Guidance

Responsible play

Games are a form of entertainment and should stay that way. This page sets out how to keep play in balance and where to find free support in New Zealand.

1. Why this page exists

Forgecedar describes game portals, so it also has a duty to say plainly that time spent playing should stay in proportion to the rest of your life.

Nothing on this site encourages play. The entries exist so that a reader can make an informed choice, including the choice not to sign up.

2. Keeping play in balance

Decide how long a session will last before it starts, and use a timer rather than a feeling.

Keep gaming out of working hours, study time and sleep. Fatigue is the most common route to losing track of time.

Where a platform sells optional items, set a monthly figure in advance and treat it as fixed.

3. Signs worth taking seriously

Sessions running significantly longer than planned, repeatedly and against your own intention.

Withdrawal from work, study, sport or family commitments in order to keep playing.

Irritability or low mood when access is interrupted, or concealment of how much time or money is involved.

4. Age and supervision

This site is intended for readers aged 18 and over. Many of the platforms described have their own age requirements, which are set by the operator.

Where younger players are involved, parental controls and agreed screen-time limits should be configured on the device and the account.

5. Where to get help in New Zealand

Need to Talk? — free call or text 1737, any time, to speak with a trained counsellor.

Gambling Helpline New Zealand — free call 0800 654 655 or text 8006, including for concerns about spending inside games.

Healthline — free call 0800 611 116 for general health advice. In an emergency, call 111.

This version applies to the current calendar year. Questions: [email protected]