[FrankWilhoit]

How would the game change if resignation were banned? (Retaining the special case for looping endings, of course.)

[Someone]

A player who realized they’ve lost would play a few really bad moves (e.g. giving check by moving their queen next to the enemy king, forcing their opponent to take the queen) and get checkmated in no time.

Their opponent could prolong the game by playing bad moves, too, but why would they? Once their opponent has mentally given up the game, making extra moves isn’t physically or mentally exhausting.

[seanhunter]

It would make the game worse for players and spectators.

What would the supposed benefit be?

BTW the “special case for looping endings” I think you’re talking about is to do with drawing by 3-fold repetition or the 50 move rule.

[munchler]

It would be more boring to watch at the end, and frustrating for the loser to be forced to play a losing position.