which kinds of video games are the

most addictive?

Submitted by: Nadav Kravel, Noam Alan Shulman, Noam Horesh

Submitted to: Mimi Fuchs
Date: October 2024
Class YA3/12/11 English Muatz
Table of Contents Page

Introduction 3

Topic 4

Behavioral and Psychological Effects of Violent Video Games 4

Physical and Health Consequences of Video Game Addiction 5

Reward mechanisms in gaming 6

Conclusion 8

Bibliography 9

Appendix 9

Reflection
Introduction
Answer the following questions
Why I chose this topic?
Why does this topic interest me?
What am I going to research?

The topic we decided to relate to in our project work is addiction to video games. As
three boys who love to play video games in their free time, alone and together, we spend
a lot of time with the different games. Despite this, in recent years we also hear about
many cases of dangerous addiction to video games. We don’t want the video games to
Interfere with other things we do in our lives, and that’s what happens to many kids and
even adults that get addicted to all the video games. There are cases when the excessive
time people spend playing video games can even harm them physically and mentally. In
the project, we can understand together how we can enjoy our great video games, with
the least harm to ourselves. At our age and during high school, we are all exposed to
video games a lot and many of us really like them. All of us want the playing in the video
games to be safe so we think the project can help us and people we know
Research question
which kind of video games is the most addictive?
TOPIC

Behavioral and Psychological Effects of Violent Video Games

One of the main problems with addiction to video games is that it can affect your
behavior and life, violent video games, which can be easy to be addicted to them,
can make people more violent in real life, can make people looking for trouble and
looking for the bad side of life. All of that can increase the odds for them to break
the law and doing shady things. It was found that playing violent video games is
affecting the why kids think, they think more aggressive and being more
aggressive, and think in less emphatic.
This and more shows us why, of course, violent video games are affecting the
why of thought, affecting people's behavior and making life more sad and
aggressive.
However, many video games can improve cognitive functions such as problem-
solving, strategic thinking, and hand-eye coordination. Games often require
players to make quick decisions, plan strategies, and adapt to new challenges,
which can enhance these skills.
Also, online multiplayer games can foster social connections and teamwork.
Gamers often form communities, make new friends, and develop collaborative
skills through shared gaming experiences.
For some individuals, playing video games can serve as a healthy form of
relaxation and stress relief. Engaging in a game can provide a temporary escape
from real-life stressors and offer a sense of achievement and enjoyment.

Video game addiction, also referred to as gaming disorder, is defined by the World
Health Organization (WHO) as a pattern of persistent or recurrent gaming
behavior that becomes so extensive that it takes precedence over other life
interests and activities. This condition can lead to significant impairment or
distress. The key characteristics of video game addiction include an increased
priority given to gaming over other activities, loss of interest in previous hobbies,
and continued excessive use despite negative consequences.
Several factors contribute to video game addiction. One significant factor is the
design of modern video games, which are engineered to be highly engaging.
Game developers use various techniques to keep players hooked, such as
rewarding systems, immersive narratives, and social interactions. These elements
can trigger a powerful psychological response, including the release of dopamine,
which reinforces the desire to continue playing.

Physical and Health Consequences of Video Game Addiction, especially violent

video games:

Exposure to violent content can lead to desensitization, where individuals become

less sensitive to violence and its consequences, potentially reducing empathy and
increasing tolerance for aggressive behavior.
Playing violent games can sometimes lead to heightened fear or paranoia about
real-world violence, affecting one's sense of safety.
Extended gaming can result in a sedentary lifestyle, contributing to obesity, poor
posture, and repetitive strain injuries. Eye strain and sleep disturbances are also
common.
Addiction to video games can interfere with social interactions and academic or
professional responsibilities. Gamers may neglect relationships, school, or work
commitments, which can lead to significant personal and professional setbacks.
According to the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), around 70% of video
games sold are rated "M for Mature," meaning they contain content suitable for
ages 17 and older, often featuring violence. Some Researches have shown that
participants who play these games, exhibited less emotional responsiveness to
violent images compared to those who played non-violent games. addictive to
these kinds of games, can cause some serious problems and maybe it’s the most
dangerous kind to addict to. Some of the most addictive games in the last 10
years were violent games like fortnite and Call Of Duty, including shoots and
murders. These are not only violent games, but also competitive violent games,
where the reality becomes a battlefield.
Reward mechanisms in gaming:
Video games are often designed to trigger a sense of accomplishment and
reward, which can create powerful psychological hooks that make users want to
keep playing. This effect is known as the "compulsion loop," a design tactic that
keeps players engaged by rewarding them with prizes, new levels, and
achievements as they progress. The brain's dopamine system, responsible for the
feeling of pleasure and motivation, plays a central role here:

Instant Gratification and Dopamine Release: Many games deliver small rewards
almost immediately, such as in-app currency, new items, or experience points.
This immediate reward system causes the brain to release dopamine, making
players feel good and encouraging them to continue playing.

Variable Rewards: Similar to slot machines, many games use variable reward
schedules, meaning that players don’t know when they’ll be rewarded next. This
unpredictable reinforcement can be more addictive than a predictable system, as
players chase the next "win" or achievement.
Progression Systems: Many games include intricate leveling systems, badges, or
"rare" items, which create a sense of achievement and pride. However, because
the goalposts are continually moving, players feel compelled to keep playing to
earn higher ranks or unlock more content.

Social Rewards: Multiplayer and online games often incorporate social

components such as rankings, leaderboards, and social rewards, making players
feel a sense of competition and social validation. The fear of falling behind peers
or missing out on events adds to the addiction risk.

These reward systems can make it difficult for some players to stop, especially if
they feel as though they're abandoning their progress or failing to achieve certain
milestones
Conclusion
Answer the following questions in the conclusion
What was your research question/the topic of your project?

What did you learn from the project?

What conclusions did you reach?

In conclusion, video game addiction is a complex issue that can significantly

impact behavior, health, and social life. Violent video games, in particular, can
increase aggression, desensitize players to violence, and potentially reduce
empathy, leading to real-world behavioral issues. Additionally, excessive gaming
can lead to a sedentary lifestyle, contributing to physical health problems, while
also disrupting relationships and responsibilities. However, video games also offer
benefits, such as cognitive skill development, social interaction, and stress relief.

The most addictive games tend to be those that offer immersive narratives,
regular rewards, and social interactions. Multiplayer online games, action-packed
shooters, and role-playing games are particularly addictive, as they combine
engaging, fast-paced gameplay with social and reward-based elements that
trigger dopamine release and reinforce play. This combination of psychological
rewards, social connection, and engaging design makes these types of games the
most addictive.
Bibliography
Three sources

http://www.slideshare.net/ETAI2010/writing-bagrut-projects-and-now-bridging-to-literature

http://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Research-Paper

http://www9.georgetown.edu/faculty/kingch/how_to_write_a_research_paper.htm

http://lessonsforhighschoolwriters.com/components.aspx

http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/fac/soc/al/learning_english/leap/writing/conclusions/

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23124-video-game-addiction

https://www.coniferpark.com/blog/video-game-addiction-statistics

https://passivesecrets.com/video-game-addiction-statistics/

https://www.iberdrola.com/talent/benefits-video-games-learning

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/are-video-games-good-for-you

https://www.statista.com/chart/amp/25117/most-addictive-video-game-genres/

https://www.brighterdaymh.com/blog/video-game-addiction-statistics

Appendix
add links to relevant youtubes here-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8tq0xiOwKI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BsoElNsQo1g
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAchyJ97aAU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QDXzCb2s_j4
Reflection

The reflection questions will be given in class.