Game Addiction Symptoms

Though Gaming addiction is still disputed, it is argued that its symptoms would be quite similar to that of any other addiction. Common addiction symptoms include (Please note: the following criteria have been copied almost verbatim from the highly disputed criteria of Internet addiction):

Tolerance, as defined by either of the following:

A need for markedly increased amounts of time on the game to achieve satisfaction.
Markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of time on the game.

Withdrawal, as manifested by either A or B below:

(A) the characteristic withdrawal syndrome, 1, 2 and 3 below
Cessation of (or reduction in) game play time that has been heavy and prolonged.
Two (or more) of the following, developing within several days to a month after Criterion:

(a) psychomotor agitation
(b) anxiety
(c) obsessive thinking about what is happening in the game
(d) fantasies or dreams about the game
(e) voluntary or involuntary typing movements of the fingers

The symptoms in Criterion 2 cause distress or impairment in social, occupational or another important area of functioning

(B) Use of the game or a similar service is engaged in to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms.
The game is often accessed more often or for longer periods of time than was intended.
There is a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control game play time.
A great deal of time is spent in activities related to the game (for example, purchasing game books, looking at fan art sites, posting on game forums, researching game tips/hacks, gold farming).
Frequent talks about the game in daily life.
Important family, social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced in duration and/or frequency because of game use.
Game use is continued despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical, family, social, occupational, or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by Internet use (for example, sleep deprivation, marital difficulties, lateness for early morning appointments, neglect of occupational duties, or feelings of abandonment in significant others).