GG, No Humanity: Has Gaming Lost It’s Soul?
Today, I had one of those gaming experiences — the kind that makes you put your controller down and wonder what the hell happened to gaming culture. It all started with a teammate targeting another player, Luna Snow, right out of the gate. “GG no heals. Dog water Luna,” they spammed in chat, because apparently, being toxic in the first 30 seconds is a flex now. Naturally, I stepped in to defend Luna, because who wouldn’t? And just like that, I became their new favorite punching bag. For the rest of the game, I was the scapegoat for their bad positioning, lack of awareness, and, of course, “no heals.” Typical day in the life of a Marvel Rivals Strategist, amirite?
It was downhill from there. Every game there was always someone complaining about lack of heals or damage or leaving right after the first team fight. Why has it become an acceptable norm for players to trash each other in chat at the first sign of adversity? This is what I get for trying to get in a few quick games before I start my work day.
Today’s hall of shame and sadly a common occurrence in Marvel Rivals text chat.
This isn’t my first rodeo with toxic players, but it does have me asking some bigger questions:
Why is toxicity so rampant in gaming today?
Is it the anonymity, the lack of accountability, or just that everyone thinks they’re a top-500 esports god?
Where has the humanity gone, and how can we get it back?
Anonymity: The Shield of the Ruthless
Let’s be real — people hide behind their keyboards because they know they can get away with it. Anonymity creates a vacuum of consequences, enabling players to unleash their worst impulses without fear of repercussion. They don’t see the person on the other side of the screen; they just see a target.
But here’s the thing: just because you can say something awful doesn’t mean you should. Gaming communities need to take a stand against this behavior. Developers have a role to play here, too. Harsher bans? Sure. Linking accounts to real identities? Maybe. But at the very least, they need to enforce the rules they already have.
The Problem with Multiple Accounts
Speaking of consequences — or the lack thereof — let’s talk about how easy it is to dodge bans. Got banned for being toxic? No problem, just make another account. Platforms (specifically free to play) have made it so easy to skirt accountability that bans feel more like a minor inconvenience than a real punishment.
Some games have tried to address this with IP bans or stricter verification processes, but these aren’t foolproof. Until developers close these loopholes, toxic players will continue to hop between accounts, leaving a trail of ruined games in their wake.
Competitive Culture: When Fun Takes a Backseat
Part of the problem lies in how competitive gaming has overshadowed casual play. Everyone wants to be a pro. Everyone wants to win. And when they don’t? It’s someone else’s fault, obviously.
The obsession with high rankings, perfect stats, and “pro” gameplay has turned many games into hostile environments. There’s little room for learning, improving, or — heaven forbid — having fun. Instead, you’re told to “uninstall the game” if you’re not playing perfectly from the start.
This hyper-competitive mindset is killing the joy of gaming. Remember when games were about teamwork and shared victories, not just chasing clout? Yeah, me too. Barely.
Communication Tools: Misused and Abused
Let’s not forget the role of in-game communication tools. Voice and text chat were meant to enhance teamwork, but more often than not, they become weapons of harassment. I’ve seen chat logs that would make a sailor blush — and not in a good way.
The solution here isn’t to remove these tools but to moderate them better. Reporting systems need to be swift and effective, and positive reinforcement (like an endorsement system) can help incentivize good behavior. Speaking of endorsement systems, Overwatch and Marvel Rivals both have endorsement systems but it’s not clear what they’re doing with this data. Are they prioritizing matchmaking? Are they putting highly endorsed players with other highly endorsed players? That might be a conversation for another day but I think there might be some low hanging fruit there that might make for better gaming experience when tied to high endorsement levels.
The Influence of Toxic Role Models
Another big issue is the platforming of toxic players. When streamers or pro gamers behave poorly, their massive audiences often follow suit. Toxicity trickles down, and suddenly, being a jerk becomes normalized — or worse, celebrated. I referenced this in a previous blog when viewers had commented how refreshing it was to see Ninja so “passionate” about playing Marvel Rivals. I can’t get the clip out of my head of him yelling and screaming at his teammates (who were his friends, btw) about their gameplay. I saw a toxic gamer — but to each their own, I guess.
Gaming communities need to stop excusing bad behavior just because someone is “good at the game.” Skill doesn’t excuse cruelty. Period.
Humanity in Gaming: Where Did It Go?
At the heart of this issue is a simple truth: people forget there’s another human on the other side of the screen. It’s easy to dehumanize someone when all you see is their username, but that doesn’t make it right.
Even on the worst of my worst days in random battleground chat in World of Warcraft, have I ever felt the sheer level of nastiness and hostility that I’ve experienced in just a short time playing Marvel Rivals. It genuinely makes me sad for the game. As a GenX gamer, I grew up in a time when gaming was about camaraderie. We shared tips, celebrated each other’s wins, and laughed at our losses. Gaming was about connection, not cruelty.
I refuse to believe that’s a relic of the past. We don’t have to adapt to toxic gaming; we can change it.
What Can We Do?
So, how do we reclaim gaming spaces? Here are a few ideas:
Call it out: Don’t let toxic behavior slide. Use reporting tools and speak up when you see harassment.
Lead by example: Model positive interactions, even when it’s hard.
Support better systems: Advocate for developers to implement meaningful penalties and better moderation.
Build better communities: Find (or create!) spaces where positivity is the norm, not the exception.
Final Thoughts: Can Marvel Rivals (or Any Game) Survive This?
Marvel Rivals is barely two months old, and it’s already a cesspool of toxicity. Will it last? Not if the current culture continues unchecked. It’s going to end up like poor, sweet, Paladins. Toxicity drives away the players who actually want to improve and enjoy the game, leaving behind only the trolls. It’s a recipe for disaster.
But I believe we can do better. Gaming is at its best when it’s a shared experience — a place to grow, connect, and have fun. So let’s hold each other accountable. Let’s remind each other that behind every username is a human being.
And if you’re the guy who called my teammate “dog water Luna”? Maybe next time, try healing yourself. You’re not the main character.
