Proposed rule change to deter intentional unsportsmanlike conduct.
I believe more can be done to address toxic behavior that detracts from the intended gameplay experience. Actions clearly intended only to taunt, humiliate or prolong a match in a negative way could warrant warnings or temporary bans.
For example, survivors waiting at an open exit gate when no other survivors are in the main play area, solely to repeatedly crouch up and down to mock the killer serves no strategic purpose and only breeds resentment, causing it to spread and carry over into further matches. Similarly, a killer that downs all survivors but refuses to hook anyone (not an offense in itself), but then mocks survivors by spamming special powers, or other gestures towards the survivors on the ground until they bleed out (wraith repeatably rings bell, plague spamming puke on the survivors) just to drag out the match, promotes a bullying dynamic.
I propose supplementing the rules against obvious, blatant unsportsmanlike conduct that intentionally annoys opponents without furthering gameplay objectives, while also increasing the negative consequences to include warnings recorded on the offender's account and temporary banns for repeated offenses. This would deter those who presently engage in such behaviors precisely because there are no consequences.
For this rule against toxic behavior to have impact, BHVR must actively enforce punishments when presented clear evidence. Players submitting video clips documenting egregious misconduct should receive notification that consequences were imposed on the offenders' accounts as a result.
Making examples of those who blatantly taunt and humiliate will communicate to the broader player base that this behavior now risks real penalties. Word will spread that bullying other participants strictly for cruelty's sake is intolerable. Though context always matters, evidence-backed cases of unambiguous sportsmanship violations must have repercussions to signal BHVR's commitment to upholding higher standards. Standards must have teeth or the culture won't change
Addressing extreme cases of win-prolonging humiliation and trolling — while taking context into account — would signal this game does not tolerate clear mistreatment. This culture change could make the community more welcoming to new players, supporting the game’s longevity.
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