The stats are in, and online gaming is on the rise during the worldwide quarantine. What are we supposed to do while stuck at home? Learn a new life skill? Read books? Actually spend time with our significant others? According to OnlineGambling.ca, many people want just that. Not the most reputable source for relationship advice, we know, but they site a study from Brigham Young University that states 75% percent of spouses want their partner to "put more effort into their marriage and less into video games."
So OnlineGambling.ca came up with a way to help this 75% – a foul-smelling spray that is meant to be put on gaming consoles and controllers. It's called "Anti-Gaming" spray, and we honestly can't tell if it's real or not.
If taken at face value, Anti-Gaming Spray is a small bottle that can be purchased online for $5.99. There's even a promo code to celebrate its recent launch, SPRAY20. Further solidifying its existence is the ingredients list; Anti-Gaming Spray is made of all natural stuff like Durian fruit essence, patchouli essential oil, and vinegar. A few spritzes of this cocktail is supposed to make controllers smell so bad that the obsessive gamer in question won't want to stay and play. Then they'll be forced to talk to their spouse, because that's how healthy communication starts!
A closer look at the product reveals that it could all be a joke. Five star testimonials heap praise on the product but read like cheesy adverts.
There's also the fact that the spray already sold out as of this writing. It's possible that the product is a hit. Maybe someone shared it on some Facebook group for frustrated moms, who all immediately ordered in bulk to keep their teens and husbands in line. Or maybe OnlineGambling.ca made a relatively small batch for the initial run. It could be real, but the whole idea just seems too weird to be true. Then again, Smash Bros. soap exists.
In the end, Anti-Gaming Spray could just be another way to raise awareness of the dangers of gaming addiction. The promotional email reminds readers of all the damage Fortnite in particular has caused. The hit battle royale supposedly broke up about 200 divorces in 2018. Entire countries have even tried to ban the game in fear of how it distracts youth. They also include advice from psychologists and relationship experts on how to actually communicate that gaming might be getting in the way of quality couple time.
“A relationship could potentially break down if the person who is online… refuses to stop. These arguments usually occur because one person feels ignored, less important or lied to. It can leave people feeling threatened, jealous, suspicious, and angry,” says relationship counsellor Sian Jones.
Relationship Connection Expert Tara Skubella suggests setting aside time to put away devices and be fully present with one's partner.
Or you could just spray the problem away. If you buy Anti-Gaming Spray and it saves your marriage, be sure to let us know.
Source: OnlineGambling.ca