Nintendo, Microsoft, and Sony have provided an update today to their joint commitment to player safety started nearly six years ago. Started as a coalition to ensure players of any age, race, and gender could feel safe while playing games online, the trio has tweaked some of the principles outlined originally that it feels have changed over time. These include “Prevention,” “Partnership,” and “Responsibility.”
In a post on Xbox Wire, VP of gaming trust and safety for Xbox, Kim Kunes, writes, “Since first announcing our shared commitment in 2020, we’ve partnered behind the scenes with Nintendo and Sony Interactive Entertainment on these efforts because we can accomplish more when we work toward the same goal. As we continue to invest in, adapt, and amplify our approaches to player safety, we have also evolved our shared principles to ensure they represent our constant efforts to keep our communities safe. Our latest shared principles reflect new innovations in player safety that have evolved with technological advancements, and new ways in which we collaborate through key industry initiatives and with trade associations.”
For Prevention, Microsoft states that it has now fully implemented controls that allow players to customize their gaming experience to fit their needs. This includes things like parental locks, ease of use for supported tools, and clear codes of conduct. “We design our products with transparency and player empowerment at their core, aiming to make experiences that are intuitive and respect players’ choices,” Kunes states.
Partnership is a much broader principle, but Microsoft outlines a number of ways it has worked with other companies to achieve its goal of player safety. This includes working with groups such as “Thriving in Games Group,” and the “Family Online Safety Institute.” It also extends to the previous work done with the ESRB and PEGI for rating games, as well as participating in industry initiatives like “Tech Coalition.” Microsoft states it has shared research that it believes will inform policy decisions in the industry.
Lastly with Responsibility, Microsoft writes that, “We hold ourselves accountable for making our platforms as safe as possible for all players.” This goes back to some of the Prevention tools, such as allowing players to report inappropriate accounts and the like. It also deals with complying with local and federal laws in places where companies do business, and removing content deemed unsuitable for specific services (such as Xbox Live, PlayStation Network, or Switch Online).
“This partnership reflects our dedication to collaborating on solutions that enhance player safety and ensure our games are welcoming for everyone,” Kunes concludes. “The video game industry has a strong legacy of prioritizing player safety, especially for children. At the same time, we recognize that these challenges require collaboration and shared values, and so we welcome others to commit to the safety and well-being of players everywhere.”
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Written by Peter Glagowski
Peter has been a freelance gaming and film critic for over seven years. His passion for Nintendo is only matched by the size of his collection.
