Chinese man sues gaming firm after 4,800 on-screen ‘slaps’ leave him depressed

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A long-time player of Three Kingdoms Kill Online has sued the gaming company, citing psychological distress and emotional harm. The player claimed he was virtually “slapped” thousands of times in-game, damaging his self-esteem.

According to a report by Mint, the man, using the pseudonym Qiaoben, has played the game for over 15 years. He holds the top rank in the multiplayer strategy game developed by a Hangzhou-based company.

The player stated that after winning matches, his avatar was often targeted by opponents. They threw virtual items like eggs and straw sandals, triggering slap-like animations on his character. These actions, visible to all players, reportedly made him feel humiliated.

Based on his gameplay data, Qiaoben claimed to have received over 4,800 such hits in the last six months. These items can be earned through in-game tasks or purchased at low cost.

“The slaps continued for more than 90 seconds during one game,” he said in the lawsuit. “Every time I am hit with eggs, I feel my self-esteem is harmed, and I get depressed.”

Qiaoben acknowledged that item-throwing is a common feature used by losing players to express frustration. However, he argued that repeated exposure caused him emotional damage and impacted his mental health.

He further alleged that the gaming company tolerates such interactions as they generate revenue from item sales. “The company allows players to throw these offensive items at each other,” he claimed. He also added that his complaints to customer support were repeatedly ignored.

As a result, Qiaoben has sued the gaming company, seeking compensation for the emotional distress and harassment he allegedly experienced. The lawsuit is his last resort after registering several complaints that were not addressed. While he has demanded compensation for the alleged harassment, the exact amount sought remains undisclosed.

Three Kingdoms Kill Online was launched in 2009. The game is based on the historical Three Kingdoms period of China, between 220 and 265 CE. Each match involves four to eight players and typically lasts 10 to 30 minutes.

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