In an update to the Steam Community forums, Valve has announced that it will start moderating comments left in all game hubs on Steam. Starting from September 25th, 2018, the new Valve moderation team will start reviewing reported discussion posts, although you can opt out if you wish. Valve explains more about how the system will work.
“Starting on Tuesday, when a discussion thread or post in your community is reported by a player, it will be added to a queue for our moderation team to review. We’ll look at these reported posts (along with all other reported content we are already reviewing) and remove anything that violates our Community Guidelines.
Don’t worry: We won’t be actively perusing your community discussions or posting in threads – you have your own voice and your own style of communication with players about your game. We’ll only be communicating with players if it’s necessary when issuing a warning or ban for reported content.”
Why Valve is Implementing Moderation
The decision to implement moderation on the Steam Community forums stems from the need to maintain a healthy and respectful environment for all users. With millions of players engaging in discussions, it becomes crucial to ensure that the platform remains free from harassment, hate speech, and other forms of toxic behavior. By introducing a moderation team, Valve aims to uphold the integrity of the community and provide a safer space for gamers to share their thoughts and experiences.
Moderation is not a new concept in online communities. Many platforms, including social media giants like Facebook and Twitter, have long employed moderation teams to manage user-generated content. Valve’s move to introduce moderation on Steam is a step towards aligning with industry standards and addressing the growing concerns of its user base.
How the Moderation Process Works
The moderation process on Steam is designed to be as seamless and unobtrusive as possible. When a player reports a discussion thread or post, it is added to a queue for the moderation team to review. The team will then assess the reported content against the Community Guidelines and take appropriate action if necessary. This could involve removing the content, issuing warnings, or even banning users who repeatedly violate the guidelines.
One of the key aspects of this system is that it allows game developers and community managers to retain control over their own forums. Valve has made it clear that they will not be actively monitoring discussions or intervening unless a report is made. This ensures that the unique voice and style of each game’s community are preserved, while still providing a safety net to address problematic behavior.
For those who prefer to manage their own moderation, Valve offers the option to opt out of the centralized moderation system. This flexibility allows developers to implement their own moderation strategies and tools, tailored to the specific needs of their community.
Community Guidelines and Best Practices
To help users understand what is expected of them, Valve has outlined a comprehensive set of Community Guidelines. These guidelines cover a wide range of topics, including respect for others, appropriate content, and the consequences of violating the rules. By adhering to these guidelines, users can contribute to a positive and inclusive environment on the Steam platform.
In addition to the guidelines, Valve has also provided best practices for engaging in discussions. These include tips on how to communicate effectively, how to handle disagreements, and how to report inappropriate content. By following these best practices, users can help foster a more constructive and enjoyable community experience.
If you are interested in learning more about the Steam Community Guidelines and Best Practices when engaging in discussions on the Steam games network, jump over to the official announcement page by following the link below.
Source: Steam
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