Man gets ‘virtually slapped’ 4,800 times with eggs & sandals, sues gaming firm in China
In a bizarre and unprecedented case, a Chinese man has sued a gaming firm in China, claiming that a multiplayer online game caused him to fall into depression. The game, ‘Three Kingdoms Kill Online’, allowed players to vent their frustration on other players who won games by virtually slapping them with eggs and sandals. The plaintiff, a 22-year-old man, claimed that he was the victim of such abuse, and argued that the constant humiliation and harm to his self-esteem pushed him into depression.
According to reports, the plaintiff, identified only by his surname, Wang, played the game for six months and won a significant number of matches. However, instead of being praised or congratulated by other players, he was subjected to a shocking amount of abuse. Players would virtually slap him 4,800 times in six months, using eggs and sandals as the weapon of choice. The slaps were not just a one-time occurrence; they happened repeatedly, and Wang claimed that other players would watch him get slapped, which further harmed his self-esteem.
Wang’s lawsuit against the game’s developer, NetEase Games, alleged that the company was negligent in not providing adequate measures to prevent such behavior. He claimed that the game’s design and lack of moderation allowed the abuse to continue unchecked, leading to his mental health issues. The lawsuit also accused the game of causing Wang emotional distress, anxiety, and depression, which have affected his daily life and relationships.
The case highlights the darker side of online gaming, where players can sometimes take their frustrations out on others. While online gaming can be a fun and engaging experience, it can also be a breeding ground for bullying and harassment. In this case, the constant humiliation and abuse took a toll on Wang’s mental health, leading to depression.
Wang’s lawsuit is not the first of its kind. In recent years, there have been several cases of online harassment and bullying in gaming communities. Players have been subjected to racist and sexist abuse, and some have even received death threats. While online gaming provides a platform for people to connect and have fun, it also requires developers and game moderators to take action to prevent such behavior.
The case has sparked a wider debate about the responsibility of game developers and moderators in preventing online harassment. While some argue that players should take responsibility for their own actions, others believe that game developers have a duty to create a safe and respectful environment for all players.
The lawsuit is ongoing, and it remains to be seen what the outcome will be. However, the case serves as a reminder of the importance of online etiquette and the need for game developers to take action to prevent online harassment. As the gaming industry continues to grow and evolve, it is essential that developers prioritize the well-being and safety of their players.
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