Toxicity in online gaming affects many players across the globe and Activision has sought an interesting solution to this problem: the use of AI chat monitoring. While the emerging concept of AI in video games has started to take off, CoD players aren't so excited by the idea of robots dishing out chat bans.
Call of Duty's AI chat monitoring system has come in as an attempt to clean up the voice chat toxicity, banning those that use certain words, phrases, or general hateful language. Or at least that's the aim. However, reports from players are beginning to suggest that this AI bot is a little too trigger-happy.
User issathrowaway1 jumped onto Reddit to air their frustrations with the AI monitoring system after their 14-day ban ended. They state that they rarely use proximity chat and stick to party chat with friends. After their first ban for saying, "four f**** on roof" during a game of Rebirth Island Resurgence, they quickly received another ban for “this game is f****** garbage” after a severe lag spike. Both phrases undoubtedly contain profanity, but not enough for a two-week ban.
Our protagonist is not the only one to be taken down by the ruthless AI. User PADDYPOOP has received two chat bans in the past for language used during party chat, saying, "Two of the three chat bans I’ve received were from being in party chat only. It is absolutely mind boggling." Most players report their chat bans are from the usual explicit trash talk expected in Call of Duty.
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Meanwhile, another player (user squid172) speaks to the toxicity across the entire franchise, saying, "The toxicity is part of Call of Duty’s DNA, the best part of SND is chatting s*** to other players."
Personally, I've experienced the most toxic lobbies and the most silent ones, and I am saddened to know that one single explicit word can land a two-week chat ban. While I rarely shy away from a shouting match during a CoD game, but for those that have no interest shouldn't be subjected to hateful words.
The conversation around toxicity is complicated; players who do not wish to hear profanity can mute and report offenders, or even opt out of voice chat altogether, but being forced to pick the latter isn't the greatest solution. However, banning profanity in a game like Call of Duty isn't the direction either. Especially when the franchise in question is already rated 18+, has guns, blood, violence, and profanity in-game, and promotes drugs in its spare time. It's unclear whether Activision will dial back the sensitivity of the AI or whether this will be the new direction of Call of Duty — only time will tell.
That's all we have on the AI chat monitoring situation. If you're looking for more Call of Duty content, check out All rewards in the CoD MW3 Vortex: VI.Rus Mainframe event, Hope in humanity restored as CoD community helps fan with one ear, and more on Pro Game Guides.
Tyler is a skilled Freelance Writer for ProGameGuides, specializing in the most popular FPS games like Call of Duty, Apex Legends, and Valorant. He is also keenly interested in MOBAs and JRPGs, no matter how obscure they may be. With his Game Design degree from Sheffield Hallam University, Tyler has the expertise and knowledge to provide in-depth gaming industry coverage. When he is not knee-deep in ELO hell, he devotes his time to taking care of his beloved ragdoll cat, Ace.