Responsible Gaming

What is Responsible Gaming?

Responsible gaming means approaching games as a form of entertainment that should enhance your life, not dominate it. Even though RubyWhirl offers free-to-play games with no financial risk, it's still important to maintain a balanced and healthy relationship with gaming.

Responsible gaming involves:

• Playing games for fun and entertainment, not as an escape from problems
• Setting time limits and taking regular breaks
• Maintaining balance with other activities and responsibilities
• Recognizing when gaming stops being fun and becomes problematic
• Seeking help if you feel your gaming habits are becoming unhealthy

Why Responsible Gaming Matters (Even Without Real Money)

You might wonder why responsible gaming is relevant on a free-to-play platform. The answer is that excessive or compulsive engagement with any activity, including free games, can potentially affect your wellbeing:

• Time Management: Excessive gaming can interfere with work, relationships, and other responsibilities
• Mental Health: Using games to avoid dealing with life issues can delay necessary action
• Social Impact: Too much time gaming can reduce face-to-face social interactions
• Physical Health: Extended screen time without breaks can affect sleep, posture, and overall health

We want RubyWhirl to be a positive addition to your leisure time, not a source of problems. That's why we provide these guidelines and resources.

Signs of Unhealthy Gaming Behaviour

Be aware of these warning signs that your relationship with gaming may need attention:

• Spending more time gaming than originally intended, repeatedly
• Feeling irritable or anxious when you can't play
• Neglecting work, studies, or personal relationships to play games
• Using games to avoid thinking about problems or difficult emotions
• Losing track of time while playing, regularly
• Lying to others about how much time you spend gaming
• Feeling you need to play more frequently or for longer to feel satisfied
• Unsuccessful attempts to cut down or control your gaming

If you recognize these patterns in yourself, it may be time to reassess your gaming habits and consider seeking support.

Healthy Gaming Recommendations

Set Time Limits

Decide in advance how much time you'll spend gaming and stick to it. Use alarms or timers to remind yourself when it's time to stop. Consider limiting gaming sessions to 30-60 minutes at a time.

Take Regular Breaks

For every 30 minutes of play, take a 5-10 minute break. Stand up, stretch, look away from the screen, and give your eyes and mind a rest. This helps maintain focus and prevents strain.

Balance Gaming with Other Activities

Ensure gaming doesn't replace other important or enjoyable activities. Maintain hobbies, social connections, exercise, and responsibilities alongside your gaming.

Don't Use Gaming to Cope with Problems

If you're using games to avoid dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, or life problems, consider speaking to a professional. Gaming should complement a healthy life, not substitute for addressing real issues.

Monitor Your Emotions

Pay attention to how gaming makes you feel. If you're feeling frustrated, angry, or upset rather than entertained, it's time to take a break. Games should be fun and relaxing.

Keep Perspective

Remember that all wins, losses, and outcomes in RubyWhirl games are virtual and have no real-world value. Don't let virtual results affect your real-world mood or decisions.

Get Help and Support

If you're concerned about your gaming habits or those of someone you know, help is available. The following UK organizations provide free, confidential support:

Our Commitment

RubyWhirl is committed to promoting responsible gaming through:

• Age Verification: Restricting access to adults aged 18+ only
• Clear Communication: Making it absolutely clear that our games involve no real money
• Transparency: Being honest about the nature of free-to-play social gaming
• Education: Providing information about healthy gaming practices
• Resources: Linking to professional support organizations
• Design Choices: Creating games that are fun without exploitative mechanics

For Friends and Family

If you're concerned about someone else's gaming habits:

• Express your concerns calmly and without judgment
• Choose a good time to talk when they're not playing
• Focus on specific behaviors you've noticed rather than making accusations
• Listen to their perspective
• Encourage them to seek support from the organizations listed above
• Seek advice for yourself if needed - supporting someone with a problem can be challenging