Feeding and toxicity in summer months vs rest of the year

MJBlackow·Jun 21, 2017·3 votes·406 views

After a quick search, I couldn't anything on this topic, specifically. For a few years now, I've noticed that my rank drops dramatically (about 3-4 divisions) over the first few weeks of the summer months starting in mid June and then increases dramatically mid-late August (back up to my original division). This happens every year consistently along the same timeline. I don't feel like I'm playing better players or that I'm playing any worse, but I certainly notice a huge rise in toxic behavior, reckless feeding, and lack of communication. Does anyone else experience this? Any thoughts on ways to avoid this trend?

5 Comments

La Belle SauvageJun 21, 20171 votes

That would be hard to gather statistics on in any solid manner, and would have to be investigated by Riot, since they have access to all the personal information needed to identify why that's the case.

If I had to base it on anything, I would say that many people have more free time in the summer. School is out for a lot of kids, so more young adults and children have time to play the game.

Let me be clear, I'm not stating that is the case, just a possible reason. Let's suppose I'm theory is true. That would not be the only cause, correct? There are too many variable to consider that we would be unable to collect.

Like, state of mind, mental state, fatigue, family stress, job stress, I mean you get the picture right?

MJBlackowJun 21, 20171 votes

You're right, this kind of data would be exhaustive to collect. Even riot doesn't have the kind of data required to look into this. Certainly, and I have drawn similar conclusions myself about young people out of school. However, you would think that both teams would experience the same disadvantage if school being out was the major player here. I've considered perhaps my intolerance for mouthy children may play into this or maybe my late game carry play style is not favored when playing with young emotionally unstable children (i.e. easily tilted early). It's been 3 years now and I still haven't come to a certain conclusion.

KORGtunersJun 21, 20171 votes

Riot could help with some generalizations.

For instance, which months have the most chat restrictions.

MJBlackowJun 22, 20171 votes

So... update... I'm at about 20-25 games in a row (maybe with a win or 2 in between) of reckless feeders, afks, toxic players, all of which have resulted in a loss. I feel powerless in my own climbing. In fact, I don't eve care to climb. I just want to have good clean games. I should also point out that I have not played poorly in any of those games. I at least play decently in every one of them. I honestly can't explain it anymore.

MJBlackowJun 29, 20171 votes

A week later, another division lower. Does nobody else experience this phenomenon? I would love some insight on how to overcome this. Do I need to change my playstyle to accommodate younger angrier teammates?