The recent deaths of two net gamers have once again raised the issue of the impact of addiction on the online gaming community, and the health risks involved.

A young girl nicknamed "Snowly" died last month after playing the online game "World of Warcraft" for several continuous days during the national day holiday. Snowly's friends, who share the same game community, say that Snowly was a very diligent member and a key official of their community, who was always connected to the Internet.

Several days before Snowly's death, the girl was said to be preparing for a relatively difficult part of the game and had very little rest. She told her friends that she felt very tired.

A big online funeral was held for Snowly one week after her death. But the event was sadly overshadowed by the death of another game enthusiast nicknamed "Nan Ren Gu Shi."

Thereafter, several online game communities have posted announcements to urge their members to pay attention to their heath.

Meanwhile 7 major domestic game makers have agreed to install an anti-obsession system on eleven online game products. The system entered a trial period on October 20.

(CRI November 1, 2005)