Dealing with the Fallout: The Toll of Engaging with Toxic Gamers

The last few months for Riot Games have been particularly eventful. The developer has already released a handful of games, but remains primarily judged on the state of League of Legends. Its MOBA is the mirror against which the company’s other titles should be compared, and while it promises big imminent releases to end the crisis, it undeniably hit one of the biggest moguls in its history. Despite the negative backdrop, players have always had something to hold on to. Many developers are in constant contact with the community, answering questions and filling in the company’s most notable shortcomings. On many occasions they had to face the unbridled hatred of some players.

We’re lucky, but we don’t appreciate it

Riot Mortdog worked on League of Legends, but since Teamfight Tactics launched, he is dedicated exclusively to running Riot Games’ autobattler. With TFT, he maintains the same direct line of communication with the community. He explains upcoming changes to the game, shares cool facts exclusive to the company’s internal app, or asks for player feedback. The response from the majority of the community is positive, but it occasionally clashes with more vocal players.

The real problem is that Mortdog’s situation is not exceptional. This is not a developer that the community hates for one reason or another. In fact, it is generally appreciated. Almost every employee at Riot Games – and other companies – who takes on this role is in a similar situation. The fans most involved with the title appreciate the extra work and extra knowledge they share with the community. However, there’s always someone to make the nastiest comment. This has led many developers to take a step back because, as the director of TFT explained, there are many occasions when it just isn’t worth it.

Examples of this type of situation, as it relates to League of Legends, can be found in the responses developers receive on the social media they use as a means of communication. Some of them even live stream LoL games, other titles, or just answer questions. They provide an opportunity for the community to voice concerns and respond in a way that was once reserved for video game journalists or content creators.. It’s not uncommon for their streams to end in an immediate ban for personal attacks.

Unfortunately I don’t have a solution, which is driving me crazy as a developer. I want to solve the problems, but this one is too complex. I want people to do better, to have ways to let off steam or whatever. I want more open developers and I want to share more. But I also understand very well why we cannot do it. I will conclude with this. Treat game developers politely. Especially those who are honest with you. If you don’t like their game or the message it conveys, play something else. There are many good titles on the market. What will make you angry is that there are fewer and fewer of them.

Mortdog

The developer did not want to focus only on the negative. During a stream during which he reflected on the events of the previous week, he explained that he also saw the positives. “I see a lot of good things, more than I deserve”he explained on the verge of tears. “There are a lot of very polite people (…) My direct messages were filled with these kinds of comments. It reminded me not to dive into the bad (…) That’s what made me made it clear that I had to continue”concluded the developer.