Blizzard has now started moderating player-created Starcraft 2 maps, it has been revealed, after a map maker’s map was removed from Battle.net.
The user named Cyrileo complained of his map being removed from Battle.net, but the map was deemed “inappropriate” by Blizzard and subsequently deleted.
Blizzard’s Moderation Policy
Blizzard community manager Lylirra has stated that all maps are ‘subject to review to ensure that they promote a fun and safe environment for all players.’ Should a map fail to meet these criteria, it will be deleted and the creator contacted. This policy aims to maintain a positive gaming experience for all users, ensuring that content does not contain offensive or harmful material.
This new stance adopted for Starcraft 2 wasn’t enforced for the first-generation game due to Blizzard not having enough staff to moderate the maps for the Starcraft game back in 1998. The original Starcraft game saw a plethora of user-generated content, some of which contained inappropriate material that went unchecked due to the lack of moderation resources.
Community Feedback and Future Improvements
Community manager Bashiok has also stated that ‘Blizzard is working to improve the system, which will hopefully offer map makers more detailed reasons for removal in the future’. This indicates that Blizzard is not only focusing on the current moderation but also looking to enhance the transparency and communication between the company and the map creators. By providing more detailed feedback, Blizzard hopes to help map makers understand the guidelines better and create content that aligns with the community standards.
The moderation of user-generated content is a common practice in many online platforms to ensure that the content shared is appropriate and safe for all users. For instance, platforms like YouTube and Reddit have strict community guidelines and employ both automated systems and human moderators to review content. Blizzard’s approach to moderating Starcraft 2 maps is in line with these practices, aiming to foster a healthy and enjoyable gaming environment.
Moreover, the moderation system can also help in curbing the spread of malicious content, such as maps designed to exploit game mechanics or disrupt the gameplay experience for others. By actively monitoring and removing such content, Blizzard can maintain the integrity of the game and ensure fair play.
In addition to moderation, Blizzard encourages players to report any maps they find inappropriate. This community-driven approach allows players to participate in maintaining the quality of content available on Battle.net. By working together, both Blizzard and the player community can create a more enjoyable and safe gaming environment.
As the gaming industry continues to evolve, the importance of content moderation becomes increasingly significant. With the rise of user-generated content, companies like Blizzard must adapt and implement robust systems to manage and review this content effectively. The steps taken by Blizzard in moderating Starcraft 2 maps reflect a broader trend in the industry towards ensuring a positive and inclusive experience for all players.
Overall, Blizzard’s efforts to moderate Starcraft 2 maps demonstrate their commitment to providing a safe and enjoyable gaming environment. By continuously improving their moderation system and engaging with the community, Blizzard aims to uphold the standards that have made their games beloved by millions of players worldwide.
Via Joystiq
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