Friday, May 25, 2007

Computer Game Addiction

With the enormous rise in the popularity - and affordability - of computer games and equipment, computer games addiction is becoming increasingly more widespread. Added to the aforementioned facts, high speed internet connections and the reliability of these connections mean that internet gaming can be played continuously without loss of connection and this can also contribute significantly to the addiction.

It is increasingly more common that online games players are spending more time in front of their computer, building their virtual characters and environments to higher levels thus competing with other online players. This computer games addiction is a way for the person to escape from their regular life in the real world. Often, fantasy overcomes reality.

We, as parents of these teens, or even young children, often find it a struggle to find methods that will return our child to a normal life. This is because treating computer games addiction is not like treating other addictions because you cannot, usually, completely remove the computer from their lives. Schools, internet cafes and their friends are all areas where the source of their addiction can be found - the computer. In extreme cases, this can work with young children, however, with teens or adults, it is not really an option because they can usually acquire a computer themselves.

There are several ways to determine if the person is suffering from computer games addiction. The first, and most significant warning sign, is if they are spending upwards of 6 hours a day in front of their computer playing games. Any changes in personality, for instance, irritability, bursts of anger, social withdrawal. These are usually good indicators that computer games addiction is taking hold. The treatment of this addiction must begin immediately as soon as the warning signs are noticed.

It may simply be that the computer game addict loses all track of time when playing his or her games. You can combat this sign of computer games addiction by placing a simple timer close to their computer. Have it set for a set amount of time (usually, two hours is a good start). Suggest to the addict that once the timer goes off they should take a breather and do something else. Suggest that a walk in the sunshine and fresh air will clear their head and thoughts.

Think on this!! Computer game addiction could be fatal. I have read a report where a young man was obsessed with playing a game on the computer. He lost his job because he took time off work to play his game. His girlfriend, who was also addicted to playing the game, finished with him because he was spending too much time at the game. He spent 50 hours playing non-stop in an internet cafe. He collapsed with exhaustion and dehydration and suffered a cardiac arrest. He died before he got to hospital.

This is just one way in an attempt to cut down the amount of time spent by the addict at playing games on their computer. There are others and a bit of ingenuity will work wonders. While there is no quick, overnight cure for computer games addiction it must be realized that it is a long-term project which needs to be worked at on a day-to-day basis without fail.

http://www.computeraddictionanswers.com provides information on everything related to Computer Addiction. If you stop by our site you will get some education in different forms of computer addiction. Be sure to check out our page on computer game addiction.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jerome_Carter

Become A Video Game Tester In 3 Easy Steps

I make my living gaming. Can you imagine - doing what you enjoy doing most - and getting paid for it? Sounds like a wild fantasy, right? Think again. Many gamers get paid very well just to spend time with their consoles playing the latest games, because they are video game testers. Here's how you can become one in 3 easy steps.

Step One: Make Contacts

You can't just browse the jobs section of the classifieds to find companies looking to hire game testers for the latest games. You actually have to go straight to the companies that develop games and let them know who you are, what your gaming skills are and why you would be a great video game tester.

Make sure to present yourself in a professional manner. At the same time, don't be afraid to brag about how many games and consoles you own and how many hours a day you spend gaming. Experience counts!

Step Two: Take Your Job Seriously

As long as you actually own the console or PC you'd like to test games on, chances are you'll eventually get your first assignment. Make sure to read the instructions carefully. Especially make certain you know exactly what kind of information and feedback the company is looking for from you. Keep this in mind as you play the game they provide you with.

Keep notes as you go along and write clearly. Don't forget to check your spelling and grammar. Most importantly, make sure you get the data back to the company on time! Even though you're having fun, don't forget to stay on track.

Step Three: Be Proactive In Taking On New Projects

After completing your first assignment, you may be so excited when you receive that first paycheck that you spend all your time gloating about it. Don't! Keep up the process of contacting companies and providing quality reviews and feedback. You will build up an impressive resume of game testing assignments that will help you get even more and better paying ones in the future.

Sounds like a great job, right? So, if you want to be able to tell you friends "I game for a living", follow the steps above and you'll soon be on your way to making a full time income from the comfort of your console.

James spends most his time gaming. Making a living as a video game tester has got to be one of the world's best jobs. If that sounds good to you, visit http://www.BeAGameTester.com and start today.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Allen

Video Game Tester Jobs

It must be every young person's dream to get one of the video game tester jobs available in the industry. And now that dream is completely possible for anyone who shows interest and takes just a little initiative. That's right, you can have a video game tester job by next week if you put your motives into action today.

All video game tester jobs have immense appeal to everyone who enjoys video games. Imagine being paid to do what you enjoy doing most of all. One reason for applying for one of the video game tester jobs is that it gives you a foot in the door of the video games industry. Of course those who have programming or artistic qualifications may find it easy to break into the industry without applying for one of the video game tester jobs but for those without such qualifications it is not so easy.

There are two main types of video game tester jobs - paid and unpaid. The paid variety of video game tester jobs entails going into work every day (or at the very least reporting into work from home). The unpaid jobs involve the circulation of Beta versions of the software to volunteers for early feedback and help with debugging. Paid is obviously preferred and knowing this, we've provided a sweet little link at the bottom of the page that will give you more information on getting a paid video game tester job.

Having one of the video game tester jobs doesn't necessarily mean an easy life beckons. It is essential that video games are bug free and that they work as they should. Sometimes those who hold the video game tester jobs have not been involved in the original design of the game and don't have a vision of what the aim of the game is. In this case it is easy for functionality to be identified as a bug when it is in fact supposed to be there. And...that's pretty much the only negative I can think of. Other than that, you're getting paid for going about your regular routine. I should however warn you that just because you don't have to work 40 hours a week testing games, you should take this as some kind of a "whatever" side gig. You should treat the tester jobs you are given with some seriousness. After all, once you earn the respect of the software company you are testing for, you never know what doors can open up. Be smart and think long term.

It is not enough for those in video game tester jobs to simply find bugs. They must be able to record how they found the bug; what steps they had taken before the game crashed or behaved unexpectedly. They must be prepared to go the extra mile to help the developers provide the necessary fix.

It is, therefore, essential that those in video game tester jobs have a flexible approach to their work and an ability to look for a bigger picture when working. You may be asked by some software companies to really get involved in solving problems by listing specifics when reporting a bug. Again, look at this as a positive aspect to having a video game tester job. You're actually looked at as having a respected opinion. If you enjoy playing video games and show the hiring company a professional attitude, you will be given all sorts of opportunites. Maybe you have an interest in Designing Video Games. Maybe you have an Interest in making Video Game Music. Maybe you enjoy computers and are looking to get into the Information Technology field. In any of these cases, a Video Game Tester Job can provide the exact gateway you're looking for.

Other than that, you're home free to a sweet paycheck for passing the time away in your most enjoyable fashion. It's not as difficult as you may think to get a gig testing video games. I've included a link below to a site that will show you exactly how to do it. So click away and find out how you can reel in some extra dough having a great time scoring touchdowns, killing aliens, infiltrating the enemies base or playing any other game you can thing of.

Are you still sitting on your butt playing the latest PS3 game and NOT GETTING PAID? Don't be such a sucker. You can be making some sweet sweet cash right now for going about your normal video game playing routine. Click Here To Learn More About How To GET PAID Testing Video Games

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jay_Frankel