to send this to most hypixel skyblock players🙏

[@thatartguy1364]

I’m mostly free to play on Gachas but I limit myself on spending

[@chad9186]

Since you talked about more than 1 episode, you could have made the title plural and said episodes

[@Norville_Shaggy_Rogers]

For anyone who’s not aware the high level incel is based off of Thor from PirateSoftwares dad, he said in a video awhile ago

[@Dokoro_chan]

I love this episode of South Park. I also liked the Magic the Gathering episode too.

[@NoWannaLol]

MTX should be illegal

[@reneastorgaterre1954]

Oh Yeah, mobil games, I played Pokémon Go and I spend more than I should have on that game.

[@MWCG]

You earned a sub awesome video ✌️

[@BlitzDemonGamer3032]

yeah it's pretty much me whenever I play Call of Duty

[@vandavis000]

I used to be hooked on vg but i stopped playing due to breaking many playstation systems and controllers over fits of rage after losing😂now i just watch lots of youtube as new gig

[@JohnGoobertonTheThird]

as someone who used to be addicted games, just get off, easy