Toxicity in online gaming has long been a problem, and Activision is taking steps to combat it. In collaboration with Modulate, Activision has introduced an AI-based voice chat moderation system called ToxMod. This system will be rolled out with the release of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III on November 10. By incorporating this technology, Activision aims to create a more welcoming and fair environment for all players.
Activision recognizes the importance of addressing toxic and disruptive behavior within its gaming community. The partnership with Modulate and the integration of ToxMod represents a significant advancement in trust and safety measures within the gaming industry. This machine learning technology can identify toxic speech in real-time, including hate speech, discriminatory language, and harassment, and automatically apply appropriate consequences. Alongside Call of Duty’s existing moderation efforts, such as text-based filtering and an in-game reporting system, ToxMod will provide an additional layer of protection.
To ensure the effectiveness of the voice chat moderation system, an initial beta rollout is scheduled to commence on August 30 in North America. This rollout will take place within the existing games Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II and Call of Duty: Warzone. Following the beta phase, a full worldwide release (excluding Asia) will coincide with the launch of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III. Initially available in English, the system will eventually support additional languages.
Michael Vance, CTO at Activision, emphasizes the importance of creating a welcoming and fair environment for all players. He believes that there is no place for disruptive behavior or harassment in games. Activision’s collaboration with Modulate and the implementation of the ToxMod technology demonstrate their commitment to lead in this effort. By scaling the technology in real-time for a global level of enforcement, Activision aims to foster a positive gaming community.
Call of Duty’s existing anti-toxicity moderation systems have taken action against over a million accounts that have violated the Call of Duty Code of Conduct since the launch of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II. The introduction of updated text and username filtering technology has significantly improved the real-time rejection of harmful language. Additionally, Activision’s Ricochet tech has been successful in combating cheating. These measures, along with the integration of ToxMod, demonstrate Activision’s commitment to creating a safe and enjoyable gaming experience.
Call of Duty’s voice chat moderation system is designed to proactively identify toxic behavior and enforce the Call of Duty Code of Conduct. The system uses Modulate’s AI-powered model, ToxMod, to monitor and record voice chat for the purpose of moderation. It focuses on detecting harmful behavior rather than specific keywords. Any violations of the Code of Conduct can result in account enforcement.
The voice chat moderation system in Call of Duty is aligned with the Call of Duty Code of Conduct. It moderates voice chat that includes bullying or harassment and will not tolerate such behavior. By having this system in place, Call of Duty aims to create a more inclusive and respectful gaming environment.
Penalties for violating the Call of Duty Code of Conduct can vary depending on the severity of the offense. Players can refer to the Security and Enforcement Policy for detailed information regarding violations and their corresponding penalties.
Call of Duty’s voice chat moderation system will initially be rolled out in North America for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II and Call of Duty: Warzone. The global rollout, excluding Asia, will begin with the launch of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III. Initially, the system will analyze voice chat in English, with support for additional languages to be added at a later date. This ensures that players from different regions can benefit from the voice chat moderation system.
Players who do not wish to have their voice moderated in Call of Duty can disable in-game voice chat in the settings menu. This allows players to have control over their gaming experience.
The detection of toxic language in voice chat happens in real-time. The system categorizes and flags harmful behavior based on the Call of Duty Code of Conduct. However, enforcement may require additional reviews of associated recordings to identify context before taking action. As the system evolves, Activision aims to improve response times and streamline the enforcement process.
The voice chat moderation system does not aim to ban all forms of communication but rather to enforce the existing Code of Conduct. While “trash-talk” and friendly banter are allowed, hate speech, discrimination, sexism, and other types of harmful language outlined in the Code of Conduct will not be tolerated. The system’s AI technology aims to differentiate between acceptable and harmful communication.
Call of Duty’s Voice Chat Moderation system submits reports about toxic behavior categorized by type and rated severity based on an evolving model. However, the decision on how to enforce voice chat moderation violations lies with Activision. The AI technology assists in identifying and flagging toxic behavior, but the final enforcement decisions are made by human moderators.
Activision’s collaboration with Modulate and the implementation of ToxMod in Call of Duty represent a significant step forward in addressing toxicity in online gaming. By utilizing AI technology, Activision aims to create a more inclusive and respectful gaming environment for all players. This voice chat moderation system, coupled with the existing anti-toxicity measures within Call of Duty, showcases Activision’s commitment to combating disruptive behavior and fostering a positive gaming community.
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