Goodbye Zero Tolerance, Hello Guidelines
In a curious turn of events, the Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 forums on Steam recently underwent a transformation that has left many scratching their heads. Less than a week after implementing a new code of conduct, Deep Silver decided to hit the delete button on nearly all of it, instead opting for a significantly shorter set of community guidelines.
The Original Code: A Vaunted Promise
The initial code of conduct, laid out on January 17, proclaimed a “zero tolerance” approach towards discrimination, vowing to combat racism, sexism, and the like. Offenders were to face immediate repercussions, from post deletions to outright bans—a bold step towards cultivating a respectful forum atmosphere.
What Happened to Community Standards?
Fast forward to today, and we find ourselves faced with the new guidelines, which boil down to a simple mantra: “respect others.” While this philosophy is indeed commendable, one can’t help but wonder if it’s a case of oversimplification. The absence of specific rules leaves a gaping hole that could easily be filled with the very toxicity they sought to eliminate. As the forums continue to spark heated debates, from inappropriate remarks to complaints about game character representation, the question arises: have we traded effective moderation for vague platitudes?
One thing is clear; while the intent might be to foster a positive community, the execution seems precariously close to the line of ineffective moderation. Only time will tell if this new approach can truly steer clear of unwanted toxicity.
