From getting called cuss words to bad behaviour in-game, toxicity, sadly, is common in gaming

All the good rapport video gaming has gained – from improving psychological well-being to problem solving abilities – is turned to dust by the toxicity that is prevalent across gaming communities. Popular games like League of Legends, Call of Duty, Fortnite and even card games like Hearthstone and Rocket League are often grieved with toxic players. It is sad to see how people come together for the love of the same game can turn into ugly, hostile environment that sometimes make players temporarily stop or quit playing altogether.

The anonymity in gaming allows user to indulge in toxic behaviour. Online gaming sees rampant behaviour that either directly harms other players or indirectly harm their experience in a particular game. Behaviour like sexual harassment, ddoxxing (intentionally revealing players IRL information), hurling hate speech based on their race, gender etc, threatening to harm, flaming (strong statements meant to rattle other players) and even intentionally performing poorly to elicit response from teammates. These kind of behaviour not only ruins gaming experience, but the intensity and levels of these behaviour often rub off on young gamers who might interpret this toxicity as normal part of gaming.

There are ways to deal when you come across toxic individuals. Firstly, you’d want to avoid gamers like these like you’d avoid COVID. Mask up and leave lobbies if a known violent toxic person is in the lobby. Yes, it sounds like avoidance but it is important you telling them to not be toxic is not changing them. Secondly, be aware that anything a toxic gamer says is not written in stone. Being called a “noob”? or someone says go *unalive* yourself, you’re trash” or slurs hurled at your family (yea, this happens a lot), do NOT let it get to you emotionally. In the heat of the moment, you might wanna school the toxic gamer, but know that nothing you will change them, it will only make you more agitate. Thirdly, if you do want to say something back, be positive in your communication and stay clear from stooping down to their level. You never know what may be taken out of context, clipped and posted on Reddit. And last, fourthly, if the behaviour is constant, just report the player. If a toxic players get reported way too often, there’s a chance some action is taken by the gaming company. 

Companies like Electronic Arts, Infinity Ward, and Valve have launched anti-toxicity initiatives, and the ADL (Anti-Defamation League) suggests that while these industry efforts are valuable, systemic change is required to minimize the harm caused by toxicity.  Organizations like Take This, a mental health nonprofit focused on supporting the gaming industry and community, and the Fair Play Alliance, a games industry coalition promoting healthy player interactions, have been actively dedicating resources to address toxicity in gaming.