Being consistently on the losing team in video games can be attributed to several factors, both psychological and systemic. Here are some key reasons:
Locus of Control: Players often blame external factors (e.g., teammates, game balance) or internal factors (e.g., their own skill level) for losses. This mindset can affect how they approach subsequent games2.
State Self-Esteem: Continuous losses can negatively impact a player's self-esteem, leading to decreased performance due to increased stress and frustration2.
Mentality and Tilt: When players are frustrated, they may make poor decisions or "tilt," which further decreases their chances of winning7.
Matchmaking Rating (MMR): If your MMR is higher than your actual skill level due to recent wins or other factors, you might be matched against stronger opponents more frequently, increasing the likelihood of being on a losing team46.
Matchmaking Algorithms: These systems aim to create balanced matches but sometimes result in unbalanced teams due to various constraints like player availability and behavior (e.g., rage quits)8.
Skill Level Disparities: Being paired with teammates who significantly differ in skill from you can lead to uneven team performance68.
Take Responsibility: Identify what you could improve upon in each game.
Adjust Your Mindset: Manage frustration by taking breaks when needed.
Practice Consistently: Focus on improving skills rather than just playing more games.
By addressing both psychological and systemic issues, you can potentially reduce the frequency of being on the losing team over time.