Why Do Computer Games Claim Lives?

Ektar wrote to mention an article from Chosun, a Korean newspaper, asking the question why do videogames claim lives? The article is in response to some recent high profile gamer deaths. From the article: "Apparently rare overseas, such cases make frequent headlines in Korea. Why? Experts point to the poor environment of the 'PC bang' or Internet cafes that have mushroomed nationwide. Generally dark and poorly ventilated, they cater to gamers who tend to smoke heavily. The bad air and light can increase the danger of sudden death, experts warn."

Seems obvious to me

[gizmonic]

From TFA:

On Dec. 8, a 38-year-old man died suddenly after playing Internet games for 20 straight days at an Internet café, sustaining himself solely on instant noodles.

I think we just nailed it in this case. What's the mystery?

Average gamer?

[baryon351]

> they cater to gamers who tend to smoke heavily. The bad air and
> light can increase the danger of sudden death, experts warn.

And this is different to the den of the average console gamer how?

Re:Seems obvious to me

[IcySludge]

We can safely assume they were NOT Ramen; otherwise the man would have been protected by His Noodly Appendage.

They were low level players.

[joelsanda]

All good gamers know that you play until your hit points get low, rest, then come back. The period of time between resting grows longer as you level up.

Re:The game did it.

[Anonymous Coward]

Ok, I ran over the child in my SUV after I shot the clerk with a gun.

You people just won't let me forget about that, will you?

Re:Seems obvious to me

[Green Salad]

...that the mystery is "What game is still interesting after 20 days?"

Re:Seems obvious to me

[Anonymous Coward]

I really hope it was a lack of sleep that killed him, and not the instant noodles, because if it was twenty days of noodles that did it, then I've only got a couple of days left to live.

It's not the games...

[Voltageaav]

It's the radiation from the monitors that killed them. Everyone stay away from computers, they'll kill you! No, wait! I'm on a computer! Aahhh!

Incorrect

[darkstar949]

It is pitch black. You are likely to be eaten by a grue. I rest my case ^_^

Why do computer games claim lives?

[AutopsyReport]

This guy is responsible [putfile.com] :)

Re:Seems obvious to me

[Anonymous Coward]

Relax, it was just a joke. I actually have a very diverse and nutritious diet--instant noodles, frozen pizza, microwave burritos, beer--I'm all about nutrition. I'm sure I'll be fine.

Re:Seems obvious to me

[Anonymous Coward]

none was, at the end he was playing minesweeper, as after 10 hours, he owed them $1,500 us and was told he had to pay when he stood up, so he just played till he died!

Darkness is Deadly!

[FreyarHunter]

<i>It is pitch black. You are likely to be eaten by a grue.</i>

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grue_%28 monster%29

Obligatory Soviet Russia remark

[icydog]

In Soviet Russia, games kill YOU!

Err...

Re:Cause of death: Darkness?

[MonkWB]

That depends on if your playing an RTS or an FPS.

Does ./ Claim Lives?

[rewinn]

Anyone who has died while obsessively posting on ./ please reply ...

What life ?

[XPulga]

This is nature's way of telling the guy that anyone who plays a videogame for 20 hours straight DOES NOT HAVE A LIFE.

Re:Seems obvious to me

[Fishstick]

>they ignore the rule so they can get more money

If you're there for 20 days and then die, don't they get 'stiffed' on the bill?

*ducks*

Re:The game did it.

[ToasterofDOOM]

No more Grand Theft Auto for you mister!!!

Re:Sleep Deprivation

[rjshields]

Sleep deprived people shouldn't attend firework displays. They're a hazard to others as well as themselves.