Gamer’s Social Experiment Reveals Harsh Truths About Player Behavior

A recent social experiment by a player known as 17prozent in the video game Arc Raiders has shed light on the darker aspects of player behavior in online gaming. This unconventional experiment aimed to determine whether loot or player kills mattered more to participants in the game. Over the course of 75 raids, 17prozent discovered a startling trend: players were far more inclined to kill him than to engage in meaningful interactions.

In his quest to explore the dynamics of player interactions, 17prozent entered the game without any gear, adopting the persona of “The Naked Man.” He equipped himself solely with a hammer, eschewing weapons, armor, and healing items. In a detailed post on Reddit, he explained his approach, stating, “No weapons, no shield, no augment, no heals. Just me and my trusty hammer.” This lack of equipment was intended to demonstrate that he posed minimal threat to other players.

Throughout his experiment, 17prozent employed a tactic of communication, using proximity chat to inform other players of his non-threatening status. He would often say, “Yo, I’m worth 500 XP max. It’s not worth the trouble. I have nothing, not even a shield.” Despite his attempts to foster a peaceful environment, the results were disheartening. Out of 75 encounters, he was killed an astonishing 63 times. Many of these deaths occurred within seconds, often as he turned his back to show his vulnerability. “Congrats on killing a naked guy with a hammer, I guess?” he remarked, reflecting on the experience.

From Social Experiment to Personal Challenge

After facing repeated hostility, 17prozent decided to shift his strategy. He introduced a new character, “Duck-Man,” by holding a duck in his hand during raids. This change led to a remarkable turnaround in player interactions. “People were friendly 9 out of 10 times,” he reported on Reddit, indicating that a simple change in approach transformed the nature of the game for him. The experiment evolved from a study of player behavior into a personal mission.

The development team behind Arc Raiders, Embark Studios, aims to create a gaming experience that blends elements from various genres, including Shadow of the Colossus, Left 4 Dead, and PUBG. They initially struggled to define the game loop, which underscores the challenge of balancing player engagement with competitive elements.

This experiment has sparked discussions in the gaming community about the nature of player interactions and the motivations behind aggressive behavior in multiplayer environments. While 17prozent’s findings may not be scientifically rigorous, they provide anecdotal insight into how players prioritize loot and kills over camaraderie.

As gaming continues to evolve, understanding these dynamics will be crucial for developers and players alike, prompting questions about how to foster more positive interactions in online spaces.