Faderids

Faderids is a term originating from the early days of internet culture, particularly within gaming communities, especially those centered around multiplayer first-person shooters like *Counter-Strike* and *Quake*. The term refers to players who frequently disconnect or "fade" from a match, often without warning, leaving their teammates in a disadvantaged position. This behavior can disrupt gameplay, frustrate opponents, and create an unfair advantage for the remaining players.

The practice of faderiding became more prominent in online gaming as matchmaking systems evolved to pair players randomly. Some players intentionally disconnect to avoid being matched with stronger opponents or to exploit the system for personal gain, such as securing a win by leaving their team in a losing position. This behavior has led to widespread criticism and has been addressed through various in-game penalties, including temporary or permanent bans.

Faderiding is not limited to competitive gaming; it has also been observed in other online multiplayer environments, such as team-based strategy games and virtual reality experiences. While some argue that occasional disconnections are unavoidable due to technical issues, the deliberate practice of faderiding is widely considered unsportsmanlike and detrimental to fair play. Many gaming platforms and communities have implemented stricter measures, such as automated detection systems and manual reviews, to discourage and penalize this behavior.

The term has since expanded beyond gaming into broader internet slang, sometimes used humorously or critically to describe anyone who abruptly leaves a group or situation, whether in online discussions, social media, or collaborative projects. Despite its negative connotations, the term remains a recognizable part of gaming and internet culture.