From David Hulme
As an archer of more than 40 years, I realise after reading Douglas Heaven’s article on obsessive gaming that the target face is the archer’s fruit machine (31 May, p 38).
I have often said to beginners that the sport can be addictive. Archery relies on repetition and conditioning, with a clear and colourful target but uncertainty built in because of the variables acting on each shot.
It would appear to have all the elements of gaming, and I wonder whether psychologists exploring gaming addiction might extend their research into target sports like archery.
Meanwhile, I will simply explain to the next enthusiastic archery novice I meet that they have got caught in a ludic loop.
Stockport, UK
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