Associate Professor Daniel King featured in a major Four Corners report for ABC-TV on the vexed issue of video gaming addiction, highlighting his recent research and noted expertise in this area of global public concern.
The story – Are you being played? What you need to know about the business of video games – cast an investigative light across the video games industry worth an estimated $US175 billion, which is more than Hollywood and the music industry combined.
From smart phones to consoles and desktops, gamers immerse themselves in imaginary worlds which can be far more appealing than real life – but ongoing research is showing many gamers struggle to switch off and can find themselves hooked on their virtual universe. The discussion about gaming and whether it can cause harm is often reduced to a simplistic debate, but this investigation revealed the manipulative techniques used in many games.
Four Corners asked gamers to share their experiences. Thousands responded and some chose to tell their stories publicly, telling stories of addiction, anxiety and surprise at the vast amount of money they have spent on games.
Associate Professor King’s research published in March identified that problematic gaming is a significant health issue worldwide, especially amongst male adolescents. He estimates its global prevalence to be about 2% of all gamers – possibly tens of millions of people worldwide.
A Flinders University media release on Associate Professor King’s work to identify practical interventions for individuals and families who experience gaming-related problems was noted by ABC journalist Lucy Carter, who realised that his expertise plugged directly into her investigative report. The Flinders media team helped organise a Four Corners crew from Sydney to interview Associate Professor King on campus, with his research becoming a foundation for the 45-minute report.
The program that went to air on Monday also featured interviews with high-profile gaming industry figures who have worked on some of the world’s biggest video games. They discussed the ethical minefield that game design can create through techniques driven by aggressive business models. “It’s not just a question of keeping players in the game for longer, it’s also about enticing them to part with real world cash for a virtual pay off,” said one video game industry insider.
The Four Corners report – broadcast on Monday 3 May, and replayed on 4 May at 1.00pm and 5 May at 11.20pm – can also be seen on ABC NEWS channel on Saturday at 7.40pm, ABC iview and at abc.net.au/4corners.