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You're such a terrible nerd cliche. Melodramatic, insecure and awkward; your self identity is hopelessly tied up in this (unsubstantiated) idea that your intelligence is somehow exceptional. That 'gamers' are anything but dumb and lazy (except those damn Xbox jocks, amirite?). Also, nobody falls in love as a young teen.
I never played everquest, so is it strange that I wanted to hear the "expansion pack" part of the story again? Not because I couldn't understand it, but because... I enjoyed hearing about it?
I guess there is a phase where you start caring about what kinds games are only time-wasters and what dont try to do that. I was one of the lucky to find out during my childhood.
Thanks for this episode James. I think there are thousands of players going through similar stories like yours is. Games are always about having fun. And when your real life every day experience starts to feel like shit, it is very easy to isolate oneself into digital world. I've seen in the vid how difficult it was for you to talk about some parts of your story, and the more I appreciate you had the balls to do this episode.
First: who cares what he looks like? You shouldn't.
Second: very powerful an profound. Good job!
Third: anyone saying this is bs because you aren't looking at brain chemistry needs to take things into perspective. Very few people talk about the relation between why people play games and get into them rather than the what happens when you are. Society is a large player in this because of reasons stated in the first episode. Not everything is just based on the people.
I'm worried that the extra credit's writers tend to be focusing on external influences surrounding a person with a compulsion to game, I think that there may be some obvious chemistry or behaviour internally that affects us. I'm also worried about the lack of research being presented to us (not in this episode, which was already explained to be mostly subjective.)
@KrankyBIAS What they are saying is that games don't directly affect brain chemistry like alcohol does. There are factors that would shift brain chemistry to make one susceptible to game compulsion, but these are external to the game, not part of the game. Games--and books--affect neural nets. Books can be just as much of a compulsion as games. What leads to that is not the book or the game, but external influences which impact neural nets and brain chemistry. Bullying, for example.
@XanatosChimera I disagree that games don't affect the brain. Games do affect the brain, maybe not in chemistry but certainly in Electroencephalographic terms. (Tried my best to word Electroencephalography as an adjective)
@KrankyBIAS We're saying the same thing then. They affect neural nets as does any other activity which is what shows as changes on an EEG. Books can be the same thing. Instead of doing computer games, some retreat into books to escape the crap of the real world. I knew a number who would hang out at the library in high-school because the bullies and tormentors never came in there. Or took all the academic courses they could because their tormentors wouldn't take them either. :)
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dude... you dress like a complete doushebag hipster.
Just sayin. Intellectually I know you are making a good point and all, but I really cant pay attention when you are coming across as a whiny doushebag hipster. I love all your opinions and you are a very good writer for extra credits, but please avoid doing anymore episodes like this in future.
I love extra credit, to the point I downloaded every episode and put them in my mp3 player. All I can say is after seeing James "Oh my fucking god, he's real".
I miss watching episodes, please come at full speed when you can.
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
This is unbelievably stupid. Nice complete lack of willpower you scum of the earth. Grow a fucking backbone and stop whining about the past. Jesus your pathetic.
I'll repeat in "english". Why did you bother comment about vid that "you dont give a rat ass"? If insults is the best you can come up with then it is not a good look.
Hey kids! If you're gonna' get addicted to something, get addicted to something cool, like drugs, or alcohol! Don't be a weak willed tool like Dear Leader James was.
The presentation on this sucks. I guess I've been spoiled by the clean concise arguments and the pretty pictures. Regardless, I think this is probably the smartest and most profound insight I've seen on extra credits. Bravo James.
ummm i'm a little confused here wasnt the last video about how Video Games WEREN'T an addiction and could easily be in moderation. And then the following video is about how James' addiction basically messed up his later teen years.........am i missing something here?
@ramjet94 Rewatch part 1 then. They're talking about the way games can fulfill unmet needs in our lives to the point that we neglect other ways to fulfill them. They're a comfort for motivated, intelligent people who are not receiving validation or being challenged in life, or fear rejection. He's also talking about the friends he made playing UO and EQ, as well as the people he hurt, and the way he used those skills that made him effective in school and work.
@ramjet94 no hes getting to a point in the next video. and remember its not addiction unless its chemically screwing with your brain. I think James is just trying to put it into context
@ramjet94 The message that i think James was trying to get across was that while it may be fun to "live inside of a game" like the everquest game he and his friends played, It is detrimental in the long run because you miss out on the other great things in life. So the best thing to do is play games in moderation so you can enjoy your life and others close to you. Even if you "screwed your life up" by becoming addicted you can start over again and rebuild your life into something bettter
In addition i think the overall 2 part presentation's message was that videogames are not made to, nor do they have the ability to cause and addiction to them like drugs do, but instead a person may become addicted if they are trying to use a game to substitute a part of their life. It is up to EACH INDIVIDUAL as to what they CHOOSE to do with games. No game will ever have the power to make you do anything. That power is yours.
Like other commenters, I've been down the path of escapism addiction, as well.
Thanks for sharing your insight, James. I've enjoyed your thoughts on matters (relayed through Daniel) in the past, and this video touched me, personally, so this time is definitely no exception. I'm right there with you, man; we've come so far, but our time in Norrath stands firm in our memories, for both the good and the bad it caused. I'm glad you made it to that final /camp.
For my part I'll say this: When you wake up in the morning, would you rather spend 8 hours saving the world/galaxy/princess or would you rather spend 8 hours being screamed at by customers because they did something stupid? That's not a difficult choice. What's difficult is choosing to do it anyway despite it being a horrible experience because it allows you to open doors for better experiences. Love, nature, anything.. but it's hard to make that choice when you know gaming is going to be happy.
Notice how he can smile while he talks about how he remembers talking with his friends about the new expansion pack. He can smile. He doesn't scowl the whole time, saying that every moment was absolutely wasted. He had fun. That's something that no person screaming about how gaming addiction can even imagine. Thank you, James. My gosh, thank you Extra Credits. It's rare we see a show that's still so down to earth that it can do something like this.
this has opened my eyes ime going through what he went through ime guna shelf fallout for now and walk the dog, do some photography, take up a sport thank you extra credits you saved me =)
holy shit, this was so down to earth and real. although I definitely haven't been remotely addicted to gaming, I can see this being really helpful to those in need or those who haven't even realised their addiction.
Video games, ever since grade chool were just a way for me to supplement all of the time I had to spend alone in the house. My dad worked third and slept all day, my mom nevdr did anything, and my brother was always out with his high school friends. I knew it was bad when I picked a period to skip homework in, to beat LoZ:TP in a week. Now, I am not sure what to do about it, in this economy...
Video games are a great way to meet people, they increase problem solving skills, you learn tons of vocabulary, and its physically impossible for them to kill you.
The compulsion and avoidance that you talk about are also the biggest contributor to chemical dependence, and the least focused on. These underlying factors are largely ignored by the general discussions of drugs, alcohol, gambling, and other 'addictions', more often compulsions, yet are the most important factors to treat.
Operant conditioning was discussed in a previous episode, and it is deeply connected to these compulsions. At these levels it does represent chemical changes to the brain.
james, i actually cried, your wonderfully beautiful speech was the first thing to make me emotionally cry since i was 11, you are one of our spielberg or scorsese, michelangelo or da vinci. i think i can safely say this for everyone in our gaming community. we love you and we will be fans for eternity, no matter what happens to you or the challenges in your life. once again WE all love you
meh. drugs and especially alcohol is\are infinitely worse then videogames, but we all have our own struggles. some ppl are addicted to e-fame tho and i think thats one thing this video could have mentioned better. there is a steady rise of letsplays and machinima (sp?) videos out there and i would imagine the market for young videogame designers is beyond being over-saturated. still, there are so many crappy games out there! someone needs to get it right @@!@!
As a fellow James, I understand the sad reality of game addiction. I've been a very shy person. I had a great mind. I was very fit even though I never did anything other then the normal things I did during the day. I've played game since I was a very little kid (around 2 yes 2). When game addiction started with me was when I was 10 and I was playing MechWarrior 4. I'm 24 and I wish I could get my time back (I quit school and the like.) I was moved by this episode. Thank you James.
Must have not been easy to talk about. Good job James. For the last few years i never had access to high speed internet so I could only play story modes for years, but now that i do i play xbox live and stuff. but fortunatly for me because i never got to play live, i never became a compulsive gamer. Ha! im in college now and things are good. I live a balanced life with school and video games. =]
Holy crap, I totally just realized. I got addicted to Runescape when I was 12 (yes Runescape, shut up) I haven't played it since I was 15 (I'm 18 now), but I was totally addicted. That's probably the reason I suck at school, because I taught myself at a critical age to not to put effort into school work. Thank you James, I never realized that before. Too bad it's too late though.
man! The Escapist is a bunch of insane fools for dropping you guys. you were the only series on there that actually looked at subjects with any level of depth.
But everything he's said makes total sense. On a personal note, it explains my feelings behind burying myself in Pokemon and Lemmings. There wasn't much good going on where I lived, and we were all taught at home. And that kind of thing, if you're not careful, can totally take over your life.
Hmm this makes me wonder... I don't see myself as special... all my life i have been told how little i know, and how little people care... i'm single and never had a girfriend (banged a chick once, i don't think that counts). and still i'm happy... i wake up every morning with a smile on my face, and know that today is gonna be awesome. i play a lot of games, but i don't see myself as an addict. i don't see my life as tragic, and i can't see a problem... am i an addict or something o.O
thank you for sharing your story, I have a brother who is addicted to gaming and I really want him to just go out and talk to real people, see the sun, your story made my determination more stronger and I'll definitely help him through this
Story of my freakin' life. It was always Anime and my own creations that let me escape reality. It was always that you had to conform to everyone else to be a part of anything, though I refused. I had a small group of friends then, misfit and ostracized from everyone else. But we survived. And from those days back in middle school through high school, we've been looking out for each other ever since. Now we are strong, as we are all connected thru our bonds as friends.
Yep. Same here. EverQuest, I remember in 2000 I got my hands on it, and played on Tallon Zek all the way until 2005. I spent nearly 12 - 14 hours a day on it...and it got worse when I had a highschool girlfriend that played with me. My grades slipped really bad in 11th grade because of it.
Most of us who are passionate about games have at some point been swept away by gaming. Most of us resurface and survive the rip tide. A few get sucked under. It's the light and heat against the burned fingers of Fire. An amazing, daunting medium. My personal submersion was LP Muds and I realised I came up for air when seeing a fellow player putting in days at a time, when I had played through nights. It makes you stronger if it doesn't kill you.
Thank you for sharing. It is a relatable story, but you think this is bad? I was (and probably still am) addicted to single player games (mostly the older GTA games and currently 4) at least you were being social in the lowest sense of the word. I hated MMOs because people kind of suck.
I apologize because I know this was a topic very important to you, but the way you spoke about it droned on like a vacuum I just had to turn it off. You can't get someone interested in something if your tone of voice bores them. I'm really sorry.
this has made me more empathic toward one of my friends who for a long time prioritized his arena team in wow. i think after a problematic period in his martial arts group, he finally quit because of pressure and not wanting to compete with one of the friends there (who had parental pressure to succeed there). i think he turned to the game to gain a sense of accomplishment, and later gained loyalty to his teammates, too. he didn't care about success at school because he had success in the game.
What a great video. As someone with a family member suffering from game addiction, it's great to hear the stories of others.
What's particularly insidious about addiction is the way that the shame and addiction feed each other. You start feeling deeply shameful about your addiction, and that pain in turn drives you back to what makes you feel good - your addiction.
I know this is really important and close to your heart, but the entire time you're talking, all I could think of was the anime The World Only God Knows. It's relevant and actually apparently very accurate in it's depiction of Keima's game compulsion.
I've not been able to express my feelings about this, but you did it so well for me.
Games are one of the few things that can really make you dive into (escape to) a different world where you are appreciated and rewarded for your intellect and skills, especially after the real world let you down.
I appreciate you talking directly to us James, I really do.
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
Boo. Fucking. Hoo.
Do you know what solves game addiction? Not sitting around and going on some half baked forum talking about your little sob stories. No, pretending to care about what people think about you is not the way to go about these things.
Do you know what does solve game addiction? Doing. Doing anything. It doesn't matter what you do, whether it's write or draw or make music. It doesn't matter whether it's shit either.
Wake up to reality. Life doesn't give second chances.
Possibly one of the best serious videos I've ever watched on youtube!
As some1 who's 2nd largest regret in life is losing close to 4 years to gaming, this video hit quite close to home. You're lucky you've gotten past this, I can't say I'm completely there yet, and I know many others are still stuck, but this video portrays this issue in stark realism, which is what those involved and their loved ones need.
Filling the void and running away from the problems is exactly why the game world is tempting. I completely agree. A lot kids and adults who are into gaming usually are the shy type, or they are socially awkward. Highschool can be one of the worst times in anyone's life, and it's easy for kids who feel they don't fit in to run to the gaming world. When you play as the hero, you feel important and powerful. Once you find someone worth spending time with in real life, it'll get better.
You're absolutely phenomenal, dude. I love what you do and how you speak so clearly about this stuff. I can relate so much to the story you've shared with us.
Your comments on real life (high school, college, etc.) showing us that most don't care how capable, eager, and smart we are hit a bit too close to home.
I needed to hear this. It hurt, but I needed it. I've been fighting, and losing, but can't go back just because nothing's working. Maybe I can patch up the friendships I've been neglecting, and maybe if I look elsewhere I can find someone willing to help me build a career in this field ('cause the profs here sure don't give a shit).
This made me cry. The honesty of it was brutal in its way. I've spent the last two years trying to get into a biochemistry lab as an undergraduate with two jobs, three majors, and a 3.8 GPA. 25 separate labs have rejected me without even listening to what I have to say. I have been increasingly retreating into games, which have claimed my life once already and coaxed me into being a hermit. I fought it, and now I'm wondering why I bothered. (continued)
It's different, but it's... refreshing to change up the formula of the show.
Whilst I wouldn't say that I've had dire cases of game compulsion, but I can remember the time I spent a week playing PROTOTYPE when it came out, when I knew that I should've worked on my VisComm Folio. In the end I did manage to finish it though, granted a small extension and many sleepless nights.
But I do take some respite in that besides gaming, my other major aspect of my life is art and drawing (writhing in envy
Don't get me started on EverQuest I spent 12 hours a day for a year playing EverQuest. My parents shut that down and I haven't played a MMO sense those things will eat you alive.
Remember, this is the guy that is always in the front line to defend the gaming media. The guy that writes the most amazing texts to push the art forward. The guy that work with games. Event if his (almost) tragic young life could well make a movie.
One reason I would not lean away from using the term "addiction" is because how similar James's life story is to the story of an ex-druggie or ex-alcoholic. Go ahead, every time you hear him talk about gaming, replace it with talking about alcohol or drugs. It will be the same.
Objective, academical and clinical is the best way to handle any issue, otherwise you end up with confused irrational emotional statements that have no punch or real value.
@drbunji In my opinion, the best way for a society to miss interpret any emotional issue is to treat it with objectivity. You can't understand why people suffer from drug addiction, for example, without talking about the factors in their life that made them turn to drugs
Escapism is escapism be it through alcohol, sex, video-games or food. This video is just basically a beginner's example on how addiction works. If this is new or eye-opening to any of you, my best advice to you is stop listening to stories about addiction with the expectancy of listening between the words to hear a solution. That won't get you through it. Get up and start making changes.
Using yourself as an example it has enlightened us all on how game addiction, or any kind of media addiction comes about. Its not because the media is inherantly addicting, but its actually because the media is filling in a hole in your heart, that reality simply cannot.
I'll be honest, I didn't enjoy this episode and prefer the clinical academic format. That said I do appreciate the confession about your personal experience, it is relatable. While I hope this dose nor do I expect it to become the norm I do want to verbally express how the vlog format is not the direction I want to see your show go.
I used to think I had game addiction, but then it reached the stage where I couldn't be bothered playing games either. Then it hit me. I'm just a really lazy cunt.
@PanaMacSpana That reminds me of Margaret Cho's speech on sexuality: "I slept with one of the women on the ship...yep...and for a while I went through this whole thing: "AM I GAAAAYYY,?!?! AM I STRAIIIIIIIGHT?!?!?" And then it hit me.....I'm just slutty :)" XD
WOW man... you have balls to make such a video ... but don´t be depressed about past decisions. everything has his right place... you only don´t se yet why ... wait up and you will see ;)
Poor widdle SenorStocks trying to use big words he doesn't understand. Can't you just say "STOP TRIN MAEK GAMES NOT FUN" and go brag about your sweet ice-burn on Jimquisition like the rest? =P
@SenorStocks You're just not smart. No argument there. But you seem to have trouble reading and/or responding to people too. Bland, dime-a-dozen people like you are always good arguments for state-sponsored sterilization. I doubt whatever syphilitic streetwalker that produced you is adding anything to society.
Now like I said, go tell everyone at Jimquisition about your 'epic ice-burn' on your betters. You can come back afterwards (Of course, you will anyway).
@rubino83 Why the fuck are you talking about Jimquisition AGAIN? I've never watched any of that stuff. But whatever, keep on raging, faggot. PS I am smart.
Stick around if you want, cupcake. I'm merely pointing out the simple truth that when you wake up tomorrow, you'll still be a bottom. I don't know what it is about that that offends you ladies so much.
Oh god, I have video game addiction as well. I am so glad I am not alone in this.
Sumuois 1 month ago
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You're such a terrible nerd cliche. Melodramatic, insecure and awkward; your self identity is hopelessly tied up in this (unsubstantiated) idea that your intelligence is somehow exceptional. That 'gamers' are anything but dumb and lazy (except those damn Xbox jocks, amirite?). Also, nobody falls in love as a young teen.
jbenchy 2 months ago
I never played everquest, so is it strange that I wanted to hear the "expansion pack" part of the story again? Not because I couldn't understand it, but because... I enjoyed hearing about it?
MakeupAsigo 2 months ago
I guess there is a phase where you start caring about what kinds games are only time-wasters and what dont try to do that. I was one of the lucky to find out during my childhood.
635574 2 months ago
Society at large has some stigma against fun that doesn't involve breasts, beer, shouting or sports.
UnknownXV 2 months ago
@UnknownXV it's society didn't adapt to the immaterial realm.
635574 2 months ago
i thought he was gonna look older
satsugekibukouken 3 months ago
binge gaming that's what it is.
kunkurodan 3 months ago
Understandable! It took me some time to get over my gaming addiction... silly story on my channel.
hirokx 3 months ago
holy shit it's ACDC personified.!
he looks awesome!
Bloodyidit 3 months ago
video games... the one thing that makes a man truly cry from happiness
D100J 3 months ago
@D100J A wedding? A child being born?
Ir0nStein 3 months ago
@Ir0nStein good point... there many more so i may have exacurated non the less it's true
D100J 3 months ago
you play everquest2?!? i do too!
Mineykid 3 months ago
That's one HELLOVA goatee you got there James =P
Quadraxis 3 months ago
Thanks for this episode James. I think there are thousands of players going through similar stories like yours is. Games are always about having fun. And when your real life every day experience starts to feel like shit, it is very easy to isolate oneself into digital world. I've seen in the vid how difficult it was for you to talk about some parts of your story, and the more I appreciate you had the balls to do this episode.
DizzyAlic 4 months ago
there's something eating his chin
bingbongr 4 months ago
First: who cares what he looks like? You shouldn't.
Second: very powerful an profound. Good job!
Third: anyone saying this is bs because you aren't looking at brain chemistry needs to take things into perspective. Very few people talk about the relation between why people play games and get into them rather than the what happens when you are. Society is a large player in this because of reasons stated in the first episode. Not everything is just based on the people.
Colinrose777 4 months ago
I'm worried that the extra credit's writers tend to be focusing on external influences surrounding a person with a compulsion to game, I think that there may be some obvious chemistry or behaviour internally that affects us. I'm also worried about the lack of research being presented to us (not in this episode, which was already explained to be mostly subjective.)
KrankyBIAS 4 months ago
Comment removed
XanatosChimera 3 months ago
@XanatosChimera Y U DELETE COMMENT ლ(ಠ益ಠლ)
KrankyBIAS 3 months ago
@KrankyBIAS I looked at it and thought it was a bit unclear so I was trying to rewrite it to avoid unnecessary misunderstanding.
XanatosChimera 3 months ago
@KrankyBIAS What they are saying is that games don't directly affect brain chemistry like alcohol does. There are factors that would shift brain chemistry to make one susceptible to game compulsion, but these are external to the game, not part of the game. Games--and books--affect neural nets. Books can be just as much of a compulsion as games. What leads to that is not the book or the game, but external influences which impact neural nets and brain chemistry. Bullying, for example.
XanatosChimera 3 months ago
@XanatosChimera I disagree that games don't affect the brain. Games do affect the brain, maybe not in chemistry but certainly in Electroencephalographic terms. (Tried my best to word Electroencephalography as an adjective)
KrankyBIAS 3 months ago
@KrankyBIAS We're saying the same thing then. They affect neural nets as does any other activity which is what shows as changes on an EEG. Books can be the same thing. Instead of doing computer games, some retreat into books to escape the crap of the real world. I knew a number who would hang out at the library in high-school because the bullies and tormentors never came in there. Or took all the academic courses they could because their tormentors wouldn't take them either. :)
XanatosChimera 3 months ago
I felt like you were talking to me when you made this...
I don't if I have gaming 'addiction' or not but most of what you were saying sounds like my life in high school right now.
I'll hang out with my friends over my game any day but whenever were not hanging out I'm online 24/7
Thank you for sharing your story with us for you have expanded my horizon in so many different level.
rkoking226 4 months ago in playlist Extra Creditz
This may be inappropriate given the content but UO <3
JovialJewels 4 months ago
Wow, what a powerful episode James. Thanks for sharing. I had a friend who had a similar experience with gaming in University.
One other thing:
I wish I had been kissing a girl on the hood of an RX-7 when I was a teenager. Heck I wish I was kissing a girl on the hood of an RX-7 today!
cras17 4 months ago in playlist More videos from ExtraCreditz
Thats Brave and honest of you to speak of your own personal expirences to a large audience. Thank you james
TheKris006 4 months ago
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dude... you dress like a complete doushebag hipster.
Just sayin. Intellectually I know you are making a good point and all, but I really cant pay attention when you are coming across as a whiny doushebag hipster. I love all your opinions and you are a very good writer for extra credits, but please avoid doing anymore episodes like this in future.
DeMause 4 months ago
I love extra credit, to the point I downloaded every episode and put them in my mp3 player. All I can say is after seeing James "Oh my fucking god, he's real".
I miss watching episodes, please come at full speed when you can.
RedPandaBoy 4 months ago 2
This comment has received too many negative votes show
In This Video: A whiny hipster treats gaming like alcoholism while being the world's biggest hypocrite.
TheFailingMind 5 months ago
so...having a girlfriend will solve gaming compulsion? :P
HiJaayD 5 months ago in playlist More videos from ExtraCreditz
Eww, I freaking hate Bugles!
Zorieon 5 months ago
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This is unbelievably stupid. Nice complete lack of willpower you scum of the earth. Grow a fucking backbone and stop whining about the past. Jesus your pathetic.
pogosama 5 months ago
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Reading the comments and seeing this is pretty fucking creepy.
Is this a cult? Jesus we need more cults in the 2000's era to weed you pecker heads out.
I hope this is a cult, it's the only rational expla-fucking-nation I can come up with.
This isn't brave, nor informative, it's some cock sucker who had no will power giving his fuckin opinion.
And I'd like to see this cock suckers resume' since he's apparently gods gift to gaming.
He's not john carmack so I don't give a rats ass.
LgndryThndr 5 months ago
@LgndryThndr so did you bother comment?
Akumatrunigga 5 months ago
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@Akumatrunigga
That wasn't even english faggot.
LgndryThndr 5 months ago
@LgndryThndr
I'll repeat in "english". Why did you bother comment about vid that "you dont give a rat ass"? If insults is the best you can come up with then it is not a good look.
Akumatrunigga 5 months ago 4
@Akumatrunigga
Because Criticism,
Also exactly what has this jackass done that has everyone chasing their tails?
From what I gather he was a little nobody at Activision which is the worst fucking company on the face of video games :P
But go ahead, I'm just reacting rationally to a dick sucking in unison.
Haters gonna hate.
LgndryThndr 5 months ago
@LgndryThndr i think you're missing the point
codenameGIZM0 5 months ago
@codenameGIZM0
That He's addicted to Video Poker?
LgndryThndr 5 months ago
wow
th2 5 months ago
Hey kids! If you're gonna' get addicted to something, get addicted to something cool, like drugs, or alcohol! Don't be a weak willed tool like Dear Leader James was.
Shadowdyce11 5 months ago
This is not Extra Credits.
TheInfamousBertman 5 months ago
The presentation on this sucks. I guess I've been spoiled by the clean concise arguments and the pretty pictures. Regardless, I think this is probably the smartest and most profound insight I've seen on extra credits. Bravo James.
Chefodeath 5 months ago 2
his goatee is so fluffy...
SilverMoon127 5 months ago
OH MY GOD ITS A HUMAN BEING!!!!!!
foolycoolytheband 5 months ago 37
@foolycoolytheband no, it's just an awsomely drawn comic
TheGirlzgame 3 months ago
...damn, he's kinda cute...
shadowsol93 5 months ago
Aurora? Seattle? OMG you lived by me!
fauxman 5 months ago
@SleepyFoxx - They see me trollin', they laughing.
MrUppertorso 5 months ago
Extra Credits is what happens when the GameFAQs community makes videos.
mf91007 5 months ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Nobody cares about your personal life faggot.
SleepyFoxx 5 months ago
Don't worry bro, I 'm currently trying to shuck being a CoD Junkie... At least you were addicted to a good game... Brofist
ObviousAimbot 5 months ago 2
Thank you.
crazeekamikazee 5 months ago
ummm i'm a little confused here wasnt the last video about how Video Games WEREN'T an addiction and could easily be in moderation. And then the following video is about how James' addiction basically messed up his later teen years.........am i missing something here?
ramjet94 5 months ago
@ramjet94 Rewatch part 1 then. They're talking about the way games can fulfill unmet needs in our lives to the point that we neglect other ways to fulfill them. They're a comfort for motivated, intelligent people who are not receiving validation or being challenged in life, or fear rejection. He's also talking about the friends he made playing UO and EQ, as well as the people he hurt, and the way he used those skills that made him effective in school and work.
TheAcornMonk 5 months ago
@ramjet94 no hes getting to a point in the next video. and remember its not addiction unless its chemically screwing with your brain. I think James is just trying to put it into context
leebone98 5 months ago in playlist More videos from ExtraCreditz
@ramjet94 The message that i think James was trying to get across was that while it may be fun to "live inside of a game" like the everquest game he and his friends played, It is detrimental in the long run because you miss out on the other great things in life. So the best thing to do is play games in moderation so you can enjoy your life and others close to you. Even if you "screwed your life up" by becoming addicted you can start over again and rebuild your life into something bettter
linux750 5 months ago
@ramjet94
In addition i think the overall 2 part presentation's message was that videogames are not made to, nor do they have the ability to cause and addiction to them like drugs do, but instead a person may become addicted if they are trying to use a game to substitute a part of their life. It is up to EACH INDIVIDUAL as to what they CHOOSE to do with games. No game will ever have the power to make you do anything. That power is yours.
linux750 5 months ago
You are a genius.
austinthebookworm5 5 months ago
Like other commenters, I've been down the path of escapism addiction, as well.
Thanks for sharing your insight, James. I've enjoyed your thoughts on matters (relayed through Daniel) in the past, and this video touched me, personally, so this time is definitely no exception. I'm right there with you, man; we've come so far, but our time in Norrath stands firm in our memories, for both the good and the bad it caused. I'm glad you made it to that final /camp.
wizen81 5 months ago
james is a genius, its official now
CssHDmonster 5 months ago
i almost cried watching this. i see so much of what i used to be in what James said.. wow i.... just wow
deathdealer13cat 5 months ago
For my part I'll say this: When you wake up in the morning, would you rather spend 8 hours saving the world/galaxy/princess or would you rather spend 8 hours being screamed at by customers because they did something stupid? That's not a difficult choice. What's difficult is choosing to do it anyway despite it being a horrible experience because it allows you to open doors for better experiences. Love, nature, anything.. but it's hard to make that choice when you know gaming is going to be happy.
AchronTimeless 5 months ago
Is james the guy from Name Game?
Grug16 5 months ago in playlist More videos from ExtraCreditz
Notice how he can smile while he talks about how he remembers talking with his friends about the new expansion pack. He can smile. He doesn't scowl the whole time, saying that every moment was absolutely wasted. He had fun. That's something that no person screaming about how gaming addiction can even imagine. Thank you, James. My gosh, thank you Extra Credits. It's rare we see a show that's still so down to earth that it can do something like this.
ApprenticeNick 5 months ago 73
this has opened my eyes ime going through what he went through ime guna shelf fallout for now and walk the dog, do some photography, take up a sport thank you extra credits you saved me =)
TEHSMISH 5 months ago
I liked the Hype Hot Dogs at the beginning.
Hype Dogs?
Omnywrench 5 months ago
holy shit, this was so down to earth and real. although I definitely haven't been remotely addicted to gaming, I can see this being really helpful to those in need or those who haven't even realised their addiction.
krustypinoy 5 months ago
Is James made of anime?
djbeema 5 months ago
No offence.....That is ALOT leather!.......
lordguy5 5 months ago
James looks like a final fantasy character
Gezab 5 months ago 2
Video games, ever since grade chool were just a way for me to supplement all of the time I had to spend alone in the house. My dad worked third and slept all day, my mom nevdr did anything, and my brother was always out with his high school friends. I knew it was bad when I picked a period to skip homework in, to beat LoZ:TP in a week. Now, I am not sure what to do about it, in this economy...
Rokumasu853 5 months ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Terrible beard and terrible haircut,
get that changed ASAP.
DrMuganda 5 months ago
@DrMuganda I thought he looked awesome. long hair is sweet and that beard is unique. So no, I'm not going to trust you just because you're a doctor!
Drakmeire 5 months ago
Yeah, I lost a whole summer holidays to WoW. FU BLIZZARD!!!
GloballyImportant 5 months ago
@GloballyImportant You indicate that its Blizzards fault.
Skandornon 5 months ago
@Skandornon
...... Shutup.
GloballyImportant 5 months ago
I could have sworn that goatee was a microphone in the suggestions box...
TheAnonymousComedy 5 months ago 2
Video games are a great way to meet people, they increase problem solving skills, you learn tons of vocabulary, and its physically impossible for them to kill you.
vivalabad6 5 months ago
The compulsion and avoidance that you talk about are also the biggest contributor to chemical dependence, and the least focused on. These underlying factors are largely ignored by the general discussions of drugs, alcohol, gambling, and other 'addictions', more often compulsions, yet are the most important factors to treat.
Operant conditioning was discussed in a previous episode, and it is deeply connected to these compulsions. At these levels it does represent chemical changes to the brain.
AlexanderTzalumen 5 months ago
james, i actually cried, your wonderfully beautiful speech was the first thing to make me emotionally cry since i was 11, you are one of our spielberg or scorsese, michelangelo or da vinci. i think i can safely say this for everyone in our gaming community. we love you and we will be fans for eternity, no matter what happens to you or the challenges in your life. once again WE all love you
elichan7 5 months ago
meh. drugs and especially alcohol is\are infinitely worse then videogames, but we all have our own struggles. some ppl are addicted to e-fame tho and i think thats one thing this video could have mentioned better. there is a steady rise of letsplays and machinima (sp?) videos out there and i would imagine the market for young videogame designers is beyond being over-saturated. still, there are so many crappy games out there! someone needs to get it right @@!@!
7kyro 5 months ago
As a fellow James, I understand the sad reality of game addiction. I've been a very shy person. I had a great mind. I was very fit even though I never did anything other then the normal things I did during the day. I've played game since I was a very little kid (around 2 yes 2). When game addiction started with me was when I was 10 and I was playing MechWarrior 4. I'm 24 and I wish I could get my time back (I quit school and the like.) I was moved by this episode. Thank you James.
KingResu 5 months ago
Must have not been easy to talk about. Good job James. For the last few years i never had access to high speed internet so I could only play story modes for years, but now that i do i play xbox live and stuff. but fortunatly for me because i never got to play live, i never became a compulsive gamer. Ha! im in college now and things are good. I live a balanced life with school and video games. =]
spankingboat11 5 months ago
Holy crap, I totally just realized. I got addicted to Runescape when I was 12 (yes Runescape, shut up) I haven't played it since I was 15 (I'm 18 now), but I was totally addicted. That's probably the reason I suck at school, because I taught myself at a critical age to not to put effort into school work. Thank you James, I never realized that before. Too bad it's too late though.
LobsterFeng 5 months ago
man! The Escapist is a bunch of insane fools for dropping you guys. you were the only series on there that actually looked at subjects with any level of depth.
macman3045 5 months ago
I wasn't able to watch it, sorry. Not enough distance.
qubodup 5 months ago
Interesting. Not as entertaining nor compact as normal, but far more effective.
dalsio 5 months ago
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dalsio 5 months ago
what about me
I enjoy playing games but I don't because I feel bad about it
Regginyaga 5 months ago
1:20 SQUEEEEEEEEE!
Okay, sorry.
But everything he's said makes total sense. On a personal note, it explains my feelings behind burying myself in Pokemon and Lemmings. There wasn't much good going on where I lived, and we were all taught at home. And that kind of thing, if you're not careful, can totally take over your life.
KwartzKitten 5 months ago
Hmm this makes me wonder... I don't see myself as special... all my life i have been told how little i know, and how little people care... i'm single and never had a girfriend (banged a chick once, i don't think that counts). and still i'm happy... i wake up every morning with a smile on my face, and know that today is gonna be awesome. i play a lot of games, but i don't see myself as an addict. i don't see my life as tragic, and i can't see a problem... am i an addict or something o.O
DelusionalLogic 5 months ago
i've got a feeling that this video will help open my friends eyes a little to what he is doing with his life. Thank you
IAMDADEV 5 months ago
There's a reason why Everquest was nicknamed "Evercrack".
PokeDude1995 5 months ago 3
thank you for sharing your story, I have a brother who is addicted to gaming and I really want him to just go out and talk to real people, see the sun, your story made my determination more stronger and I'll definitely help him through this
sumgal13 5 months ago
Story of my freakin' life. It was always Anime and my own creations that let me escape reality. It was always that you had to conform to everyone else to be a part of anything, though I refused. I had a small group of friends then, misfit and ostracized from everyone else. But we survived. And from those days back in middle school through high school, we've been looking out for each other ever since. Now we are strong, as we are all connected thru our bonds as friends.
BladeoftheForce 5 months ago
That's James for you. Keeping things real.
dinggledoser 5 months ago
Yep. Same here. EverQuest, I remember in 2000 I got my hands on it, and played on Tallon Zek all the way until 2005. I spent nearly 12 - 14 hours a day on it...and it got worse when I had a highschool girlfriend that played with me. My grades slipped really bad in 11th grade because of it.
Ayzahar 5 months ago
Social games can be particularly addictive for a lot of reasons.
Laughingblades 5 months ago
not only will this encourage people compelled to games to do more with life, but people who generally struggle in life.
...I think I'm going to hit the physics books...
Thank you james.
MrNeeNaw 5 months ago
100..... that's 38 degrees celsius!?
Duuuuuuuuuude O_O
MrNeeNaw 5 months ago
Most of us who are passionate about games have at some point been swept away by gaming. Most of us resurface and survive the rip tide. A few get sucked under. It's the light and heat against the burned fingers of Fire. An amazing, daunting medium. My personal submersion was LP Muds and I realised I came up for air when seeing a fellow player putting in days at a time, when I had played through nights. It makes you stronger if it doesn't kill you.
DoctorMikeReddy 5 months ago
i was "compulsed" to wow, then i met xbox
TheBansheeBomb 5 months ago
Thank you for sharing. It is a relatable story, but you think this is bad? I was (and probably still am) addicted to single player games (mostly the older GTA games and currently 4) at least you were being social in the lowest sense of the word. I hated MMOs because people kind of suck.
videosfromderelix 5 months ago
I apologize because I know this was a topic very important to you, but the way you spoke about it droned on like a vacuum I just had to turn it off. You can't get someone interested in something if your tone of voice bores them. I'm really sorry.
NurseJackal 5 months ago
@NurseJackal You must not talk to many people in real life. Not everything important will be flashy and stylized. Sometimes shit gets real.
videosfromderelix 5 months ago 2
this has made me more empathic toward one of my friends who for a long time prioritized his arena team in wow. i think after a problematic period in his martial arts group, he finally quit because of pressure and not wanting to compete with one of the friends there (who had parental pressure to succeed there). i think he turned to the game to gain a sense of accomplishment, and later gained loyalty to his teammates, too. he didn't care about success at school because he had success in the game.
Nazareadain 5 months ago
What a great video. As someone with a family member suffering from game addiction, it's great to hear the stories of others.
What's particularly insidious about addiction is the way that the shame and addiction feed each other. You start feeling deeply shameful about your addiction, and that pain in turn drives you back to what makes you feel good - your addiction.
GuardsmanBass 5 months ago
You guys will never stop to amaze me.
BossPanzer 5 months ago
I watched this before i decided whether to go out or not. This vid has changed my choice!
Stikku2 5 months ago
I know this is really important and close to your heart, but the entire time you're talking, all I could think of was the anime The World Only God Knows. It's relevant and actually apparently very accurate in it's depiction of Keima's game compulsion.
TheUnluckyEverydude 5 months ago
Holly crap James you're eloquent in real life and in what you write. I'm so glad you could share your story. Thank you!
eltrouble 5 months ago
Im Enjoying listening to your life stories James.
alexbaxthedarkside 5 months ago
We should totally start calling him gaming biker jesus from now on.
MrPizzapoika 5 months ago in playlist Lisää videoita käyttäjältä ExtraCreditz 116
@MrPizzapoika or a good guy who just want to help people from us or to anyone right
sonictom95 5 months ago
I can't commend you enough to be courageous enough to talk about something so personal for yourself like that.
tbeaz161 5 months ago
Comment removed
Gungrave123 5 months ago
Is there anywhere to watch your past videos? I just found out about your site, and was wondering if you were going to gradually upload the videos?
irock730 5 months ago
@irock730 Escapist has most of their old videos, check there or check escapist's youtube account.
glovestrong48 5 months ago
4:14 - 4:45 ,
I've not been able to express my feelings about this, but you did it so well for me.
Games are one of the few things that can really make you dive into (escape to) a different world where you are appreciated and rewarded for your intellect and skills, especially after the real world let you down.
I appreciate you talking directly to us James, I really do.
youtubian2500 5 months ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Boo. Fucking. Hoo.
Do you know what solves game addiction? Not sitting around and going on some half baked forum talking about your little sob stories. No, pretending to care about what people think about you is not the way to go about these things.
Do you know what does solve game addiction? Doing. Doing anything. It doesn't matter what you do, whether it's write or draw or make music. It doesn't matter whether it's shit either.
Wake up to reality. Life doesn't give second chances.
ImTeapotALittle 5 months ago
Possibly one of the best serious videos I've ever watched on youtube!
As some1 who's 2nd largest regret in life is losing close to 4 years to gaming, this video hit quite close to home. You're lucky you've gotten past this, I can't say I'm completely there yet, and I know many others are still stuck, but this video portrays this issue in stark realism, which is what those involved and their loved ones need.
Thank you.
EWWezaQ 5 months ago
You're reading! You're reading! Ahhhh!..
Thank you Gaming Biker Jesus. It echoes in every note with me. Do more.
Chr0n3 6 months ago
Thank you so much for doing this, James. this was amazing to watch.
kanashimibell 6 months ago
Filling the void and running away from the problems is exactly why the game world is tempting. I completely agree. A lot kids and adults who are into gaming usually are the shy type, or they are socially awkward. Highschool can be one of the worst times in anyone's life, and it's easy for kids who feel they don't fit in to run to the gaming world. When you play as the hero, you feel important and powerful. Once you find someone worth spending time with in real life, it'll get better.
Dragonstar13 6 months ago
You're absolutely phenomenal, dude. I love what you do and how you speak so clearly about this stuff. I can relate so much to the story you've shared with us.
lazyluigi101 6 months ago
Your comments on real life (high school, college, etc.) showing us that most don't care how capable, eager, and smart we are hit a bit too close to home.
I needed to hear this. It hurt, but I needed it. I've been fighting, and losing, but can't go back just because nothing's working. Maybe I can patch up the friendships I've been neglecting, and maybe if I look elsewhere I can find someone willing to help me build a career in this field ('cause the profs here sure don't give a shit).
Thanks.
TomatoBreadOrgasm 6 months ago
James,
This made me cry. The honesty of it was brutal in its way. I've spent the last two years trying to get into a biochemistry lab as an undergraduate with two jobs, three majors, and a 3.8 GPA. 25 separate labs have rejected me without even listening to what I have to say. I have been increasingly retreating into games, which have claimed my life once already and coaxed me into being a hermit. I fought it, and now I'm wondering why I bothered. (continued)
TomatoBreadOrgasm 6 months ago
Stupid PAX now I'll always associate Jame's distinctive appearance as the guy in the party of six at Il Fornaio.
CameraShyLimited 6 months ago
It's different, but it's... refreshing to change up the formula of the show.
Whilst I wouldn't say that I've had dire cases of game compulsion, but I can remember the time I spent a week playing PROTOTYPE when it came out, when I knew that I should've worked on my VisComm Folio. In the end I did manage to finish it though, granted a small extension and many sleepless nights.
But I do take some respite in that besides gaming, my other major aspect of my life is art and drawing (writhing in envy
MrHidePatten 6 months ago
Don't get me started on EverQuest I spent 12 hours a day for a year playing EverQuest. My parents shut that down and I haven't played a MMO sense those things will eat you alive.
darkdragonsoul99 6 months ago
Been there done this but I didn't have friends to lose to start with.
darkdragonsoul99 6 months ago
Remember, this is the guy that is always in the front line to defend the gaming media. The guy that writes the most amazing texts to push the art forward. The guy that work with games. Event if his (almost) tragic young life could well make a movie.
James, you are my new Michael Jackson.
LymanTheDigger 6 months ago
One reason I would not lean away from using the term "addiction" is because how similar James's life story is to the story of an ex-druggie or ex-alcoholic. Go ahead, every time you hear him talk about gaming, replace it with talking about alcohol or drugs. It will be the same.
accquizzer 6 months ago
@accquizzer I totally agree. I had/have issues with alcohol, and a lot of what James says in this is uncomfortably close to my own experiences.
liambarrett666 6 months ago
Would you please upload the older episodes, there are some that i just cant stop watching!
squerintain 6 months ago
Comment removed
deadlyflyingrat 6 months ago
Objective, academical and clinical is the best way to handle any issue, otherwise you end up with confused irrational emotional statements that have no punch or real value.
drbunji 6 months ago
@drbunji In my opinion, the best way for a society to miss interpret any emotional issue is to treat it with objectivity. You can't understand why people suffer from drug addiction, for example, without talking about the factors in their life that made them turn to drugs
Salocinist 6 months ago
is it just me, or does James have a lovely face?
DaBlueWind 6 months ago
*snrrrrrrrk*
darthkrueger 6 months ago
Comment removed
njcBlackeyed 6 months ago
Escapism is escapism be it through alcohol, sex, video-games or food. This video is just basically a beginner's example on how addiction works. If this is new or eye-opening to any of you, my best advice to you is stop listening to stories about addiction with the expectancy of listening between the words to hear a solution. That won't get you through it. Get up and start making changes.
BoxOfMoons 6 months ago
I have such a huge respect for you now, I love you so much, and I don't care if people think that's weird.
ALX11231 6 months ago
This... Is beautiful. It hits so close to home... This is the best episode ever.
sgv951 6 months ago
Great job James.
Using yourself as an example it has enlightened us all on how game addiction, or any kind of media addiction comes about. Its not because the media is inherantly addicting, but its actually because the media is filling in a hole in your heart, that reality simply cannot.
scartillery 6 months ago 67
Yeah! Shout out for the theatre kids!
HesGotaGun505 6 months ago
He reminds me of Keanu Reeves as "Ted Theodore Logan". Except not a braindead moron.
HesGotaGun505 6 months ago
Goatee like a boss
Thedeoradude 6 months ago
I'll be honest, I didn't enjoy this episode and prefer the clinical academic format. That said I do appreciate the confession about your personal experience, it is relatable. While I hope this dose nor do I expect it to become the norm I do want to verbally express how the vlog format is not the direction I want to see your show go.
corpral 6 months ago 2
I used to think I had game addiction, but then it reached the stage where I couldn't be bothered playing games either. Then it hit me. I'm just a really lazy cunt.
PanaMacSpana 6 months ago 4
@PanaMacSpana That reminds me of Margaret Cho's speech on sexuality: "I slept with one of the women on the ship...yep...and for a while I went through this whole thing: "AM I GAAAAYYY,?!?! AM I STRAIIIIIIIGHT?!?!?" And then it hit me.....I'm just slutty :)" XD
Salocinist 6 months ago
As soon as extra credits got on youtube, trolls and haters attacked in great numbers! It's an ambush!
sk8eradu 6 months ago
WOW man... you have balls to make such a video ... but don´t be depressed about past decisions. everything has his right place... you only don´t se yet why ... wait up and you will see ;)
Kockafalva 6 months ago
... That is the largest, most epic soul patch ive ever seen
keep up the good work
TheAroughs 6 months ago
Poor widdle SenorStocks trying to use big words he doesn't understand. Can't you just say "STOP TRIN MAEK GAMES NOT FUN" and go brag about your sweet ice-burn on Jimquisition like the rest? =P
rubino83 6 months ago
@rubino83 What the hell are you talking about you raging homosexual?! At least I can tag people in replies correctly, dumbass.
SenorStocks 6 months ago
Comment removed
rubino83 6 months ago
@rubino83 Lol nice retraction of your comment there. What happened? Mommy tell you off for saying nasty things on the internet? What a joke.
SenorStocks 6 months ago
@SenorStocks You're just not smart. No argument there. But you seem to have trouble reading and/or responding to people too. Bland, dime-a-dozen people like you are always good arguments for state-sponsored sterilization. I doubt whatever syphilitic streetwalker that produced you is adding anything to society.
Now like I said, go tell everyone at Jimquisition about your 'epic ice-burn' on your betters. You can come back afterwards (Of course, you will anyway).
rubino83 6 months ago
@rubino83 Why the fuck are you talking about Jimquisition AGAIN? I've never watched any of that stuff. But whatever, keep on raging, faggot. PS I am smart.
SenorStocks 6 months ago
@SenorStocks Only if "smart" means, as described, desire and ability to take one in the ass area. And it doesn't. So you're not.
No Jimquisition? I guess Yahtzee will work well then.
This is why ED died. Too much unfunny strangling out the funny.
rubino83 6 months ago
@rubino83 Come back when you've learnt to be coherent.
SenorStocks 6 months ago
@SenorStocks And you're out of gas already.
Stick around if you want, cupcake. I'm merely pointing out the simple truth that when you wake up tomorrow, you'll still be a bottom. I don't know what it is about that that offends you ladies so much.
rubino83 6 months ago
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rubino83 6 months ago