Mercatorum University

Psychological and Behavioral Outcomes of League of Legends Rank System in Italy, Turkey, Japan, and South Korea

Competitive success in League of Legends serves as a primary driver for both psychological fulfillment and behavioral volatility among elite players.

• Competitive rank is the most robust predictor of toxic behavior in League of Legends, with high-ranking players utilizing hostility as a defensive mechanism to protect their status.
• A study of 1,528 participants across Italy, Turkey, Japan, and South Korea confirms that behavioral patterns in competitive gaming are universal rather than culturally contingent.
• Players at the Master tier and above demonstrate high psychological resilience, maintaining a deep commitment to the game despite persistent exposure to toxic environments.