A charity, Norcas, is warning that gaming addiction is going to become the next major area of addiction that they have to deal with.
The report, based on the findings of commissioned independent research into gaming and addiction, found that over a third of people aged over 16 knew at least one person who was addicted to gaming. That number rises to 40% when talking to under-16s.
The chief executive of Norcas, Maggie Williams, said: "It is a generational issue, with almost 100pc of young people engaging in gaming. If played responsibly, gaming is a good pastime, but we need people to be aware of the problems that will arise if the gaming takes hold."
Williams also told the Norwich Evening News that: "Some 86pc of the people we spoke to agreed that gaming can be addictive and revealed lack of exercise and poorer relationships with friends, partners and parents as some of the problems experienced as a result of gaming."