Microsoft is cracking down and banning foul-worded Xbox gamers

Microsoft has announced what it is calling its Enforcement Strike System for Xbox players who plan online. The new system was developed to bring the ban hammer down on those who display poor behavior while gaming with others. Allowing for a friendlier environment for all.

Dave McCarthy, CVP Xbox Player Services, has taken to Xbox’s blog to announce this new system and how it will affect everyone. Including a strike (demerit) system that can result in some serious penalties if you rack up too many.

All players will begin with zero strikes on their profile. But as soon as they start accruing them, penalties will follow. This includes losing access for varied amounts of time to services like messaging, parties and party chat, multiplayer and more. Leading up to total suspension for a full year if they accrue 8 strikes.

These strikes will remain on the person’s profile for 6 months before falling away and starting anew. Helping to (hopefully) lead to a safer gaming experience with less bullying and harassment between players. As well as a reduction of foul-mouthed gamers who chase people away with their poor attitudes and act as terrible role models for younger gamers who may be in the same party/lobby.

Players can report others when they feel they have broken the Community Standards. However, these reports will supposedly be reviewed and not just automatically taken as true. This way players can’t gang up and report on someone out of spite (assuming things are actually being reviewed by a human and not a half-written AI).