I call convenient excuse. Only because most games do as little as feasible to get adequate behaviour from the users and fans. In many games it's encouraged, whether overt or implicit matters little, as far as they can get away with. Far too much abusive and offensive behaviour is simply ignored, presumably as it increases overall sales.
AAA titles are far more likely to moderate when you become strident and critical or running a bot. Offensive or entitled jerk gets a much easier time - they always get away with it. There is a lot competitive, violent games could do to preserve accountability as the correlation did not used to be there. Design mostly goes the other way in the way PvP, leagues, matchups and competition that tends to temporary, one off, pair ups and teams. It's encouraged.
It's one of the main reasons I avoid online titles now. I'm having a much happier time with games that treat online as a secondary or optional component, or entirely solo, and are from Indies.
I think part of it is, despite being around for a long time now, our technical culture hasn't caught up to this fact: If you host an online community, you are responsible for providing and investing in moderation.
Couldn't agree more. I find it ruins the fun inhabiting a world of out of control 13 year olds. A parent, referee, or moderator would make all the difference.
I think a lot of the early systems accidentally encouraged more friendly ways. When pvp was between and within guilds you played with every game, being an asshole often came with consequences. Or you got famous for being the touchy one who will throw toys etc. As its become ever more individualised, and you don't need to pick an individual server with just a fraction of the total users, those natural checks don't apply.
AAA titles are far more likely to moderate when you become strident and critical or running a bot. Offensive or entitled jerk gets a much easier time - they always get away with it. There is a lot competitive, violent games could do to preserve accountability as the correlation did not used to be there. Design mostly goes the other way in the way PvP, leagues, matchups and competition that tends to temporary, one off, pair ups and teams. It's encouraged.
It's one of the main reasons I avoid online titles now. I'm having a much happier time with games that treat online as a secondary or optional component, or entirely solo, and are from Indies.