By Steffan Powell
Gaming reporter
Rape jokes, racism, bullying – if you’ve picked up a controller, or scrolled a mouse, to dabble in some online gaming then you’ve likely come across plenty.
The gaming industry, like others where people interact online, has been trying to figure out how to get to grips with behaviour like this for years.
Ubisoft, makers of major franchises like Assassin’s Creed and Rainbow Six, has now signed a first-of-its-kind deal with police to try and tackle the issue for its players.
The hope is for this agreement to start a conversation within the industry and see others follow suit.
Working with police
Online gaming is a joyful experience for millions of people every day.
It’s a space where friendships are forged and memorable experienced shared. During the pandemic online games were a saviour for many people’s mental health. However its dark side is also plain to see. Abusive behaviour, deaths threats and grooming – can be found in online gaming spaces.
“We want to be on the right side of history,” says Damien Glorieux a senior director of the Newcastle-based Ubisoft Customer Relationship Centre.
It’s here, and at four other locations around the world, that staff monitor how players of Ubisoft games are getting on – responding to requests for help and actively getting involved with the communities that have evolved around their titles. They deal with everything from purchasing issues to online toxicity.
Other companies have similar set-ups, but what’s unique here is the involvement of local law enforcement.
The deal between the company and Northumbria Police works in two parts.
Andy Millmoor (R) is the player experience director at the centre, he says online toxicity can take many different shapes
Firstly, it sees specialist officers share their knowledge and expertise on harmful online interactions with the 200-strong team working at the centre in Newcastle, who then apply that training to their daily work.
Secondly, an agreement is in place so that in extreme cases, where there is a threat to life or potential serious harm spotted, staff can fast track the information to police.
They will then decide whether or not to act.
Glorieux explains to BBC News: “We have millions of players, and tens of millions of interactions – so how can we spot incidents?
“It is daunting, but at the same time it is very important, which is why we wanted to sign this deal and try to make things right .
“We wanted to focus on the most extreme cases, make sure we do the right thing there because it gives us a solid foundation to build the rest of our work around.”
Less than 0.01% of cases that t
