[luhego]

Someone who is 18 is already an adult. Trying to enforce restrictions to an adult will only generate pushback and resentment. At that age, it is too late. You can let him play and live that way or you may try to fix it. The later will only cause discussions and fights.

[millzlane]

And before you know it, your 31 year old man child is still sitting in the basement and you're still buying their games.

[luhego]

There are multiple ways to try to stop this behavior. I will tell you the ways that didn't work for my parents. Turning off the internet, cutting the electricity off, hiding the PC or consoles, knocking the door at night asking if I am playing or studying. They annoyed me so much that I stopped playing for a while, got a job and moved out from my parents house at the first opportunity. Now, I continue to play as before but no longer talk to them. If that is the outcome the op friend is trying to accomplish then ok.

[bluefirebrand]

Surely there must be a line you can take between letting them use their free time how they want, and enabling them to never need to do anything else.

What my parents did with me when I was 18 is: I could love at home rent free if I was enrolled in classes at university, or I could start paying rent.

Frankly, I don't see much of a problem with someone staying at home into adulthood, many cultures do that already. However the caveat is usually they have to contribute to the household, either with rent or housework or whatever. I don't see that as a problem.

[throwaway5959]

So the trope goes at least. I wonder how many cases are actually like that though.

[lwswl]

SO it should be out of the house for him.