Whether we talk about the 90s kids playing Contra or the millennial kids playing PUBG or the life-taking Blue Whale, gaming has always been an obsession. However, from the past few years, the obsession is now becoming insanity and that is one major reason WHO declared it as a mental illness.

72nd World Health Assembly took place in Geneva, Switzerland at WHO’s headquarters. All the 194 members took part in the meeting. They all agreed to it unanimously for revision of the International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems. The classification that will be in effect from 1 January 2022 has gaming disorder as one of the disorders.

The ICD-11 explains gaming as, “characterized by impaired control over gaming, increasing priority given to gaming over other activities to the extent that gaming takes precedence over other interests and daily activities, and continuation or escalation of gaming despite the occurrence of negative consequences.”

According to WHO, the behavior pattern of the person should be of sufficient severity to be declared as ill. If the person is not functioning properly and there is significant impairment in personal, family, social, educational, occupational or other important areas of functioning then he is eligible for the treatment.

This revision was initially included in mid-2018 as there was increased scrutiny over games in the gaming industry and it urged people to play more games and it has become irresistible since then. Games are now encouraging mobile reward players with daily login bonuses and rewards.

The WHO says that it will now increase the attention towards this disorder and people will be taking relevant preventions and treatment measures to keep things in check.

Every revolution faces opposition and so did this move. There was strong opposition from the global game industry and their anger is justified. WHO just took a step to shut down their full-fledged industry, it is obvious that they will oppose this move.

The UK, Europe, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, South Africa, and Brazil got together and signed a statement in which they have asked the organization to “rethink” their decision.

It’s basically a fight between the parents and the kids. Parents want to keep their children away from games and kids are obsessed with them.

So, whose side are you on?

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