Control the Controller
Understanding and Resolving Video Game Addiction
By Ciaran O'Connor
Ciaran O'Connor: I have come to the place of writing through a strange cocktail of careers. Not one I would advise, necessarily.
For nearly all of my life I have been captivated by games and gaming, including those both on and off computer screens. My work followed on from this, with 10 years spent selling games for Games Workshop and then a further 4 years working as a game designer for a number of social games companies.
Ciaran O'Connor looks at how gaming and addiction have come together so rapidly in recent years. Mobile based gaming and free-to-play games have revolutionised the gaming world - but what are the implications of this? And how does it affect current thinking on addiction?
Control the Controller addresses gamers, their families, mental health professionals and game developers in this thorough and fascinating discussion of the nature of video game addiction. Many questions are answered including how we can recognise a gaming addiction, what causes it, and what we can do to return an addict to healthy behaviour.
A step by step process for this is outlined by the author, making this an invaluable title for all affected by video game addiction and all those who encounter it. The disease model, the addictive personality and the indications from neuroscience are all considered before looking at gaming addiction as an escape from distress - the book's chosen stance on addiction. This is then expanded upon by looking at how pressures, both internal and external, can encourage a flight into games.
'This is an excellent read for those who have concerns about video gaming, or who wish to know more. It is honest, open and completely fair to both sides of the argument. This author clearly knows his stuff and certainly deserves respect for the insight given.' - Review on Amazon
Additional Information :
Published (Free Association Books) - ISBN: 9781853432262 - 175 Pages - Paperback - Rights: World