BlokSet is a software providing several ways of limiting how much time one can spend on MMORPG's, or any software in general. It is developed for Chapter 2 of my doctoral thesis. It is best viewed as a proof of concept rather than a full-fledged product.

Download BlokSet

Newest version of BlokSet: 2.3.4

Installation note: After download, click on 'setup.exe' to install BlokSet. Do not use 'BlokSet.msi'.

BlokSet User Guide

Overview

BlokSet consists of three different devices, each of which allows you to limit when, or for how long, you can play MMORPG's. You do this by setting "blocks". A block is just a time period during which BlokSet "blocks" you from playing MMORPG's.

Blocks work in two ways.

1. If you try to launch your RPG software during a block that you have set, BlokSet will prevent the software from launching.

2. If you are playing your MMORPG when a block is scheduled to begin, BlokSet will simply close your RPG software at the beginning of the block. BlokSet will give you a verbal reminder and show you a countdown timer so that you can wrap up your game session before the block begins.

[Note: BlokSet is not a plug-in. It will not modify any of the files of your RPG software in any way.]

Each of the three devices allows you to set blocks in different ways.

1. The Calendar Blocker allows you to schedule blocks on a calendar, for all or part of any day.

2. The Pre-Game Blocker gives you the option, at the begining of a game- session, to set a block for that session. In effect, you are choosing how long to play, and when that time is up the game-session ends and the block begins. In addition, the Pre-Game device allows you to display a timer so you can see how long you have been playing. You can choose the timer with or without setting a block.

3. The In-Game Blocker allows you, in the middle of a game session, to set a block for that session. In effect, you are choosing how much longer you want to play, and when that time is up the game-session ends and the block begins.

In addition to these three devices, there is a "settings" page where you can select default options for how the three devices work.

 

Using the Calendar Blocker

To use the Calendar Block device, click on the BlokSet icon in your icon tray at any time. When the BlokSet main window opens, select the Calendar tab.

Click on the day you want to set a block. The "Schedule New Block" dialog will open.

Set the duration of the block

Click "All Day" to block yourself from playing your RPG for the entire day, midnight to midnight.

To set a block for part of the day, enter the beginning and ending times for the period you want to be blocked.

Set a repeating block

To set a repeating block, select daily, weekly, or monthly repeat and then select the date after which you want the repeat to end.

Cancel a scheduled block

Right-click on a scheduled block and click "delete" on the pop-up menu.

Note: The deadline for canceling any calendar block is exactly one week before the block begins. You cannot cancel a calendar block during the week leading up to the block.

Checking for scheduled blocks

To see a quick reminder of blocks you have set, roll your cursor over the BlokSet icon in your icon tray.

 

Using the Pre-Game Blocker

The Pre-Game Block device opens automatically every time you launch your RPG software. You will see the Pre-Game Block dialog before the RPG software opens.

To set a block or display a timer during the session you are about to play, check the appropriate box and click "Set". You can check one or the other or both. Both boxes are checked by default when you install BlokSet. To change these default settings, use the Settings Page.

If you choose to set a block, select the number of minutes you want to play before the block begins, and the number of minutes you want the block to last. BlokSet will give you a voice reminder 15 minutes before your block begins. After that you will see a timer that counts down to the beginning of the block.

You can change the default settings for minutes played and minutes blocked on the Settings Page.

If you choose to display the timer, you will see a count-up timer in a corner of the screen during your play session.

Once you have checked the boxes and entered the settings you want, click "set" to start your RPG with those settings.

If you do not want to set a block or display a timer, click "skip" to start your RPG straight away. You do not need to uncheck any boxes before clicking "skip".

 

Using the In-Game Blocker

To set an In-Game Block while you are playing your RPG, press the "pause" button on your keyboard at any time.

You will be asked to enter the number of minutes that you want to play before the block begins.

If the default number of minutes is okay, just press "enter".

To change the number of minutes, use your backspace key to clear the default and type in a new number. Then press "enter"

Press "enter" again to confirm. The block will be set.

The number of minutes that the block will last is set by default to 60 minutes.

To change the default number of minutes before the block begins, or the default number of minutes that the block lasts, go to the Settings page.

 

Using the Settings page

To change default settings for the Pre-Game Blocker or the In-Game Blocker, click on the BlokSet icon in your icon tray and select the "Settings" tab in the BlokSet main window.

In-Game Blocker settings

You can set the default for the number of minutes you want to play, and the number of minutes you want to be blocked afterwards.

You can set different defaults for each day of the week.

Pre-Game Blocker settings

You can set the default for the number of minutes you want to play, and the number of minutes you want to be blocked afterwards.

You can set different defaults for each day of the week.

In addition you can change whether the "block" and "timer" check boxes are checked or unchecked by default.

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