Man sues China gaming firm for depression after being ‘virtually slapped’ 4,800 times
‘Traumatised’ online player whose avatar was constantly pelted with in-game eggs, sandals seeks compensation over ‘self-esteem’ issues
A man in China has sued a gaming company claiming he suffers from depression after being virtually slapped more than 4,800 times with in-game items, sparking widespread attention online.
Mainland media outlet Xin Huanghe reported that the man, using the pseudonym Qiaoben, has been a fan of Three Kingdoms Kill Online for 15 years and holds its highest rank.
Three Kingdoms Kill Online is a multiplayer battle game set in the Three Kingdoms era (220-265).
Developed by a Hangzhou-based gaming company in eastern China, it was released in 2009.
One game involves four to eight players and lasts between 10 to 30 minutes.
Qiaoben discovered that after each victory, his opponents would throw items like eggs and straw sandals at his avatar, triggering effects like virtual facial slaps.