A private reflection

A gentle, private self-check.

Nine questions, based on the recognized criteria, to help you reflect honestly on your relationship with gaming over the past year. There are no right answers, and no verdict — just a clearer picture and a kind path forward.

An open blank notebook and pen beside a warm mug of tea on a sunlit table — a calm, reflective moment.

Before you begin

This is a private self-reflection tool, not a diagnosis. Only a qualified professional can diagnose a gaming disorder. What this can do is help you reflect and give you language for a conversation, if you choose to have one.

Your privacy is total. Everything happens in your browser. Nothing is saved, sent, or stored — there's no account, no tracking of your answers, and nothing leaves this page. You can close the tab and it's gone.

Think about the past 12 months. Check each statement that has felt true for you.

1. Preoccupation In the past year, I've often thought about gaming when I wasn't playing — replaying the last session or looking forward to the next.
2. Withdrawal When I couldn't game, I felt irritable, anxious, restless, or low — and those feelings eased mainly when I played again.
3. Tolerance I've needed to play more, or chase bigger goals, to get the same satisfaction I used to get from less.
4. Unable to cut back I've tried to play less or stop and wasn't able to stick to it.
5. Lost interest in other things I've lost interest in hobbies or activities I used to enjoy because of gaming.
6. Continued despite problems I kept gaming even though I could see it was causing problems (sleep, school, work, mood, or relationships).
7. Deceived others I've hidden, downplayed, or lied to others about how much I game.
8. Gaming to escape I've used gaming mainly to escape or relieve difficult feelings (stress, anxiety, sadness, guilt, or boredom).
9. Risked something important Gaming has put a relationship, my job, my education, or an opportunity at real risk — or I've lost something because of it.

Checked: 0 of 9

This self-check uses JavaScript to total your answers privately in your browser. With JavaScript off, simply count how many statements you checked: five or more in the past year may indicate a problem worth discussing with a qualified professional. Either way, nothing you do here is saved or sent.

How to read your reflection

The research behind these criteria suggests that five or more in a 12-month period may indicate a problem worth looking at more closely. But please hold any number lightly:

A few checked, or none. That's reassuring. If something still nags at you, trust it — not everyone who benefits from change meets a threshold.
Several checked, below five. Worth keeping an eye on. This is often a great moment for small changes — see cutting back.
Five or more. This could be a kind, brave moment to talk with a professional. It's not a diagnosis or a failure — it's useful information. See getting help.

Please remember

This screen is not a diagnosis. A clinician considers the full context of your life, history, and circumstances. VideoGameAddiction.org provides general educational information and is NOT medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you or someone else may be in danger or crisis, call or text 988 (US). For diagnosis or treatment, consult a qualified health professional.

Taking this took honesty, and honesty takes courage. Whatever you found, the fact that you're reflecting on your wellbeing already matters — and it's something to feel good about.

Whatever you found

There's a next step that fits.

Want to keep games but rein them in? Ready to quit? Worried about someone else? Each path has a guide written to meet you with care.

Cut back Quit & recover Get help