Call of Duty, a massively popular multiplayer shooter franchise, has long grappled with toxic behavior within its community. Activision is taking proactive steps to address this issue in the upcoming Black Ops 6 with enhanced voice and text moderation systems. Building on the foundations laid in Modern Warfare 3, Black Ops 6 will feature a more robust version of these tools from day one.
Enhanced Moderation Tools From Launch
Black Ops 6 will launch with expanded language support for its voice moderation system. Currently supporting English, Spanish, and Portuguese, the system will add French and German compatibility upon release. Text moderation boasts even broader coverage, encompassing 20 languages, including Japanese, Turkish, and Romanian.
Leveraging AI for Real-Time Monitoring
The core of the voice moderation system, known as ToxMod, is developed by Modulate.ai. This AI-powered tool utilizes machine learning to monitor voice and text chats in real time, flagging potentially toxic behavior. While ToxMod doesn’t directly ban players, it identifies potential Code of Conduct violations and alerts human moderators for review and action. Text chat moderation is handled by Community Sift, a Microsoft-developed AI tool.
A group of players in a Call of Duty lobby.
Positive Impact of Moderation Efforts
Activision reports significant improvements since implementing enhanced voice chat moderation in June. Repeat offenders in Modern Warfare 3 and Call of Duty: Warzone have decreased by 67%, and overall exposure to voice toxicity has dropped by 43%. Furthermore, over 45 million toxic text messages have been blocked since last November.
Addressing Toxicity Through a Multi-Pronged Approach
Activision’s commitment to combating toxicity extends beyond technological solutions. A comprehensive Code of Conduct outlines the studio’s zero-tolerance policy towards bullying and harassment, condemns cheating, and encourages players to report any incidents. This combination of AI-powered moderation and community guidelines aims to foster a more positive and inclusive gaming environment.
A Continued Commitment to a Positive Gaming Experience
Activision’s ongoing efforts demonstrate a commitment to curbing toxicity within the Call of Duty community. By leveraging advanced AI technology and enforcing a clear Code of Conduct, the company strives to create a more enjoyable and respectful experience for all players in Black Ops 6 and beyond. The improved moderation tools and proactive measures promise a step towards a healthier online environment for Call of Duty fans.
