Proposal for Better Managing of Inappropriate Language: Encouraging Positive Communinication

[vestal tundra]

I believe this feature could significantly enhance the game's environment, particularly in fostering respectful and positive communication within our community.

I greatly appreciate the efforts made through the automatic censoring system to maintain a respectful and safe environment, especially crucial in a game cherished by younger audiences. This proactive approach not only aligns with the game's community standards but also mitigates potential legal concerns related to the exposure of children to inappropriate language.

However, building on the foundation of the current system, I propose an innovative feature that encourages players to reflect on and gradually improve their communication habits. Recognizing that changing deeply ingrained habits is a complex process requiring time and patience, an educational approach can complement the existing censoring system effectively. Immediate punitive measures, such as bans for accidental slips in language, might not always address the root of the issue and could inadvertently alienate well-meaning players.

To this end, I envision a feature where a detected attempt to use censored words triggers not just a block, but a constructive, educational reminder. This prompt could suggest alternative, positive expressions and provide brief tips on respectful gaming etiquette. Such interactions would not only prevent potential misuse but also serve as valuable learning moments, encouraging a more mindful communication style.

Benefits:

• Reinforce the game’s dedication to a positive and inclusive community space.
• Educate and guide players towards better communication, reducing the likelihood of repeated violations.
• Maintain engagement and satisfaction among players by focusing on growth and improvement rather than immediate punitive actions, enhancing player retention.

I believe this proposal aligns with your values and its commitment to creating an enjoyable and safe gaming experience for all.

[vernal crown]

Beautiful suggestion and post. Definitely agree that mistakes do get made, and players shouldn't have a 10 year+ ban for minor slip ups in chat. We all change pretty fast, and the system you've suggested allows players to reflect and learn from their mistakes, BEFORE a massive ban happens.

[tulip mist]

I like your suggestion, really I do.
Wiz101 has had in place with text chat approved words and only allows such words to be typed.
Open chat allows players to see what words are approved (white) allowed (yellow) and prohibited (red).
Avoiding the filters put in place has always been bannable.
It's really obvious what is an appropriate subject, and what isn't when the commonly used words are filtered already.
Avoiding the filter or circumventing it doesn't make a conversation appropriate.
Which is what usually gets players banned/muted.
I'm just saying, players really should know better, and not be so surprised when they're muted. Accidents happen, sure. K.I. can review chat logs and figure out which is which.

[vernal crown]

That's true, KI needs to take their player base into account when thinking about things like this. This community is pretty good, but a large portion of wizards are very immature (I'm not even talking about kids, I'm talking full grown, adult humans), and it'll be interesting to see what KI has planned for a better moderation system that works for all

[whole oasis]

I wanna see such a system being implemented; reminds me of the "i hope your whole family has a nice christmas"-guy

[shell cape]

The current system has many times flagged things I've written that were just normal English, not in any way trying to say anything bad around any filter. As well as many common typos. And these false accusations have gotten me muted. After several escalations, I realized I needed to complain to KI (KI doesn't explain this to us) and since I started complaining, they have cleared every accusation and can't even tell me what I did wrong. I don't think it is nearly sophisticated enough to act as a parent to kids who are using bad language, when it can't even reliably identify the bad language in the first place.

[fallow crag]

Some games like town of Salem actually replace certain banned words and phrases with something more family friendly. Maybe that’s an idea worth considering instead of flat out censoring what someone’s saying.

Wiz could also improve their bad word detection. Right now it doesn’t even consider context of the word being used. Maybe they could try to integrate some kind of GPT application to better detect malicious language. Not entirely sure how that would work in real time but I’m sure there are similar kinds of things already implemented online.

[untold plover]

Yeah, there's been multiple times when typing plain words in a duel or even some of the words used in the game itself has been falsely flagged by the system.
If I got popups or "helpful suggestions" for every false flag it'd just be super annoying and likely actively discourage community engagement between players.

[shell cape]

It's a nice idea in principle but ya I just don't see how it would work, even if it were possible. Like, one player says to another player who just dueled him "some curse word around the filter, loser noob!" and the system kicks in and says, a better way to express that would be "gg, well played!" I can see this becoming a joke among the players tbh.