Video game etiquette, also called gaming etiquette, are rules and norms that must be followed while playing multi-player video games. They vary on a game-per-game basis.
However, there are some rules that are universally encouraged or discouraged in multiplayer video games. The 8 Commandments of E-Games Etiquette is a list of such rules.
1. Thou Shalt Be Prepared
Whether you are playing a single-player game or multi-player, always have a backup plan to ensure that you won’t lose all of your progress. Creating save files at regular intervals may seem like an unnecessary chore, but it can save you many hours of frustration should something go wrong.
Likewise, always have your equipment topped off when you start playing. Getting into the game and immediately dying is never fun, so always make sure you have the supplies you need to keep playing.
Sometimes, multiplayer games can become a little heated. This could be due to a disagreement over loot, or incompatible player personalities. No matter what the issue is, don’t ragequit or pout, and don’t take it out on your teammate.
Similarly, it is generally considered unsportsmanlike to cheat in multi-player video games. Whether it is using third-party software to communicate with another player (stream sniping), or simply trying to get an unfair advantage by exploiting a bug, cheating is a serious no-no in the gaming world. Always read reviews before deciding to purchase a multiplayer game, and try to play fair.
2. Thou Shalt Be Polite
When you play games online, it is important to remember that you are interacting with real people. Whether you’re playing casino online or at a land-based establishment, your behaviour can have a negative impact on those around you.
Gaming etiquette refers to the unwritten social norms and rules that gamers follow when interacting with one another. These are designed to ensure that the experience is fun, safe and free of harm. But, like any community, things can sometimes go wrong.
There are many different types of etiquette when it comes to gaming, and they can vary on a game-by-game basis. For example, it is generally considered polite to start a game with a customary “GLHF” or end it with a “GG”. Conceding the match when you’re beaten rather than drawing it out for as long as possible also counts as good form.
However, there are other times when you may need to be a little more firm in the way you interact with your opponents. For example, spamming text or voice chat with irrelevant information can annoy others and make them dislike you.
3. Thou Shalt Be Respectful
Regardless of the game, there are some behaviors that are universally discouraged in multi-player video games. Cheating, spamming the text or voice chat with repetitive phrases, and transmitting music or other noises that interfere with other players’ ability to communicate is never okay.
While some gamers find it entertaining to yell at their screen or in-game characters, most other players will just find this behavior annoying. In-game rage can also translate into real life frustrations and can even lead to bullying and social exclusion. There’s a reason that there is such a thing as ‘ragequitters’.
Teaching kids about gaming etiquette is essential for keeping them safe while playing online. It is important that children understand how to use privacy settings, how to avoid sharing their personal information and know where to turn for help if they experience inappropriate gaming behaviour.
4. Thou Shalt Be Fair
When you play online, you are logging in to the same server as thousands or millions of other players. As such, you should treat other gamers as you would like to be treated. Be fair to your teammates, and don’t covet their heads-up headshots or awesome weapons. TFT has grown beyond expectations and you can learn more if you click the link here.
While some tactics in games may be seen as unfair, such as spawn killing and camping, they are often a result of factors out of the player’s control. However, the community is responsible for identifying and reporting players who are being toxic or behaving unfairly.
Gaming can be addictive, so it’s important to keep a healthy balance. Video games should be fun and challenging, but not an all-consuming pastime. Keep your skills sharp, and remember that you have a life beyond the virtual world.
5. Thou Shalt Be Honest
When you play online, you are logging into servers shared by thousands—perhaps millions—of other gamers. Some of them have malicious intent, and not just to steal your in-game goodies.
When playing a multiplayer game, do not covet your friend’s weapons or armour; this is considered unsportsmanlike. Similarly, do not berate your teammate because they got headshotted by a player above their skill level. It is also unsportsmanlike to rage quit and leave your team short-handed; this can derail the game for the other players on the team.
Be honest at all times. This is the golden rule of gaming etiquette and helps maintain integrity in a world populated by billions of other gamers. Honesty includes obeying the rules, communicating honestly, rewarding wins and losses with sportsmanship, and reporting honesty violations. Honesty in video games benefits the entire gaming community, and it can also improve your life outside of the virtual world.
6. Thou Shalt Not Disrupt the Game with Talk
Gaming etiquette can vary between games, but certain behaviours are generally encouraged or discouraged. Cheating is almost universally considered unacceptable as it detracts from the enjoyment of legitimate players. Likewise, using loud background music or chatter that might detract from the ability of other players to communicate is not acceptable, especially in multiplayer games.
It is also important to be aware that other players may be able to overhear your gameplay or take screenshots of what you are doing. Friendly trash talk is fine, but it is never acceptable to use the game as an opportunity to bully other players.
Finally, it is important to remember that playing video games is only a part of life, and that you should always try to balance your gaming time with other activities. Gaming can be a great way to relieve stress, but it is important not to let it become an obsession. It is also important to remember that gamers can suffer from repetitive strain injuries, so it is vital to rest when needed.
7. Thou Shalt Not Start Late or Leave Early
It’s disruptive to arrive late for an organized game, especially when there are other games in the same time slot. It slows down the beginning of the session with greetings and filling in the latecomer in on game details and plot events.
It is also inconsiderate to leave early. If you know that you will need to leave the game significantly before the end of your time slot, make sure that the GM(s) and other players are aware of this ahead of time so they can plan accordingly.
Also, don’t skip cutscenes. They are often funny, exciting, or build the player’s anticipation for gameplay. These moments are often missed by gamers who skim through them without paying attention. Definitely don’t skip them when playing a game that has no autosave feature!
8. Thou Shalt Not Spill Thy Coke upon Thy Neighbor’s Game
While gaming etiquette differs between games, and certain behaviours are encouraged or discouraged depending on the genre, there are some universally accepted rules that should be followed. For example, cheating (such as “camping” to gain advantages over opponents who cannot reach them and is also known as screen watching, sniping, or peeking) is generally considered bad manners. Likewise, ignoring other players by not replying to their chats is unsportsmanlike.
In multiplayer games, it is important not to covet a friend’s loot or weapons. Frustration with in-game progress can lead to real-life anger, but it’s usually best to take a step back and communicate.
Most importantly, gamers should remember to have fun and not let video games become a lifestyle. Getting headshots is cool, but bitching that your teammate got clobbered is not. And rage-quitting because your character died is just plain ol’ rude. If you want to game for a long time, be sure to keep challenging yourself to avoid boredom.