14 DAY TRIAL // Online games always feel like a high-stakes situation, and users are competitive, so some trash talking is expected. Microsoft knows this and explains how far people can go.
If you’ve ever played an online game, you know that people are going to say some insane stuff whether they are winning or losing. In fact, if you want to learn some fresh and up-to-date swear words, you need to go online.
We live in a world where anonymity is empowering people to say whatever they want because they are not going to get caught. The thing is that online services are regulated and users need to follow the rules. Otherwise, they are going to get ousted.
Knowing the boundaries will help
Saying that you didn’t know you shouldn’t have mentioned the family of the guy that just humiliated you online is not going to fly with Microsoft, especially since they make it clear in their rules just how far you can go.
Microsoft makes a point of saying that they understand that sometimes things can get out of hand. “We get it—gaming can be competitive and interactions with other players can get heated. A little trash talk is an expected part of competitive multiplayer action, and that’s not a bad thing. But hate has no place here, and what’s not okay is when that trash talk turns into harassment.”
Here is just one example provided by Microsoft. This is OK: Get destroyed. Can’t believe you thought you were on my level. Not OK: Get . Can’t believe you thought you were on my level.
They have an entire list of phrases that underline the limits of civility. Microsoft also explains that punishments for disobeying the rules can range from restrictions of online gaming to permanent suspension of a profile. The punishments are also listed and there are no excuses.
Enjoy your gaming session and be considerate online!