A player recently shared their experience of leaving behind popular games like League of Legends and Overwatch due to the toll it took on their mental health. They had been playing these games for over a decade but realized that they were missing out on other gaming experiences and that the constant dedication was negatively impacting their well-being.
The player admitted that they would play these multiplayer games exclusively, causing them stress and anxiety instead of relaxation. Eventually, they reached a breaking point and decided to uninstall the games. Their addiction to these titles had even affected their relationships, with their girlfriend pleading for them to stop playing.
After quitting League of Legends and Overwatch, the player discovered the joy of solo games such as Starfield and Baldur’s Gate 3. They described these games as a “breath of fresh air” and felt a significant improvement in their mood. In the comments of the Reddit thread, many players shared similar experiences, expressing how multiplayer games had become more stressful than enjoyable. The term “addict” was frequently used to describe their relationship with these games.
While multiplayer games offer various modes, both competitive and casual, the players in the thread found themselves solely focused on the competitive aspect and their rank rather than having fun. This pressure ultimately drove them away from these titles. Some argued that competition itself wasn’t the issue, pointing out that challenging single-player games could also be competitive. However, they acknowledged that solo competitive games were better for mental health as they didn’t involve toxic interactions with opponents.
The core question raised in the thread was whether playing games in a competitive manner still brought enjoyment. Many players felt that the stress and pressure outweighed the fun, leading them to reconsider their gaming habits.
| Original | Paraphrased |
|---|---|
| They played multiplayer games in most of their free time. | They dedicated most of their free time to playing multiplayer games. |
| It got to the point where PvP games started to really negatively impact my mental health. | Playing player-versus-player (PvP) games began to severely affect my mental well-being. |
| My mood has been lifted massively. | I experienced a significant improvement in my mood. |
| Many players shared similar experiences with multiplayer games. | A multitude of players expressed similar encounters with multiplayer games. |
| Others argued competition wasn’t necessarily the issue. | Some individuals contended that competition itself wasn’t the main problem. |
| Your opponent doesn’t spam you with slurs. | Your opponent doesn’t bombard you with offensive language. |
| Are you still having fun when playing a game in a competitive way? | Do you still find enjoyment in playing games competitively? |
Source: DOTESPORTS
