Online Toxicity
Ongoing coverage on Online Toxicity.
Latest coverage
Issues and Activism
Fortnite players are divided over the inclusion of a controversial streamer, leading to a significant toxic backlash within the community. This situation highlights ongoing issues with online behavior and community management in popular games.
Mass Effect: Andromeda actor says the game "was done dirty" by EA and "a very toxic atmosphere" online
Mass Effect: Andromeda voice actor Tom Taylorson stated that the game was "done dirty" by Electronic Arts due to publisher expectations and being released before it was fully developed. He also cited issues with the Frostbite engine and a "very toxic atmosphere" online contributing to the game's poor reception and the cancellation of future plans for the Andromeda series.
Fortnite Players Wouldn’t Survive MW2 Lobbies, Says Gaming Veteran
A viral tweet comparing Fortnite players to those of 2009's Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 sparked debate about the evolution of gaming culture. While some veterans reminisce about the unfiltered chaos of MW2 lobbies, others argue that modern games' focus on inclusivity and moderation represents positive growth, not weakness.
Women and LGBTQ+ Gamers Get the Worst of Online Toxicity. The Data Proves It.
Data indicates that women, LGBTQ+ individuals, Black gamers, and Jewish gamers experience disproportionately high rates of identity-based harassment in online gaming environments. While AI moderation tools are improving, they struggle to address coordinated, multi-platform harassment campaigns, leading to players avoiding games and the industry losing diverse talent. Games like Final Fantasy XIV and Deep Rock Galactic are highlighted for fostering more inclusive communities through design and active community management.
