[Raven89]

Hello , I really need help. I have one problem that I will describe here:
For example, be it Wii, be it X360, be it PS3, be it PC, any gaming platform is troubling me. Like this, lets take for example game Fallout. I play Fallout 3 and finish it and I like it very much. Now something strange happens. I have urge to play all the past and future sequels, ie. to have a collection. And that troubles me hard, cause it's not just one game, like Fallout 3. Let's take for example Dead Space. my brother bought me for last Christmas that game. And I really liked it and now I have strong "urge, obsession" to play EVERYTHING that has a relation to Dead Space. Even that Wii sequel for Wii (I think it's Dead Space Extraction), but I can't because I have a computer but not Wii. Or worse, lets say that I have Wii and played the Dead Space Extraction, then I would have urge to buy new computer to play other two sequels. BTW I'm disabled, invalid, diagnosed schizophrenia simplex, but between diagnosis is the OCD. So I think that "disease", in fact defect, flaw, has the relations to this problem. So now if there is anybody to help me. And how to decide what games to buy (I'm not rich, so I may buy max 2 original games per month), I do not talk about warez (piracy games) because the scope of the games now is so broad that you barely can finish 2 games in one month. So should I follow the score of the games or what? I'm a type of gamer who likes all the genres of games. So everything attracts me equally. I beg you, if you can give some advice and help for that matter. I am not happy that I am invalid. I would like you to help me and understand me. I appreciate your time and answers, kind regards,
Andrija.
P.S. I have 21 years, and sorry if I'm talking too much about games, but it's a problem. So please help me

I have a bit of that too . . . a game should be something to kill a few hours, it shouldn't be the focus of your life. In my case it seems it's too big a part of my life.

[Rohag]

Hello & Welcome, Raven89! Please bear with my questions -- but feel free to ignore them.

• Do you wait for game reviews to appear before buying games?
• How much do you research games before buying or expressing interest?
• Are you an online, competitive gamer, or do you prefer single-player?

Edit: Here at PsychCentral there's a Gamers' Corner social group.

[Raven89]

Sorry for the delay. Yes I wait for reviews. I watch video reviews on YouTube, but aside of that I really do not research it to much. (part of my condition is that I really cannot concentrate on reading so I avoid reviews, ie. I read only the pros and cons and score aggregate. And I prefere only single-player. But it's really haunting, altough I've seen the progress in my self control. Maybe it's somthing like this: What the hell? I'm going to play what I like and if it has x number of sequels I will enjoy in the current and do not bother with others. Unless it is connected with story. Like some adventure games.

But if you would be so kind to answer me one question. Because I'm under medications, I have little worse condition (schizophrenia simplex), that are Zyprexa and Fevarin, I experience difficulties while playing fast paced games (shooters). It slows me down (my reflexes) and I cannot concentrate on reading large amounts of text. So which platform would you prefer to recommend me? I thought of Nintendo Wii, after all its childrens platform, and I like games in which I do not have to strike my hands on table. I'm 21 years old, but still prefere easy and light/slower games. Thanks for kind answers, all the best.

[Rohag]

Hi, Raven89! I think the best one here to answer your question might be Timgt5. I'll try to get his attention.

I cannot play very fast paced games or games where the visual aspect changes too rapidly. And I also have trouble with sustained reading, but your difficulties seem more severe than mine. It would be great to find a way for you to continue enjoying games without the sense of "obsession" that troubles you.

Some in the wider gaming community should have insights for you.

[(JD)]

Raven, I'm disabled and use games to distract me from that fact, and from the chronic pain. It's a tool for me. I did have to learn--from T--that it's okay for me to use games as part of the way I get through life.

What is bothering you about playing the games, again? Are you not doing others things that you can do instead? Or are you falling into the fallacy of things you should be doing based upon past abilities?

If you think you're playing games too much, then keep track of your time.

If it's the compulsion to play all of it all over again or to beat your latest high score... well, that could be part of being an invalid, being able to control something actually makes us feel better! Plus the natural high of endophin dumping when we play and especially when we win, helps us feel good too!

If it really isn't causing a problem, try to be easier on yourself, and go with it. Maybe make some rules for yourself if you want more control of you emotions about it... like you'll play for a set time and then...eat! Or do something that you think you "should" be doing, etc.

I look forward to you playing the games here in the arcade...I'd like to be back on top and if you'd knock vibe out of a few games I'd get there hey, it's all fun!

[Raven89]

Thanks my friends. You've helped me . I wish you all of you all the best, sincerely,
Andrija