Polygon: how Nintendo and other game companies deal with online abuse
In the past few years, online abuse has become increasingly and depressingly common. It directly impacts the life of many people, and especially members of certain “groups” (for lack of a better term), such as women, any non-straight person, or simply someone who made a game certain people don’t like.
Naturally, game companies (especially big ones) have to deal with that reality on a daily basis. It’s the case of Nintendo, who recently got some really bad press following the firing of Alison Rapp. And Nintendo is one of the companies that actually sent a statement to Polygon for their article about online abuse.
Polygon asked the following to several game companies and organisations (including Nintendo):
“Please can you share with us how [your company] plans to deal with any situation in which an employee comes under abuse, doxxing or threatening messages. Alternatively, please let us know what steps you are currently taking to tackle this issue.”
The following companies and organisations simply refused to answer:
- 2K Games
- Bethesda
- Epic
- Konami
- Nexon
- Sega
- Ubisoft
- Warners Bros. Interactive
- Activision Blizzard
- Capcom
- Disney Interactive
- GameStop
- Namco Bandai
- Riot
- Sony
- Square Enix
- Telltale
- Valve
As mentioned above, Nintendo is one of the companies that did answer… but unfortunately, their answer is as generic as can be.
“Nintendo firmly rejects the harassment of any individual in any form, including through social media or online game play. We take steps to support and protect our employees through policies based on best practices in this area and consistently evolve that approach as online harassment grows more complex and challenging.
“We also seek to maximize consumers’ enjoyment of our games and experiences by limiting their exposure to negative communications and online interactions.
“But it takes more than the best efforts of any one company to protect an individual being harassed online. Nintendo is committed to continuing its work within the industry and the broader community to ensure that people can both work and play without the fear of hate-fueled attacks.”
You can read the full thing over at Polygon!
