Episode 12 – Escape from The Shire

In this episode we discuss the Channel Massive LAN party, Jason’s departure from The Shire (LOTRO), and balancing parenting with gaming.

Some notes to compliment this podcast:

Quoted Stats:
In 2006 there were 15 million MMO gamers in the world 1

20% of MMO gamers play over 30 hours per week 2
34.6% of U.S. households have 1 or more persons under 18 3
22% of MMO gamers are parents (20% male) 2
21% of children (18 and under) are 3 years old or less (infants & toddlers) 4

14% of MMO gamers don’t work or go to school 2
53.5% of U.S. households have both the husband and wife in labor force 3

Average age of first-time parent in the U.S. is 25.1 3
Male MMO gamers tend to be between 12 and 28 2
18% of MMO gamers are over 35 (13.4% male) 2

  1. Woodcock, Bruce Sterling. “An Analysis of MMOG Subscription Growth” www.mmogchart.com
  2. Yee, Nick. The Daedelus Project www.nickyee.com
  3. U.S. Census Bureau. www.census.gov

Couple play computer games as children starve
“An American couple who authorities say were so obsessed with playing games on the internet that they left their babies to starve have pleaded guilty to child neglect.
The children of Michael and Iana Straw, a 22-month-old boy and an 11-month-old girl, were severely malnourished and close to death last month when doctors examined them after social workers took them to a hospital in Reno, Nevada.

Police said hospital staff had to shave the head of the girl because her hair was matted with cat urine. She weighed just 10 lbs and was also suffering from a mouth infection, dry skin and severe dehydration. Her brother had to be treated for starvation and a genital infection, while his lack of muscle development caused him difficulty in walking.”
Leonard, Tom. Sunday Telegraph. 7-16-07
(Both children are now doing well. The Straws pleaded guilty to two counts each of child neglect and faced a maximum 12-year prison sentence. Though, they were sentenced to four years each and will be eligible for parole in a year.)

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