Beijing/IBNS, Dec. 20 -- What began as a routine checkout at an esports hotel in northeast China quickly turned into a scene that has unsettled social media and reignited debate over gaming addiction.

Staff at a gaming-themed hotel in Changchun, the capital of Jilin province, reportedly opened a room vacated by a long-term guest and found it buried under layers of rubbish after nearly two years of uninterrupted stay.

According to local reports, the male guest had occupied the room for close to 24 months without requesting housekeeping even once.

Inside, trash was piled up to nearly a metre high in some areas, leaving only narrow paths to walk through.

Takeaway food containers, plastic bottles, food remnants and used packaging covered ...