ONLINE multiplayer game, PUBG, is common in Pakistan. There are various action games which are psychologically harmful. The Chinese government has proscribed this game in the country because of the violent acts it has.

Children who play violent games are more likely to have elevated war-like notions, sentiments and behaviours and are not inclined towards helping others.

The World Health Organisation in 2018 declared gaming addiction as a mental health disorder. Addiction to video games increases depression and anxiety levels.

Known outcomes of playing PUBG are strain on the eyes, frazzle, migraine, obesity, poor sleep and more. Psychological health issues are there too such as withdrawal (irritability, poor sleep, anger) depression, insomnia and even substance abuse as a result of compulsive disorder.

Addiction to such games can trigger the want of drugs and can ultimately lead towards a deterioration of health. Despite this, youngsters and adults spend a lot of time playing PUBG.

The solution to this is to limit the number of rounds that can be played in a day by a single player. This way players are not robbed of the fun and they can find time for other activities during the day. This step was taken for Shadow Fight I, II and III and it makes the game more fun.

Intikhab Uddin Shinwari

Peshawer

Published in Dawn, May 15th, 2019