Tech

Xbox One needs to start watching its language

Giuseppe Macri Tech Editor
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Xbox users will have to revisit primary school rules if they want to play with others after Microsoft began banning players from Xbox live for using “excessive profanity.”

A new Xbox One function allows gamers to upload recorded videos of their gameplay and share it on Xbox Live, and will eventually allow users to live-stream their gameplay in 2014.

Days after the system’s launch on Nov. 22, complaints emerged of users receiving a message saying “choose something else to play” when trying to access applications like Skype that function through Xbox Live.

In a statement released to TechCrunch Microsoft confirmed that players uploading videos with profanity through the Xbox One “Upload Studio” will have certain account privileges suspended.

“To be clear, the Xbox Live Policy & Enforcement team does not monitor direct peer-to-peer communications like Skype chats and calls,” the statement said. “Also, we take Code of Conduct moderation via Upload Studio very seriously.”

“We want a clean, safe and fun environment for all users. Excessive profanity as well as other Code of Conduct violations will be enforced upon and result in suspension of some or all privileges on Xbox Live. We remain committed to preserving and promoting a safe, secure and enjoyable experience for all of our Xbox Live members.”

The new regulations undoubtedly come as a surprise to veteran gamers – the community chat space for online play has been unregulated and frequently aggressive since its early days more than a decade ago.

Microsoft confirmed its intent to ban players for their video content days after Sony’s live-streaming service announced the same penalty for users uploading sexual or non-game content to the PlayStation Network.

Both announcements were made within a week of each system’s launch and is a likely indicator that the new social and community interactive services provided by new gaming platforms – like uploading video – will bring with them new rules for censorship.

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