Rage in video gaming, characteristics of loss of control among gamers: A qualitative study

Abstract

Introduction: Online forums devoted to video games dedicate discussions to a phenomenon named “rage” that produces difficulties for gamers. Rage is described as expressing violent and impulsive reactions through excessive frustration or bad faith while gaming. The description of “rage” is close to the description of “tilt” in the context of online poker. The aim of this qualitative study was to describe rage as it occurs in online video games and to identify its etiology and consequences.Method: A qualitative study included 24 gamers aged between 18 and 30 years old. Semi-directive interviews were conducted and participants completed an online survey. Two researchers rated each interview using the thematic analysis method, and reported an agreement rate of 83%. Results: Rage was described by gamers as a change in the manner of playing caused by a feeling of frustration during the game. Rage has components that are behavioral (aggressive behaviors), cognitive (poor decision-making) and emotional (anger). Rage can be contagious among gamers and may result in the loss of the game and a “rage quit”, in other words an abrupt cessation of the game.Discussion: Rage is a phenomenon of loss of control that occurs while playing an online video game. It has similar characteristics to tilt in online poker. However, the outcomes of tilt and rage are different and might lead to opposite relations with addiction behaviors.