To ensure a positive gaming experience for all its users, Xbox is rolling out a new strike-based enforcement system today. This move is designed to clarify the platform’s enforcement actions and help players monitor their community standards adherence.
The Rationale Behind the Policy
Speaking to The Verge, Xbox Player Services Corporate Vice President, Dave McCarthy emphasized that the primary goal of the policy is player transparency. He pointed out:
“This is all about player transparency. We didn’t have a way to show our players what their standing was in our community. And this makes it completely clear.”
How the System Works
- Players who violate the Xbox community standards will receive a strike.
- The magnitude of the violation determines the number of strikes and the duration of the punishment.
- If a player accumulates eight strikes, their account will be suspended from using Xbox services like voice chat or multiplayer for a year.
- Starting today, every user begins with zero strikes.
- Strikes remain on a user’s record for six months before being removed.
- The enforcement history interface provides insights into the number of strikes a player has and the reasons behind them.
- Players can appeal against received strikes. If the appeal is successful, the strikes will be removed.
Infraction Examples:
Graphic Representation in the Xbox blog reveals that:
- Profanity will result in one strike.
- Sexually inappropriate behavior is penalized with two strikes.
- Hate speech attracts three strikes.
Context and Previous Initiatives
The enforcement system was conceived after feedback from the community showed confusion over enforcement actions. Players were uncertain why some actions resulted in day-long suspensions, while others led to week or month-long bans. Xbox’s commitment to combat toxicity is not new:
- In 2019, Xbox revised its community standards, specifying unacceptable behaviors.
- 2020 saw the release of Xbox’s first-ever transparency report, which detailed moderation actions over a six-month duration.
- Earlier this year, they launched a feature allowing players to record and submit voice clips for moderation.
Addressing the Larger Issue
The implementation of this policy aligns with Xbox’s broader effort to combat online harassment and provide a safe gaming environment. A survey by the Anti-Defamation League in 2021 reported that 83% of 80 million adult gamers claimed to have experienced harassment in online multiplayer games. Dave McCarthy urges the Xbox community to remain proactive in maintaining community standards. He encourages players to report any offensive behaviors, even if not directed at them, to promote a welcoming environment for all.
“I’d encourage all of our players to just continue to participate in our system,” McCarthy said. “Sometimes that involves reporting behavior, even [if that] behavior isn’t directed against you. And the more we can have our community standards spread out there, the more we can help people stand up for those in our community.”
Looking Ahead
Xbox’s new policy demonstrates the brand’s ongoing commitment to player safety, inclusivity, and overall community health. As they continue to unveil tools and programs to facilitate a safe gaming atmosphere, the responsibility equally falls on players to ensure the community’s standards are upheld. Read more about Xbox’s initiatives here.