Gamers who play “World of Warcraft” say their play time doesn’t interfere with their social life or academics – although some admit they do know of friends who play in the cyber universe much too often.

“There’s nothing wrong with it if it’s all in moderation,” said Brad Pingel, junior in microbiology. “Some do play too much, however, and it takes over their life. That happens way too often.”

It’s when the computer game is played more than it should that students begin to suffer academically and socially.

“There definitely is a negative stereotype of ‘WoW’ players. The players are generally believed to be nerdy or socially incapable people,” said Haris Kopic, senior in finance.

“However, I’ve got quite a few friends who play and none of us have any problems playing ‘WoW’ while leading a normal social life and getting all of our schoolwork done.”

“World of Warcraft” is an online role-playing experience set in an ever-growing fantasy universe. There are millions of players around the world, with the largest numbers in China, United States and Europe.

“WoW” gamers go on quests and battle other gamers during their time online, but many of them state they enjoy chatting to others players in the game just as much.

Cody Weston, senior in mechanical engineering, said he started playing because it was a way to keep in contact with his friend who lives in Colorado.

“Half of the time I just chat online with others,” Weston said.

Weston said he usually plays “WoW” two to three hours a day, but the most he’s ever played at one time was 18 hours, in the summer.

Pingel said he likes “WoW” because it allows interaction with all types of people.

“I like it because it gives me something to do on weeknights when there isn’t anything to do. I mostly play with my roommates and I play with my best friend from home, so it’s also a way to keep in touch with him on a daily basis,” Kopic said.

“WoW” was introduced in 2004 by Blizzard Entertainment, but the original Warcraft universe has been around since 1994 with the introduction of the PC game “Warcraft: Orcs and Humans.”

“It’s better than other video games because it never ends,” said Pingel, regarding the fact that there is always something to do in “WoW.”

Anthony Carano, junior in sociology, plays some video games, but is not a fan of “World of Warcraft.”

“I can’t just sit there for hours on end. I see what it does to people; it just doesn’t seem fun to me,” Carano said.

For some students however, “WoW” is different from other video games.

“It’s a way to be social when I don’t want to go out,” Weston said.