Cover-Credits:
Since its launch, Riot Games' tactical shooter Valorant has garnered a massive player base in the Indian subcontinent. With the game's popularity soaring, Riot responded by establishing a dedicated Mumbai server for the South Asia region in October 2020. However, what was meant to enhance the gaming experience for Indian players has become overshadowed by a concerning trend – toxicity.
Toxicity in Mumbai Servers:
Since the Mumbai servers were launched in October 2020, players have voiced concerns about the toxic environment prevalent in both ranked and unranked matches. The toxicity has reached such levels that some players have opted to play on servers with higher ping, like Singapore, to avoid the negative experience.
Players on the Mumbai servers have reported encountering toxic behavior ranging from verbal abuse to trolling and intentional sabotage. The toxicity seems to persist across various ranks, with players in higher ranks also displaying egoistic and immature behavior.
Reasons for Toxicity
Toxicity in gaming is not a new phenomenon, but its prevalence in the Mumbai servers has become a significant issue. Players have reported instances where toxicity escalates over minor issues such as skin sharing, in-game performance, and strategic disagreements. The toxic behavior often includes name-calling, vulgar language, and insults directed at players' family members.
One of the reasons for this toxicity is the competitive nature of the game. Valorant's emphasis on teamwork and coordination can lead to frustration when teammates do not meet expectations. This frustration, combined with the anonymity of online gaming, can sometimes result in toxic behavior.
Another factor contributing to the toxicity is the cultural and language diversity in India. With over 20 official languages, communication can be challenging, leading to misunderstandings and conflicts among players.
What Can You Do?
Despite the efforts of developers to curb toxicity through reporting systems and penalties, the issue persists. Players are encouraged to use the mute function to avoid toxic interactions and focus on enjoying the game. Additionally, fostering a positive gaming community through sportsmanship and respect can help combat toxicity.
The toxic environment prevalent in the Mumbai servers of Valorant is a pressing issue that impacts the overall gaming experience for many players. Despite the convenience of lower ping, the toxicity has driven some players to seek refuge on servers with higher ping, highlighting the severity of the problem.
