Quote:
Originally Posted by Professor S
Do you think they should pro-actively implement that across the board for all users?
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I want to say yes, because after being addicted to WoW and raiding on a regular basis, I feel it really could have ruined my life. I know that sounds dramatic, and it is, but I really think it's true. WoW has a time limitation function built in if parents are willing to configure it. The real issue is that there's a large group of adults that don't self regulate themselves. On the one hand, if it's your week off and you really want to raid a lot, a time limitation doesn't make sense to me. But on the other hand, people with compulsive tendencies end up getting addicted; that means marriages are ruined, kids are neglected, jobs are lost, and university classes are failed.
Realistically, the concept of WoW and the concept of a time limit are somewhat incompatible. Online games in general are filled with hundreds of time sinks to provide a varied and prolonged experience. Even after reaching the highest level, you've got a ton to do because they're always adding new gear, new dungeons, and more levels to attain. The current payment concept is also incompatible. The monthly payment plans would have to change if they went ahead with a time limit. If you're barred from playing, reduced cost subscriptions should be available.
In the end, I would probably answer no. But maybe Blizzard could sink some of those tens of millions dollars they're making into support groups (sounds corny, but they could do
something).
I'm using WoW as an example because it's really the only MMOG I ever got very far into, so forgive me. Maybe somebody else has a broader range of experience they can provide.