I never got WoW myself, but I do play MMO's. You have to have other things to do besides playing it, but I know the best experience of escapism is to get completely involved in it. That goes for any activity. I am happiest when I know I can spend all my waking hours drawing, or reading or playing games. But I hardly ever combine those activities.
It's just more satisfying reading a book for 12 hours than it is to read it for 30 minutes. I'd take 30 minutes of reading if I can get it, but to play a(n) (online) game for just 30 minutes limits you so much in what you can do!
That is why the pull is so big. Especially if you still have some homework that you'd rather not be doing.
I guess if I had a kid I wouldnt introduce them to online games until they left to live on their own... I would be that cruel. But it would be better. Do you know that I actually missed work just to stay online for a game??? I think that is when I realised it was ridiculous.
As for being in the same room when playing: of course that adds atmosphere! We play Lord of the Rings online or Guild Wars while sitting next to each other at our own pc's. I had to do an instanced quest at one point, on my own, and my boyfriend sat next to me watching my screen. But even when we are both in the same world online, just sitting next to each other and talking real time without some program getting in the way, is just nicer.Plus one of us gets the drinks every so often.
It may be a game, it is still a social thing. Especially online games. And it is a lot better playing with people you know. Though it is fun to meet new people too.
For kids though, you need to be there to guide them, as with most things. Show genuine interest. Watch that south park episode with them. Ask if you can create one character on their account to try it out, so they can teach you what they do. It goes both ways. You cant expect kids to listen to your wise words if they dont feel like you listen to them. And it is social, so share in their triumphs and be at the ready with cookies and milk if they lost. It wouldnt hurt to discuss the way people can lose their lives in a game. Give them a frame of reference what is normal time to spend on the game and what isnt.
Well... I dont have kids anyway. So what do i know
