The World Health Organization has classified video game addiction as a mental health disorder.
WHO made the classification in its International Classifications of Diseases (ICD).
The ICD describes the addiction as "a pattern of persistent or recurrent gaming behavior" that "takes precedence over other life interests." According to the WHO, a small percentage of gamers develop a problematic addiction. But some of the worst cases reveal players gaming for 20 hours straight, without eating or sleeping.
The ICD enables the WHO to understand health trends and to "take action to prevent suffering and save lives."
Health insurers also use the ICD classifications in regards to reimbursements.
Lobbying group Video Games Coalition has urged the WHO to reconsider the classification.
