Games & Gadgets

Video games often act as a release after a hard day at work. There are some, however, that can prove to be just as stressful and time-consuming as any job.

Games in the massively multiplayer-online-role-playing-game (MMO) genre have become increasingly popular over the past decade. Blizzard's feature MMO, "World of Warcraft," is the most notable and has become a powerhouse in the industry with no signs of slowing down. These games often require enormous amounts of time and dedication in order to succeed. Developers of these games seek to create a world so beautiful and realistic that you won't want to leave.

I've been there.

I was engrossed in the land of Vana'diel, "Final Fantasy XI's" fictitious setting, for more than three years. While not nearly reaching the popularity of "World of Warcraft" or "Everquest," "FFXI" provided a world in which thousands of other users interact.

I adventured through dark caves and creepy castles with people from all over the globe. The satisfaction gained from working with these comrades is special. I've made friends that I will keep long after the servers have gone down for the final time.

There was also the side bonus of spending less money on other games. I normally pick up a new title every couple of weeks, but my obsession with an MMO changed that completely. The hundreds of dollars spent on gaming each month quickly dropped to under $13.

Unfortunately, these game worlds are not exactly a make-believe metropolis of virtue.

The genre's addicting nature can make stepping away from the keyboard a chore alone. These games have ruined many college student's homework sessions and study marathons.

I've been there and done that, too.

Many of my nights playing led to an ignored college curriculum. Fortunately for me, time missed studying was the extent of the digital damage.

I know several people who quit their job or dropped out of school to dedicate more time to playing the game. It's through watching them that I re-evaluated my own reason for playing, and then knew it was time to take a step back.

In some cases, drug and alcohol addiction can seem rather tame when compared to the digital variety. It's hard to quit when you are surrounded by people who feel just as strongly about a fictional world as they do the real deal. These games have literally caused death before, because the addictive nature is too strong for some to take even a short break.

Organizations exist to help people in need, and I strongly urge anyone who feels overwhelmed by these games to seek their help.

That's not to say that everyone should avoid playing titles of this nature. Some gamers can balance a successful career while grinding their hero/heroine to the umpteenth level. Others may find the potential consequences outweigh any enjoyment that could be had.

I personally enjoy the rewarding nature that games like "FFXI" provide. The camaraderie is unmatched and the experience is unlike any other. I've been away from "FFXI" for six months now, but I still get the itch to reactive my account every now and then. I'm sure my days of playing MMO games aren't over, but I'll be better prepared for the next virtual game world that I enter. I won't let the game play me this time.

Chris Pittman works in the online department of The Star.