Top Gun - Dr. David Walsh, Media in the Family | CBC News: the fifth estate

On the 2008 Thanksgiving weekend, Steve and Angelika Crisp confiscated their son Brandon's Xbox. The Crisps could not have foreseen the tragic consequences. Brandon retaliated by running away from home his body was discovered three weeks later. Brandon's death became a national news story he was not just another teen runaway.

Brandon's disappearance and death revealed to parents a darker aspect to their children 's gaming: addiction. And as gamers are drawn into an alternate world their need to play is fuelled by dreams of international glory and the chance to win thousands of dollars on a professional gaming circuit.

In a fifth estate investigation by reporter Gillian Findlay, viewers will go inside this virtual community where gaming addiction can trump family and friends. Brandon's best friend gives us insights into Brandon's growing gaming obsession. A self-confessed former gaming addict offers candid views about his own attempt to break the gaming cycle. We'll also meet a group of young Canadian athletes who play on a professional gaming team, complete with a coach and a big-name sponsor.

And Findlay will speak with two people who see the harm of video game obsession a family therapist whose practice is filling with game addicts and their families and a psychologist who pushed the industry to adopt a ratings system. As well, Findlay interviews the CEO of a pro-gaming circuit who talks about the lure of competitive gaming a lure not just for young players, but also for the companies who advertise to gamers.
And finally, the fifth estate talks to Brandon Crisp's parents who are still coming to terms with how their son's obsession led to tragedy, and who remind us that Brandon was not unlike other teenagers who may also find themselves captivated by video games.

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Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• mediawise
• media wise
• video game addiction

[masterofoverkill2]

i watched the whole program. it was pure bullshit. they basically went all jack thompson on video games and mad non discreit jabs at video games. it was really one sided

[Darkstar7654]

OK what a second....NICATINE? Pepto-Bismol??? lol

[NwoSwat]

This.... is so bias

[v9vREBORN]

Great idea Walsh. You're the new Jack Thompson. Post videos denouncing videogames on a popular socialmedia site practically crawling with gamers. This is blasphemy to us. While Brandon Crisp's death was indeed tragic, what kind of dickface would do that?

[tallyhoman911]

what about jocks who play football there addicted to football! everyone is addicted to something! why cant we just embrace what were addicted to and live happy lives doing what we like to do!!!!

[chunkmanshaun]

if you go to rehab for a fucking videogame addiction thenn you really are the biggest pussy in the world as for dopamine what the fuck is wrong with feeling good this guys a total douche!

[crazyaces222]

so basically don`t play Call of Duty (modern warfare) and Grand Theft Auto.

[Wesinhuman]

Game Ratings have nothing to do with a game's addictive nature. This is a good video though and I'm glad it's here.

[spunkflunk]

i love how every time his jaw moves his turkey neck shows XD

[ZackcyX]

I dont' know why parents let there kids get obsessed with video games.......if anyone is too blame...IT"S THE PARENTS ONLY!!!

I play Call of Duty 4, it is my favorite game of all time but I would never endanger my life over a bunch of pixels.