When many students packed up to move to residence halls this fall, they brought clothes, pictures, mini-fridges and what many consider to be essential: video game consoles. Video games are an accepted normalcy on college campuses- the platform doesn’t matter. Games are available on CD-ROMs, Internet, PlayStation, Xbox, GameCube and numerous others. Many people, mainly non-gamers, worry that playing these games has negative side effects on students’ class performance. Others are confused at how anyone could spend hours glued to a television or computer screen.

“(I spend) four to 10 hours (playing games). ‘I stone ou'(sic) to where time just passes by,” Tristan Robert, marine biology sophomore from Jennings, said.

Some researchers attribute the large amount of time gamers spend on their games to the diversion provided from everyday life. Some students even go farther than just playing games by reading comics about their games or watching fan-made videos. “8-bit Theater” is a farce on the ever-popular Final Fantasy series of role-playing games (RPGs) that is a hit with many students. “Black mage (a character in the series) is my hero,” Roberts said.

Another fan-based form of entertainment is the video series available online for download called “Red vs. Blue.” In these short (usually 10 to 15 minutes) videos, characters from the game “Halo” fight against each other in situations and settings that may really occur in the game. Many hold the stigma that video games are a pastime of the male persuasion, but women at Nicholls are enjoying the gamer’s life just as well.

Sian Gaines, a pre-med sophomore from Chalmette, says that games are a distraction from her studies, but she doesn’t mind because it is a relaxation break. Being a gamer is also a way of social interaction.

“Once you’re a gamer, you’re always a gamer,” Gaines said. “You talk to other gamers. You automatically have something in common with that person.”

Many students find diversion in Internet games like “Everquest,” “Final Fantasy XI” and text-based games like “Dark” and “Shattered Lands.” Most Internet games are available for a flat start-up fee (varies by game) and a monthly rate, usually around $12.

Although many students find games an integral part of their life, whether in social settings such as PlayStation tournaments or alone to wind down from a tough day, some experts voice their concerns about the negative effects of video games.

“Research I’ve read has indicated that using thumbs and wrists (in a single position for long periods of time during play) makes carpal tunnel syndrome an issue,” Michele Caruso, dean of student services, said.

According to the National Institute of Health, frequent burning, tingling or itching numbness in the palm of the hand and the fingers, especially the thumb and the index and middle fingers are some symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. Hard-core gamers (an estimated 65 percent of college students, according to a survey released by Pew Internet and American Life Project in July 2003) should also watch out for decreased grip strength. In chronic and/or untreated cases, the muscles at the base of the thumb may waste away. Some sufferers are unable to tell between hot and cold by touch. If you have any of these symptoms, you should consult a healthcare professional.

There is also the possibility of becoming addicted to these games. The accessibility of video or computer games may play a part in addiction.

“In general, (video game playing) is a part of culture (college students) can do anywhere and anytime on their own,” Caruso said. “It’s easy for people to do.”

Some signs of being addicted to video games are lying about the amount of time spent gaming, personal or professional relationships suffering, depression and schoolwork or jobs suffering in quality because of a great amount of time spent gaming.

If you or someone you know may have a problem spending too much time playing video games, you can seek help at the Counseling Center by calling (985) 448-4081.