Gaming is a favorite pastime for millions, a way to connect with friends, and, for some, a career through streaming. For most, it is harmless and can even provide social, cognitive, and emotional benefits. But for certain individuals—particularly those with pre-existing vulnerabilities—gaming can escalate into something far more dangerous, with consequences that range from severe physical injury to hospitalization and, in rare cases, death.
Real-World Cases That Highlight the Risks
The past three years have seen multiple serious incidents that illustrate the dangers of excessive gaming. In Delhi, India, a 19-year-old who played PUBG for over twelve hours daily developed severe spinal compression and bladder dysfunction. Months of sedentary gameplay and poor posture led to kypho-scoliotic deformity, requiring major surgery. In Chon Buri, Thailand, a 42-year-old man was found dead at an internet café after an overnight gaming and movie-watching session. While he had a pre-existing heart condition, extended gameplay and sleep deprivation likely contributed to his death.
Similarly, South Korean streamer Na Dong-hyun, 46, was discovered dead shortly after a long livestream of the game Mabinogi. Limited sleep and prolonged play were thought to be contributing factors. In France, streamer Raphaël Graven, 46, died during or shortly after a prolonged livestream challenge. Autopsy findings showed no external trauma, highlighting the complex interplay of stress, fatigue, and extended gaming. Hospitalizations related to gaming also continue to rise. In Indonesia, thousands of children and teens were admitted to mental health facilities due to extreme mobile and online gaming behaviors, while in Australia, children experienced severe withdrawal crises, resulting in hospitalization. A 31-year-old male in a clinical case developed life-threatening deep vein thrombosis after four days of continuous gaming, and a teenager in Russia died after a 22-day Dota marathon, underscoring the dangers of prolonged sedentary sessions.
Why Gaming Can Become Addictive and Dangerous
Several factors make gaming potentially addictive. Video games are designed to stimulate the brain’s reward system, often using variable and unpredictable rewards that encourage repeated play. Multiplayer and competitive formats introduce social pressure, particularly for streamers or online players, who may feel compelled to maintain long sessions to satisfy an audience or team. Gaming can also serve as a coping mechanism, helping individuals escape stress, anxiety, or executive-function challenges.
The physical toll of excessive gaming should not be underestimated. Long periods of sitting, poor posture, minimal movement, and disrupted sleep can contribute to serious health issues, including musculoskeletal injuries, cardiovascular strain, and life-threatening conditions such as deep vein thrombosis. When combined with neglect of hydration and nutrition, these factors significantly increase the risk of hospitalization or death.
Practical Steps to Protect Yourself
Preventing gaming-related harm requires intentional action. Setting clear limits on playtime and taking frequent breaks is essential. Monitoring posture, maintaining ergonomic seating, and integrating movement throughout the day can reduce musculoskeletal and circulatory risks. Prioritizing sleep, nutrition, and hydration supports overall well-being, while diversifying activities with offline hobbies and social interactions provides alternative sources of reward.
For streamers or content creators, scheduled breaks, audience support, and limiting broadcast hours can help reduce risk. Above all, addressing underlying mental health concerns, such as anxiety, depression, Autism, or ADHD, is critical for reducing compulsive gaming behavior. If gaming is interfering with physical health, emotional stability, or daily functioning, seeking professional support is strongly advised.
How I Can Help
I specialize in helping men with high-functioning autism, internet addiction, and digital distractions regain control over their gaming habits, restore balance, and achieve their goals. My approach addresses both behavioral patterns and underlying mental health concerns, providing clients with practical strategies to reduce harmful gaming, improve focus, and live healthier, more balanced lives. To learn more about my services, click Here.
References
India Today. (2025, May 2). Delhi teen’s 12‑hour‑a‑day gaming addiction leads to partial paralysis, bent spine.https://www.indiatoday.in/health/story/delhi-teen-gaming-addiction-spinal-tb-surgery-social-isolation-physical-activity-2718486-2025-05-02
The Economic Times. (2025, May 1). Delhi teen undergoes surgery after PUBG addiction leads to spinal damage.https://m.economictimes.com/news/india/delhi-teen-undergoes-surgery-after-pubg-addiction-leads-to-spinal-damage/articleshow/120796653.cms
The Thaiger. (2025, June 9). Thai regular customer of Chon Buri internet café dies on desk.https://thethaiger.com/news/national/thai-regular-customer-of-chon-buri-internet-cafe-dies-on-desk
New York Post. (2025, June 11). Gamer found dead at café after employees thought he was ‘asleep’.https://nypost.com/2025/06/11/world-news/gamer-found-dead-at-cafe-after-employees-thought-he-was-asleep/
Channel News Asia. (2024, July 26). In Indonesia’s Surabaya, some 3,000 children, adolescents treated for mobile gadgets, online gaming addiction.https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/indonesia-children-teenagers-mobile-phone-addiction-online-gaming-mental-health-4506561
MedicalChannelAsia. (2024, August 5). Thousands of children treated for addiction to online games in Indonesia.https://www.medicalchannelasia.com/thousands-of-children-treated-for-addiction-to-online-games-in-indonesia/
Reuters. (2025, August 26). French prosecutors open inquiry into Kick after livestream death.https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/french-prosecutors-open-inquiry-into-kick-after-livestream-death-2025-08-26/
Ashby, M. (2025, August 20). French streamer Jean Pormanove, 46, found dead in his home by police.People.https://people.com/french-streamer-jean-pormanove-dead-at-46-11793724
You can reach me at my website or call me directly at 832-559-3520 if you have any questions. Thank You!
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