The Relationship Between Consistent High Individual Performance and Post-loss Tilt in Ranked Multiplayer Games
Abstract
Tilt- an emotional dysregulation that affects judgment and performance is a understudied aspect of competitive esports. Commonly associated with team losses, however, it is currently uncertain if regular high individual performance makes one more susceptible to tilt. This research investigates tilt using the lens of attribution theory, self-determination theory, and the frustration–aggression model and hypothesize that the (perceived) mismatch between individual success and collective failure is related to elevated levels of frustration and competence threat. The paper implemented a case study involving pro esports players and some content analysis work. The research also indicates that optimal performers often display “obvious tilt” which is marked by emotional responses, becoming disengaged or communication that has a negative impact on the team when the outcome of a teams' efforts render an individual player’s own performance. These patterns are consistent with attributions of blame, frustration of competence, and perceptions of injustice. The results suggest that high levels of consistent performance could exacerbate, rather than buffer the effect of tilt-proneness following team losses. This study contributes to a deeper psychological understanding of tilt in esports and provides implications for resilience training, coaching, and mental health care in the competitive gaming environment.
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