http://www.totalxbox.com/80826/micr...an-end-to-hateful-harassing-speech-in-gaming/
Microsoft, EA and 1200 other developers call for an end to "hateful, harassing speech" in gaming
"It is the diversity of our community that allows games to flourish."
An open letter to the games community against online hate speech, threats and harassment has now been signed by hundreds of developers, critics and industry figures, including ID@Xbox boss Chris Charla, Assassin's Creed 3's creative director Alex Hutchinson, Epic's Dana Cowley and 343's Josh Holmes.
Created by Andreas Zecher of Berlin-based independent Spaces of Play, the letter follows weeks of often-violently worded debate about developer harassment and gender slurs on Twitter and various forums (touched upon in one of my recent blogs). It isn't phrased as a response to any particular controversy, however.
"We believe that everyone, no matter what gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or religion has the right to play games, criticize games and make games without getting harassed or threatened," the letter reads. "It is the diversity of our community that allows games to flourish.
"If you see threats of violence or harm in comments on Steam, YouTube, Twitch, Twitter, Facebook or reddit, please take a minute to report them on the respective sites. If you see hateful, harassing speech, take a public stand against it and make the gaming community a more enjoyable space to be in."
You can sign it yourself, if you like. Just send a Tweet to @andreaszecher in the following format: First name Last name (Company name, University name or Independent).
My feature from 2012 about how developers deal with fiery reactions from fans could be worth a revisit.
Edwin Evans-Thirlwell
Deputy Editor
Microsoft, EA and 1200 other developers call for an end to "hateful, harassing speech" in gaming
"It is the diversity of our community that allows games to flourish."
An open letter to the games community against online hate speech, threats and harassment has now been signed by hundreds of developers, critics and industry figures, including ID@Xbox boss Chris Charla, Assassin's Creed 3's creative director Alex Hutchinson, Epic's Dana Cowley and 343's Josh Holmes.
Created by Andreas Zecher of Berlin-based independent Spaces of Play, the letter follows weeks of often-violently worded debate about developer harassment and gender slurs on Twitter and various forums (touched upon in one of my recent blogs). It isn't phrased as a response to any particular controversy, however.
"We believe that everyone, no matter what gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or religion has the right to play games, criticize games and make games without getting harassed or threatened," the letter reads. "It is the diversity of our community that allows games to flourish.
"If you see threats of violence or harm in comments on Steam, YouTube, Twitch, Twitter, Facebook or reddit, please take a minute to report them on the respective sites. If you see hateful, harassing speech, take a public stand against it and make the gaming community a more enjoyable space to be in."
You can sign it yourself, if you like. Just send a Tweet to @andreaszecher in the following format: First name Last name (Company name, University name or Independent).
My feature from 2012 about how developers deal with fiery reactions from fans could be worth a revisit.
Edwin Evans-Thirlwell
Deputy Editor