Online gaming in India is popular than ever with different people playing games across various categories. While some like to play casual games in leisure time, some have taken the serious route while becoming professional gamers. However, popularity of online gaming has led to a significant increase in the addiction among people.

In fact, the topic of gaming addiction is so popular that Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan also didn’t shy away from confessing the same.

In a recent episode of popular reality TV show ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’, Amitabh Bachchan opined his views on the addiction of online gaming in a rather comical manner. During the show, a contestant named Rupak Kumar was asked a chess-related question, which he answered correctly. Right after answering the same, Kumar revealed that he is an avid chess player.

He revealed that he learned chess in childhood, and now he plays it online. He said that once he started playing at 8 pm and continued to play till 5 am the next morning. “My wife got angry during those times. She warned me not to play chess otherwise, I’d be punished,” Kumar was quoted as saying on the show as per The Times of India.

Host Bachchan also agreed to the contestant’s experience of online gaming addiction. The ‘Wazir’ star said that once someone plays one game online, they get tempted for the next one. And this loop continues, Bachchan said.

Kumar responded, saying that his daughter is also interested in playing chess. He further asked if Bachchan also plays any game with granddaughter Aaradhya. To this, the 81-year-old said that he only knows how chess is played, but indulges in playing other games. Their conversation then moved onto other topics, however, the duo’s talk on online gaming addiction is worth giving a thought.

The addictive elements of online gaming

It is worth mentioning that most online games have an element of addiction. The game developers design their titles in a way that they keep a player invested for the longest possible time, leading to habituation.

Online games, especially with fun, engaging gameplay and free-to-play model, are among the most addictive ones. Since these games are played between other players in real time, losing makes people even more fired up to continue playing. Whereas, winning gives instant dopamine boost and a gamer keeps playing till the point of satiety is reached.

It is completely in the hands of the player to keep their gaming habits under control. For professionals, it is also important to take breaks to reduce burnouts. For those wanting to come out of their extreme gaming addiction, there are certain therapy centres that provide help. A drug-dependence treatment centre in Rohtak, Haryana has started treating people with gaming addiction as well.