Zero-Tolerance policy on derogatory words in an on-line computer game.

http://www.uo.com/ ^ | August 28, 2002 | Me

[Steve Van Doorn]

Electronic Arts makes an on-line game called Ultima on-line which has around 200,000 accounts at $10 an account. It is basically a mid-evil adventure game on-line. I have been playing the game since 1997 about as long as I been coming here to FreeRepublic. Not long ago they have allowed kids under 18 to play this game on-line. As a result they have a new problem on their hands. A great deal more harassment calls.

The problem has gotten out of hand for the people running the game and as a result they have made a ‘zero tolerance’ policy on words such as ‘Rape’. If you say this word at all you can be banded from the game, for me that would be many years of on-line game building thrown out the window. For saying the word ‘rape’ in any sentence that you can think of.

The rules has always been very much like they are here at FreeRepublic, but recently they stated a zero-tolerance policy in effect: THE RULES ARE:
Behavior that is always considered harassment includes derogatory and/or hateful comments that are sexual, racist, religious, or related to gender or creed. Origin has a zero tolerance policy towards harassment of this kind, as stated in our Terms of Service, and violation of the above can result in immediate and permanent account suspension on the first offense.

Here is an example of an offical statement from a representitive of the company after someone was banded today for talking about the Ward Weaver's home with the rape and murder of the two women: “This policy has been in effect for some time now. If your friend was discussing the news, he could have used the term "sexual assault" to avoid the well-publicized zero tolerance policy. Or, if that choice was not an option, your friend could have used the party system or an instant messaging program to discuss the matter. There are alternatives to using the word "rape" in the game, given the policy that exists in reference to the word.” -Greywolf (Online Community Coordinator Electronic Arts Ultima On-line)

The game is Rated Teen Interactive:
Teen interactive means:
Websites/webpages and online games rated "Teen Interactive (Ti)" have content that may be suitable for persons ages 13 and older. Sites in this category may contain violent content, mild or strong language, and/or suggestive themes.

[Steve Van Doorn]

I am not sure what to make of this and what can or should be done about it? I am not suggesting the company doesn’t have the right to remove anyone they want from their game. They can put any types of controls they want on their game, I have no problem with that. But it is upsetting as you can see the word rape can be used in thousands of different ways that means no harm to anyone. It would be like one day Jim Rob makes a rule that states: “Anyone that says the word ‘rape’ on Freerepublic will be band from Freerepublic.” It would be unfathomable for him to do it here. I am at loss and would really like your input on this.

Thanks

[WyldKard]

It's very simple:

If you don't like the policy, write a nice, well-stated letter to The Powers That Be, expressing why you don't like the policy, and if they would consider changing it. If they don't budge, and if it is important enough to you, then leave the game, and write them another letter telling EA WHY you are leaving the game. If the whole situation REALLY gets your goat, you could even organize a boycott.

Me, I couldn't stand UO. I'm waiting for Earth and Beyond and City of Heroes. :)

[Steve Van Doorn]

"If you don't like the policy, write a nice, well-stated letter to The Powers That Be, expressing why you don't like the policy"

yeah I will do that.

"Me, I couldn't stand UO. I'm waiting for Earth and Beyond "

I have earth and Beyond in Beta. I just cann't get into the space based games very well. E-mail me

[MedicalMess]

Or you could send them a novel that looks like something out of Jack's book in The Shining...

Rape rape rape rape rape rape rape rape Rape rape rape rape rapRape rape rape rape rape rape rape rapee rape rape rape Rape rape rape rape rape rape rape rape Rape rape rape rape rape rape rape rape Rape rape rape rape rape rape rape rape Rape rape rape rape rape rape rape rape Rape rape rape rape rapRape rape rape rape rape rape rape rapee rape rape rape Rape rape rape rape rape rape rape rape Rape rape rape rape rape rape rape rape Rape rape rape rape rape rape rape rapeRape rape rape rape rape rape rape rape Rape rape rape rape rapRape rape rape rape rape rape rape rapee rape rape rape Rape rape rape rape rape rape rape rape Rape rape rape rape rape rape rape rape Rape rape rape rape rape rape rape rape Rape rape rape rape rape rape rape rape Rape rape rape rape rapRape rape rape rape rape rape rape rapee rape rape rape Rape rape rape rape rape rape rape rape Rape rape rape rape rape rape rape rape Rape rape rape rape rape rape rape rape Rape rape rape rape rape rape rape rape Rape rape rape rape rapRape rape rape rape rape rape rape rapee rape rape rape Rape rape rape rape rape rape rape rape Rape rape rape rape rape rape rape rape Rape rape rape rape rape rape rape rape

Send them a dozen a day.

Remember... All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.

Better yet try this one:

redrum redrum redrum redrum redrum redrum redrum redrum redrum redrum redrum redrum redrum redrum redrum redrum redrum redrum redrum redrum redrum redrum redrum redrum redrum redrum redrum redrum redrum redrum redrum redrum redrum redrum redrum redrum redrum redrum redrum redrum redrum redrum redrum redrum redrum redrum redrum redrum

[MedicalMess]

Even a better idea.

Instead of using the word "rape" use an alternative word like boink or reverse "rape" and use "epar". Pig latin would be "erap"

"Boys, we're just gonna have to epar this babe but not before I get my own personal erap first." "

Watch my backside so I don't get inadvertently boinked by some stranger."

[WyldKard]

Good luck with the feebs at EA. Me, I'm guessing any attempts to change their mind will bear no fruit, but nothing ventured, nothing gained.

(Of course, these are the morons who spent over $100 million dollars for a Harry Potter COMPUTER game license for crying out loud. These guys are not going to get any sort of return on their investment...idiots!)

[Caipirabob]

I suppose since it's their house...

I imagine as a long time member of that community, it's like me showing up at my favorite bar and learning they've started a "No Smoking " policy because some of the people like to bring their kids (to a pool hall.) No more cigars while drinking scotch and playing pool. It would destroy tradition. In response, I'd take my $'s and go somewhere else.

You should be playing Ever-crack instead. *grin*

[Steve Van Doorn]

"You should be playing Ever-crack instead. *grin*"

Does Ever-Crack(Ever Quest the largest game going today) have a Zero-Tolerance policy?

[Caipirabob]

I'll check with some people who play. I'm fairly biased against UOL because the same friends were people who played from the beginning and went through the hell the first users experienced trying to get started. They both are heavily into EQ, and having played both each of them highly recommend EQ over UOL.

Graphics, tech behind the game and overall community are things they like about EQ. I'm a mild gamer and fire up when the kiddies are off to sleep and the wife is watching "Pedro El Escamoso", so I'm only jokingly giving you grief over it as I haven't played it. I'll E-mail them and ask for a full opinion now though.

[Steve Van Doorn]

"(Of course, these are the morons who spent over $100 million dollars for a Harry Potter COMPUTER game license for crying out loud. These guys are not going to get any sort of return on their investment...idiots!)"

You don't have to tell me not to invest into that company. LOL! hehe

Years ago they made good products and sound investments.. things change.

[billsux]

It is basically a mid-evil adventure game on-line

"mid-evil"??? So does that mean it's only kinda evil? :)

[Steve Van Doorn]

"mid-evil"???"

Hey I am not perfect. Kinda why I wrote this. I know I am not perfect but one slip and I lost my account... it's nuts.

Thanks guys.

[Bullish]

Your mongoose looks like a dog!

[Steve Van Doorn]

"Your mongoose looks like a dog!

What mongoose? I don't have no mongoose.