No matter how fun gaming may be, there is always something that can ruin the experience. Recently this was the case with Overwatch 2, an online FPS game developed by Blizzard Entertainment. The matter involves a reported use of abusive language by an Esports player.
Though it is normal for the players to get carried away leading to a slip of the tongue, it isn’t always acceptable. Esports companies keep a close eye on chats and may ban anyone found practicing abusive behavior. As far as the matter at hand is concerned, this ban does seem somewhat excessive.
After The Month-Long Overwatch Ban, His Esports Career is at The Stakes
In a recent case of developers kicking players out of the game following a breach of in-game policies, the Overwatch team banned a player dubbed Mason Kuehne for using words like “f*ck” and “sh*t” in the chat. The 30-day ban could be enough to end his Esports college career which will prevent him from competing in the tournament next month.
“can i get a human to respond to my ticket plz,” he wrote on his social media handle.
can i get a human to respond to my ticket plz @BlizzardCS pic.twitter.com/h3E3NZnPRt
— durpee (@durpee82) April 12, 2024
He also clarified in a follow-up post that he doesn’t remember using the F word while also apologizing to Blizzard Entertainment who happens to identify the words. The post reads:
“I would like to sincerely apologize for my actions. I do not recall saying the F word and if I did it was most likely banter.”
I would like to sincerely apologize for my actions. I do not recall saying the F word and if I did it was most likely banter. As for the SH word, I have no excuse and will take time away from the community until I can come back a better person. https://t.co/CzCmQNd5rU
— durpee (@durpee82) April 12, 2024
His other follow-up posts indicate the struggle Mason is going through as he attempts to return to the game. However, Blizzard Entertainment seems to be unaffected by anything the player tries to do to revive his career.
Andrew Rush, a former Overwatch League caster also took aim at the company for “Gaslighting people who have played the game for 7 years.”
This is factually untrue. If not in the letter – then certainly in enforcement.
Historically, players were absolutely not banned for garden variety profanity.
Gaslighting people who have played the game for 7 years at this point is an awful fucking look. https://t.co/8gQjk4xeL9
— Andrew Rush (@TempoZP) April 15, 2024
There doesn’t appear to have been any positive development for Mason and it remains to be seen if he will return to the game.
There Are Arguably Much Bigger Fish For Blizzard Entertainment To Fry
Apart from players getting banned from Overwatch 2, cheating problem are growing in other shooters too. In a recent podcast, UFC commentator Joe Rogan discussed the state of Call of Duty with comedian Dan Soder. The podcast sheds light on how some companies illicitly sell gaming hacks for a certain price which is then used by the abusers to ruin the game’s experience.
I'm seeing profanity – in more than one instance. Not allowed in our games. Not explicitly, not abbreviated, not as a compound word, not masked nor misspelled. ^PJ
— Blizzard CS – The Americas (@BlizzardCS) April 14, 2024
While it is fine to ban these hackers, seeing regular players getting banned can be unnerving, especially to the ones who have been playing the game for years. The Overwatch community is fixated on the profanity filter and has taken the issue to X (formerly Twitter).
Overwatch 2 has been on the toes to prevent the players from getting into abusive experiences, it appears more like an overprotective dad who doesn’t realize he is spoiling things for kids and feels proud of it.
What do you think about this ban? We would like to know your thoughts in the comments section.
