Many thousands of Americans fall victim to the addictive nature of multiplayer online strategy and role playing games. These games often are free to download then bombard players with "packs" or "gems" that require a purchase from the users online store. The social component advances the pressures to grow and compete with other rival groups and not let other "teammates, clan members, or alliance members" down. While addiction is often an individually unique issue, these games sometimes look appealing to children with the nature of the cartoon graphics. Congress should limit or ban these "free-to-play" games that offer in-app purchases to reduce the incidence of spending and addiction.



