Discussion about in-game chat filters

[Atreid]

Once again, Korea asked us to get a feedback from you on a specific topic. This time, it's about Chat Filter!

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Chat filters in massively multiplayer games are implemented to protect players against those who break what is deemed acceptable communication in the Rules of Conduct. This in-game system filters out offensive words by replacing them with generic symbols, and it is automated so the system can be applied to every conversation throughout the game universe.

Ultimately the goal of chat filters is to keep discussion friendly and to hopefully prevent antagonistic and aggressive behaviour. However, no filtering system is perfect and sometimes it falls short of what is required. The reasons for this are many, but there are two main areas we'd like to look at in more detail. Firstly, there are cross-language differences which can mean two words which are spelt the same, actually have very different meanings. Secondly, certain character combinations can be misinterpreted by the filter as an offensive term, simply because they contain a sequence of characters found in offensive words (a tame example would be filtering out the word ‘assume’ because of ‘ass’).

It's a tricky balance to get right... so how would you approach such a system? Would you opt for an aggressive filter that may also be prone to making mistakes, or would you favour a more relaxed system? Would you prefer to be given the option to turn such filtering on and off? How would you see a multi-lingual filtering system working on a single language server?

Even though there are some disadvantages to employing chat filters, we feel the advantages far outweigh them. Chat filtering is a necessary step towards building a better community for all our players, so you can expect filters to be implemented in some form; here you can influence just how that happens.

Now, we would like to hear your opinions on the topic... please keep the comments constructive and most of all, mature. Examples of swearing are not required... discuss at will!

[Zinrae]

I think the best way is to just have 3 settings for the filtering system: aggressive, more relaxed, and off. Everybody wins

[FeyraN]

putting 3 filtering systems takes a lot of work, and it may not be worth it to the devs. I just say on and off if you insist on having one. It's not like people aren't going to understand you just because of the chat filter. There's a chat filter here and i can still say what the **** yo and even though it turns to stars you still understand.

[Koji]

Yeah just on and off will suffice...but set it to default on. There are always going to be ways around with the leet and purposely mispelling a swear word to get around it...just can't be helped i don't think.

[PZeplin]

3 filter types, like mentioned before, would be optimal.
However, 2 types, with aggressive and off as options, would also be ok.

I absolutely "demand" (as much as I can ) that the filter can be turned off, since i always do that myself... but I completely understand if some people want it on.

[CrazySteveo]

Aggressive filter by default with the option of turning it off.

enough said.

[Deryck]

well, everybody would like either an on and off switch for the chat filters but in reality, im sure they'll use a system like they did in Lineage 2. To simply by pass that all you had to do was delete obscene-e.dat and bye bye chat filter. I would like to see a on or off switch for chat filters, or even a Aggressive, Relaxed, and Off chat filter system. Either way, I don't like chat filters so I have never used them.

[osric]

i'll agree with default on, with the necessary option to turn off.

a multi-language filter could get tricky. i guess it just depends how close the languages are, not only in word spelling but also in how those words are used. i would tend to err on the side of caution, however. since most of the people who leave a chat filter on won't get too bent out of shape if some words that shouldn't be censored end up with the **** or #$%@. those of us who turn it off won't really be affected. and as long as Bobby Cussalot who spams bad words can be /ignored then i don't foresee any real problems.

[Trevyc]

I like the option to have filters on or off when it comes to chat. If I can't talk freely with people that don't mind, then I'm turned away.

[srinknorei]

i don't really understand why people get banned or suspended for bad language when just about every game out there has an /ignore feature and a feature to filter out profane language. it's mostly error on the part of the user if they don't take advantage of a system already in place.

so basically just your typical profanity filter which can be turned on or off and an ignore player feature will do me just fine, as well as the ability to turn off or leave/join any channel you don't wish to be a part of.

[Diablo]

Originally Posted by CrazySteveo

Aggressive filter by default with the option of turning it off.

enough said.

What he said.

[Pancak3s]

i'd rather have an extremely relaxed filter, with the ability to turn them off. They are just words afterall, and if Aion is rated Teen or higher most of us dont have virgin ears or mouths, and shouldnt take offense to such things

[FeyraN]

hmmm my ears are still virgin, i find myself losing it either.... mouth... not so much...

[Mark]

Originally Posted by FeyraN

hmmm my ears are still virgin, i find myself losing it either.... mouth... not so much...

I sure hope so. Earsex is freaky ****.

No, to be honest, I'd rather have an aggressive filter than a relaxed one.

[Manostatic]

I'm okay with a censor that can be turned off and on at the user's discretion. I'm an adult and if I feel like using that kind of language, then I should be able to. Most of us are well mannered enough to know when it's appropriate and when it's not. I don't think cursing is a big deal and the censor is perfect for those who choose not to see such language. The biggest concern I have is language that is used to personally attack someone's race, religion, sexual orientation, etc. That is inexcusable and I don't think a censor is a real solution. Anyone with half a brain can see right through the censor anyway. For example, "I don't give a @#%&." You guys know what word I intended to be there and can probably think of a few more that make it just as offensive. Of course I could always /ignore the offender, but this does nothing to promote a friendly and mature enviroment. As it suggests, I am simply ignoring the problem. Action must be taken against those who abuse others in a sincerely offensive manner.

GOOD DAY, SIR!