Back in December, the UK House of Commons committee responsible for digital, culture, media and sport (DCMS) announced it was poised to begin an inquiry on “immersive and addictive technologies,” which at the time seemed to include everything from addictive mechanics and gaming addiction to lockboxes/lootboxes and harmful gamification in general. As we pointed out at the time, UK researchers had just published on the “relationship between problem gambling and the use of loot boxes” as well as determined that problem gambling among underage kids was on the rise, so it was no surprise to see movement on this front.
Well, here’s a bit more. This week the DCMS made clear its focus was whether or not gaming specifically is addictive – effectively the gaming disorder thing – and in need of regulation and asked for feedback from the populace. Don’t just tweet memes at the committee; it’s seeking written submissions from “gamers, parents, teachers” and as the tweet says actual game designers and academics experts too.
Calling all gamers, game designers and experts: should gaming be regulated? What makes the UK a world leader in gaming and how can the industry be supported? Share your views with us now via our website, or retweet and tag a friend who can help >> https://t.co/7LMdqIYRKY pic.twitter.com/6SfBZqkpxw
— Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee (@CommonsDCMS) January 21, 2019
