Riot Games, the developer behind popular titles like League of Legends and Valorant, is taking a firm stance against toxic behavior in its community. Beginning January 3, 2025, streamers who exhibit toxic conduct outside in-game chats will face account bans.
This significant update is part of Riot’s effort to promote a healthier gaming environment and comes alongside changes to the Terms of Service (ToS), which will take effect on December 1, 2024.
What the New Policy Entails
Riot’s updated ToS grants the company the authority to penalize streamers for toxic actions that occur outside of gameplay communication, including during live streams. This applies to behaviors such as:
- Hate Speech: Insulting opponents or teammates, even if not done in in-game chat or voice.
- Promotion of ToS Violations: Endorsing activities like account boosting, account trading, or certain sponsorships that conflict with Riot’s guidelines.
Crackdown on Stream Sniping
Riot Games also aims to tackle stream sniping, a form of cheating where players exploit a streamer’s live broadcast to gain an unfair advantage. Starting in 2025, players caught stream sniping will face strict penalties, marking a significant shift in Riot’s enforcement policies.
Account-Wide Bans for Severe Violations
For the most severe violations of Riot’s ToS, affected players may face account-wide restrictions across all Riot titles, not just the game where the infraction occurred. This unified approach emphasizes Riot’s commitment to a fair and respectful gaming ecosystem.
A Necessary Step for a Better Community
The changes reflect Riot’s determination to address the widespread frustrations caused by toxicity in its games. The company acknowledges the emotionally charged nature of games like League of Legends, which often lead to viral clips of players expressing frustration or rage.
Final Toughts
These updates serve as a warning for streamers to maintain respectful conduct not only in-game but also during their broadcasts. With these stricter measures, Riot Games aims to create a more inclusive and welcoming gaming environment for all players.
Players and streamers alike should prepare for these changes, which take full effect in early 2025.
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