Annual reminder: Xbox Live trash talk is vile

by Alexander Sliwinski on Nov 28th 2007 6:28PM

We're pretty sure most Xbox Live users doing online matches are a bunch of freakin' time travelers. How do we know this? Because by listening to an average Xbox Live Halo 3 match we're magically transported back in time and listening to the vocabulary used at a 1950's locker room in an all-white boys school. The above video is a typical FOX news piece employing all the standard scare tactics on parents, but it does give a nice overview of multiplayer trash talk on Xbox Live.

After the break we have a video from GayGamer.net where one of their readers created a gamertag of "Gay Boy," went into Halo 3 online, and recorded the effect. The video is not safe for work because unlike the FOX news piece, there isn't a censor. And just to be clear, Xbox Live is a great service, but boy are there a lot of people using the anonymity of the internet and children without parents on there. Don't be surprised when the Halo 3 "mute button" is named the invention of the year in our '07 wrap-up posts.

Update: Xbox's Major Nelson (Larry Hryb) made a statement on the GayGamer video.

Source

Tags: homophobia, racism, Xbox-360, xbox-live, xboxlive

Reader Comments (153)

Test :)

I only use my headset after I've listened to the people talk for awhile then I might join in and chat. I think this is just how people act when they truly deep down believe they will never run into you in person and have you recognize their voice.

I agree that the conversation on Xbox live during Halo gameplay is just vile. It is ten times more vile when you are gay, or if you are a woman, and especially if you have a new account. The sexual harassment my daughter has been exposed to to become good player was so vile at times we thought of cancelling the account. Instead, we developed strategies for dealing with the harassment. We worked hard on developing a list of comebacks and things to say...but now she really doesn't need to say anything. Players are too busy crying after being pwned by a girl. We also report sexual harassment and vile language, there is a feature on the game that allows you to do so. The good news is that if you can stick with the game long enough to level up to a point where you play with better players, there is a dramatic increase in professionalism, good sportsmanship, and good manners. Have you been to an MLG tournament? Everyone there has very good manners and are very polite. It is a fun, safe and positive environment. So are our local lans where we play halo 2 and 3. We have met some very nice people at Halo tournaments and it has been a great experience for our children. My advise to those who are struggling with harassment would be to stay with it and continue to ratchet up your gameplay.

Reply

Previous 50 Comments