Man sues Chinese game developer after being “slapped” with in-game items over 4,800 times

The highest-ranked Three Kingdoms Kill Online player is suing the game’s developer, claiming being slapped with over 4,800 in-game items “ruined his life.”

According to reports, the player, using the pseudonym Qiaoben, has been playing strategy game Three Kingdoms Kill Online for 15 years, but his victories over opponents were met with backlash.

After matches, players can throw in-game items, like eggs and sandals, at opponents’ avatars with an animation resembling a slap. Qiaoben claims that over a six-month period, he had over 4,800 items thrown at him. In one extremely humiliating instance, he says the slappings lasted over 90 seconds.

“Every time I am hit with eggs, I feel my self-esteem is harmed, and I get depressed,” he said.

Man takes legal action against Three Kingdoms Kill Online

Qiaoben believes that because these in-game items players can use to slap players with can be purchased using real money, the game’s developer is profiting off these humiliating interactions.

After customer service ignored his complaints, Qiaoben opted to take legal action by filing a lawsuit and seeking compensation, although the exact amount he wants hasn’ been disclosed.

As reported by NewsX, the developer claims it will cooperate with the courts in this legal case.

Meanwhile, legal experts believe Qiaoben has a legitimate case, noting that being slapped with eggs is insulting and that in-game harassment could violate players’ personal rights.

Players in China have expressed mixed opinions on the lawsuit, but some pointed to how throwing eggs after losing helps them “save face.”

“No matter how strong a player is, they can still be crushed by eggs and straw sandals,” one said.

“Qiaoben is somewhat pitiful, yet also a bit funny. It is time for him to quit this game,” another chimed in.

The lawsuit is already affecting the game. The developer says it plans to implement restrictions on the items in order to “regulate their use.”