There’s just a certain something about video games that brings about the worst in people. Perhaps it’s humans’ innate desire to wield a bad-ass version of themselves in the digital realm. Perhaps it’s the ability to say and do anything with the security of the internet in between you and the target of your insults. Perhaps we’re simply a byproduct of the already toxic online gaming community we’ve found ourselves in.
I bet you guys know which toxic communities I’m talking about. The ones with elitist gamers telling us filthy causals to “get good” when asking for help. The ones where a sniper rifle is indefinitely pointed to our heads the second we respawn. The ones where some of the most profane, racist, and inappropriate language is being directed at you for your internet deciding to disconnect.
Of course, we do need to be fair. There might be a gaming community or two out there that are actually quite decent. Here are the best and the worst online gaming communities.
The Worst: League of Legends
The title above could literally say any MOBA game. Heroes of Newerth, to Dota 2, to League of Legends, these video games are all notorious for having the most toxic players. MOBA stands for Multiplayer Online Battle Arena, and this is precisely what you are getting. MOBAs are typically set up as 5 v 5, player verses player game within the confines of a small map where strategy and teamwork are crucial to victory. Yup, this is already a recipe for disaster. Players purposely sabotaging games while spamming the most profane and ludicrous comments are a common occurrence. Those that switched over from a small population RPG with a pleasant disposition will soon find their vocabulary becoming increasingly tainted with the most vulgar of words. On top of all of that, there is typically a time requirement before the game can come to a conclusion. And more often than not, a conclusion does not take place before a volley of insults has been hurled at one another.
League of Legends does indeed take the cake, however. As a fan of a waddling yordle which drops turrets, and arguably the most useless character in the game, there is absolutely no bias to be found here…
But in all seriousness, League of Legends is so bad that it has been the cause of real life friendships coming to a swift end. From before the game even starts, tiffs and full on altercations are normal with your own team mates, that’s just how the games goes. Be warned! From the moment you decide to play a game, a target has already been formed on your back. It has one of the largest gaming communities which means that if you are looking for horrible human beings in bulk, look no further than this game.
While the toxicity that comes from this online gaming community is certainly an amalgamation of various factors, there is one aspect which might just be the root of all evils. League of Legends is an exceedingly team based game. Unless you are an extremely talented player, it is incredibly difficult to win a match by your own skills alone. The correlation between a player doing poorly and its effect on the rest of his or her team is arguably the most evident in this video game. On an equivalent field of battle if one of your five battalions goes down, you will likely feel the effects of a war gradually moving out of your control, despite your best efforts. A game so dependent on one another has the fascinating backfiring result of creating one of if not the most toxic gaming communities out there.
The Best: Team Fortress 2
With any good story, there is always a happy ending. Team Fortress 2 should put a smile on all of our faces after listing all the flaws with MOBA gaming communities. Though this free to play, first person shooter may have grown some gray hairs over the years, especially in the midst of a game like Overwatch, this classic has aged remarkably well. Released in 2007, TF2 continues to receive scheduled updates and a decent influx of new and returning players within its gaming community. Indeed it has kept up with the evolving landscape of gaming, but those returning to TF2 after a hiatus will be pleased to know that getting back into the swing of things will be a cinch – just note some cool new weapons here and some more wardrobe options there.
The game pits two teams of ten against each other as they compete to capture control points, steal a briefcase, or move a cart. As you battle alongside your team, you will be playing as one of nine characters. Though the objectives are quite linear, things get a bit more complicated as you become more experienced within your role of choice. Each class fills a unique niche with a number of subtleties which, once mastered, can set you apart from the competition. Discovering the most optimal weapon for your class and personal gameplay along with pushing the boundaries of what your character can accomplish is the wombo combo all TF2’ers aim for. These additions to the game provide unique strategies which of course adds a breath of fresh air and broadens your gaming horizons.
Like any good game, its online community thrives off of a high level of competition, and Team Fortress 2 is no exception. Of course you will find your fair share of sharp-tongued hooligans who’ll criticize you for the slightest hiccup, but as a whole, we’ve found the gaming community to have a surprisingly high number of pleasant players, many of which are happy to offer advice. These players should be commended for their creativity within theory crafting and map design. The genuine passion players have for this game is quite remarkable, and dare I even say inspiring?
Valve has created a game that could arguably have fallen by the wayside if it wasn’t for its game community. The continued ingenuity of its players, attempting to widen the scope of what can be accomplished, might just have been the saving grace of a game released in 2007. An imaginative, competitive, and loyal fan base excited to not have to pay a penny for countless hours of enjoyment might just be a game match made in heaven.
Do you agree with our list? What do you think are the best and worst online gaming communities?
