Father in China Hires Gamers to Hunt His Son’s Character So He Gets an Actual Job
Parents disagree about screen time in many households, and gaming often becomes the center of that tension. Online worlds feel endless, and older generations sometimes struggle to grasp how easily hours slip away. Add the stress of job hunting, cultural expectations, and an adult child who would rather log in than focus on real-life responsibilities, and frustration naturally builds. One case in China drew attention because the approach was unexpected and made people pause at how far a worried parent decided to go.
A Son Stuck in the Virtual World
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At 23, Xiao Feng spent much of his time playing an online multiplayer game. He had worked briefly in software but had not found a job in a while. His father, concerned by his son’s lack of direction and excessive gaming, decided to take drastic action.
The father believed that the gaming addiction was preventing his son from pursuing a more productive path in life, and so he came up with a plan to get his attention.
To carry out the plan, the father enlisted skilled gamers, or “virtual hitmen,” to hunt down Xiao Feng’s character every time he logged in. The idea was that the constant setbacks would make the game frustrating enough for his son to abandon it.
However, when Xiao Feng eventually discovered what was going on, he confronted one of the players and learned that his father had orchestrated the attacks. Despite the frustration, Xiao Feng remained unfazed.
Does This Approach Work?
While the father’s plan may seem like a drastic solution, it highlights the growing concern over how to address gaming habits in the modern world, especially when they interfere with real-life responsibilities.
Experts in gaming behavior noted that excessive gaming does not automatically signal addiction. For some, it’s simply a form of entertainment or escapism, but when it starts affecting other aspects of life, like career prospects, it can become a problem. However, the question remains: did the father’s drastic intervention actually help?
This incident also mirrors what many families go through today. Parents want their kids to enjoy what they love, but they still hope to see them take real steps in their lives. Balancing those hopes with a child’s attachment to technology isn’t simple, and it often shows how different generations see the world in their own ways.
Parental Control vs. Personal Responsibility
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Experts argue that instead of using harsh methods, it’s more effective to have open discussions with children about the consequences of their actions. Simply forcing a child out of their comfort zone may not lead to lasting change.
The son’s response to the father’s actions showed that while he was frustrated, he did not feel motivated to change his ways. Instead, he justified his gaming as a phase until he found the right job.
In the end, parents are trying to navigate a world where digital habits sometimes clash with their traditional expectations. But ultimately, it is up to the child to take personal responsibility for his own life.