There was a recent article in the Korean Times about a new technology that puts an inaudible sound sequence in games that can help break the addiction.  As stated, this is standard subliminal messaging. 

They have been doing studies and have found it works really well.  Previous studies have shown to be effective enough to cause various countries to ban the use in advertising and marketing from 1958 through 1972, where it is still banned in the US, Canada, UK, and other countries.

No effects appear to have ever truly been repeatable, but enough evidence has been put forth that it has caused numerous public outcries against the practice, too.

Sure, the Korean's have a good use for it.

``Game users can’t recognize the sounds. But their subconscious is aware of them and the chances are high they will quit playing,’’ the 35-year-old Yun said. ``Tests tell us the sounds work.’’

Xtive, which was established in 2005, spent about a year to create the sound sequence geared toward addressing the concern that Korean teenagers spend too much time playing computer games.

However, if it doesn't stop at curbing game play addictions, it could be a real problem.  In fact, given the way a lot of games play, even standard advertising in games could often flash so fast that it becomes, effectively, subliminal.

It seems like it's an old enough technique for, at minimum, giving familiarity to a word or image, that a whole new issue could be opening up within the industry. It's probably nothing for concern just yet, but something to look for in the fine print on games not made within the US. ;)

Posted by Shane on March 15, 2007 8:17 AM | Permalink