When it comes to hardcore video games, one thing that is common is toxicity. Sometimes, these games have delve into topics and themes that push the limits of sanity and subtlety and can lead to toxicity in the individual as well as the community. Ubisoft, who is one of the biggest game developer in the world, has acknowledged this growing toxicity among players and has decided to do something about it, by partnering with mental health charity Safe in Our World.
The games that they will be focussing on is For Honour and Rainbow Six Siege. This is because these games involve an online element, which is incredible competitive, and this can lead to a lot of toxic behaviour amongst gamers. At the moment, there is an option to report this toxic behaviour, but that does not help bring a change in their attitude. This is why Ubisoft and Safe in our World will be creating a Good Game Playbook. This playbook will be sent to every player who has been reported for toxic behaviour online. The aim is to help these players overcome their anger issues and focus more on healthy self-care.
“At Ubisoft, our key objective is to create games that foster positive online experiences. Partnering with Safe In Our World has enabled us to provide our players with an expert’s approach and advice on a very complex topic,” said Jérémy Marchadier, Ubisoft’s director of player safety. “While the challenge of in-game toxicity is multifaceted, we remain steadfast in our belief that with a collaborative and comprehensive strategy, we can usher in meaningful change.”
This Good Game Playbook will presumably work alongside Ubisoft’s own Fair Play Program, which is aimed at helping gamers identify toxic behaviour and take steps to mitigate the same. Rosie Taylor, Safe In Our World’s content and community manager, says the charity is “delighted to see more proactive approaches” coming from Ubisoft, and is hoping that more games companies will implement schemes like this to “protect their player bases.”
