An open letter to Riot and fellow Summoners
First let me start off by saying that this is not directed at the majority of folks reading this, but the current state of this community is fringing on unbearable. I would assume that of those with a interest great enough to read threads like this most likely aren't apart of the toxic population. But within the last month or more, it seems to me that I have had at least one person in EACH matchmaking lobby who will not only refuse to cooperate with a team, but actually go as far as personally attacking ally members. I understand that this sort of thing happens in every game known to man, but the consistency of these occurrences only leads me to think that there is a massive population of toxic players playing this game (most of which are new summoners). I will admit that I have not always been capable of following the Summoners' Code myself, and have even been banned for it. With that being said, I don't think nearly enough action is being put forth in reprimanding these types of players. As someone who has once pushed and exceeded the boundaries of bannable offenses myself, I can confidently say there needs to stricter regulations, **ESPECIALLY **on lower elo level games. I say this because those who ladder to a competitive level of play have already learned what it takes to win games as a team.
On the contrary, I understand Riot's hesitation to hand out bans regularly, as afterall, this game is ultimately a business as more players will increase the probability of those who purchase content. But I'm also not saying turn away every new player with a permaban if they get vulgar in chat or game. What I am saying is that more minor bans are definitely in call for. I, among others, am very tired of playing games that I feel proud of in not only my score but my cooperation with team, to only suffer a ranked loss solely due to one person AFKng or flat out refusing to cooperate for a win. There is no arguing: a good player cannot proportionally carry a teammate who does not want to win, especially if their elos are compatible. I see it posted all over the client, "those who are banned come back in a more cooperative fashion", so my question to you is why not operate on this slogan more often. Again, the push for these bans isn't to "get rid of" toxic players, but to hopefully shift their perspective of how a successful team works.
The only thing I can take away from these recent times is the realization that I do not gain the same satisfaction from this game as I used to. Furthermore, as someone who has once been more than enthusiastic to purchase new content the day it comes out, I feel that due to the recent behavior and personal attacks I've seen, that the money is best spent on other things. I mean afterall, the only time I truly look forward to a game anymore is when I know I can lobby up with 4 other friends that I personally know.
I know I am not the only one who feels like this, so I ask my fellow summoners, if you want more affirmative action or have any other ideas on how to make this game more pleasant, I encourage you to share you thoughts. "Til then, I'm breaking out the NHL 16.
-mone yo