Exploring the psyche of LOL
Sometimes we learn more of ourselves from a loss than a win.
Why never surrendering is a viable option.
When to give up is a debate that transcends League of Legends, and is seen in every single competitive sport throughout the world. We, as LOL players, have the option to deem a match “unwinnable” and surrender to the enemy team 20 minutes into the game. To many, this might prove to be the best option, as they may see continuing a game as a “waste of time”, “pointless”, or any other negative connotation.
But to use an analogy from professional sports: “You lose when you stop trying”.
It is true that in some instances, it may seem like a game is out of reach, this is also applicable in professional sports as well. Even under these circumstances, reaching deep down and avoiding a defeatist mentality will always be better than simply “giving up”.
Now, I understand that professional teams have an edge over individual players in any competitive environment:
a) Team cohesiveness
b) It is their job, thus are more likely to give it their all
c) The stakes are invariably higher in a professional, competitive atmosphere
Yet I would argue that if anybody truly wants to get better (and not just video games, but any competitive sport in general), never surrendering then becomes a very viable option. Psychoanalysis of professional competitive players suggests that players, who exhibit a “drive” or “passion” for winning, are players who have experienced both spectrums of the competitive scene: gut-wrenching loses, and glorious victories. Even suffering a debilitating defeat, such as a one sided victory, will always grant the losing team some form of invaluable information, such as:
a) Learning to deal with difficult teammates
b) Learning how to keep team morale up, even in the grimmest of prospects
c) If all members of the team, buy into the notion that victory, however small the possibility, is still feasible, you will witness one of the most amazing aspects of competitive sports: team unity.
d) All these things, you will be able to transfer over to your next game, and hopefully your attitude will be mimicked by other players.
We have grown up in a society that has spoiled us to some extent. We not only expect to win, but we expect to win 100% of the time. We gloat in our victories, and we unfortunately complain, blame, and disregard as an anomaly our defeats.
One should never surrender, the game isn’t over until a Nexus falls.
7 Responses to “Exploring the psyche of LOL”
Fuck you replied on Jun 18th, 2012 at 12:34 am
Fuck you. There are many many many games that are objectively unwinnable. Surrendering is always an option.
Anonymous replied on Jun 18th, 2012 at 12:48 am
Eating dirt or jumping on rusty nails are also options. The key here is they are bad options, like surrendering. What’s the worst that can happen if you don’t surrender? Nothing worse than surrendering, and hell, sometimes you might win legit or by enemy disconnects, pissed feeders mid-game, etc.
Logic, it’s a hell of a thing.
Anonymous replied on Jun 18th, 2012 at 12:57 am
Every game is winnable. For me, its usually just about: Do I want to go through more time to possibly get slaughtered with incompetent teammates when i can stary anew
No it isn't. replied on Jun 18th, 2012 at 1:01 am
Every game is NOT winnable. Thinking this is just burying your head in the sand and refusing to see the facts of the situation. Learning to appreciate the state of the game is something you should be familiar with. That means knowing when you’ve lost instead of wasting ten people’ time.
People like you are why I just leave after two failed surrender attempts.
Someone didnt see the CLG.EU vs. M5 game! replied on Jun 18th, 2012 at 4:19 am
Every game is winnable bro, go check the replay and stop taking people down in…
Rapz replied on Jun 19th, 2012 at 11:53 am
I agree that staying in games longer benefit the player on a bigger level than dropping out and starting a new game. There are certain games where surrendering is the best option, some games are just too hard to come back from.
Staying in a game increases the players perception, their skill, and puts them under pressure. It also helps you figure out how to play certain champs, and how to play against them. You learn more from losses, its a proven fact.
Your ability to Dodge spells is increased as you know just how much damage a fed champ can do, and hence you make a bigger effort to dodge. Vice versa with your spells.
Teamplay goes up as well, you begin to work better with teammates, focus is increased, you become more aware of things. You learn from others, you listen to criticism and use it to fix mistakes. Also, the satisfaction from killing a fed champ is amazing
The majority of fed players tend to make stupid mistakes, and a game can easily be turned around from that.
When you win, you use what you have learnt. When you surrender early, you learn a little, but not enough, when you lose a hard fought battle, you learn much more, and winning a game from behind, has the most advantages.
Surrendering a game shows lack of commitment, no teamwork skill, and inability to play under pressure. Also, if you are surrendering early, it shows u don’t know how to defend, and farm under towers, it shows you do not know how to lane effectively. If you can only play offensive, then you are not a skilled player. The best players are those that are accustomed to all types of situations. Leaving a game early means you lack the knowledge and skill to play a certain part of the game.
mthlmw replied on Jun 19th, 2012 at 10:46 pm
I like how all the disagreements are about winnability. Imho, the last minutes of a game are the most fun and rewarding, whether I win or lose. Surrendering only takes away the best part after you play through the terrible losing of the first 20, and that’s what I took from the article.