Lebedev "Mighty Semchan" Semyon
In a surprising turn of events, a Chinese gamer has taken legal action against the creators of Three Kingdoms Kill Online (TKKO), citing emotional distress caused by repeated virtual abuse. The game, which has been around since 2009, features small-scale multiplayer matches inspired by the Three Kingdoms era.
The plaintiff, Qiaoben, has been a loyal and highly skilled player for 15 years. However, his dominance in the game allegedly provoked rival players to retaliate by exploiting a feature that allows users to “throw” items at opponents’ avatars. These items, such as eggs and straw sandals, simulate the effect of a virtual slap.
Image: x.com
According to Qiaoben, he received over 4,800 virtual slaps in just six months, pushing him into a state of depression. He claims that the relentless targeting was fueled by envy over his achievements, turning what should have been friendly competition into toxic behavior.
Some players defend the practice, stating that throwing items helps them "save face" after a loss. However, the overwhelming number of slaps directed at Qiaoben raises ethical questions about acceptable conduct in online games and whether developers should intervene in cases of harassment.
This case shines a spotlight on the psychological toll of toxic gaming practices and could set a precedent for similar disputes in the future.
Main image: x.com
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