Etiquette in Video Gaming

   Etiquette (play /ˈɛtɪkɛt/ or /ˈɛtɪkɪt/) is a code of behavior that delineates expectations for social behavior according to contemporary conventional norms within a society, social class, or group.

     A vast amount of posting is needed to cover this entire subject, however in this segment we shall cover the basics. Simple definition of the word is translated into performance and behavior. I shall attempt to cover the basics on the premises that you know how to play the Call of Duty FPS (first person shooter) series.

     Will it really matter how you play? Yes, it does and here's why, most people have an unwritten code about what is and what is not "legal".

     CAMPING: By definition it is allowed during certain scenarios because it is inevitable at times. If one was to define camping by class it is presumably the amount of time you stay in the same spot.  One would assume that this is justified because it's the way you play, However, camping, as an unwritten rule, will get you "tagged" as a person who bought a war game and is not contributing to the fighting portion. However, if you select a SNIPER class you almost have to camp. Camping badges are not awarded and, therefore, until they are, camping should remain an obsolete tactic.

     CHEATING/GLITCHING: Either way your counted OUT! There were, and still are, many of you who have cheated and continue to cheat. Here's the other way of looking at it; If your sincere about your hobby then follow your heart and work hard to accomplish the goals set forth by the game. Be proud of what you have done and what you are working on. If you cheat and you win, then are you really proud that you have accomplished nothing other than destroying a programmers code. Here in set forth is the absolute rule on cheating in call of duty series. ANY INDIVIDUAL or TEAM caught cheating should be immediately reported and expelled indefinitely from the video gaming world. Think of it as a prison sentence, that's how serious we take it. For your first offense you should be stripped of your rank, busted down to level 1 and take a 2 week suspension from gaming online. Your second offense BANNED for life! You know who you are and it's blatantly obvious to admirers of the game. EARN WHAT YOU BURN!

     NOOB TUBING: While this too is allowed it certainly earns you the least amount of credit amongst your peers/teammates. Tubing is defined by abusing or only using the M203/grenade launcher for the sole purpose of killing. While this is legal, it does not promote game play and gets you rewarded harsh punishment and disrespect from the community your in.  My personal opinion is that once you reach the ranking of 50 or higher (prestige) you should no longer be allowed to utilize the grenade launcher unless you have the contract for it purchased. By all means, tell people that you have bought the contract and keep yourself out of the community pick on list.

     SMACK TALKING: For the majority of the video gaming community this is normal and can even be fun; credit to the high scoring players should be awarded for there game play when earned, however it is of this mans opinion that this can, and does, get out of control and should be monitored. I.E. when you lose, tell the other team that they fought hard and good job, we will get you next time. It's when you tell them that you want to meet them on the corner and settle a virtual conflict like real men that I tend to wonder what happened to your head. Certainly there are sexual preferences amongst our community. However, no one has the right to call them the "N" word nor the "F" word for losing or just being on. (But Ed, did you really just say that? - Chris) Yes I did, cause this blog is intended for game play and etiquette of it, not to defend anyone; however those two words wind up being abused as if they were just normal. 

     RATED M: While I certainly will kill anyone on call of duty without prejudice, I do NOT condone anyone under 17 playing games that were intended for a mature audience. The game itself is not that bad, however the Internet has traffic meant for ADULTS only and that's why this topic is covered. Realizing the popularity of this series is at an all time peak, parents please set your parental controls before allowing your6-8 year old on these games. Why? Well I've heard everything from racist, sexist, sexual advances and profanity.It's just a norm, yes they come from both genders so it's not specific. 

     While Activision does a terrible job at pairing levels against levels, it is up to you to either pick wisely your opponents or run with stronger people until your able to stand on your own feet. The latest installment, Call of Duty: Black Ops, places very little obstacles in your path to becoming an elite member, so choose wisely. 

     In summary, I would like each person who reads this to understand that we have a clan with a strict rules and that's the only way to have a clan.

1     NEVER degrade or put down the opponent.
2     NEVER assume that you are the best on the team because without a team your nothing.
3     WHEN it's a good game then tell everyone it was a great game.
4     FUN is the reason we are playing and when that ceases it's time for bed or a new game.
5     ALWAYS respect your teammates abilities as individuals and pick them up when they are down.



Happy Gaming is better gaming for all.

Ed Rivas
PSN ID: edward-10