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Exploring the concept of being once in, never out

Once In, Never Out | Players Struggle to Quit Popular Game

By

Sofia Petrova

Oct 19, 2025, 10:30 AM

Edited By

Alex

2 minutes of duration

A group of friends sharing a moment together, symbolizing lasting connections and commitment.
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A surge of players is sharing their struggles with quitting DotA, a game they describe as addicting as street food. Recent discussions on community forums reveal a mix of frustration and humor among gamers. Many express that breaking the cycle is more challenging than giving up cigarettes.

Gaming Addiction: The Community Speaks

Players are opening up about their experiences with addiction to DotA. Comments highlight a conflicting relationship with the game, as players boast about their attempts to quit. Some users humorously label it a "HelluvaDrug," while others admit difficulty in breaking free.

"Iโ€™ve had more success quitting cigarettes than quitting DotA," one commenter remarked, illustrating the game's grip.

The Rollercoaster of Success and Disappointment

Many players describe their gaming experience as a rollercoaster ride of victories and humiliating defeats. One player noted a significant drop in their ranking, leading to one month of sobriety, stating, "1 month without playing after humiliating matches"

Interestingly, another user expressed hope, saying, "Being a better, healthier version of yourself is possible!" This suggests that while many find it hard to quit, there are also those who seek positive change.

Comments Reflect Mixed Feelings

The threads reveal varied sentiments among players:

  • Tough to Leave: Many share stories of trying to escape, saying things like "I can't quit for good."

  • Moments of Clarity: Some highlight periods of being clean, finding it easier to break away after low moments.

  • Humorous Analogies: Comments like "doto is like street food.. you just can't stay away" resonate deeply.

Sentiment Patterns Emerging

While some express persistent frustration, others show determination to overcome their dependence. The mixture of lighthearted and serious comments emphasizes the challenge of quitting:

  • Humor: "Sweet summer sweat" signals a playful acceptance of the struggle.

  • Reality Check: "Donโ€™t do drugs kids" serves as a cautionary reminder of the potential pitfalls of addiction.

Key Insights

  • ๐Ÿ‘ Many acknowledge the difficulty of quitting DotA.

  • ๐Ÿ’ช Success stories highlight players finding strength in absence.

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Humor helps community cope with gaming addiction.

This ongoing dialogue portrays a community caught between love and loathing for a game thatโ€™s hard to quit. It's a potent reminder of the fine line between passion and obsession in the gaming world.

What Lies Ahead for the Gaming Community

Thereโ€™s a strong chance weโ€™ll see new initiatives aimed at addressing gaming addiction, as more players express their struggle with quitting DotA. Game developers might introduce features to promote less playtime and healthier habits. Experts estimate that within the next year, up to 30% of games could implement such features, responding to increasing concerns over addiction. Moreover, community-driven support groups are likely to grow, providing a platform for players looking to connect and combat their challenges together. With these shifts, the narrative surrounding gaming could evolve to foster a more balanced relationship between passion and moderation.

A Fresh Take on Addiction's Echoes

The current struggle with gaming addiction echoes the historical debates around tobacco and its pull on society, back in the 1960s. At that time, many recognized the detrimental effects but continued to indulge, finding comfort in camaraderie and shared experiences. Just as smokers rallied in social clubs, gamers today bond over their shared challenges with DotA. This parallel highlights how communities form around addictions, whether in smoke-filled rooms or gaming lounges, reflecting an age-old human tendency to seek connection, even in the face of our dependencies.