If you’re a fan of MMO games then you probably know all about Free Realms. Released almost a year ago, the game has now garnered an astounding 8 million players around the world, according to Sony Online Entertainment president John Smedly. According to Smedly, the widening fan base of the game is due to the game’s sophisticated features that allow users to easily customize their pets, houses and other aspects of their virtual world. Smedly also boasts that Free Realms is also much more than your average virtual world game. He says that it is also a “portal for the imagination”.

Aside from being free, there are also a couple of other things that make Free Realms stand out. For instance, participation in combat is not required in order for the players to move on to the next level. A player also has the option to join other mini-games that focus on other activities like raising pets, exploring or building constructions. The game is also known for its social networking feature. Users can easily share content with each other such as video, images and links. They can also chat with each other simultaneously while playing the game.

Another great thing about Free Realms is that it has available options for parents who want to monitor the content that their child is getting access to. It also helps that the game soundtrack, “It’s Your World” by The Dares is also a popular hit on iTunes. In fact, it qualified for a world record when The Dares performed the song in a game convention while a virtual version of the concert was simultaneously taking place inside the game.

Do you ever wonder who writes the summaries and descriptions on the boxes of the videogames that you buy? Well, it’s no other than the Entertainment Software Ratings Board, also known as the ESRB.

Basically, it is the ESRB’s job to provide objective synopses, objectives and other game information in the game boxes and on their official website. However, ESRB’s objectivity was recently questioned when they released the summary of Dead or Alive: Paradise.

The folks over at ESRB seem to take an opinionated stand when it described DOA: Paradise as a creepy and raunchy game where players can watch scantily clad women frolicking at the beach. According to the review, the game also provides other activities where the player may attempt to win the favors of these women in hopes of getting closer to their company. The review also stopped short of bashing the game when it states that DOA: Paradise mostly involved “creepy voyeurism” and portraying women in an imprudent way.

Even though there are no laws that mandate ESRB to maintain objectivity in their reviews, the organization thought it would be better to just revise the whole thing. The newly revised description describes the game as strictly for mature players as it contains mature subject matter such as gambling, nudity and other sexual themes.

One of the concerns surrounding gaming, particularly Computer and Video games, is the question of how much is too much. When is it time to drop the controller and go outside? How can you tell if your loved one is addicted? The following Danger Signs will help you know:
 
 1.    Conversation – Does the addict talk about the game as if it were real life? Do they obsess over it, talk about it constantly, and bring it up out of the blue?
 2.    Eyes – Look. If they seem bloodshot, strained, and out of focus, this could be a Danger Sign.
 3.    Truth and Lies – One of the major signs of addiction is whether they are honest about how much they play. Often, they lie to themselves, or feel guilty they wasted that much time. If this is the case, they will probably lie to you about it.
 4.    Uncaring or Unaware of Consequences – Drug Addicts will steal, assault people, and worse, just to get their fix. Game addicts often miss work, school, or other important functions, and then claim unawareness of the problem.
 5.    Sleep Disruption – Many gaming addicts will stay up very late in order to keep playing. They want to get to the next level, or defeat this boss, and it gets later and later. They finally get to bed hours later than they should.
 6.    Failing to Eat or Eating too much – Some gamers play so long they don’t bother getting a bite to eat. Others eat absently, snacking their way through day after day. Significant weight loss or gain as a result is a very telling Danger Sign.
 7.    Calloused Thumbs or Sore Wrists – These indicate extended, consistent use.
 Addiction is a serious problem. If you or a loved one is addicted to games, seek medical help.