The Pitfalls of Relying on AI for Online Game Moderation

Developing a game with a large and engaged online player base is a top priority for many companies, as these games can generate substantial revenue. However, managing such games can be challenging, particularly when it comes to preventing a minority of players from engaging in toxic behavior. Left unchecked, this can lead to a hostile online environment that drives away new players and causes existing ones to leave. To address this issue, some companies have started to limit player communication or design interaction systems that prevent negative behavior. Nevertheless, there is still a need for human moderators to review player behavior and make judgment calls. The problem is that many companies are reluctant to allocate sufficient resources to moderation, hoping that AI solutions will soon become available to solve the problem. While AI can be a useful tool in supporting human moderators, it is not a replacement for them. In fact, relying solely on AI for content moderation can lead to a system that is easily gamed by toxic players, ultimately making the online environment worse. The development of AI systems that can understand and judge complex situations is still in its infancy, and current AI technologies are not equipped to handle the nuances of human behavior. As a result, companies should focus on investing in conventional moderation resources, including hiring and training human moderators, rather than relying on AI as a silver bullet. By doing so, they can create a safer and more enjoyable online environment for their players.