Response to Commentary: the Future of Gaming Disorder Research and Player Protection: What Role Should the Video Gaming Industry and Researchers Play

In their commentary, Griffiths and Pontes (2019) argue that with the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) (2019) recognizing gaming disorder (GD) as a mental disorder there is an acute need for the gaming industry to develop and undertake responsible gaming initiatives. Rather than ‘reinventing the wheel’, they make a compelling argument that the gambling industry has incorporated a number of evidence-based initiatives to minimize gambling-related harms associated with disordered gambling which may be applicable to minimizing GD. Griffiths and Pontes, both renowned researchers in the field, present a call for collaboration between the gaming industry and academic researchers to gain a better understanding the phenomenon of GD and prevent its development and potential negative impact on society. They argue that preventing problematic video gaming cannot be overcome without all major stakeholders playing their part. Griffiths and Pontes elucidate five recommendations for the future of research on GD; all of which are designed as part of a commitment to social responsibility and duty of care for end users. We remain in full agreement with the authors that the gaming industry assume responsibility for undertaking responsible gaming initiatives and that collaboration and potential partnerships between the gaming industry and researchers can make important strides towards harm minimization. We have added some additional considerations with regard to potential issues with the collaborative process as well as commenting on some of the proposed recommendations for future areas of focus in gaming disorder research.