The addiction to Tencent’s hit mobile game King of Glory has reportedly spread from teenagers to young soldiers, which could jeopardize their combat capability, warned the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Daily.
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According to PLA Daily, several officers have expressed their concerns, as almost all soldiers could be seen playing King of Glory in the dormitory over the weekend. The newspaper noted that mobile game addiction could negatively affect soldiers’ health, as the intense game requires faster blood circulation, which could lead to fatigue.
Mobile games have replaced card and ball games to become the most popular form of entertainment in military camps in China. Some officers gave credit to some battle and strategic games, which can help improve mental quickness and team coordination. VR war-games can even be used for combat training.
Some 69.8 percent of the surveyed soldiers said mobile games can help build strong team spirit, but 55.8 percent said virtual game worlds do not help with combat strategy, a PLA Daily survey showed.
“There is certainly a security risk that can’t be overlooked. The game requires constant attention, but a soldier’s job is full of uncertainty. Once a soldier is cutoff from the game for an urgent mission, he could be absent-minded during the operation if his mind remains in the game,” the PLA Daily warned.