Call of Duty, one of the most popular video game franchises globally, is set to introduce an AI-powered voice chat moderation system for its online gameplay. Developed in collaboration with Modulate, this innovation aims to detect and address hate speech during real-time voice conversations among players.
The voice chat moderation system, powered by AI technology called ToxMod, will enable Call of Duty to identify and take action against toxic speech, including hate speech, discriminatory language, and harassment. The system will operate in real-time, providing global scale voice chat moderation.
A beta test of the voice chat moderation system was conducted in North America on August 30th, specifically in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II and Call of Duty: Warzone. The rest of the world will experience this feature when the latest game in the franchise, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III, launches on November 10th.
Initially, the system will analyze voice chat discussions in English, with support for additional languages planned for future implementation. However, the rollout will not include Asia at this stage.
While the system is primarily aimed at preventing toxic behavior and promoting a positive gaming environment, the results from its initial implementation indicate that only 20% of players who received an initial warning did not reoffend. Players who did reoffend faced penalties such as voice and text chat bans or temporary account restrictions.
The introduction of an AI-powered voice chat moderation system is a significant step for Call of Duty and the gaming industry at large. Many platforms already employ AI to moderate user-generated content, but this approach expands the application of AI to real-time voice conversations, addressing the challenges presented by hate speech and toxic behavior in online gaming.
Online communities often encounter inventive attempts to circumvent moderation systems, making it crucial for gaming companies to continuously innovate their moderation strategies. By utilizing AI technology, Call of Duty aims to create a more inclusive and enjoyable gaming experience for players, while also showing a commitment to combating toxic behavior.
As the gaming world continues to evolve and embrace technological advancements, the introduction of AI-powered voice chat moderation marks a progressive step forward for the industry. Call of Duty’s initiative demonstrates that the gaming community is actively working towards creating a safe and respectful environment, where players can connect and engage without fear of encountering hate speech or discrimination.
With Call of Duty’s endeavor to employ AI for voice chat moderation, it sets a remarkable example for other gaming companies to follow suit. It is expected that the integration of AI in voice chat moderation may become a standard practice in the future, promoting a healthier and more inclusive gaming landscape.
