Activision Takes a Stand Against Toxicity in Gaming with New Tools for Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
Activision has recently unveiled a comprehensive report detailing its anti-toxicity initiatives for the legendary franchise, Call of Duty, which includes the highly anticipated release of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 on October 25. This initiative is part of an ongoing effort by the Call of Duty team to address toxic player behavior across its multiplayer landscape and to set a transparent industry standard for fostering a welcoming and respectful gaming community.
With over 425 million copies of Call of Duty sold globally as of October 2023, the franchise is well aware of its responsibility in combating toxicity that plagues online gaming. The report, presented by Activision’s Disruptive Behavior team, outlines the latest enhancements to the game’s anti-toxicity tools designed to enrich player experience and ensure adherence to the official Call of Duty Code of Conduct.
Cutting-edge Moderation Systems at Launch
Pioneering voice and text moderation systems will be rolled out with Black Ops 6, building on the foundations laid by Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III. These systems, which include advanced AI voice moderation capabilities, will initially be available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, with plans to expand to French and German at launch. Text moderation will also cover usernames and in-game chat across 20 languages, ensuring a diverse and inclusive environment from day one.
Acknowledging the competitive spirit integral to the Call of Duty community, the moderation initiatives are designed not to stifle enthusiasm but to eliminate harassment and derogatory language, thus enhancing the overall gaming experience.
Significant Achievements in Text Moderation
Since partnering with Community Sift for text-based moderation in 2019, Activision has made strides to improve their systems. Now available in a total of 20 languages, the text moderation tools have successfully blocked over 45 million text messages that violate the game’s Code of Conduct. This proactive approach anticipates and curbs disruptive behavior, allowing players to engage in multiplayer mode with reduced harassment risks.
Reducing Voice Toxicity by 43%
Activision’s commitment to player safety and well-being extends to voice chat as well. The implementation of Modulate’s ToxMod has yielded impressive results, with a notable 43% decrease in exposure to toxic voice interactions since January 2024. Enhanced enforcement strategies have led to a significant drop in repeat offenses and have assured that 80% of players who received voice chat penalties did not re-offend.
As Black Ops 6 prepares for its debut, these well-established moderation protocols will further extend their reach, promising a safer playing environment for millions globally.
Collaborating for a Safer Gaming Experience
To combat disruptive behavior effectively, the Disruptive Behavior team collaborates with academic institutions, including the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) and the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. These partnerships have resulted in innovative research and strategies aimed at improving the identification and moderation of problematic player actions, reinforcing Activision’s dedication to ongoing improvement and community support.
As Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 gears up for release, Activision not only seeks to thrill players with engaging content but also prioritizes the well-being of its community. With their robust anti-toxicity tools, the company aims to set a precedent in the gaming industry, proving that a positive gameplay environment is crucial for the franchise’s future success.
