Everquest addiction

[A1rh3ad]

I think I'm addicted to this game. The first thing I do in the morning is start playing. Sometimes morning becomes 5pm because I was up all night grinding. It's such a simple game yet for some reason it is far more addictive than any other. I'm now switching between characters leveling up multiple alts. My wife is the same way. We have different characters that we like to group together. My son gets a bit bored of the game and takes breaks to go play minecraft or roblox while we play other characters so we don't outlevel him too much. Why is this game so addictive? I'm not to the point where I am peeing in bottles waiting for camps, and I don't think it will come to that. This game is super addictive and I love it.

[skarlorn]

usually evequest is addictive to people who lack a healthy community environment and is especially fun for people who are depressed/feel bored in life.

The game is addictive because of how the dopamine reward system works

It's fun for a time tho

[Phenyo]

You'are commitment to this 'my family and wifes son loves to play to cover up my boxing' is pretty impressive to be honest.

[NachtMystium]

You'are commitment to this 'my family and wifes son loves to play to cover up my boxing' is pretty impressive to be honest.

hahahahahahaha


but for real tho OP, everyone wishes they were you that's why they all are here playing p99

[whippetofspades]

This is a fairly plausible explanation for one of the reasons EQ is addictive: http://www.nickyee.com/eqt/skinner.html.

Addiction is more likely to arise in people whose lives are lacking something. Lots of American GIs became addicted to heroin in Vietnam and forgot about it when they returned home. The rationalisation is that addiction was tied to a traumatic situation where there weren't societal support structures for them. Once they returned home to their families, most of them quit without effort.

[kgallowaypa]

This guy is about to lose his job, his family...everything...He just can't put it down either, take a peek at the following:

http://www.project1999.com/forums/showthread.php?t=260050

Ill check google news tomorrow morning, a sad..sad turn of events is about to happen : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zLfCnGVeL4

[A1rh3ad]

This is a fairly plausible explanation for one of the reasons EQ is addictive: http://www.nickyee.com/eqt/skinner.html.

Addiction is more likely to arise in people whose lives are lacking something. Lots of American GIs became addicted to heroin in Vietnam and forgot about it when they returned home. The rationalisation is that addiction was tied to a traumatic situation where there weren't societal support structures for them. Once they returned home to their families, most of them quit without effort.

The problem with that theory is that most of eq is not instant gratification. Games today bore me because of too much instant gratification. There is a lot of down times and long grinding effort in play.

[solleks]

I love EverQuest

[A1rh3ad]

I love EverQuest

I agree. The lore is even interesting. Most games the lore is just an excuse to make things the way they are. The lore in EQ is very mythological and interesting.

[Videri]

The problem with that theory is that most of eq is not instant gratification. Games today bore me because of too much instant gratification. There is a lot of down times and long grinding effort in play.

If that is your takeaway, I think you may not have read the article in full, or you may have skipped something important. The article does not say EQ provides instant gratification. It says EQ begins with instant gratification, then develops to require more and more time and effort before dispensing gratification.

"The rewards cycle in EverQuest begins with instant gratifications. When you start a new character, everything you need to do is close by - finding the guildmaster; finding mobs to kill. The first few mobs you attack die in several swings and you make level 2 in about 5 kills. By the time you make level 3 half an hour later, you are more aware of the underlying skill points, the accumulation of money, and gain a desire to get better equipment. Gradually, it takes longer and longer to get to the next level. The simple tasks that you did to improve trade skills have become trivial, but the rewards you get - the blue skill points and the metal bits - drive you to perform tasks more elaborate than before because trivial tasks are no longer rewarded. The one-click reward disappears, and is gradually replaced by rewards that take more and more clicks to get. And suddenly, some of us find ourselves clicking away for hours in front of a forge or jewellery kit."

Even more important is the "random ratio" reinforcement schedule.

"Another kind of reinforcement schedule is the fixed ratio schedule, and the rat is rewarded every time it presses the lever 5 times. This schedule is more effective than the fixed interval schedule. The most effective method is a random ratio schedule, and the rat is rewarded after it presses the lever a random number of times."

Sound familiar?

"Because the elf cannot predict precisely when it will be rewarded even though it knows it has to click the mouse to get loot, the elf presses the lever more consistently than in the other schedules..."

EVERQUEST

[A1rh3ad]

If that is your takeaway, I think you may not have read the article in full, or you may have skipped something important. The article does not say EQ provides instant gratification. It says EQ begins with instant gratification, then develops to require more and more time and effort before dispensing gratification.



Even more important is the "random ratio" reinforcement schedule.



Sound familiar?

EVERQUEST

Yeah it all does make sense. Even from the start though the instant gratification isn't there and in fact the opposite. It starts off very painful. Then the more instant gratification begins. Not to say it doesn't apply at all here. It seems like a bit more than what the article states. The article actually applies more to theme park style mmos of today. Perhaps it's the process of refinement, a process that has made me lose interest in mmos. EQ is very dirty and unrefined and that is exactly what attracts me to it.

[serberus]

If your wife was more like that you'd definitely spend less time playing EQ

[Jimjam]

The problem with that theory is that most of eq is not instant gratification. Games today bore me because of too much instant gratification. There is a lot of down times and long grinding effort in play.

I disagree, even the simple things such as securing a camp, turning over a PH, adding a few plat per kill to your horde, earning a skill up, getting a good backstab or crit, landing a spell without resist, interrupting an enemy spell are all gratifications that happen at regular frequency.

In EQ these things are gratifying, even if the 'grat bombs' such as levelling or earning a powerful item become more and more rare the longer you play.

Anyway, don't forget to get outdoors and visit some green spaces when the weather is good. Sunlight and activity are really important for helping the body and mind stay in balance. The child needs to keep up his face to face socialisation skills and networks for when he has to make his own way in the world. Is it nice where you live?

[Spyder73]

When you get banned for boxing - please please please make a goodbye post - don't just leave us hanging

[Lhancelot]

When you get banned for boxing - please please please make a goodbye post - don't just leave us hanging

No.

He needs to provide pics of him and his family playing together to prove that indeed, he was not boxing...

[Jimjam]

Not possible. His son needs to hold the camera and his wife needs to hold his son holding the camera!

[welly321]

In b4 Airheads meltdown when he gets banned for three boxing

[Beastagoog]

A family that plays p99 together stays together.

P.s. also seems like a boxer to me.

[branamil]

Are we to believe this addict has a wife and kids eager to lift the IP ban so they can play with their addict dad? What a bizarre and unbelievable story.

[Jimjam]

The world is a strange place, Branamil!

tbh I just like giving A1rh3ad a bit of banter, I'm sure he loves playing with his family (and they love it too). I hope you take it in the playful spirit it is intended!

Here's an artists impression of the scene when A1rh3ad and co are unfairly banned.

http://i.imgur.com/okg3CSQ.jpg

[welly321]

still waiting for pics of wife playing

[Whirled]

If you hear your wife listening to this song; while you are playing EQ one day... log out.
https://youtu.be/ph9NQ8ASmX4?t=1
I have to burn my keyboard now for linking that, so take this advice seriously!

[bclements87]

Real life is pretty lame for everyone their isn't really much to do outside of normal every day stuff. Most people sit at home when they are not at work. Whats wrong with playing EQ to pass time? Every game is addicting i have friends that log on their ps4 and play CoD 8 hours day friends that play WoW. Shit I got friends that read 8 hours a day. It's all the same. I could go to the gym 8 hours a day,.i know people that do when they are not at work Is that meaning they are addicted to working out? I know females that i work with that spend all their time at the mall when they are not at work. It's just how you feel about spending your down time.

[Lhancelot]

Real life is pretty lame for everyone their isn't really much to do outside of normal every day stuff. Most people sit at home when they are not at work. Whats wrong with playing EQ to pass time? Every game is addicting i have friends that log on their ps4 and play CoD 8 hours day friends that play WoW. Shit I got friends that read 8 hours a day. It's all the same. I could go to the gym 8 hours a day,.i know people that do when they are not at work Is that meaning they are addicted to working out? I know females that i work with that spend all their time at the mall when they are not at work. It's just how you feel about spending your down time.

The 5 stages of grief and loss are: 1. Denial and isolation; 2. Anger; 3. Bargaining; 4. Depression; 5. Acceptance. People who are grieving do not necessarily go through the stages in the same order or experience all of them.


1. Denial & Isolation

The first reaction to learning about the terminal illness called Everquest is to deny the reality of the situation. “This isn’t happening, this can’t be happening,” people often think. It is a normal reaction to rationalize the overwhelming gaming addiction. It is a defense mechanism that buffers the immediate shock of the loss of real life. We block out the words and hide from the facts. This is a temporary response that carries us through the first wave of pain.


Now I am no expert on mental health, but I believe you are in the first stage called "denial," regarding your EQ addiction.

[indiscriminate_hater]

have you found red jesus?

[Vexenu]

EQ is particularly good at providing the illusion of accomplishment. The game is so difficult and inconvenient that even mundane tasks give one the sense of progression and of having "done something". This makes it very tempting to lose yourself in the game, especially if you are lacking responsibility and/or agency in the real world. This is why so many hardcore players are unemployed and/or disabled. EQ provides the perfect escape and allows them to feel as if they are actually engaging in meaningful activity. This is also how EQ addiction can ruin people: they end up sacrificing their real life responsibilities to allow them more time to indulge in the "responsibilities" of EQ. The more deeply immersed they become in the game the more their real life suffers. It's definitely a real problem. I wonder how many people dropped out of school due to EQ addiction, how many divorces the game caused, etc...

If you cannot step away from EQ for a week or two at a time without feeling more than a minor desire to play, you are probably addicted and should seriously evaluate the role the game plays in your life, and if you are possibly using it as a crutch and/or drug to make up for other areas of your life you are intentionally avoiding or neglecting.

[Diogene]

I play at work so when I come back home, I have a life. Simple as that.

[Froakula]

I play at work so when I come back home, I have a life. Simple as that.

This

[Chanteur]

Internet Gaming Disorder
Proposed Criteria
Persistent and recurrent use of the Internet to engage in games, often with other players, leading to clinically significant impairment or distress as indicated by five (or more) of the following in a 12-month period:

Preoccupation with Internet games. (The individual thinks about previous gaming activity or anticipates playing the next game; Internet gaming becomes the dominant activity in daily life).
Note: This disorder is distinct from Internet gambling, which is included under gambling disorder.
Withdrawal symptoms when Internet gaming is taken away. (These symptoms are typically described as irritability, anxiety, or sadness, but there are no physical signs of pharmacological withdrawal.)
Tolerance—the need to spend increasing amounts of time engaged in Internet games.
Unsuccessful attempts to control the participation in Internet games.
Loss of interests in previous hobbies and entertainment as a result of, and with the exception of, Internet games.
Continued excessive use of Internet games despite knowledge of psychosocial problems.
Has deceived family members, therapists, or others regarding the amount of Internet gaming.
Use of Internet games to escape or relieve a negative mood (e.g., feelings of helplessness, guilt, anxiety).
Has jeopardized or lost a significant relationship, job, or educational or career opportunity because of participation in Internet games.


Note: Only non-gambling Internet games are included in this disorder. Use of the Internet for required activities in a business or profession is not included; nor is the disorder intended to include other recreational or social Internet use. Similarly, sexual Internet sites are excluded.

Specify current severity:
Internet gaming disorder can be mild, moderate, or severe depending on the degree of disruption of normal activities. Individuals with less severe Internet gaming disorder may exhibit fewer symptoms and less disruption of their lives. Those with severe Internet gaming disorder will have more hours spent on the computer and more severe loss of relationships or career or school opportunities.

Addiction is a serious issue and most need assistance to break the habit. I myself have this, and currently not being treated for it (Self-Diagnosis, as evident by #1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9). I can tell from personal experience it is serious. I have also witnessed several others whom are addicted have serious consequences for their addiction.

While this is not an official diagnosis from the DSM-V. It is listed as "Conditions for Further Study"

[Diogene]

I dont know how you guys can stand the grind in EQ. I leveled one character, but Im unable to level more, it feels so tedious and unhealthy. Now Im only doing fun dungeon crawls with small groups, solo challenge targets, things like that. Unable to do serious quests like epics. Unable to raid due to the detestable atmosphere. Im not addicted cause I never touched pixels and thats probably key.

[Swish]

Unable to raid due to the detestable atmosphere.

Has it really gotten that bad?

[Evia]

Has it really gotten that bad?



Hasn't it always been that bad?

[Kagey]

Its a gateway game for sure.

[maskedmelonpai]

I dont know how you guys can stand the grind in EQ. I leveled one character, but Im unable to level more, it feels so tedious and unhealthy. Now Im only doing fun dungeon crawls with small groups, solo challenge targets, things like that. Unable to do serious quests like epics. Unable to raid due to the detestable atmosphere. Im not addicted cause I never touched pixels and thats probably key.

very good post. it a bit glum, but message is good: priorities define addiction. if you lust for pixels, then you gonna chase them and when you struggle to secure you pixels, you gonna be a nasty person because you be mad without you pixels.

DONT CHASE PIXELS!!!

[Spyder73]

Hasn't it always been that bad?

Don't encourage him

[Diogene]

I want to add something, cause this is of course a serious issue. I guess EQ addiction has something to do with how we think the game... lets talk about the core base of EQ mechanics : XP. how can you guys stand leveling grind, even in a group ? 99% of the time groups are static, we sit in boring ass zones like Karnor wait for the puller to single, rince repeat and no one is even talking. I know what people do, they stare at their XP bar as if its the end goal, most of us want to level as fast as they can, so they maximize Xp flow . Lol, not my definition of EQ. I cant stay more than 1 hour in groups like these. Most of the time I end up thinking this game sucks if we have to endure grouping for pure XP. Dungeons crawls are inexistant, because people dont want to risk loosing a fraction of their precious XP. And when w're talking about pixels (raids apart) people have to camp for hours on end (ever saw that necro in Kaesora did 80+ hours for a fear staff?) my god. This is mental disorder for sure.
For those who are in trouble with their playing habits, maybe its time to ask yourself why you play and how. Are you having real fun here, do you feel adrenaline rushes when you go for hunting ? Does the pixel really enhance your play style ? Etc..

[aaezil]

its too late for you - give it a few years you will be peeing in bottles and pooping in socks to get pixels like the rest of them. Godspeed

[Jimjam]

its too late for you - give it a few years you will be peeing in bottles and pooping in socks to get pixels like the rest of them. Godspeed

http://www.gucomics.com/20000901

[Swish]

Hasn't it always been that bad?

It's always been bad, I just think it didn't used to suck the more casual guilds into the same mentality.