Addicted to Games?

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Duration: 29 minutes

As pester power kicks in and the computer games' industry launches its latest products on to the Christmas market, Panorama hears from youngsters who've dropped out of school and university to play games for anything up to 21 hours a day. They describe their obsessive gaming as an addiction. Reporter Raphael Rowe, meets leading experts calling for more independent research into this controversial subject, and reveals the hidden psychological devices in games that are designed to keep us coming back for more.

  • A self-confessed video gaming 'addict'

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    With half of all homes in Britain having at least one computer games console, Panorama reporter Raphael Rowe investigates the effects of becoming addicted to the games.

    He meets a 20-year-old who struggles to even turn away from his screen to talk about his attempts to cut down on his online game playing.

  • Mother labels computer games a 'dangerous tool'

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    Panorama reporter Raphael Rowe meets a mother who cut off her internet connection at home because she was worried about the amount of time her 19-year-old son was spending playing computer games.

    In this case, the game was the popular World of Warcraft. Blizzard Entertainment, the makers of the game, told Panorama in a statement: "Our games are designed to be fun… but like all forms of entertainment… day-to-day life should always take precedence. World of Warcraft contains practical tools that assist players and parents in monitoring playing time."

  • Can video gaming cross from innocent fun to addiction?

    Can video gaming cross from innocent fun to addiction?

    Panorama's Raphael Rowe asks if video gaming addiction is a growing problem in Britain.

    A cause for concern?

  • Video gaming: Advice for parents and teachers

    Video gaming: Advice for parents and teachers

    Useful gaming advice and further reading

  • Archive: Christmas Past and Presents

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    While video gaming consoles might be all the rage in 2010 and with the festive season upon us, we delve into the archive and find Panorama reporter Max Robertson dressed as a rather grumpy Santa Claus in Selfridges as he attempted to discover what was top of the Christmas wish lists for children in 1955.

    This is an abridged version of Panorama originally broadcast on 5 December 1955.

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    Panorama 2000 to present

    If you'd like to know more about Panorama programmes between 2000 and 2008, including features, transcripts, video content and more, please click on the link below.

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Credits

Presenter
Jeremy Vine
Reporter
Raphael Rowe
Director
Emeka Onono
Producer
Emeka Onono

Broadcasts

See all broadcasts of Addicted to Games? (6)

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