This paper outlines the addictive nature of the popular online computer game EverQuest (EQ). And further more, decides if it should be classified with other major addictions such as Drugs or gambling. The definition of "addiction" varies but popular culture has brought into use the word "addiction" to manifest itself in a " form of "obsessive compulsive behavior " - addictions to food, romance and sex, destructive relationships in which one partner became dependant on an inappropriate partner, even excessive shopping and plastic surgery could be seen as addictions." (Elayne Rapping, Ed U.S. Talk shows, Feminism, politics and communication - New Jersey: Hampton Press Inc 2000) The Collins Australian - English Dictionary defines addiction similarly in the form "to give oneself up to strong habit" (Collins Australian English Dictionary - Collins 2001). .
Sony Online Entertainment's EverQuest (EQ) is the most popular "massively multiplayer online role - playing game" (MMORPG) to grace the online market with a subscriber base of around 430 000 gamers. The game started in 1997 and now makes more money than the gross annual profits of some smaller countries. At any one time a minimum of 45000 people are playing. This number increases to 300 000 playing in peak periods. (www.alakazam.com) .
The game itself is played in a 3D world where on starting the player is to choose the race of your character ranging from Humans to Elves to Trolls. This choice has many important consequences such as a starting city in the EQ world called Norrath as well as alliances with other races. It is not unusual to be attacked on sight if a person were to stumble across an opposing race. The player is then made to choose a class or occupation, for instance: a Warrior, Wizard or even a Druid, this also has an effect on the starting point as well as the weapons, skills and magic that can be utilized. All there is left to do now is find an adventure.