In Defense of Toxicity In Online Gaming
In the world of online gaming, toxicity is often seen as a negative thing. Developers, in an attempt to create a more friendly and welcoming environment, have implemented strict moderation policies and have discouraged the use of harsh language and negative behavior which has resulted in an overly sanitized and unnatural environment. But what if I were to tell you that this approach is actually hurting the gaming community, and that toxicity can actually be a good thing (specifically referring to verbal toxicity)?
One of the benefits of toxicity is that it creates rivalries. When players engage in heated arguments and exchanges, they form strong connections and intense rivalries that keep them engaged and motivated. This creates a sense of competition and urgency that simply cannot be found in a sanitized environment. The rivalries that form as a result of toxicity keep players invested and make the games much more enjoyable and memorable. Your teammate call you shit in League of Legends? Add them to your friends list, grind the ladder, then shit talk them after you've surpassed their rank. Get called braindead in Final Fantasy XIV? Improve your performance, get orange parses, and prove you're better.
League of Legends, one of the Most Toxic (yet fun) Games
When players engage in negative behavior, they push each other to be better. They create a sense of competition that drives them to perform at their best. Don't want to deal with the toxicity? Right click-> Ignore them. Allowing for toxicity in games is a win-win. No one has to deal with it that doesn't want to, but often the most memorable experiences in a game like League or Dota 2 is beating someone who shit talks you during the game. Newer games like Heroes of the Storm don't even have global all chat and Riot Games has considered removing it from League of Legends in the past. This would be a mistake.
Another benefit of toxicity is that it brings players together. When players engage in negative behavior, they often form tight-knit communities. These communities are built around a shared love of the game and a shared dislike of certain players or groups. This creates a sense of community that is difficult to find in other areas of life. The players who engage in toxic behavior may not be the most pleasant people, but they are often the most dedicated and the most invested in the game. Anyone who has played hardcore PvP MMORPGs like Ultima Online, Mortal Online, Eve Online, etc know this. Intense hatred and rivalries with other guilds keeps players invested in the game.
To further expand on this, let's look at it from a historical perspective. In the early days of online gaming, toxicity was an accepted part of the culture. Players were free to engage in heated arguments and exchanges, and this was seen as a normal part of the gaming experience. But as online gaming has evolved, the focus has shifted towards creating a more friendly and welcoming environment.
While this is a noble goal, it has resulted in a sanitized gaming landscape that lacks the intensity and excitement of the early days. Games have become too safe, too friendly, and too predictable. The soul has been sucked out of the online experience, and players are left with a shell of what was once a dynamic experience.
This is not to say that moderation is not necessary. Players who engage in outright racist or homophobic slurs should be held accountable, but the pendulum has swung too far in the direction of moderation. Nowadays calling someone a braindead idiot is often enough to warrant a suspension. The gaming community has become too sensitive, and players are punished for behavior that was once accepted as normal. This has created a sterile environment that is not conducive to the growth and evolution of the gaming community.
Toxicity also keeps the games fresh and exciting. The constant arguments and exchanges provide a sense of unpredictability and add an element of excitement to games. The players never know what might happen, and this keeps them engaged and motivated.
In conclusion, toxicity in MMORPGs and online games is not always a bad thing. It creates rivalries, brings players together, and even makes players more invested in the game. While moderation is necessary to prevent excessively spammy/violent threats, too much moderation can sanitize the gaming experience and rob the players of excitement and a natural experience.
Yes. I am a toxic person (but strictly in gaming and my insults are usually game-specific and limited to insulting someone's intelligence and ability).
I've been playing games before I could walk, and MMOs since Earthlink 5.0, a terrible way to play. I bounce around between games a lot, from EVE Online back to Vanilla and forward to whatever Indie title can keep my interest.