This is such a habit which is just like a addiction for kid - like cigarette (which is a addiction for elders) If the kid gets addicted to video games - its almost like a game over! -- but still there are few ways to try out. The kid had to be handled differently as you can't send him/her to a rehabilitating center or so.
It would be easier to handle a small kid as compared to a older kid - as older kid might not listen to you one addicted.
Try out few of the ways mentioned below :
* Disconnect the source (don't provide him/her access to the video game) [generally applicable to a smaller kid] - You might want to hide the key wire of the video game and pretend that its lost or isn't functioning or is out of manufacture.
* Encourage the child to play outdoor games - buy him a football / basketball / cricket bat -- and you might want to challenge him/her.
* Encourage the child to study and get good result -- always try to talk to him/her and get him/her to debate or discussion so that his/her mind might open --- repeat this regularly.
* Friends - encourage to make friends (who is not addicted to video games) so that it might divert his/her mind.
* Fear - fear is one of the factor works in most of the young kids - this is the most common way to make him/her get off !
* Consult their teacher - yes sometimes kids listen to teacher more than their parents. This is quite true!
* Consult other parents - this is sometimes good -- someones experience might be good for you.
* Consult a doctor who is a expert in solving such child addiction!!
* Go for regular outing with the family. Go to relatives or friends house or to a disney land etc etc.
* In case of elder kid - you might explain him/her that he/she is addicted to it -- some of the kids are mature and might cooperate with you
* Define one timeline - try that number of hours he/she is dedicating on playing video games reduces every week Eg: 1st week 12 hours, 2nd week 10 hours, 3rd week 8 hours.. and so on.. till 2 hours..
* Don't do anything - most of the kid automatically get bored and get back to normal .