It's been a couple of weeks now since Xbox announced plans to introduce a new "strike" based enforcement system, and the community still seems divided over whether it's been implemented effectively so far or not.
There's actually been a lot of debate about it in the Xbox Series X Reddit community over the past few days, sparked by one Xbox user revealing that they'd received a strike for using the term "wtf" in a discussion about a game:
Here's their explanation on what exactly happened before they received the strike:
"I clicked on a post for a game and there was an active discussion going on in the comments (didn’t know that was possible). I said “wtf going on here” cause they were talking about hackers and doxxing eachother and i was suspended a couple hours later (also didn’t know discussion messages could be reported but makes sense)."
This post has racked up almost 1000 comments at the time of writing, with many suggesting that the strike is harsh, albeit pointing out that it's best not to get involved in discussions like this in the first place.
Ultimately, Microsoft says its content moderation efforts "are not changing" as a result of the new strike system, but instead players are now getting "clarity into how their behavior impacts their experience". There's also still the possibility of appealing these strikes, but only if they're "eligible for a case review".
Xbox boss Phil Spencer also recently commented on concerns with the strike system, telling IGN's Ryan McCaffrey that the Xbox's community's feedback is "helpful" and he's sure the team "will want to continue to tune the system".
What are your thoughts about this? Tell us down in the comments section below.
Comments 64
That's three letters, not a curse... I think it's not the same. But good to know, I guess.
The problem is xbox live has been known for toxic and vulgar comments for almost its entire existence. To fix it they need to draw a line and eliminating all profanity (or implied profanity) is a start.
People are of course going to have issues in the beginning but those standards are the same you see at work, school and public events. If you don't know the people personally then keep it civil.
We're at the bottom of the slippery slope. I just don't use chat at all outside of parties, it's not worth getting baited into something that is going to get my xbox account banned. Online society just too sanitized for me.
As someone suggested earlier - inundate the system with spam. Preferably recordings they have to store and review. Overwhelm microsoft with this nonsense. Just start reporting random people for no reason what-so-ever. This stupid MS idea will go away.
That's as soft as Xbox console sales.
(This is a joke, don't attack me too hard).
@Cashews Or they just start dishing out suspensions for griefing and false reports.
@Kevw2006 Maybe. However, It is easy to plead ignorance on the subject. It is a stupid experiment so whatever it takes to ruin it for MS is a worthy attempt.
@Cashews you're about to get every single xbl user banned lmao 😭😂
@bpomber lmao I rate it, ya should be happy you didn't comment it anywhere on xbox else you would've been treated to a ban
Considering the "f" in "wtf" is genuinely a swear word when typed out in full, I have no issue with a very soft hour ban for this. In fact, if I replied to someone's comment on this site itself with a "wtf?!?!" I wouldn't be surprised if that comment got removed here...
Maybe people shouldn't swear online in games at all. And if you really want to swear, create a private lobby game
@Cherip-the-Ripper by doing nothing you are giving Microsoft the ability to comb through your voice chats.
40 year old news hot off the presses! Microsoft is one of the most egregious abusers of consumer privacy the world has ever known. They shouldn't be trusted with anything.
In fact - https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-65817558
I'll be reporting MS as listening in on my children's comms once a week - every week until this goes away.
This is definitely a HUGE ISSUE going on!!!
I had a Harry Potter profile pic for years on my profile. Last week someone reported it (my guess is since I shut them down all game as defenceman) and that resulted in 2 day ban. Yep. 2 day ban. No prior issues. Straight up automatically banned 2 DAYS. For a Harry Potter pic???
There was not even an option to request a review. The description said, "No details available at this time" So if there are no details? Then why or what was I banned and suspended for?!?
Mark my words here today, this whole policy WILL GET OUT of hand and become MAJOR ISSUE for many people. And most of it will be because of simply sore losers.
As that one screenshot suggested, don't communicate with randos. This will solve many of one's online gaming problems.
Said this new system was going to be a joke. Even basic things like saying "damn" will get you a strike.
Microsoft is digging their own grave and I do t like seeing that with how long I've used Xbox. Nothing I can do about it though except vote with my wallet and take my money to Steam.
@EVIL-C How do you meet new people without talking to randoms? Surely you're not suggesting the answer is segregation and creating basically an echo chamber of people with similar ideas. That's never a good thing.
It starts…. Is Xbox literally starting a campaign to alienate its entire user base with a poorly implemented ban system? Yes, boot your own supporters for “toxic behavior” by those that also exhibit “toxic behavior” and then don’t even bother moderating it. Classy. Was Xbox purchasing Activision or was it the other way around?
@EVIL-C Lol. You say this literally on a forum where we most of us regularly talk to people we don’t actually know on a daily basis.
@somnambulance Missed the part where I said "online gaming", I see. 😋
In my limited time playing online I have heard racism, sexism, abuse, foul language and more in the name of 'banter' or 'trash talking'. Those are the real problem.
By comparison "WTF" is EXTREMELY tame and hardly seems worth a mention.
But it's clear this is just a strike not a ban. So perhaps a zero tolerance approach is necessary to get rid of the idiots doing the far worse stuff.
@pip_muzz I think removing all swearing from gaming is a step way too far. I thought the point of this change was to crack down on the racism, homophobia and misogyny, not standard speech. Even if they do go down that route then who exactly are MS trying to protect in this particular instance and how far are they going to go with it? If anyone is genuinely offended by the acronym WTF, particularly in a non aggressive context like the one above, then they probably shouldn’t be playing around on the internet full stop.
how about communicating without swearing
and certainly dont write it down to be used in evidence against you
simple
@EVIL-C Ok, ok, got me there… and to be honest, this is one of the best corners of the gaming community, right here, anyway.
I hate this new policy. Im going to avoid interacting with people on xbox as much as i can. It was rare that I used the lobby chat but I'm just going to avoid it all together. Private lobbies/Discord with friends or nothing. This pushes me even further towards single player games only.
The thought of getting suspended for uttering the word damn after dying in a mature rated game is beyond stupid.
@trev666 I'll stop cussing in a game when said games stops paying voice actors to cuss in it.
How's that sound?
While we're at it, why not also ban blood and gore since those are infinitely worse than saying "wtf" or "damn".
This new system is a joke. 😂
@BacklogBrad This and some other changes are why I'm moving back to primarily PC. I don't need a nanny when playing a video game. Especially games that are showing things way worse than any word I could possibly say.
@InterceptorAlpha In this world where you have to 100% agree with everything someone else believes otherwise you are their enemy, I would say society itself is creating the echo chamber.
Character in game: “F***”
Microsoft: “That’s fine”
Player: “F***”
Microsoft: “That’s gonna be a no from me”
I think this new policy is ridiculous in general, but especially if it is an M rated game. If it is an M rated game, expect to have M rated interactions. The abbreviation is also already a form of censorship and it is dumb that that’s apparently not enough.
@EVIL-C
I've started not too, I get called a cheat regularly on COD, I just look at the message, laugh and don't reply now - cause if I reply I'm in the wrong.
I had a kid voice message me on FIFA the other day because I beat him, cursing and throwing abuse, I laughed - he won't get banned but I will.
I've been falsely banned by MS loads of times for chatting toxic when I don't actually use any communication, profile pic banned (it's a pic of Makarov) I'm only staying due to the games. It's honestly sad how soft Xbox has become.
I don't get what's so offensive about Walking The Ferret?
Are Microsoft anti-ferret?
Forget map boundaries, it's time to rise up about this ferret victimisation!
@GeeEssEff but it's not removed from gaming, it's removed from the messages people send/receive. I can deal with harsh language, but I don't want to receive messages from strangers with swear words and other things. I couldn't personally care less about receiving "wtf" but I have received grief messages from players in the past, and am personally happy that MS are clamping down on it
@Lightweight if that is true - why stick around? If MS sucks as bad as you claim, they aren't doing anything you cannot get better elsewhere.
The Xbox is always in last place. the market has been telling Xbox for two decades now that not only do they suck - they are the worst at what they do. If they want people to not have fun any more than they already do not have fun - oblige them.
Never saw that coming... Sure didn't say this would backfire...
He can't join multiplayer games either? You used to be able to do that if you got comms banned, Microsoft reporting has taken the archaic sony route i see.
The pro consumer Microsoft really is on fire these last few months!
@Lightweight lmao I trash people all the time but you must've done tremendously well for someone to do that 😂😂
You happen to play pro clubs and looking for a club? 👀
I like the policy but it feels like it can be abused…
I think its ridiculous to strike someone for typing wtf.
@Cashews
I'm around as the games coming this year and next year to Game Pass look great. I enjoy Xbox products I just don't agree with their enforcement. I swear their enforcement are handled by AI or clueless individuals who think anything is offensive, cheating etc. I'm also game sharing with someone and he's mostly on Xbox. I know I'm contradicting myself here but I do really enjoy Xbox but it's the enforcement that's been a problem for me. I've never had an issue on PS and hopefully never do.
I don't follow the market side so nice to see you've mentioned that.
@pip_muzz Completely agree on the grief messages. I tend to just ignore them and if they are offensive report them however this particular case is not a grief message nor is it offensive. If they had said “F*** off leave me alone” or something like that then the ban would still be harsh but slightly more justifiable. This is simply denying a user of a service they have spent money on for the most inane reason possible. I doubt it even goes against the T&Cs we all agree to before logging in but I can’t be bothered to go back and look because I’m lazy.
@Cherip-the-Ripper
I'm OK for a club thank you for the offer though. I find it funny people getting salty about a game then calling people cheaters or trash (even though that person did better than them)
@somnambulance Fair enough, lol. 🙂👍 The only forms I too even semi-regularly post on is within this family of sites.
@Lightweight Ouch, it sounds like such a broken system. I remember a few years ago, my PSN account was banned for 3 days. I couldn't for the life of me figure out why. I hadn't played online recently, or communicated with any one random around the time. I've had the same benign, official Sony avatar for years. I've never played on a hacked console. It's bizarre. I'm thinking a lot of these triggers are automatic, like when one submits an essay and the school's system auto-checks it for plagerism, sources sometimes are flagged despite it being cited correctly.
Here's a thought. What is the banned gamer this story is taking about lied? What if the reason they were banned was for someone far worse than the abbreviation they claim? People lie all the time
@Lightweight I'm here just like you. But boy I'll tell you - MS's moves post-direct have all been bad and I only have so much patience, and so many dollars to give.
With the exception of the release cadence for Gamepass. In that they have been hitting out straight out of the park for most of the summer into the fall.
If you saw how they ran Mixer this isn't a surprise. Don't even bother using a mic outside a private party, less you get struck by Helen "Microsoft" Lovejoy.
@ZuneTattooGuy it is a genuine Reddit account with a reasonably long history of posting positively in Xbox subreddits. I’d say you might have a point if this was a fresh account created for this purpose or there was a history of posting console war stuff but there is non of that. Sometimes MS just screw up.
This is over the top and asinine.
Those who dont believe these big corps want to control you are simply not looking.
To argue that an inoculous wtf comment is offensive is the very definition of stupidity, and this level of control is just that. Its not protection.
@BBB
Photoshop does exist
23 years ago, I stopped using a microphone in public chats. I reserved voice communication for friends and family. I was in my early 20's and for the first time, the internet was becoming accessible to everyone. Including a brand new culture of smack talking children with squeeky little voices. In the real world, if some kid walked into a public space and started shouting obscenities, there would be repercussions. But not online. I mean, really, some kid is going to dox someone just because they can't control thier temper? It's sad and it's ruining the culture.
I'm glad they're implementing this policy and I hope they stick with it, because the entire gaming culture has gotten out of hand. Maybe when you're my age, you'll understand. And if you don't like it, then go find some bottom of the barrel online forum and spill you're little heart out; at least you'll be surrounded by people of the same ilk.
On another note, does anyone else find it annoying when there's a guy with music playing in the background, along with a crying baby? Have some respect and mute your mic!
It's the 21st century. Words are ***** words. Nobody was being attacked. It's beyond ridiculous.
@PROPS I have a great deal of sympathy with your viewpoint, and being an old timer myself im happy that some level of control is being shown.
The issue under discussion here, is the level at which intervention took place. The use of 'wtf' is seen by most as harmless, and its not the sort of obnoxious behaviour the system was tasked with ending.
This is why I don't even bother with online multiplayer anymore, and if I do use online multiplayer why I won't be using any voice chat.
It's sad, because online gaming used to be fun with a sense of community, but that's been lost ever since dedicated lobbies went away. This is basically the final nail in the communications coffin, absolutely no point in risking suspension by using voice chat. It's not even a "well don't say profane things" situation, because all you have to do is get frustrated and react apparently.
It's like when I play video games I just want to relax, not walk on eggshells worried I might get my account banned for some asinine reason, that's the opposite of relaxing. I can't help feeling like too many people these days are just way too uptight about everything on the internet these days. It's like they want every online space to be squeaky clean enough for toddlers, ignoring how adults like to play games too, and how adults playing mature games shouldn't be held to the same standards as children playing a child's game. It feels like Microsoft is trying to play mother-hen with all of us.
Heck I remember how Nintendo's Miiverse for the Wii U quickly became a failure due to over-moderation of the community. It was so bad you could get banned for making a fart joke in a game with fart jokes. Eventually everyone got tired of getting banned/suspended for stupid reasons and simply stopped using it, which led to it's quick demise because the only thing anybody could share anymore was sketch drawings of Nintendo characters.
@Titntin So the question is context. Under what context could wtf be considered obscene or offensive? Off the top of my head, "WTF were you thinking?" Aside from that, I can't think of any others.
And while context is half of the equation, wtf is an acronym. I'm pretty sure most people know what the F stands for. So, would that be appropriate for children?
At then end of the day, is it really that big of a deal? So what, if you're not allowed to use acronyms that include offensive language. I really don't see why it's so important. It's just a game.
@JayJ I don't think thier new policy will apply to party chat. It's probably just in public spaces, that are shared by all.
china like social credit system and censorship who just who was thinking it will be anything but terrible for gamers everywhere, also punishment for cheating was lesser than for bad words xD
@FenIsMightier The issue is that if you are going to use a global communication tool the standards are going to be global. Using an excuse of "it's not offensive where I'm from" doesn't work. Microsoft has a terms of service that explains what you can and can't say.
When I was stationed in the Republic of Korea, Qatar, and United Arab Emirates I had to conform to their standards. Things that aren't offensive where I'm from can be unacceptable there. It was my job to know the culture I was dealing with. Same goes online. I wouldn't be surprised if people start getting strikes for using language offensive to non-Americans.
Overall though, you are correct. Microsoft is a US company and roughly 60% of Xbox users are US customers. They're going to favor that culture over others, but that's why this is a strike system. No one is getting banned right off the bat.
Why do Microsoft think it's ok to punish full grown adults over how they choose to communicate with each other? If they are that concerned about our welfare are they willing to pay our rent, and other house hold bills? And if it's just the children's safety they are worried about then paying for their college degree would be a lot more beneficial to them than trying to protect them from hearing a swear word as they are doing a Dr*g selling mission on GTA online.
@Zochmenos it has more to do with the fact kids are playing games online. I mean yes they are the most toxic, but they get that attitude online, and keep the cycle going. We NEED to draw a line of what’s acceptable and what’s not. Online communities are a cesspool of the worst humans, it needs a flamethrower.
There is no debate. That is an absurd strike to receive. They’re possibly using AI or auto strikes.
This seems incredibly heavy handed. I only message people on my friends list, and they are only folks I actually know. Seems like that's a plan worth sticking to. I'm no potty mouth, but it seems like pretty much anything can land you in trouble at the moment.
@pip_muzz you can't assume that. We have kids under 14 and when they first used the term 'wtf' with the 'f' being for the obvious swear word, we made them use the word 'fudge'. As far as I am aware, saying 'what the fudge' is NOT swearing.
Who could have seen stuff like this coming with the ludicrous rules of a billion $ company who want to control speech between grown adults.
Wild 😂
https://www.reddit.com/r/XboxSeriesX/comments/1666t22/i_got_a_suspension_2_strikes_on_xbox_because_of/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=ioscss&utm_content=1&utm_term=1
i don't agree with their user agreement policy for the ban system so I'm just not going to use the service. i never play online games as it is, so its not going to help or hurt me.
i stopped using YouTube for a long time because of a similar issue. i work at Walmart and some customer starting taking a video of himself and his friends harassing people; i reported the video and YouTube never took it down. in fact customer support replied to me reporting the video and told me to get over it.
at least i got the customer banned from the store with help from a co-worker or two. in the video that the guy posted; but that was the decision of one of the managers.
thankfully YouTube (and other companies) have different user agreement policies for their different products and services.
i actually looked into things so that i could successfully sue YouTube (and win). unfortunately, i didn't find enough stuff to win against them in a lawsuit. and what's worse is that other users have posted videos that are a lot worse.
unlike YouTube, at least Microsoft is following up with their user agreement policy unlike some companies. and yes, i agree someone being banned from say "damn" is a bit (too) much.I'm an optimist, so I'm sure that Microsoft will fix the issues with the strikes in their ban system. (or create a new policy)
@Titntin Agreed. Its going to get to the point where nobody communicates with anyone out of fear of being banned or suspended.
The irony of playing multiplayer games to bring people together is actually just going to further isolate them.
wtf going on here?
Just to check
How can they punish someone by them assuming what 3 letters means?
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