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The Video Game Addiction Scale, or “VGAS”, is a standard measurement with concrete guidelines written both for the general public and licensed physicians to help understand and cope with the varying levels of video game addiction. This is a common problem among the youth, and increasingly, among adults 30 and older. The scale ranges from “NA” (Not Addicted), to “TD” (Total Dependency) with associated numeric values. When a subject exhibits symptoms that cohabitate positions on the scale, the treatment option for the numerically higher scale position should be used. Note that the scale is used in relation to a particular game. If a subject is enamoured with multiple games, sum their scores for each game together, then divide by the cubic root of the number of games played.Notable Scale Positions

0 - NA (Not Addicted): Subject plays game for 0-4 hours a week on average, no longer than 1 hour consecutively. Exhibits no behaviour indicating physical or psychological discomfort when not allowed to play game, and little to no desire to play regularly if activities are not restricted.

Sample of games most often found played at 0: Children’s games, most online “Flash” games

1 - CP (Casual Player): Subject plays game for 3-6 hours a week on average, no longer than 2 hours consecutively. Exhibits no behaviour indicating physical or psychological discomfort when not allowed to play game, and little desire to play regularly if activities are not restricted.

Sample of games most often found played at 1: Simulators (including sports, flight, etc.), Fighting games

2 - CG (Casual Gamer): Subject self-identifies as a “gamer” in general if prompted, and rarely self-identifies as a player of game as a personality trait, and will play game between 4-10 hours per week on average. Exhibits no behaviour indicating physical or psychological discomfort when not allowed to play game, and a normal desire in the context of a hobby to play regularly if activities are not restricted.

Sample of games most often found played at 2: Very wide array of genres at this level, though single player First-Person Shooters have a statistical lead.

3 - G (Gamer): Subject self-identifies as a player of game and usually of gaming in general as a personality trait, and will play game between 1-3 hours per day on average. Some games which have unusually high time demands over few days in a week (usually online multiplayer games) may result in subject playing for extended periods at this level, but total time per week may not extend past 16 hours per week. May exhibit minor physical or psychological discomfort if not allowed to play, possibly exhibited as a short temper or a simple longing to play game. Indicates a strong desire to play game when primary self-identified life objectives are being met.

Sample of games most often found played at 3: Very wide array of genres at this level, though Real-time Strategy games have a statistical lead.

4 - HG (Hardcore Gamer): Subject self-identifies as a player of game as a major or defining part of themselves. Subject will play game for 16-30 hours a week, in stretches as long as 8 hours without breaks. Experiences discomfort at the thought of being restricted in their play, and will likely become physically and psychologically agitated if prevented from playing. In addition to time spent directly gaming, may spend many hours at “fan” websites, or on internet forums, discussing game in-depth. Subject will give up other activities to pursue in-game achievements, of which the action of giving up may or may not be regretted.

Sample of games most often found played at 4: Multi-player First-Person Shooters, Real-time Strategy games, some Massively Multiplayer Online Roleplaying Games (MMOs). Games with large communities and rankings dominated this area.

5 - TD (Total Dependency): Subject’s principle preoccupation is game, bordering on obsession. Playtime greater than 30 hours a week, with physically unhealthy stretches, some of more than 24 hours straight being reported. The vast majority of subject’s life is spent devoted to game, with any other activities being entered into only through heavy cajoling or if the activity directly supports the ability, perceived or otherwise, to play game. Reacts with extreme discomfort at the thought of not being able to play, possibly to the point of violence. Will often attempt to hide the magnitude of play time from friends and family, and will distance themselves accordingly. Generally meets the DSM IV requirements for substance addiction if game is allowed to be interpreted as a substance.

Sample of games most often found played at 5: Almost entirely MMOs.

Treatment Options

0-3 No treatment generally needed, behavioural therapy can be used if subject requests, but change can usually be initiated without professional help.

4 Behavioural therapy is generally proven to be simple and effective at this stage. Support of friends and family can make all the difference. Regression is likely, but not fatal to progress. Anti-depressants may be discretionally used.

5 Anti-aversion therapy (the administration of negative reinforcement) may be used. Electric shocks may be administered as subject attempts to play, for example. Denial of privileges and removal of the ability to play can also be effective. 12 step programs similar to AA may be beneficial, and the resulting positive atmosphere conducive to finding new interests. A thorough regimen of anti-depressants is almost a necessity to prevent fatal regression. As a last resort, anti-psychotic drugs and tranquilizers may be used to curb the desire to play.

I used to be a 5 when I played WoW, probably a 2 now, although on occasion I’ve been known to do 8 hour stretches of gaming on a weekend if there is nothing else going on