Whether it’s due to lagging in a high-stakes multiplayer match or toxic teammates ruining the mood, rage quitting has become a universal experience for gamers. But what drives players to quit?
Uswitch Broadband experts have created a new Rage Quitting Index that explores the top gaming frustrations, from poor broadband performance to unbalanced matchmaking and reveals which regions of the UK are hit hardest by gaming woes.
Rage Quitting Triggers
Losing or competitive frustration takes the top spot, with 54% of players citing this as their main reason for rage quitting. Multiplayer games like Fortnite and Call of Duty are intense environments, where the pressure to win or perform at a high level often pushes players to their breaking point.
In London, where gamers enjoy average broadband speeds of 167.9 Mbps download and 27 Mbps upload, lag is rarely the issue. Instead, 57% of players blame competitive gaming pressure and tough opponents for their frustration, the highest in the UK. The city’s gamers also lead the nation in controller-smashing, with 14% admitting to breaking their gear in the heat of the moment. Despite the rage, 69% quit within the first hour, though 43% return within three hours for another shot, showcasing the resilience of London’s gaming community.
| Trigger | Percentage of Players Who Rage Quit |
| Losing or competitive frustration | 54% |
| Poor game quality or glitches | 47% |
| Poor internet performance | 40% |
| Toxic players or chat | 30% |
[Source: Uswitch.com]
The Most Rage-Inducing Games and Genres
First-person shooters (FPS) lead the charge as the most rage-inducing genre, with over 40% of players citing them as their biggest frustration. Call of Duty takes the top spot, with 41.5% of players admitting to rage quitting, driven by the intense competitive pressure and the demand for precision. Similarly, Fortnite sees 27% of players quit in frustration, often due to lag and the high stakes of Battle Royale gameplay.
Competitive sports games like EA Sports FC 25 follow closely, with nearly 20% of players rage quitting over unbalanced matchmaking and glitches. These figures underscore the emotional intensity of gaming, where the line between victory and defeat often feels razor-thin.
| Game | Percentage of Players Who Rage Quit |
| Call of Duty | 41.5% |
| Fortnite | 27% |
| EA Sports FC 25 | 20% |
[Source: Uswitch.com]
Single-player games bring their own set of frustrations, with 31% of players identifying bugs, glitches, and repetitive gameplay as the leading triggers for rage quitting. Nearly 1 in 5 gamers (19%) cite overly difficult levels as their main source of frustration, while a smaller but notable 9% point to a lack of challenge. Issues like poor checkpoint placement and unengaging storylines further test players’ patience.
How Gamers Cope with Rage Quitting
Rage quitting may be a fleeting moment of frustration, but it often leaves a mark—literally. According to the Uswitch survey, 10% of gamers admit to smashing or breaking their controllers in the heat of the moment. For most, however, the response is less destructive: nearly 60% of players step away to cool off, while 36% switch to another game to reset their mood.
Some frustrations spill online, with 16% venting on forums, social media, or searching for solutions to their gaming woes. Search engines and platforms like Reddit are critical outlets, with common queries such as “how to fix lag” and “improve ping” highlighting the widespread impact of connectivity issues. Discussions frequently focus on terms like “lag” and “disconnect,” reflecting how important stable broadband is to the gaming experience.
Whether it’s fixing technical issues or finding a strategy to beat a challenging boss, gamers are however determined to overcome setbacks and stay engaged. 60% of players quit within the first hour, yet 50% return to the same game within three hours, often after turning to walkthroughs or guides to tackle tough moments.
Max Beckett, Uswitch Broadband expert, comments on the frustrations driving rage quitting and how broadband quality impacts gaming experiences:
“Gaming has evolved into a highly competitive and immersive experience for many, but with this comes the demand for flawless connectivity. Lag, disconnections, and poor broadband performance can be the difference between victory and loss, which is particularly frustrating in fast-paced multiplayer games where split-second reactions are key. These moments of interruption often lead to what we know as ‘rage quitting.’
“To minimise these problems, gamers should take steps to optimise their home broadband performance:
Position your router strategically: Place your router in a central location in your home, away from any large obstructions like cabinets or sofas, to maximise Wi-Fi signal strength in every room.
Prioritise gaming traffic: Some routers allow you to prioritise gaming devices, ensuring they get the necessary bandwidth for smooth gameplay. Try searching online if your current router does this, or if you have the budget, see if a good-value third party router will do this for you.
Check for local disruptions: Regularly monitor for broadband outages or scheduled maintenance from your provider that could affect your connectivity.
Use a wired connection: If possible, connect your console or PC directly to your router with an Ethernet cable for the most stable connection.
Upgrade your broadband plan: Ensure you have a package that supports the speed and reliability required for online gaming, especially in households where others may be using the internet at the same time.
“By addressing these common issues, gamers can reduce their connectivity problems and enjoy a more seamless experience, no matter the stakes in their favourite games.”
