INTERPRETING PLAY PRESSURE: STRUKTUR LUDIK DAN DINAMIKA KECEMASAN DIGITAL PADA PEMAIN MOBILE LEGENDS KALANGAN GENERASI Z

Abstrak

Penelitian ini bertujuan mendeskripsikan pengalaman tekanan bermain (play pressure) dan kecemasan digital pada pemain Mobile Legends dari kalangan Generasi Z. Fenomena ini muncul karena game tidak hanya menjadi hiburan, tetapi juga ruang kompetitif yang memengaruhi identitas dan reputasi digital pemain. Observasi awal menunjukkan pemain sering mengalami rasa takut kehilangan ranking, tekanan untuk tampil baik di hadapan tim, serta kecemasan setelah kekalahan beruntun. Penelitian menggunakan metode kualitatif dengan pendekatan fenomenologi-deskriptif. Informan berusia 17–25 tahun dipilih melalui purposive sampling. Data dikumpulkan melalui wawancara mendalam, observasi rekaman permainan, dan dokumentasi digital. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan dua sumber utama tekanan, yaitu tekanan struktural dari sistem ranked dan evaluasi performa, serta tekanan sosial berupa komentar negatif dan perilaku toxic dari rekan tim. Tekanan tersebut memunculkan kecemasan digital yang tampak melalui ketegangan sebelum bermain, rasa takut berbuat salah, dan penghindaran mode ranked. Dengan demikian, play pressure dalam Mobile Legends membentuk pengalaman emosional yang kompleks pada Generasi Z.

This study aims to describe the experience of play pressure and digital anxiety among Generation Z players of Mobile Legends. This phenomenon emerges because games function not only as entertainment, but also as competitive arenas that shape players’ digital identity and reputation. Initial observations showed that players frequently experienced fear of losing rank, pressure to perform well in front of teammates, and anxiety following consecutive defeats. The research employed a qualitative method with a descriptive-phenomenological approach. Informants aged 17–25 were selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, observations of gameplay recordings, and digital documentation. The findings reveal two primary sources of pressure: structural pressure arising from the ranked system and performance evaluation, and social pressure in the form of negative comments and toxic behavior from teammates. These pressures contribute to digital anxiety, manifested through pre-game tension, fear of making mistakes, and avoidance of ranked modes. Thus, play pressure in Mobile Legends shapes a complex emotional experience for Generation Z players.