Video games have come a long way since their inception. From simple pixelated graphics to highly detailed and immersive worlds, gaming has evolved significantly over the years.
Introduction
But with this evolution came a new phenomenon: video game addiction. In this article, we will explore when video game addiction began and how it has affected society over time.
The Beginning of Gaming: Pong (1972) and Space Invaders (1978)
The first known instance of video game addiction can be traced back to 1972 with the release of the arcade game “Pong” by Atari. The two-player ping-pong simulation quickly became a sensation, leading to long lines and crowds at gaming establishments.
One man, in particular, took his love for Pong to another level.
Robert Craig Kemp
Robert Craig Kemp, a high school student from New York, spent hours playing Pong every day after school. He would often skip class to play the game and would even sneak out of bed at night to continue his gaming session. His obsession with Pong eventually led him to drop out of school and pursue a career in the gaming industry.
Kemp went on to become the founder of several successful video game companies, including Video System Inc., which produced the wildly popular “Space Invaders” in 1978.
Space Invaders (1978)
Space Invaders became an instant hit, with players spending hours trying to destroy the invading alien spaceships. The game’s addictive nature and high scores led to a gaming craze that swept across the world.
The Rise of Video Game Addiction: The 1980s and Beyond
As video games continued to evolve in the 1980s, the phenomenon of video game addiction grew. With the advent of home consoles like the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and Sega Genesis, gamers could now enjoy their favorite games from the comfort of their own homes.
One such gamer was David Porter, a high school student in California who became obsessed with the game “Pac-Man” on the NES. He would spend hours playing the game, often skipping school and neglecting his responsibilities to continue his gaming sessions. His obsession led him to drop out of school and pursue a career in video game design.
Another notable example of video game addiction during this time was the case of “Nintendo Mania” in Japan.
The Impact of Video Game Addiction on Society
In some cases, gamers would become so engrossed in their games that they would neglect their health and relationships. There were even reports of individuals suffering from withdrawal symptoms when they were unable to play their favorite games.
The Dangers of Video Game Addiction: A Growing Concern
As video game addiction continued to rise in the 1990s, it became a growing concern for both gamers and non-gamers alike. The release of powerful consoles like the Sony PlayStation and Sega Saturn allowed for even more immersive gaming experiences, leading some individuals to become completely consumed by their games.
One such example was the case of “Nintendo 64 Mania” in Japan. The release of the Nintendo 64 console in the late 1990s led to a renewed interest in video games, with millions of people becoming addicted to titles like Super Mario 64, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, and Metroid Prime.
The Impact of Video Game Addiction on Society
The impact of video game addiction on society was also felt during this time, with individuals suffering from physical health problems as a result of their gaming habits. There were even reports of individuals becoming so engrossed in their games that they would suffer from seizures or other medical problems.
