Tilt in games

Tilt is a reaction to events that do not go according to plan. During tilt, the player is not able to control emotions and control his behavior. Because of this, he begins to make mistakes that he would never have made in a normal state.

Origin of the term

The concept of “tilt” (“tilt” in English), according to one version, first appeared among fans of playing slot machines. Previously, paintball machines did not have lock levers, and during a loss, players lost control of their behavior and tilted the machine, trying to give the ball a direction.

According to the results of research by scientists from Cambridge and psychologists at the University of Helsinki, players experienced more rage and anger when they were in winning positions and suffered defeat. When the chances of winning were at their highest, but the player lost, the chance of making mistakes increased.

Tilt and its manifestations

Tilt is not only negative emotions, but also positive ones associated with a series of wins. Too bright manifestation of emotions is accompanied by a loss of control, and the player ceases to rationally analyze his actions.

Unfortunately, it will not be possible to completely avoid such a state, since it is impossible to turn off the reactions of the brain and body to situations that cause discomfort.

Some people are more prone to it, others less. And experienced players have learned to adapt quickly.

So, for example, the difference between a novice player and an experienced one is that a novice, when unpleasant situations arise, starts to get nervous and his emotions take control of the body. And an experienced gamer has already gone through this and learned to control the situation. He has already developed a strategy on how to act in a similar situation.

The Importance of Tilt in Esports, Gaming and Poker

The term “tilt” represents the awareness of one’s helplessness. When gamers play in a team, they are especially susceptible to this. If one of the players has problems, the feelings cover everyone. Participants begin to carefully observe the actions of opponents, forgetting about their own. And for this reason, many mistakes are made.

Tilt is a common occurrence

Causes of occurrence:

• because of competitors;
• due to the inability to hold the line;
• due to the fact that the player has not yet recovered from the last loss.

In single player games such as poker, various factors can cause the player to lose control. These are the factors:

• alcohol;
• fatigue;
• stress;
• bad mood and negative attitude.

Signs that a person is on tilt:

• lack of strategy and plan;
• excessive emotionality;
• rash acts.

Ways to overcome the state of tilt

1. In order to get away from such a psychological state, you should switch to another game. If tilt occurs only when playing the machine, then you need to stop the game and find another activity to get distracted and put your thoughts in order.
2. Analysis of own shortcomings. If a player accepts his mistakes, he is able to correct them and play correctly in the following games.

Tips from experienced players

Experienced gamers advise not to focus on winning, but to look for other goals. Psychologists single out one of the main secrets – the ability to enjoy not victory, but the process itself. The feeling that the gamer has worked at 100% brings satisfaction no less than victory.