‘We deserve to interpret what it technique to be stable as [gamers] around the enviornment:’ a code of ethics in gaming

By Pexels user Yankrukov

We’ve all witnessed it. The news articles reporting on developer mistreatment following a significant release, for the “offense” of certain inclusions, exclusions, or creative choices. A live showcase feedback section brimming with hateful comments and abusive language directed at specific games and teams. Accounts of entire studios being dismissed just days after the launch of an eagerly awaited title. We encounter this daily, but what can we do to influence change? Celia Hodent, a game UX strategist, argues that a unified Code of Conduct for the industry is the solution, and it’s far less daunting than many might think.

Hodent commenced her examination of ethics in gaming for Western audiences by referencing several similar codes that are found in different parts of the globe. “What is essential in a code of ethics?” was the question she posed.

As someone who has consistently been concerned about censorship and limitations, I was eager to discover how a set of guidelines could foster a safer community and enhance games. Her insights on ethics in gaming truly shifted my perspective on how such a code could improve both gaming and game development for everyone.

What is a Code of Ethics?

When I think of a “code,” I envision a compilation of guidelines. A set of principles that dictate how individuals behave and interact. This might be why I have previously viewed a code of ethics as potentially restrictive to the creative process. However, Hodent clarified exactly what a Code of Ethics in gaming would look like. These guidelines would establish protections for players, including safety expectations at events or within a community and safeguarding the participant both when purchasing and engaging with a title. It would also set firm standards regarding what players can expect, establishing higher rules around monetization and marketing.

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Most players are well aware of how exploitative some live-service games can be. Loot boxes, season passes, and microtransactions overwhelm communities, with few guidelines governing their operation. Generally, the only fresh legislation is player feedback, and even resistance from communities does not consistently prompt companies to alter or improve their operations.

Moreover, a code of ethics would provide protections for developers and game creators. This could enhance corporate transparency, employee safeguards, diversity, and environmental impact.

In an era where one can lose their job for nearly any reason, these protections are crucial for those who dedicate their heart and soul to a company’s intellectual property. It would also create better safeguards for developers in the trenches, curbing harassment, and fostering healthier work environments for everyone in the industry.

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When articulated in this manner, it seems remarkable. So why has it taken so long for a code of ethics to be established and adopted within the Western industry? Regrettably, a mix of misinformation and perceived challenges has left many reluctant to pursue a standard set of guidelines. Hodent explained that this bias has discouraged companies from engaging with or advocating for a potential code.

The Barriers Are In Your Mind

Earlier, I mentioned that I had various notions of what a code of ethics could resemble in the gaming industry. Sadly, these obstacles are widespread. Hodent remarked that a primary reason a code of ethics hasn’t been implemented is that companies view it as too costly, too complex, or too overreaching to be effective. There are worries about censorship, and many believe that enforcing a code would lead to legal and public relations crises.

The advantages of creating a safer environment for both creators and gamers are numerous. Hodent emphasized that “we care about players having fun,” but much of that enjoyment has been lost as hostility and fear have increased.

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These codes could ensure the safety of players and developers while also protecting companies by managing toxicity before it begins. Hodent pointed out that one of the most significant financial burdens that companies bear arises from players refraining from engaging with titles due to normalized toxicity and harassment. Ensuring players feel safe to play more can, in turn, benefit those creating the games.

Indeed, these “barriers” could be viewed as opportunities if we shift our mindset. Instead of considering a code as expensive, we could regard it as an investment. We are investing in a comprehensive set of guidelines that everyone is expected to adhere to, fostering an agreed-upon standard of expectations and behaviors.

Who Makes The Rules?

The most challenging aspect of developing a code of ethics is determining what should be included and how it should operate. Hodent remarked that we need to “protect our art from moral panics,” and ground the content of the code in research and evidence.