Microsoft has updated its community standards for players and included some examples of how – and how not to – behave online.
The standards – first noticed by Redditors on the r/xboxone subreddit (thanks, Motherboard) – indicate what kind of behaviour will be tolerated, and explains that even a single inappropriate message may lead to a suspension or restrictions (such as removal of ability to send messages) if it contains profanity, racism, threats of sexual violence, or other inappropriate language or conduct.
Repeat offenders – or if a player subjects another to particularly severe abuse – could result a permanent suspension, or even see the offender “forfeit all licenses for games and other content, Gold membership time, and Microsoft account balances”.
“We get it – gaming can be competitive and interactions with other players can get heated,” the community standards state. “A little trash talk is an expected part of competitive multiplayer action, and that’s not a bad thing. But hate has no place here, and what’s not okay is when that trash talk turns into harassment.”
“Consider these standards a roadmap for contributing to this incredible, globe-spanning community. Remember: Xbox Live is your community. We all bring something unique, and that uniqueness is worth protecting,” Xbox adds. “Whether you’re brand new to gaming or have been playing for decades, we need you to be stewards of this place, to protect each other even as you compete. Because when everyone plays, we all win.”