Comments on: Xbox Live Death Threat Costs Me $12.50

By: Dave Zatz

Dave Zatz — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 03:22:30 +0000

KidDeath, And therein lies the irony. If we were all forced to use our real names, as I did, people would be much more likely to act civilized. It’s also ironic that folks with offensive Gamertags can change them for free, whereas I was charged. I’m not sweating the money, it’s not a big deal. But it is an ironic policy.

As a reminder, comments are being moderated and will be held in the queue until I get to them. Thoughtful contributions are welcome, snide remarks lacking substance are not.

Update: Comments are now closed.

Update 2: Someone at Microsoft must have seen this post… As $12.50 was automagically refunded to my bank card 12/26, which I didn’t discover until today (1/3). Of course, as mentioned above, I didn’t sweat the few dollars to begin with.

By: Tom M

Tom M — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 02:57:12 +0000

I was wondering about the new tag.

The incredibly racist and homophobic trash talking is pretty grating and far too common in FPSs. I usually stay on mute or do a private chat with Xbox friends.

Haven’t run into any trash talking in Catan lately.

By: Mr. Pibbles

Mr. Pibbles — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 23:54:31 +0000

Agreed. it’s the reason why i mute every single person the instant I enter into a multiplayer match. The maturity level is incredibly low.

By: Jehu

Jehu — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 18:43:28 +0000

I have on word for you “PS3″.
Its free.

By: Terrence

Terrence — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 17:56:00 +0000

What it all comes down to is what I like to refer to as “internet tough guy syndrome”. You get all these idiot kids wanting to talk smack and of course its easier to do it when its over a mic. And for some reason, there’s a lot of hate towards Mexicans.

By: KidDeath 10k

KidDeath 10k — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 17:14:49 +0000

I left the PC community because of cheaters, hackers, and exploiters. I have enjoyed the Xbox Live community so far and I simply ignore all the profanity because it’s not really needed.

I understand that many players release their aggression in online gaming by spouting off battle taunts, which is basically profanity on an epic scale, but to me.. it’s pointless. I like to play the game without having to talk to anyone, or just talking to my small group of friends in party chat.

There was a post on GamaSutra about the pros and cons of the anonymous community: http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/3604/fixing_online_gaming_idiocy_a_.php

You take a normal person, allow them to be anonymous, and give them an audience.. you get one of many “online idiots”.

It’s really a good read.

By: RandomRage

RandomRage — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 16:29:43 +0000

Hehe, Kotaku link = comment flood. I really wish something could be done about this. XBL is a great service and voice chat can be really useful when you get matched up with good teammates, but there are way too many asshats. I’ve had friends that specifically avoid Halo because of the attitude of the players, and in my experience, CoD 4 isn’t that much better. Gears of War I was the worst by far.
It would be fantastic if MS would recruit moderators on XBL…just like forums, where trusted gamers could insta-punish the people who are slowly killing the online gaming community.

By: Dan Fry

Dan Fry — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 14:29:41 +0000

You have to pay to change your gamertag?? Jeeez, does ms also charge you to wipe your ass??

Get a decent machine – get a PS3.