Abstract
In recent years, several studies have demonstrated that at least a small group of gamers has trouble
controlling their online video game playing. Excessive amounts of time spent on playing online video
games can be severely disruptive to school, work, and ‘‘real life’’ social contacts. It seems that online
games, especially multiplayer online role playing games, are more often associated with video game
addiction. Drawing parallels to other industries – such as gambling – which are heavily regulated, the
issue of social responsibility of the video game industry is explored. Presently, online video game
publishers provide neither referral services nor customer care with regards to video game addiction. In
our opinion, a dual approach is necessary. Firstly, consumers should be informed about potential
addiction risks that can be attributed to playing online video games. Secondly, game publishers should
implement proper referral services. Providing customer care and referral services might be in the best
interest of the video game industry at this point, as it may very well prevent revenue restricting
governmental intervention. Therefore, taking action on the issue of social responsibility will benefit
both the customer – who will be informed and properly referred – and the game industry alike