This is a topic I covered during uni. Would be interested in what all of your thoughts are on the matter. I know that opinions are going to be hugely skewed, but I think it'd be interesting anyway.

Link - Are MMORPGs an activity the average person should grow out of?

The file you attached is apparently to big to display.

Also, this may sound silly, but I'm not sure I understand the question. Why should one grow out of an MMORPG? What's the argument exactly?

Possible blonde moment

I have to agree with Damien on this, I don't quite understand the reason why someone would need to "grow out" of MMORPGs. In my opinion, it is better to remain a child in mind for as long as possible, preferably the whole life. In short, no, I don't see a reason why someone should grow out of using them.

I don't feel people should necessarily grow out of these things? If it makes someone happy, let them play as long as they want.

I think you can grow out of them yes. Most people begin playing runescape when they are young then as they get older, find other interests or their real life situation becomes more of a priority, the latter in itself could be considered a form of 'growing out of' a game. Also some are drawn away by other games - think about how much Playstation/Xbox has developed over the same timespan of runescape. The changes in console gaming are far greater, especially graphically, so you could understand leaving games like runescape behind.

On the flipside, people are wanting to return to older games (remastered console game versions and oldschool runescape are examples of this) for that nostalgic effect, reliving their childhood adventures. So maybe you never do truly grow out these types of games. Also, runescape is very hard to quit

I don't think the average person is affected one way or the other by playing games. It is in regards to outliers that the question becomes truly interesting. How it affects people with an addictive personality, people with social disabilities etc.

Would the answer be different if it would be about other games? Since you mention MMORPGs specifically

Can people grow out of it...of course.  Should they...that's no one's right to decide except the individual person. 

A friend of mine and I were just talking this weekend about how my husband and I are hosting an almost weekly Dungeons & Dragons game at our house.  It's fantastic, because, as mid-aged adults, we don't get to pretend anymore.  Pretending is how kids explore and learn about the world, but when we hit a certain age...it's suddenly taboo.  D&D (and in some ways Runescape) are outlets for creativity and let us work out issues we have without paying for a therapist.