When gaming becomes an addiction: How GameChangers helps people regain control

GameChangers is a company in Belgium that helps people overcome gaming addiction. We sat down with GameChangers founder Matthias Dewilde, who once addicted to World of Warcraft himself, and talked about his journey from overcoming gaming addiction to now helping others to do the same.

Matthias Dewilde's story

The founder of the Belgian organisation GameChangers, Matthias Dewilde, knows exactly what it’s like to be trapped in the cycle of gaming addiction. Once an avid World of Warcraft player, he spent years prioritising the game over real-life responsibilities, social interactions, and even his own well-being. But after reaching his lowest point, he turned his struggle into a mission to help others.

“I removed my internet, gave away my computer, and even my phone for a while. It was extreme, but it changed my life,” he recalls.

This radical digital detox forced him to confront the empty spaces in his life that gaming had filled. Without the distraction of video games, he had to find new ways to spend his time, reading, exercising, socialising, and learning new skills. Over time, he developed strategies to help others make similar changes in a less extreme but effective way.

GameChangers & the role of parents

Dewilde’s journey inspired him to start GameChangers, an organisation dedicated to helping people regain control over their screen time. GameChangers works not only with gamers but also with parents struggling to understand their children’s gaming habits. Parents often unintentionally enable their children’s gaming addiction.

“If a parent provides unlimited Wi-Fi, brings food to their child’s room, and allows them to game all day, why would the child change?” he asks, highlighting the importance of setting boundaries.

Now, GameChangers provides coaching, workshops, and school lectures to educate young people on the importance of balancing online and offline life. Through structured goal-setting and support, they help individuals learn how to gain fulfillment through offline activities rather than solely gaming.

Disclaimer

This article shares valuable insights to combat gaming addiction based on coaching and lived experience. GameChangers also has a licensed psychologist on their team for further support. For serious mental health concerns, consulting a licensed mental health professional is recommended.