Toxicity in Gaming

Brad from Fateless Games hosts another engaging episode of the Fateless Podcast, bringing on two special guests: Sean, the creator of Lane Pushing Games and lead designer of the upcoming game Causeway, and Nico from the Fateless team. The discussion covers a wide range of topics, including Sean’s deep knowledge of MOBAs (Multiplayer Online Battle Arenas), the evolving landscape of toxicity in gaming, and how Causeway aims to foster positive team experiences.

Sean is a seasoned game designer and historian, particularly passionate about MOBAs, which he prefers to call “lane-pushing games.” He shares how he was there at the very beginning, playing Warcraft 3 when the original Dota map was released in 2003. His journey into game design began with modding, where he contributed to early Dota maps and spent over a decade developing mods within Warcraft 3.

Recognizing the lack of documentation on MOBAs, Sean founded LanePushingGames.com, a site dedicated to chronicling the evolution of the genre. This work naturally led him to the development of Causeway, a fresh take on lane-pushing games that emphasizes teamwork and player collaboration.

Sean explains why he prefers the term “lane-pushing games” over the commonly used “MOBA.” He believes that while MOBA serves as an umbrella term covering many types of online battle arena games, it lacks precision. His classification breaks these games into lane-pushing games, which involve structured lanes and objectives (League of Legends,Dota 2, Smite), and arena-based games, which are more focused on open combat (Heroes of the Storm, Battlerite). This distinction allows designers to create more targeted discussions about mechanics and gameplay innovation.

One of the biggest topics in the episode is toxicity in gaming, especially in MOBAs, which have a long-standing reputation for highly competitive and often hostile environments. Sean acknowledges that many players avoid these games simply because they don’t want to deal with negative player interactions.

Brad and Nico discuss different player perspectives—some thrive in aggressive, high-stakes environments, while others want a more relaxing and positive gaming experience. Sean points out that age and experience also play a role, with younger players generally having more tolerance for toxicity due to their ability to play longer sessions and recover from negative encounters.

To define toxicity more clearly, Sean categorizes it into three major types:

1. Harassment – Targeted abuse aimed at making others feel uncomfortable or unwelcome.
2. Exclusion – Gatekeeping behaviors that isolate certain players or groups.
3. Unsportsmanlike Conduct – Behavior that disrupts fair play, such as griefing or intentional feeding.

The conversation shifts to how developers can incentivize good behavior rather than just punishing bad actors. Brad brings up Overwatch’s endorsement system, where players can commend teammates for positive interactions. Sean highlights Dota 2’s behavior score system, which matches players with similar conduct levels. This approach allows toxic players to be grouped together, creating natural consequences for their actions.

However, Sean believes the real solution lies in game design and narrative shaping. Instead of relying solely on punishment systems, he suggests crafting games that encourage teamwork, growth, and self-improvement. This philosophy is central to Causeway—a game designed to make teams feel like teams.

As lead designer, Sean describes Causeway as a lane-pushing game that prioritizes collaboration and positive team dynamics. Unlike traditional MOBAs that often foster a blame culture, Causeway seeks to redefine what it means to play competitively by shifting the focus from individual success to shared victory.

A major design goal of Causeway is to create an environment where players naturally bond with teammates. Through smart mechanics and a carefully crafted narrative, the game aims to generate the same highs of competitive gaming without resorting to toxicity.

The Fateless team reflects on their own game development approach. They emphasize their commitment to building a strong, inclusive community from the start. As Nico points out, Fateless already has a great, welcoming player base from their work on Raid Shadow Legends. Maintaining clear communication and listening to player feedback will be key in ensuring that Godforge and other Fateless games maintain a positive player experience.

Sean adds that game studios set the culture of their games. From how in-game interactions are framed to how developers engage with players, everything contributes to shaping behavior. He argues that better narrative design and service design can improve gaming culture without sacrificing competitiveness.

The discussion touches on a controversial topic: should players remain anonymous online? Brad highlights that anonymity, digital interaction, and cooperative competition form a perfect storm for toxicity. While some regions require players to register with real IDs for accountability, Western audiences value privacy. Sean believes that we haven’t yet exhausted all the tools available to improve gaming culture without removing anonymity. He sees game design as the frontier where the biggest improvements can be made.

To wrap up, Brad asks Sean if he has a favorite mythical or legendary figure that he’d love to see in Godforge. Sean’s choice? Rasputin. While not a traditional mythological figure, Rasputin has become a legend due to the mystique and misinformation surrounding his life. Sean finds it fascinating how his real history was twisted into folklore, making him a perfect candidate for a game based on gods and myths.

Sean encourages listeners to check out Causeway and sign up for the alpha test on the official website. Lane-pushing enthusiasts and MOBA fans looking for a fresh, team-oriented experience should definitely give it a look.

For more insights into the world of MOBAs, check out LanePushingGames.com, where Sean documents the history and evolution of the genre.

With fresh perspectives on toxicity, game design, and the future of competitive gaming, this was another fantastic episode of the Fateless Podcast. Stay tuned for more deep dives into gaming culture, development, and community-building!