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Bringing Down the Banhammer: Understanding the Impact of Competitive Players on Moderation Tactics in Overwatch

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Bringing Down the Banhammer: Understanding the Impact of Competitive Players on Moderation Tactics in Overwatch

Blamey, Courtney (2019) Bringing Down the Banhammer: Understanding the Impact of Competitive Players on Moderation Tactics in Overwatch. Masters thesis, Concordia University.

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Abstract

This thesis investigates how the need for player moderation tactics in Overwatch (Blizzard Entertainment, 2016) has shifted following the introduction of competitive and professional matches. With a player’s season rank heightening stakes when playing competitively, so too does the need to avoid toxic players impacting their win rates. Alongside this, the analysis of forums and developer updates examines what values (Flanagan and Nissenbaum, 2014) are embedded in the implemented moderation tactics, and players are responding to the tactics in community forums. This will provide a clearer insight on what data Blizzard developers are using to inform the design choices behind their moderation tactics.

Divisions:Concordia University > Faculty of Arts and Science > Communication Studies
Item Type:Thesis (Masters)
Authors:Blamey, Courtney
Institution:Concordia University
Degree Name:M.A.
Program:Media Studies
Date:20 August 2019
Thesis Supervisor(s):Consalvo, Mia
Keywords:moderation, governance, Overwatch, Blizzard, forums
ID Code:985812
Deposited By: Courtney Blamey
Deposited On:24 Jan 2020 15:09
Last Modified:24 Jan 2020 15:09

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