Your friend's behavior could be indicative of a few different things, including:
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Gaming Addiction: Spending excessive amounts of time on video games and showing distress or upset when having to stop to engage in other activities, like family dinners, may suggest a potential gaming addiction. This can lead to neglecting responsibilities and social relationships.
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Escapism: Your friend may be using video games as a form of escapism, which might indicate underlying issues such as stress, anxiety, or feelings of isolation. He may find comfort and satisfaction in gaming that he struggles to find in other aspects of life.
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Difficulty with boundaries: Your friend might have trouble managing their time and setting boundaries between gaming and family or social obligations, indicating a possible lack of balance in his daily activities.
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Social Withdrawal: If he is prioritizing gaming over socializing with family, it may reflect a tendency toward social withdrawal, where he feels more comfortable in virtual environments than in real-life interactions.
Encouraging an open and non-judgmental conversation with your friend about their gaming habits and how they feel about them might be a good first step in understanding his behavior better and possibly helping him find a healthier balance.