To understand gamers needs better, Helpwanted did a study on this specific target group. This work focuses on online toxicity in the gaming community, where gamers engage in various forms of transgressive behaviour, such as verbal harassment, discrimination and cheating – with the aim of hampering other gamers’ play or causing harm in multiplayer games.  

It also sheds light on what gamers’ needs are when it comes to online toxicity. It appears they want effective reporting features, improved moderation and more inclusivity in games. More specifically, they mention the need for opportunities for constructive dialogues with toxic players, for positive role models, and for a safe environment such as a helpline with expertise in online gaming that gamers can turn to for support. This study is based on twenty in-depth interviews with diverse gamers.  

Tackling online toxicity requires a cultural shift that should focus on bystanders taking an active stance on toxicity and encouraging positive behaviour. In addition to individual gamers, platforms, parents, educators, teachers, gaming communities and gaming influencers also have an active role to play when it comes to promoting respectful positive online manners. Game developers must take responsibility for designing games that are safer and more inclusive. Politicians should set guidelines for the gaming industry and strictly enforce them.

The game industry seem to be forgotten when policymakers are designing rules for digital media, for example the Digital Services Act (DSA). The purpose of the DSA is to prevent illegal and harmful activities online and the spread of disinformation which can occur in online games and on game platforms. The gamers who were interviewed for this study want an improved moderation in online games and game platforms, with a focus on online communication between players. The DSA could provide the legal framework to this and could end the toxic cycle without burdening the victims, and gamers be actively involved in initiatives to tackle transgressive behaviour online.

Methodology  

This report is based on twenty in-depth interviews with gamers. Fifteen out of the twenty gamers are from the Netherlands who speak Dutch and the other five gamers are international gamers who speak English (they live in Australia, USA, UK, Malta and Canada). They are aged between fifteen and forty-nine years.  

Download the resource as a PDF here.

Find more information about the work of the Dutch Safer Internet Centre, including its awareness raising, helpline, hotline, and youth participation services, or find similar information for other Safer Internet Centres throughout Europe.