Introducing the Xbox Strike System to Curb Toxicity
Microsoft is introducing a new ‘Strike’ system to Xbox, aimed at curbing the ever-growing toxicity problem. This has been a long-running issue since the inception of multiplayer games. Toxicity refers to negative behavior such as hurling slurs, being aggressive or rude, or spreading hate. Let’s delve into how the new Xbox strike system functions, how many strikes a player can receive, and when they may face a ban for their actions.
New Xbox Enforcement Strike System: How Does It Work?
With the new enforcement strike system, Xbox aims to provide players with a robust method to reduce toxicity caused by problematic teammates. Each player starts with a clean slate, having zero strikes. When a player violates the Xbox Community Standards, they can get reported for various types of inappropriate activities.
Depending on the severity of the actions, players can receive anywhere from 1 to 3 strikes. The length of suspension depends on the number of strikes a player has. Here is an example of how the strike system will look for players. As shown below, the player will be reminded to review the Xbox Community Standards (linked above) to avoid future consequences. The system aims to help players learn from their mistakes, and players will also have the option to submit an appeal for their suspensions.
These are some examples given by Microsoft, illustrating how many strikes can be added based on the type of report received against the player:
| Type of Action | Number of Strikes |
|---|---|
| Profanity | 1 |
| Cheating | 1 |
| Sexually Inappropriate | 2 |
| Harassment or Bullying | 2 |
| Hate Speech | 3 |
If a player receives even one strike, they can lose access to Xbox Social features including parties, messaging, multiplayer, and other functionalities. If a player has received any previous suspensions, they must be completed as well. Single-player experiences will still be functional, even for players with an active suspension. Additionally, if a player commits a serious violation, Xbox holds the right to suspend all functionality of the account, including access to past purchases. Here’s how the suspension length will vary based on the number of strikes:
| Strike Count | Length of Suspension |
|---|---|
| 1 | 1 day |
| 2 | 1 day |
| 3 | 3 days |
| 4 | 1 week (7 days) |
| 5 | 2 weeks (14 days) |
| 6 | 3 weeks (21 days) |
| 7 | 2 months (60 days) |
| 8 | 1 year (365 days) |
Microsoft provided insights into how players behave after receiving a suspension, based on observational data. They found that players who have received a single temporary suspension seem to learn from their previously inappropriate behavior. Around one-third of these players receive a second suspension, and reportedly, less than 1% of all players received a suspension in 2022.
This new strike system on Xbox is a welcome change, and it is hoped that it can alleviate the problem of toxicity in online gaming. Since the entire Xbox platform, including social services, has received this update, it will benefit the entire Xbox community across all the games they play. If you love playing new games, be sure to check out our article on some major upcoming games of 2023. We have plenty of games launching on Xbox this year, so you can find the next Xbox game to play.
What are your thoughts on the new Xbox enforcement strike system? Will it reduce toxicity in online multiplayer games? Let us know in the comments below.