Instead, the system is rewarding players for conforming to in-game social norms. The overall drivers that create toxicity aren't being immediately reduced. Players can feign kindness in four games, and go all-out aggressive in the next two. Systematic toxicity isn't being eliminated it's being sheltered. They reported a 40% reduction in overall toxicity in 2019. Players can endorse other players for positive behaviors, which will show up on a badge next to their name.Īccording to Blizzard, this in-game policing system has had success. In 2018, Blizzard announced a new social feature aimed at reducing toxic behaviors - and endorsement system. While Blizzard has had some success fighting toxicity by tracking down toxic players on-and-off of the game, they weren't getting scalable results. In Blizzard's eyes, toxic behavior is one of the key drivers of player abandonments, and finding ways to reduce these toxic behaviors is a " major initiative" for Overwatch's core team - to the point that fighting toxicity slows down updates. Not only is Overwatch a poster child of sorts for toxic gaming, but Blizzard has been trying to reduce the toxic elements of the game since launch. Overwatch - one of Blizzard's flagship multi-console social games - has had a long-lasting war against toxicity. Blizzard Gives the Community Control of Toxicity on Overwatch Here are some of the ways that the world's leading gaming companies are fighting back against toxic environments. Instead, it's a culturally-driven phenomenon that can be reduced, penalized, and squashed with ongoing behavioral efforts. Contrary to popular belief, toxic language isn't an inherent part of gaming (or worse, a necessity for enjoyment). Over the past few years, we've learned that toxicity can be reduced through savvy mechanics and intelligent AI and data distribution. But, as women continue to feel forced to mask their identities, sexual grooming continues to plague gaming environments, and instances of racism and homophobia continue to grow, some of the largest gaming companies in the world are fighting back. At GDC 2013, Riot Gaming's Lead Designer, Jeffery Lin, admitted that player toxicity was one of the most frequently listed issues when players left League of Legends.įor many gamers, toxic behaviors are the norm. Player toxicity (e.g., misogyny, racism, sexual grooming, violent language, cyberbullying, etc.) is eroding gaming communities. As social gaming continues to mature and expand across the gaming industry, almost every socially-driven video game is running into a core issue.
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