Online gaming has grown exponentially, becoming vital to the global entertainment industry. However, with this expansion, online harassment and toxicity have escalated. To counteract this, Xbox has revealed a new voice reporting feature to protect players from inappropriate in-game voice chats. The feature, which allows players to capture and report a 60-second video clip of an in-game voice incident, is part of Xbox’s consistent commitment to fostering a safer gaming environment.
Xbox’s voice reporting feature targets in-game voice chat, a common place for players to interact with individuals outside their friend network. By enabling users to capture inappropriate behavior and report it for review by the Xbox Safety Team, the feature provides gamers with a crucial tool to combat verbal abuse or harassment they might experience or witness during multiplayer games.
Crucially, the reporting process is designed to be quick and easy, minimizing disruption to gameplay. Players can initiate the capture of the last 60 seconds of gameplay activity and finalize their report when their game ends. To prioritize user privacy, captured clips are solely for content moderation purposes, are accessible only by the reporting player, and are automatically erased from the console after 24 hours if no report is filed.
The voice reporting feature joins text, image, video, and voice content measures. It will initially be available to Xbox Insiders for feedback before a wider launch. The feature, compatible with Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One, aims to cover various games offering in-game multiplayer voice chat.
Not only does the voice reporting feature act as a shield against toxicity, but it also promotes active allyship within the gaming community. The Xbox team urges all gamers, regardless of their experience level, to stand up against toxicity, empathize with fellow players, and contribute to a safer and more inclusive community.
Community members, including Xbox Ambassadors of diverse identities and backgrounds, were consulted during the development of the feature. Their feedback emphasizes the significance of such measures in empowering users and improving the overall gaming experience.
