A poll of 1,000 UK gamers found nearly eight in 10 (79%) of those aged 18 to 28 have become so frustrated they've quit a video game in anger, compared to 75% of Millennials, 53% of Gen X and just 30% of Baby Boomers. Despite younger gamers being the most likely to call it a day, they're also the quickest to come back for another go.
Rage quit recovery
Nine in 10 of all gamers who have rage quit admit they have returned to the same game later that day, while more than half (56%) have told themselves "just one more game" after losing, only to continue playing for another hour.
Two in five gamers have been frustrated at a game in public. Poor Wi-Fi causing games to lag (47%) and feeling like a game is unfair (30%) are among the biggest rage quit triggers for Gen Z. Others have thrown in the towel after seeing a long winning streak end abruptly (26%).
Campaign launch
The research was commissioned by Clash Royale to mark the launch of Viking Season, an in-game event celebrating the emotional highs and lows that come with competitive gameplay. As part of the campaign, players can submit their rage clips, with the top 10 clips going head-to-head in a community vote. The winning clip will be immortalised as a Rage Emote in-game which reaction players can use to express their frustration during battles.
When a game doesn't go their way, three in 10 simply sit in stunned silence, unable to believe what they've just witnessed on screen, while the same proportion have stormed out of the room. Another 17% vent their frustrations by screaming into a pillow, while 21% head straight to the in-game chat to rant about what just happened.
Regional differences
These explosions don't always take place at home, as 39% of gamers have experienced game rage while playing in public. Of those, 41% have lost their cool in a park, 34% on a bus and 31% while gaming in a pub. However, many would rather keep those outbursts private, with 45% of rage quitters saying they would not feel comfortable being filmed during one of their gaming meltdowns.
The study, which was carried out by OnePoll, also revealed that London is the UK's biggest hotspot for angry gamers, with 79% admitting they have rage quit. Despite their short tempers, gamers in the capital are some of the quickest to get over their rage, with 68% getting back online within 30 minutes, ahead of the national average of 53%.
The North West follows closely behind, with 66% admitting they have quit in frustration. But Yorkshire and the Humber emerged as the calmest region, although 55% still admit to rage quitting. The South East (59%) and South West (60%) sit closer to the national average of 64%.
When it comes to online creators, IShowSpeed is London's preferred icon (37%), while gamers in the North West are more likely to back hometown hero AngryGinge (17%).
