CSU, computer games and addiction or: How do I create a shitstorm?

The CSU's drug commissioner, Marlene Mortler, warns at a press conference that computer and mobile phone games can lead to addiction. The shitstorm was basically as if programmed: the articles quickly accumulated those that had offended the CDU/CSU with their extremely restrictive, one might almost say antiquated, attitude towards video games over the years.

The gamer, grinning inwardly with glee, would certainly like to think that it was his own fault, but as true as this may be on the one hand, it is short-sighted on the other.

But one after anonther.

I'm a gamer myself and have to admit: the emotive words "CSU" and "video game" almost triggered the still very strong reflex in me to post an angry comment under the article in which I complain about how incompetent these ultra-conservative politicians are .

But only almost.

I then took the trouble to kick my headline-reading brain in the ass but please read the entire article and lo and behold: no populist statements along the lines of “video games are evil and should be banned” as most people probably expected. but a legitimate warning: video games are now often designed to create addiction, which can be particularly dangerous for children and young people.

There were also some quite worrying figures, such as the fact that more and more 5-year-olds are now getting a smartphone, but let's stick to the discussion.

To be fair, one has to say that Ms. Mortler hasn't exactly covered herself with glory in previous discussions. In June, she spoke to the assembled press about the fact that 16% of all young people spend more than 5 hours a day on the PC, which would only elicit a tired smile from a full-blooded gamer.

But the truth also includes:

The lady is not wrong. And here we come to the crux of the matter: all comments from CDU/CSU politicians in this direction are all too happy to be dismissed (sometimes rightly so) with a tired smile, but we as the gaming community should also deal with the unpleasant parts of gaming reality.

And the fact that there are games, especially with the smartphone as a platform, that take advantage of addictive spirals to encourage users to buy in-game content is a fact that cannot be disputed.

These so-called “casual games” are based on this principle, just think of the countless “Buy a boost now for x diamonds to complete the building immediately” displays.

Accordingly, I think it is important to deal with the topic and to raise awareness of it, so it doesn't matter who initiates the topic. Especially since you always have to keep in mind that young people and children are particularly susceptible to such “tricks”, which can be proven using many other examples.

Otherwise, a personal final word:

If you compare these statements at a conference on the subject of Internet addiction with Ms. Mortler's previous statements, you can see that she has obviously learned something new.

Let's see it as an opportunity to show politicians: Yes, we gamers CAN and WANT to discuss the topic - but on an equal footing.

But we should also give up the bite reflex and treat politicians with the respect that we ourselves expect. And then they listen to us instead of continuing to talk ABOUT us instead of WITH us.