TheQuartering [6/15/2022]
According to BoundingIntoComics:
In their latest effort to try and rehabilitate their public image, Blizzard Entertainment has introduced a new anti-harassment “Social Contract” which World of Warcraft players must agree to before logging into the game.
As reported by 80Lv, players are presented with the agreement upon their first log-in to the game following the May 31st rollout of its 9.2.5 patch.
“Hail, traveler, and welcome to the World of Warcraft,” the contract opens, as seen in the below screenshot shared by YouTuber MrGM. “Azeroth is a living world full of people like you – other players with different backgrounds, cultures, experiences, and histories who have all come together to play World of Warcraft. Every player deserves to have a world that they feel safe in, so please take a minute to read our Social Contract.”
In addition to encouraging players to “make friends!”, “play as a team”, “assist others”, and “help answer questions other have in chat channels,” the contact also warns players against engaging in a number of behaviors which the developer has deemed unacceptable.
“We recognize that the Internet is not always a safe haven,” Blizzard Entertainment admits in the agreement, before detailing which actions “are not accepted in Azeroth.”
According to the developer, prohibited behavior includes “Hate speech, including negative comments that target another player’s identity, including aspects like race, gender, or ability,” “Harassment, threats, or abusive / derogatory language and behaviors,” and “Spamming, advertising, or other disruptive behaviors”.
“If you harm your fellow adventurers with any of the above behaviors,” the contract explains, “you are subject to punishment up to and including suspension of your account. It’s a big world out there, with all sorts of people in it.”
“So please try to be respectful of each other, and if you ever feel like somebody is acting against this code, please report those behaviors so that our team can look into it,” it adds. “Together, you can help us make the World of Warcraft a safe home away from home for everyone.”