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Early information about next week’s Panorama investigation into addictive gaming paints a dark picture of what might be aired on Monday night.
The BBC’s official description of the show reads as follows:
As pester power kicks in and the computer games’ industry launches its latest products on to the Christmas market, Panorama hears from youngsters who’ve dropped out of school and university to play games for anything up to 21 hours a day. They describe their obsessive gaming as an addiction. Reporter Raphael Rowe, meets leading experts calling for more independent research into this controversial subject, and reveals the hidden psychological devices in games that are designed to keep us coming back for more.”
Furthermore, an early trailer for the show (which can be seen below) contains the following voiceover:
For these kids it’s harmless fun. But for some it’s lure is irresistible and casual use can become a relentless craving.
[child’s voice]: I could go two or three days without sleep. This game… it’s a disease.”
Obsessive gaming. Could it really be addictive?
MCV can confirm that the BBC approached a number of companies in the industry for comment during the making of the program, though no-one has yet been informed whether or not their contributions will be used in the final show.
MCV can also confirm that it has approached Panorama for comment on more than occasion, but is yet to hear anything back.
Panorama: Addicted to Games? airs on BBC One and BBC One HD next Monday (December 6th) at 20:30.
