Things can get pretty heated during Xbox Live multiplayer sessions but, from next year, triggered gamers will need to keep their tongues behind their teeth.
Microsoft has updated its Code of Conduct across a variety of platforms and deemed the use of “offensive language” as grounds for suspensions and bans.
The changes to the service agreement come into play in May 2018 and span Xbox Live, Skype, Office and Outlook.
Microsoft says: “We’ve clarified that use of offensive language and fraudulent activity is prohibited.”
It’s not clear whether it’s use of the common swear words that’ll get you banned, or whether it’ll come down to whether someone was offended by the ‘offensive language’.
Gaming without swearing?
The prospect of being punished for swearing at your friends when they score against you on FIFA seems remote, but if you’re being abusive during a community game there’s probably more chance of the ban hammer dropping.
Microsoft’s move is probably aimed at clamping down on the trolls who deliberately abuse their fellow gamers.
Regardless, the result could be loss of the funds tied to the account, or even the complete closure of the Microsoft account.
The company adds (via Eurogamer) this “may result in suspensions or bans from participation in Xbox Services, including forfeiture of content licences, Xbox Gold Membership time and Microsoft account balances associated with the account.”
Worryingly Microsoft says it “reserves the right to review Your Content in order to resolve the issue,” which could have privacy ramifications.
Will the offensive language ban likely land you in trouble on Xbox Live? Do you think this is overkill? Drop us a line @TrustedReviews on Twitter.
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.