Kindness in games

To preface this: I'm not a high elo, I'm barely mid elo.I float around the 1000ish elo range for 1v1 ^{(right now I am a bit higher, most likely due to luck}) and about 1500ish elo in team games.

I have noticed a couple games lately where there is, at least for me, some more toxicity amongst players. Both in unranked and ranked. Not necessarily directed at me, but I did have a game recently where it was. Luckily, I have been online gaming for probably closing in on a couple decades now, so I can take it with stride and without getting to me.

However, with a game that probably has a wide range of age players whose experience level with the game, and online games in general, varies, and remembering how hurtful some of that toxicity can be from when I was younger, I would like to remind us to be kind. Especially given the holiday season and the year it has been.

I understand what it's like when you have time for one game, and it doesn't go your way. Or, if you feel your teammate is almost throwing the game. Name a scenario, I've probably encountered it. I've played online games ranging from MOBAs to RTS to FPS to MMOs. While there are certainly troll players, most of the time it's people doing their best. Or, maybe for some reason they're just having an off day. Who knows.

It can all be frustrating. But name-calling and being mean, does nothing. I'm not saying it doesn't suck to lose. And I'm not saying you can't be frustrated with a game or teammate. But let's remember the human on the other side of the computer. Instead of being mean or resorting to name-calling, maybe provide a tip, direction, or just any constructive criticism. Again, just remember that as frustrated as you might be, the person you are directing your anger at may not be feeling too great themselves. So, be kind.

All this being said, I've encountered wonderful people in the age community, and for that I am thankful.