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Something needs done about this, "Kill yourself" - An Open Letter.

Ten60wAddison·2/3/2015, 2:37:59 PM·87 votes·7,598 views

Dear Riot,

I've only been here since Season 3, and I really enjoy your game. Sure the trolling and terribly uncoordinated play is extremely frustrating at times, and let's face it, there's people who need to play a lot less ranked, and a lot more bots. But that's not why I'm here.

THE PROBLEM There's something that's not being addressed properly that needs be. There's a group of players in this world who think it's funny and entertaining to tell other players to go kill themselves. While the majority probably do not actually wish death upon the target of their anger, the fact that this topic has been brought up and ignored by your company is troubling. Bullying a person to the extreme of self harm is the lowest form of them all, in fact it's inhumane. Am I guilty of the occasional troll and profanity laced tirade, yes, but I have never nor will ever behave like this.

WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT TO STOP I've heard players respond to this topic, "If someone's dumb enough to kill themselves over LOL, then they deserve it." Some people you may encounter daily are one last insult from breaking as a result of living a life of failure and hardship. These people struggle with the lie that they are worthless or inferior. It's a torment that only those who have lived can understand, and those that haven't should never have to endure. The "voice" in your head can be deafening at times; convincing you that it's all not worth it, deceiving you that your life is empty or without value, telling you over and over again to just end it. As humans we should not be adding to this lie for other people, and then walking away not caring about the consequences.

To be honest, those who are willing to spew this hate while reinforcing the lie should be held to some level of responsibility for those people actions. Has a person committed suicide over League, I'd hope not, but if you found out your comment is what was the last straw in a life...

WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT There's no secret that the league community has been so toxic and so painful to be a part of at times. I understand that there are people who let their real life problems influence how they treat others in game. I realize and understand that there are juveniles that play this game both in age and maturity, and as such they will act on this. There are also 4 other members on a team, and 5 on the other than can stand up for the other person and make it clear this is not tolerable behavior. People need to start respecting other people, being nice to other people, and defending those who need defending.

Would you stand by and let someone tease and make fun of a kid who has Palsy cause he can't walk right? Would you stand by and let someone tease and make fun of a developmentally disabled kid cause he acts differently then you? Would you stand by and let someone make fun of an old lady at the grocery store cause she fell trying to reach something?

Come on. It's another person. No different than your own brothers and sisters. Your own mom and dad, your own kids..

MY CALL ON RIOT Riot I'm calling on you to make a stand now before someone takes an influence given by another player in your game and harms themselves. Riot you have the ability to monitor your text chat and find toxic people. You have the ability to do the same for those encouraging another player to commit suicide.

At the very least, a report option needs created for this, then when reviewed the punishment needs to be serious.

These are lives I'm talking about. Not a stolen account or the loss of 50 dollars. It's someones child. If a player does this, and you've done nothing to help stop it, then you may as well helped them.

With Respect, Ten60wAddison

99 Comments

Sweetie Brella2/3/2015, 8:48:16 PM16 votes

Before I start, I would just like to refer everyone to this little beauty of a post from Kades about two years prior. The only thing worse than being toxic is trying to justify being toxic. It's incredibly juvenile, especially in the way they accuse those who suffer from their toxicity to be what they really are. So let's run down why every one of their "arguments" holds no water.

Lol it's just a game, stop being serious

Whether or not there's anything at stake in the game, the truth is yes, it is a game. So why the hell are you so content to warp it into a infantile insult fest? When you stoop to that level, you're taking away other people's enjoyment for your own selfish gain. There is no excuse for this. You all agreed to the summoner's code when you started playing this game, why is it do hard to act like it?

Just use the mute button, stop whining

I'm sorry, but I can't see into the future and I'm pretty sure no one else can either. People don't use the mute button unless they have a reason to, and at this point your toxic words have already been read by them. What's more, there is no option to mute someone during the champion select process. Like the judicial system in the real world, it can only work to punish and prevent crime, not stop it from happening at all.

OMG they're just words, stop being such a baby

Sticks and stones my break your bones, but words can tear your heart out.

You ARE hurting those people who you say those nasty things to, whether you think you are or not. For those who are less emotionally stable this is far worse, and likely not something you could possibly understand. It doesn't matter if you're joking or not, because its words on a screen and the intent behind the words can't be discerned. Even if you say you're joking later, it's too late as the words you said have probably been taken at face value already.

Why should we cater to the babies who play? This is a game for everyone

This argument always makes me laugh. So you're saying we should cater to the people who are actively making the game worse? Because that's what you're doing. Give me a game full of people who don't like being treated like crap and a game for of people who treat others like crap and I'll pick the same one every time, and I'm sure most other people will do the same.

Bottom line, it is NOT okay to be toxic and I'm sure most people know it. So stop trying to pretend like it is. Be the bigger man for once in your life, and remember those tenets you agreed to when you started to play the game.

LittleRenen2/3/2015, 4:24:26 PM15 votes

I was about to put my two sense in on the subject... then I read the comments. Even on the boards where Rioters are present I'm seeing the same trolls that are mentioned in this post? Wow.

@Waffle Destroyer ; what happened to Amanda Todd is tragic, stop being a child and making fun of it. Also stop promoting bleaching, its unhealthy to so many levels and if you believe its actually funny to promote that kind of self harm then I implore you to seek mental help in the form of a psychiatric ward.

@Any Rioters ; There does need to be at least a report option for this. And you all need to take the threats that come through your game more seriously. Cyber Bullying is detrimental to so many people because others will say what they want due to the fact they are sitting behind a screen. I for one don't say things that I wouldn't say to your face. Do something about the children (maturity wise) on this game that make your community so bad and maybe you can make even more money! When I tell people I play LOL they immediately associate me with trolls due to your community having the worst reputation in the gaming industry, which is kinda an impressive feat in itself. Do something to fix the bullying, its harmful and not to mention ILLEGAL in the majority of states.

GundayMonday2/3/2015, 10:15:50 PM8 votes

I report someone for verbal abuse every time I see this happen (which is more rarely now than a few years ago). Are you asking for a special "they told me to kill myself" kind of button? I think the verbal abuse covers this, and the Rioters on the player behavior team hand review the super toxic scumbags and are not lenient with the chat restrictions and ban hammers.

Definitely agree that this behavior is the worst. Definitely agree that anyone doing this is the worst kind of scum. Don't necessarily agree that Riot's doing a poor job with it. Big fan of the work Lyte and team have been doing to make the game and community better for all of us.

60cG25XEnH2/3/2015, 2:47:25 PM6 votes

Agreed.

Vegas Dad2/3/2015, 9:02:24 PM6 votes

God stop this non sense, i play thousands of games a year, i see someone being told to kill themselves maybe 4-5 times each year? You ignore them and move on like any other asshat who says something stupid. Stop being a drama queen and acting like this is some HUGE problem. It is funny because alot of what you have said is not done by people like you in the first place, you ask for people to respect but you dont give respect, you act like the world is your playground to do as you please and the moment someone tells you otherwise you go into some huge diatribe about how you an entittled to play AP shaco mid in rank as your first try to shaco blah blah blah blah.

Infact you might want to look inward and see what is triggering people to say this, because usually people like you are engaging into dialogue that leads people to say things like that i the first place. People like you with your drama are a problem and a bigger one imho please take your need for drama to another venue to get it satisfied and stop making a mountain out of a mole hill about a nearly non existent issue.

If you know someone who would actually act out on killing themselves because some random idiot on he inet said it, they shouldnt be playing a video game they are EXTREMELY sick, be a friend dont let them play league they need to be checked into a hospital.

PS i don't take this stuff lightly either my oldest son commited suicide, but it had nothing to do with a random joe on the inet telling him to do it, and never would occur if random joe did, it is a mental problem with far deeper and longer roots.

Yulen Xoshxius2/3/2015, 9:24:49 PM6 votes

It's amazing people rather be harsh and cold hearted towards the people getting harassed, but want to not have riot do anything to the ones doing harassing. Perhaps those that just say "grow up" need to grow up themselves and be more understanding and not like an arrogant child that thinks they are all grown up because they know one perspective and think that it's the only one.

Chaotic Reks2/3/2015, 6:28:48 PM4 votes

I can't upvote this enough

nerak232/3/2015, 6:40:58 PM4 votes

Do More about the issue of death threats and telling others to kill themselves !!! Do it quick and do it all costs !!

Just because Some people can deal with being harassed and there is a Mute button in No way makes it alright to do so... Not everyone Can deal with it... Not everyone saying that this issue should be dealt with are 'butthurt, crybabies..-insert insult here-' Some of us just care about other people..

I just find it soooo hard to believe how anyone justifies this type of behavior ...It is Not okay Ever to tell someone to off themselves.

Sarutobi2/3/2015, 2:49:20 PM4 votes

honestly all that can be done has been done. we have a mute button, and we can report people, what more do you want/need? Im not calling you out or anything, but this is the internet, people are anonymous and because of that they feel they can do anything they can, because in all honesty they can! This is a serious problem, but i really cannot see someone playing league as a last resort. especially if they been playing this for a while, they know the community so i doubt someone who play this game to relieve themselves from that! All im saying is the people who do this generally dont care! they dont care about the person they are hurting much the same they dont care about the people 2-3 towns over! But all in the same like i said before its the internet! all the being in front of the computer is really whats makes people do this! im sure they dont act like this is real life but do it online because of that! All i can say is that if its that bad take screenshot, mute and report the person and if it gets that bad you can always contact support with your screenshot evidence to help support you!

Athenes Lulu2/4/2015, 12:56:34 AM3 votes

Watch the trolls come back saying "why should anyone ever get offended over the internet, WHEN IT'S JUST ON A COMPUTER SCREEN OMG".

Those kids won't learn.

Celeste Benal2/3/2015, 9:10:36 PM3 votes

The answer to such things is very simple: Report them. That being said, we had one person in a game that acted as described in OP and said he didn't care if we reported him because Riot won't do anything about people that behave as he does. Reported anyway.

Imo, no responsible adult would allow their child to play lol because of the horribly toxic community. Literally the worst I've ever seen. If someone should actually act on such an imperative, Riot could be held responsible in a court of law. And I'm sure they don't want that kind of press.

Cupkek2/3/2015, 9:30:39 PM3 votes

Hear hear!

Poptart Evelynn2/3/2015, 4:39:53 PM2 votes

I understand the frustrations but honestly. People need to be responsible for themselves. You can't sensor the entire world. It's gonna happen eventually.

CritterZoid2/4/2015, 2:16:24 AM2 votes

As someone who has been playing league for two whole years, I can say without a doubt, that yes it needs to stop. This is a community and is built to be safe for players, new and old. Now I'm not entirely clean ether, there are times where I even get a bit toxic, if something doesn't conform a certain way in the game due to the role I like to do (shot calling). Yet I have noticed that even beyond the realms of Bronze V, that the toxicity does lessen up, even if it is very slight. Yet riot does do stuff about this, but it is now dealt with differently. If there were a button that was listed as "someone told me to kill myself" or "someone tried to condone suicide" I'd gladly click that button if it resulted in an instant perma ban.

Yet, I digress that button doesn't exist and probably never will. Still we can relish in that thought process though. I'm only human, and while yes it is hurtful to be told to "Drink Bleach" or "Go hand yourself" or even "kill yourself". Hell I've gotten my fair share of death threats in league, yet all I can do is report them, and block them, then hope to never see them on the rift again.

What other options are there as of now aside from the mute button and block/report options? Well honestly hardly anything, we can't like actually go to riot and complain about it, that's a little much. Even for me, someone who wants to end toxicity. Good news is the Tribunal is coming back from what I have heard, so there is that.

What I really wish would be done for the community is a way to filter out the games (in all forms ranked (solo/dou/teams) normals, team builder, ect.) toxic players so you wont have to be paired with them, even if they are toxic on the boards. I even think the new LeaverBuster is flawed in all it's glory! Yet I mostly just have to block/report or both (for the toxic players) other then that, they need to work on the blocking function too, as it should not allow them to speak in game, it should automatically mute them.

Sorry about that rant, but this post, well I've been though similar experiences irl and in game, so this is my two cents.

Bixits2/4/2015, 3:22:25 PM2 votes

I agree that this is a serious issue. It doesn't bother me (the trolls) as I just report and move on. However we all know there are a lot of kids/minors that play this game and many of them do not get help because they are bullied, have low self-esteem etc. We all have the ability to hold our tongue even online. Just because you are winning or losing or someone is playing bad, you are having a crappy day does NOT give you the right to verbally abuse someone. Yes you can mute people but once you see or read something it's not like you can just delete it from your mind. I believe that if an account is reported for this multiple times they should receive a permanent chat ban. I have had several people in my life who have been suicidal due to depression, ptsd, etc. This is not a laughing matter and does need to be taken seriously.

grabthebeat2/4/2015, 5:32:50 PM2 votes

They do take it very serious. If someone tells you to kill yourself irl, while you're in game and you report them. They will get banned.

DarthPancake2/4/2015, 10:23:36 PM2 votes

A few games back someone told me they wish someone would slit my throat,took a pic and reported them,but it was the first time I have EVER been extremely offended in a game,and I usually am able to tolerate it well,but was stressed so I was on LOL,I hope they do something about people doing it..

En01IM3t632/4/2015, 5:55:12 PM2 votes

I've played MMO's since Ultima Online, and dabbled in most between then and now. The behavior is nothing new as we all know. However I will say that as this game is (essentially) purely PVP. As such competition and that combined with the faceless nature of the internet results in what can be some of the most crass and counterproductive communication I've ever encountered. The game is based on team-work, as such name-calling and non-constructive criticism does nothing other than tickle the ego of the "troll". Proper behavior is quite simple, if someone is playing poorly try to cheer them on/up. Of course some are so defensive that even the most good natured advice often blows up in your face. I've found that just attempting to bridge the gap (I'm no star player btw) and make friends with the 'poorer' players makes for great bonds and often they turn out to be quite good with a few pointers and positive reinforcement. My main point would be this. The world is full of jerks and bullies in real life, we play games to escape from such things and have fun. So bullying a player is to me just the worst kind of negativity. What if that persons only relief is hiding in a game for a few and the hatefulness just follows them there too? Lighten up everyone. For the record, I have slight anxiety and fair depression issues. Someone trolling me at this point in my life is more of an amusement than anything else, not all feel that way and as such I try to stand up for anyone being bullied in game or in life really. While I am not a hippy I must say, can't be all just be groovy man?