More people are communicating virtually than ever before. Whether sending a text message or a Bitmoji face, there are plenty of nuances involved in how people banter online. But there’s more than social cues behind some online communication—and especially for gamers.
Gamers often chat online. Sometimes, these are chats between teammates, or simply an open-world game where players within a certain proximity can communicate. This is quite common for the most popular video games, including PC and console titles. Whether as strangers or as teammates, gamers must stay in constant contact to succeed.
But this goes for emerging gaming sectors, too. First and foremost, online casinos are switching up their format with new game types. For example, someone who uses a promo code from WynnBET might gravitate toward a live dealer title. This will put them in direct video communication with a real-life dealer—and they’ll need to know gaming etiquette if they want to capitalize on their experience.
The same goes for casual mobile gamers. Clash of Clans, for example, is one of the most popular casual mobile titles—and it used to have a global chat feature. This feature was hugely popular with players but ended up being taken down in 2019 due to poor social etiquette from users. Many are hoping for the return of the feature.
But before that can happen, gamers must learn to follow social etiquette. Do you know the top rules?
Rule #1: Differentiate Between Silence & Spam
Here’s the thing about many multiplayer games: they require communication in order to succeed. This is especially true in MOBAs or multiplayer online battle arenas. Players must strategically create plans of attack… but there’s a time and a place for chatting.
One of the first rules you’ll need to learn is knowing when radio silence is necessary for a chat and when communication is necessary. There will be a time for both, and that time will shift depending on which time you play. When in doubt, take a few cues from successful players.
(And keep in mind that you can usually mute chats when they’re not essential for the game. If that’s the case, there’s no need to jump in.)
Rule #2: A Little Banter Goes a Long Way
But you don’t need to tiptoe for too long. One of the most attractive elements of virtual gaming is the ability to create a community. Whether watching your favorite player do their thing on Twitch or battling in Wordle, a little banter is totally normal—and even adds to the social experience of gaming.
Just be sure that you’re choosing the right times to make a little joke. And, most importantly of all, make sure that joke is tasteful. Keep in mind that gaming has brought the world together, so if your banter is regional or involves a lot of slang, it may not be inclusive.
Rule #3: Help the Newbies
If you’re new to a game, you’ll be happy to know that gamers are well aware that newbies take a bit of extra help. A chat is the best way for veteran players to share a few pointers with newcomers. It’s also a great way to let someone know that they’re welcome in the group.
Still, gaming is known for being cut-throat. Players benefit from anonymity, which means they feel comfortable putting their worst foot forward at any given time. For this reason, a bit of compassion and understanding in a chat goes a long way—and separates the good guys from the jerks.
Rule #4: Be Mindful of Volume
Many chats are text-based. This is especially true for mobile and casual titles. However, live dealer casino games like those mentioned above and the proximity-based chats common in PC games all use microphones. This means that y
Every piece of equipment has a different sensitivity threshold, so if you’re gaming with a microphone and headphones, then be mindful of your volume. It’s annoying and has the potential to be dangerous when players scream into the microphone—especially if someone is wearing high-performance earbuds.
