Nationalism in Online Games During War

45 Pages Posted: 20 May 2024

See all articles by Eren Bilen

Eren Bilen

Dickinson College

Nino Doghonadze

Uber Technologies, Inc.

Robizon Khubulashvili

University of San Francisco

David Smerdon

University of Queensland

Date Written: May 20, 2024

Abstract

We investigate how international conflicts impact the behavior of hostile nationals in online games. Utilizing data from the largest online chess platform, where players can see their opponents' country flags, we observed behavioral responses based on the opponents' nationality. Specifically, there is a notable decrease in the share of games played against hostile nationals, indicating a reluctance to engage. Additionally, players show different strategic adjustments: they opt for safer opening moves and exhibit higher persistence in games, evidenced by longer game durations and fewer resignations. This study provides unique insights into the impact of geopolitical conflicts on strategic interactions in an online setting, offering contributions to further understanding human behavior during international conflicts.

Keywords: International conflicts, Nationality-based responses, Human behavior, Online games

JEL Classification: D74, D9, F5

Suggested Citation

Bilen, Eren and Doghonadze, Nino and Khubulashvili, Robizon and Smerdon, David, Nationalism in Online Games During War (May 20, 2024). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4833809 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4833809

Eren Bilen

Dickinson College ( email )

28 N College St
Carlisle, PA 17013
United States

Nino Doghonadze

Uber Technologies, Inc. ( email )

Robizon Khubulashvili (Contact Author)

University of San Francisco ( email )

2130 Fulton Street
San Francisco, CA 94117
United States

HOME PAGE: http://https://www.robizonk.com/

David Smerdon

University of Queensland ( email )

St Lucia
Brisbane, Queensland 4072
Australia

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