Emergence of the Battle Royale mode on online video game platforms: how does this new phenomenon affect adolescents in their relationship with others? A qualitative study based on the life and experience of adolescent gamers ; Émergence du mode Battle Royale sur les plateformes de jeux vidéo en ligne : comment ce nouveau phénomène influence-t-il l’adolescent dans sa relation à l’autre ? : étude qualitative s’appuyant sur le vécu et l’expérience de joueurs adolescents

Background: Battle Royale has been dominating the world of online video gaming for 2 years and its growing popularity is unprecedented among adolescent gamers. While the notion of video game addiction remains controversial, this new practice can be a source of concern for parents, fueled by the fear of seeing their children isolate themselves. The aim of this study is to interview adolescents about their Battle Royale practice and to analyze how it influences their relationship with others during this crucial period of psychosocial development. Method: A qualitative study through semi-structured interviews with adolescents playing Battle Royale, with no psychiatric history and living with their parents. Results: The themes discussed by the adolescents were the role of Battle Royale in their psychosocial development, the beneficial and deleterious interactions between the virtual world and the real world, and the game as a mirror of our society. Battle Royale appears to be a social learning tool: it helps adolescent gamers with socialization, separation-individuation and identity building. But this practice is not without risk: the participants described the gaming system as prioritizing player retention at the expense of the gamers’ well-being, thereby likely leading to social impoverishment. Conclusion: This study suggests that the Battle Royale virtual and gaming experience has a strong impact on adolescents’ real-life social development. It is necessary to inform parents of the benefits and risks associated with the game in order to make this experience as enjoyable and rewarding as possible for their children. ; Introduction : le Battle Royale domine l’univers du jeu vidéo en ligne depuis 2 ans et connaît une popularité inédite et croissante chez les joueurs adolescents. Alors que la notion d’addiction aux jeux vidéo reste controversée, cette nouvelle pratique peut être source d’une inquiétude chez les parents, alimentée par la crainte de voir leur enfant s’isoler. L’objectif de cette étude est d’interroger ...