Boards›Player Behavior

Flawed Terms and Policies Agreement

Zirichel·3/23/2017, 9:38:58 PM·4 votes·2,101 views

I would like to understand why it is that Riotgames has an option in their game League of Legends, to turn on or off a language filter in the settings, if you can still be banned for the use of explicit language.

This doesn't make sense to me. Now I understand that you don't want to be associated with inappropriate language or rude behavior and there is nothing wrong with this. What I don't understand is why there is even an option for players to choose whether or not they have a language filter.

I mean it seems pretty simple. Language filter on means you don't want to see inappropriate language. Language filter off means you don't care about inappropriate language.

I have read and understand the terms or use, but apparently you reserve the right to be above the constitution and the first amendment...

I guess you can imagine that I am writing this because my account was perma-banned for the use of foul language, but we live in America, the headquarters for Riotgames are in America if I'm not mistaken which means that they should uphold the Constitution.

All other games with online gameplay, especially on consoles and even on PC, have these ESRB type ratings which is how games are rated and whenever there is online play, there is a message that says: "online interactions are not rated by the esrb".

I would imagine League does not have this because they moderate it themselves. However my biggest point here is that RiotGames or League, has set a player trap. And that is the mute/language filter option and the fact that Riot reserves the right the terminate your account at any point due to whatever reason they deem appropriate. (and steal your purchases in their client. I'm sorry but last time I checked, when I bought something, that would mean that it's now mine. I understand that it's not actually my intellectual property, but purchasing it gives me the right to use it, even if it's just in game. In riot's terms they have reserved the right to steal your cash purchases of their in game cosmetic content. I understand that businesses need to make money, but this is stealing no matter how you justify it. And I'm wanting a refund or a transfer of purchases, the refund would literally go right back into the pocket of Riotgames! I want to give Riot my money and use their cool content, but now I've been banned and can't even get a refund or a second chance?)

On the language filter and mute option I'm sorry but how can you ban people for use of language when there is a language filter and an option to mute players. Don't tell me it's only for spam and annoying people. Because having language filter isn't for annoying people, and the power to mute people isn't just for spammed chat.

Why even have these features if you are just going to ban people with no second chance for the use of vulgar language which they have the right (if they live in America) to use. The First Amendment gives Americans the freedom of speech. If you are having bans or punishment for language use you should either restrict their chatting at the most for use of such offensive language or simply tell people that there is a language filter and that they have the option to turn on a language filter. And the power, to mute people.... (having a punishment for speaking or saying things seems like a violated right, even if it's in your terms, I'm fairly certain the vast majority of games has the esrb interactions message that says online interactions aren't rated by the esrb, for a good reason too).

If you(as a player)wish to not see or be harassed by language there is a language filter and a mute option for chat. Yet you can be banned for use of explicit language. This is a drastic problem that needs attention.

I would like a transfer of purchased material to be given to a new account I am going to make, a permanent chat restriction on my currently banned account, or to just be unbanned because of my points above.

Now I understand that this may not change anyone's views or opinions of the matter. But if no action is taken this will be a wrong to anyone who has been banned for these reasons. This is a dishonor and a treasonous act to the Constitution, a flaw in terms and conditions, and theft of purchases.

All I would like is my account back, I've spent many hours in his game. I love this game, I love the skins and the content and the stories and everything to do with this game, player to player is different. If I don't want to listen to someone or read their vulgarity I mute them or put my language filter on. Please don't make me lose respect for a company I love. This experience has been really confusing and disheartening....

Please help me out, Just a guy trying to play League

Also here's number 7 of the Summoner's Code to back up my point...

7 Be Resolute, not Indignant

"It is easier to find men who will volunteer to die, than to find those who are willing to endure pain with patience." -Julius Caesar

Intrinsic to the idea of competition is the notion that, when our pride is on the line, emotions tend to run high. Every person that we encounter is going to carry a different set of circumstances with them into the game, and therefore is going to have a different level of tolerance for frustration. If you end up in a game with an abusive player, don't lower yourself to their level. Instead, politely ask them to calm down.And remember, even if you're having a bad game, quitting or going AFK just ruins the game for the rest of the players. If someone's really starting to bother you, the mute and ignore commands are always there to resolve the situation. And remember, while nobody likes being insulted, it pays to take a moment to consider the circumstances. Remember that this is a competitive game, and, more often than not, the other player is just venting their frustration. Try not to take it personally. Everyone has a breaking point and everyone rages sometimes. At some point you may find yourself in the other person's shoes.

111 Comments

Dolasaur3/24/2017, 10:09:09 PM5 votes

The First Amendment gives Americans the freedom of speech

Correct. The government is not preventing you from typing whatever you want into the LoL client, or arresting you afterwards.

but apparently you reserve the right to be above the constitution and the first amendment...

Incorrect. Riot's not the government. They're a private business that have great freedom to regulate speech over their channels.

The First Amendment restricts the government from passing laws that burden freedom of speech in nonessential situations. Riot is not part of the government. The First Amendment doesn't apply here.

Source: The First Amendment itself. Read it. You can easily find transcriptions with your favorite search engine.

ModThe Djinn3/23/2017, 10:40:47 PM4 votes

{quoted}I would like to understand why it is that Riotgames has an option in their game League of Legends, to turn on or off a language filter in the settings, if you can still be banned for the use of explicit language.

Because there's a difference between "Fuck. I can't believe we won that fight. That shit was crazy, guys!" and "Fuck you, you fucking [insert derogatory word of choice here]." Some players are uncomfortable with seeing explicit language at all, and so want to be able to filter it out. Riot is saying the former is an opt-in experience, while the latter is strictly unacceptable.

I guess you can imagine that I am writing this because my account was perma-banned for the use of foul language, but we live in America, the headquarters for Riotgames are in America if I'm not mistaken which means that they should uphold the Constitution.

Freedom of Speech has been found to have reasonable limits on its interpretation several times in United States history. It also doesn't apply fully to privately owned or operated locations, whether physical or digital. If I owned a restaurant I'd be well within my rights to kick you out for screaming obscenities, and Riot's servers follow similar rules.

Also, note that most digital products these days are not purchases of the physical product themselves, but rather licenses to USE the product or products in question. If Steam ever shuts down, for example, you're not entitled to a copy of all your games. If World of Warcraft goes bankrupt, I don't get my in-game mounts sent to me. This is fairly typical of the industry and, in fact, is starting to spread to OTHER industries.

Finally, the mute feature exists as a defensive mechanism against toxic players. In the restaurant metaphor I mentioned earlier, it's like having headphones. Sure, I can put them on and drown out the noise, but that still doesn't mean it's okay for that guy to be yelling obscenities. If he says "It's FINE if I shout slurs. These people have headphones!," the owners can still kick him off the premises.