Concerning Anger In Gamers

(Originally published on the 4th of May 2023)

The Angry Video Game Nerd may be a raging legend [21] [22] [23], but being an angry gamer in real life would be no laughing matter. Gaming-related anger can be caused by: 

•       Insane gameplay difficulty 
•       A losing streak 
•       Harassment and bullying during online gaming or a gameplay livestream [30]
•       A community feeling like a prison on social media due to its toxicity [20] [40]

According to a recent study, 40% of over 5,000 gamers in the United States have admitted to sending hurtful messages online due to anger and under 20% have admitted to breaking an object during an outburst [26]. Moreover, the results of the survey also point out that the angriest are Xbox players in Oklahoma, especially those who happen to be either Call of Duty comrades, FIFA footballers or both. On a lighter note, the most chilled of the large number of gamers are from Idaho, especially the ones who consider themselves mobile gamers. Although anger is a natural response to an aggravating moment, it is still not an excuse to send abusive messages to a fellow gamer, along with property damage. After all, I recall the shaming and verbal abuse I received for my ambition in gaming journalism and how badly it affected me nearly two years ago [39].  

The risk of having an outburst while gaming does not just affect gamers in the United States [27]. Do any of my fellow British players recall a rage quit near them? [37]

Video games can be a coping mechanism if you are dealing with real life problems, but the feeling of failure can cause that aid to be corrupted [17]. A culprit can be a hacker making the gameplay unfair for everyone else. This was noted back in the days of Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection racing, battling and tournaments on Mario Kart Wii [6]. As previously mentioned, a prime source of gaming rage is high difficulty. Rayman, Jak II and Catherine were notorious for their intense difficulties, despite their mostly positive receptions [5] [11] [12] [16] [19]. However, a different kind of aggravating difficulty can be present in a lot more negatively received games that have poor controls, such as Dark Castle [22]. And do not get me started with a game suddenly crashing as I remember my copy of The Sims 2 and most of the expansion packs glitching up and freezing frequently or suddenly crashing on the old family computer when I was a high school student [3], along with how Sonic Dash would often crash and have an annoyingly low frame rate on my fourth-generation iPod Touch when I was in college [24] [28]! As important it is to acknowledge these thoughts and feelings [31] [34], it is important to not stereotype and generalise based on the results of the survey [26].

So, how can us gamers manage our anger and frustration? [32]

It would be advised to take a break if a certain level or task in a game turns out to be too difficult [17] [18]. A prime example would of this would be stepping away to take some deep breaths [17] [31]. Why not save the challenge for another time and tune into a game consisting of serenity that can provide some relief, such as Flower and Animal Crossing: New Horizons [1] [7] [17] [29]? Another option with be tuning into an app that is designed for benefiting one’s mental well-being, such as Calm and Kinder World [4] [15]. Mellowing out from an intense challenge or lowering the difficulty does not make a gamer a “loser” or a “coward” [18], despite how a few titles have mocked players who chose the Easy mode, including Twisted Metal 2 and Wolfenstein: The New Order [36]. Asking for a little help from another player sometimes is nothing to be embarrassed about, especially if we aim to make a particular fandom a far less toxic place by being well-mannered and thoughtful as a community [18] [20]. I would much rather send kindness to a talented and charming person and be appreciated for it during a livestream than scream at the top of my lungs over a difficult level in a game or some nasty comments on Twitch or YouTube [25].

I remember being mesmerised by the concept and gameplay of Flower on my fiancé’s PlayStation 3 [1] [29]. As soothing as its visuals, music and relaxed gameplay are, taking a few deep breaths can help maintain mindfulness, just like in “Blue Is Frustrated”, the eighteenth episode of the second season of Blue’s Clues, no matter how old we are [2] [31]. [1]

Why not read a comic book during a break? Besides, a prequel comic set before the events of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 was announced yesterday and it will be released this Saturday, which is World Free Comic Book Day. [13]

A gamer being angry does not make them a bad person, but efforts must be made to further prove that. Furthermore, being a video game journalist does not mean that I would write a hit piece on some people who I dislike [14] [39]. Lastly, getting frustrated at a very difficult level in a game or being enraged at the toxicity of a gaming franchise’s fanbase does not mean the passion for virtual creativity and adventurousness is gone [18]. Personally, despite the times when I ranted on social media and wanted to scream and yank my hair out [38] [40], I would never want to take my full-on rage out on those I deeply care about and end up hurting them. Remember that it is okay to be angry or frustrated, but there are lines you ought to not cross. Also, remember to count the blessings both in gaming AND real life as you practise self-care and self-kindness [15]. Most importantly, remember that you are valued, and you are not alone in this complicated world as we strive to make it a better place while looking to new forms of entertainment, such as a second theatrical part based on a classic novel [9] [10] [35]. 

You said it, Samy from Kinder World [15]! And as competitive gaming can be [26], leading to aggravating moments sometimes, the enjoyable moments of escaping reality’s troubles are ultimately worth cherishing [8] [18] [33], even if you are a Call of Duty comrade or a FIFA footballer [26]. Let us gamers keep showing one another kindness and support! [15]

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