TIGA Responds to BBC Panorama Claims on Video Games ‘Addiction’

By December 6, 2010 Press Releases

TIGA, the trade association representing the UK games industry, today released a statement in advance of tonight’s BBC Panorama programme, which looks at the controversial topic of video games ‘addiction’.

Dr. Richard Wilson, TIGA CEO, made the following comments ahead of tonight’s programme:

“TIGA has yet to see the Panorama documentary, so cannot comment on specific points raised in the show. However, what we can say is that there is absolutely no proven link between video games and addiction. The World Health Organisation has no official medical diagnosis of video games addiction. Playing games is a hobby and people can certainly become passionate about them. This is no different from a passion for a particular book, TV programme or sport. In addition, playing games such as Wii Sports of Xbox Kinect can improve fitness. Games can also be educational. A fifth of UK games businesses make educational or serious games. “”

“There is a world of difference between people who claim, in the colloquial non medical sense, that they are addicted to games, music, football or a TV programme and people who are clinically addicted, in scientific parlance, to drugs or alcohol. People may claim to be addicted to something like games or football, but in most cases they are not.””

“TIGA would welcome additional independent research in to this topic and takes this issue very seriously. As with all hobbies we advocate that video games are played in moderation, with gamers taking regular breaks. Parents and retailers should also ensure that children only play games that are age appropriate. Games are clearly marked with PEGI or BBFC age ratings to inform parents about which games are suitable for their children.””

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