Why the Smite Community Needs a Hug: New Players Face Toxicity

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In the lively, vibrant world of Smite, where gods from mythology clash in diverse arenas, an issue of concern arises that spotlights the conduct within its community – a troubling level of hostility towards newcomers. A Reddit post by user akapixelrat shares their recent entry into the game, revealing they were not warmly welcomed by seasoned players but instead faced shouting and contempt. This is not an isolated incident, as it reflects a broader pattern in the community where experienced players often overlook the fact that everyone was once a beginner. The post offers a closer look at several interactions, revealing common sentiments about new players and the unwelcoming atmosphere they frequently encounter in Smite’s matches.

Summary

  • New players often encounter toxicity, making their learning experience frustrating and discouraging.
  • The Smite community may be particularly harsh due to the competitive nature of the game and its similarities with the MOBA genre.
  • Player sentiments express a deep disappointment over the toxicity, with many suggesting improvements, specifically around community interaction and developer response.
  • Some players, despite the negativity, still want to support newbies and foster a more welcoming environment.

The Toxic Welcome Mat

In the initial post, user akapixelrat recounts a distressing experience in the game Smite, where they encountered toxicity in voice chats following their admission of being new to the game. Instead of assistance, they faced profanities, inactivity from teammates, and an obvious absence of encouragement. The irritation is palpable. It’s disheartening when learning a new game is made difficult by teammates who seem to blame you for ruining their gaming experience. As one commenter noted, “MOBA communities have a higher percentage than many other genres of unhinged, entitled jerks.” Finding camaraderie in gaming can be challenging when players make you feel like your friends have abandoned the chat from the beginning.

The Role of Competition

As a gamer immersed in the MOBA world, I’ve noticed that toxicity isn’t just limited to Smite; it seems to be a persistent problem across this genre. Many players, including myself, have shared similar thoughts, observing that the competitive spirit of games like Smite, League of Legends, or Dota can escalate emotions when a new player makes a mistake, which unfortunately affects their team’s performance. User poopis25 articulated it well: “When you’re new and getting dominated by someone more skilled, it negatively impacts your team’s game.” This situation often triggers a vicious cycle where frustration breeds more frustration. Instead of cultivating a mentoring dynamic, the competitive urge frequently results in bruised egos and, eventually, toxic behavior spilling out from chat boxes like soda from a shaken can.

Culture Shock: Toxicity is the Norm?

Apart from newcomers expressing feelings of being unfairly singled out, even long-time players are contributing to the cultural aspect of this persistent problem in the game. One participant voiced their frustration, “It’s not just newbies who are hated; everyone hates everyone.” This perspective paints a dismal picture for a game advertised as a lighthearted adventure with gods and demigods. It seems that participating in the Smite community is like entering the court of a dystopian kingdom – where subtle compliments mask underlying hostility. However, one user proposed an alternative viewpoint, suggesting the possibility of a recognition system that could acknowledge good behavior instead of allowing negativity to prevail. This idea offers a glimmer of hope that maybe developers could offer support for new players amidst the turbulence of toxicity in the game.

Potential Remedies and Community Support

Lucky for me, even amidst the harshness of some gamers, I’ve found shining examples of kindness. Many experienced players are more about building up the community than tearing it down, as I’ve seen in various users who offered to help me out with this game. A user known as [deleted] even stepped up as a mentor, inviting newbies like myself to reach out for guidance. This shows that there’s a strong desire for mentorship within our gaming community, not just to discourage, but to empower. It’s clear that while the loud majority can be toxic, there’s also a vocal group of players who are all about offering a helping hand (or divine intervention) to newcomers like myself.

In summary, the game Smite demonstrates an intriguing balance between players’ competitive drive and yearning for camaraderie. While newcomers like akapixelrat might face hostility initially, it’s uplifting to witness acts of kindness rising amidst the turmoil. Discussions about toxicity are indeed crucial topics for both gamers and developers. The sentiment among the community seems to be that new players should be offered a comforting environment rather than being left on their own. As Smite progresses, the aim is to create an atmosphere within the game that invites newcomers, fostering growth, enjoyment, and above all, a touch of affection between the gods and their freshly recruited champions.

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2025-01-28 11:18