Man Gets “Virtually Slapped” 4,800 Times with Eggs & Sandals, Sues Gaming Firm in China
Gaming has become an integral part of modern entertainment, with millions of people around the world spending countless hours playing games on their consoles, PCs, and mobile devices. While gaming can be a fun and exciting experience, it can also have its downsides. In some cases, players may experience frustration, anger, or even depression due to various factors such as losing games, interacting with toxic players, or feeling overwhelmed by the game’s mechanics.
In a rather unusual case, a Chinese man has taken his gaming frustrations to the next level by suing a gaming firm in China, claiming that the multiplayer game “Three Kingdoms Kill Online” caused him to fall into depression. According to reports, the player claimed that other players have “virtually slapped” him 4,800 times in six months, using eggs and sandals to vent their frustration after he won games.
The incident has sparked debate among gamers and non-gamers alike, with many questioning the validity of the player’s claims and others sympathizing with his plight. In this blog post, we will delve deeper into the incident and explore the issues surrounding gaming and mental health.
According to the player’s lawsuit, he began playing “Three Kingdoms Kill Online” in September 2022 and quickly rose to become one of the top players in the game. However, his success was short-lived, as other players began to take out their frustrations on him by virtually slapping him with eggs and sandals.
The player claimed that the constant virtual slapping, which was visible to other players, damaged his self-esteem and led to depression. He argued that the game’s failure to prevent such behavior or provide adequate protection for players like him was a breach of contract and a violation of his human rights.
The game developer, Shanghai Youzu Network Technology Co., Ltd., has yet to respond to the lawsuit, but the incident has sparked a heated debate in China about the responsibilities of game developers and the impact of gaming on mental health.
Gaming and Mental Health: A Growing Concern
The incident highlights the growing concern about the impact of gaming on mental health. While gaming can be a fun and enjoyable activity, it can also be a source of stress, anxiety, and depression for many players.
Research has shown that excessive gaming can lead to symptoms of depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders. Moreover, the constant exposure to virtual violence and aggression in some games can desensitize players to real-life violence and aggression.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized gaming disorder as a mental health condition, and many countries have started to take steps to address the issue. The WHO recommends that game developers take steps to reduce the risk of gaming disorder, such as providing players with features that promote healthy gaming habits and reducing the frequency of rewards and bonuses.
China has also taken steps to address the issue, with the government launching a campaign to promote healthy gaming habits and reduce gaming addiction. The campaign includes measures such as limiting gaming time for children and restricting access to games that promote violence and aggression.
The “Virtually Slapped” Incident: A Wake-Up Call for Game Developers
The “virtually slapped” incident is a wake-up call for game developers to take responsibility for the impact of their games on players’ mental health. Game developers have a responsibility to create games that are fun and enjoyable, but they also have a responsibility to ensure that their games do not harm players’ mental health.
There are several steps that game developers can take to reduce the risk of gaming disorder and promote healthy gaming habits. These include:
- Providing players with features that promote healthy gaming habits, such as limits on gaming time and reminders to take breaks.
- Reducing the frequency of rewards and bonuses to reduce the pressure on players to play more.
- Ensuring that games do not promote violence and aggression, and providing players with alternative ways to express themselves.
- Providing players with access to resources and support to help them manage their gaming habits and address any negative impacts on their mental health.
Conclusion
The “virtually slapped” incident is a reminder that gaming can have both positive and negative impacts on players’ mental health. While gaming can be a fun and enjoyable activity, it can also be a source of stress, anxiety, and depression for many players.
Game developers have a responsibility to create games that are fun and enjoyable, but they also have a responsibility to ensure that their games do not harm players’ mental health. By taking steps to reduce the risk of gaming disorder and promote healthy gaming habits, game developers can help to create a safer and more enjoyable gaming experience for all players.
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