Another element to think about is not only the energy used while playing or keeping you game on hold, but also the energy used to create the new hardware/software. Plus, the carbon and waste created by manufacturing the games and disposing of old hardware/software. I'm not very knowledgeable about MMOPRG games, but I do see how my brothers tear through games, buy new ones and the old ones sit on a self or get put in the trash. Nothing beats a good old board game!

I see your point, but as for MMORPG games, since the users do not have to purchase any software or game station, the worst really comes from the energy consumption. Those games are set onto the game company servers which is better than distributing software CD. Those servers are rarely thrown to garbage nor recycled (though they often get refurbished). The servers get upgraded, so as for carbon wise, they are more environmentally friendly than Nintendo, Sony and company...

Beyond "energy" consumption - games like these are like a 'drug.' They rob you of human energy just as much as they do of environmental energy. People don't 'talk' anymore. People play games, text, and are addicted to electronics no different than alcohol, gambling, drugs, overeating and caffeine. Games like this will 'consume' people, not just energy. While the world is what people like to escape from - there is a fine line between entertainment and escaping reality - as in escaping relationships with people in your life. If we don't end addiction like this and all the others, everyone will just be 'escaping' for the sake of escaping and be contributing toward more addiction in society because people can't cope with life on life's terms. In the end - it's not about how many games you play or how many levels you get to - it's about the people in your life you connect with, the moments you share and the life you live for real, not in virtual worlds. Namaste.