I’ve seen plenty of topics on here asking people to define toxicity, usually in terms of concrete actionable offenses. I understand why people- particularly in the aftermath of being reported for vague reasons- want a consensus about the matter, but I think trying to define the concept on objective lines is inherently a disservice to the community, both because it implies that one is trying to find ways to skirt the lines, but also because it ignores much of the context that occurs when you understand you’re dealing with other human beings who ultimately want a positive experience, win or lose.
I played Rialto today and there was another Lucio on the enemy team. I’m pretty competitive with other Lucios and like getting into battles with them, but this was a relatively one sided affair I relished in. I got off several kills on them, but at one point I abandoned the team specifically to boot them into the river while they hid to recover from damage. In other words, I was willing to let my team mates die just to kill them.
The inevitable question I got asked when relaying this experience to others was “Why do you feel bad about winning the match and being the better Lucio?” My response was that it wasn’t about being the better Lucio. It was about the fact that I felt it necessary to rub their nose in it by specifically targeting them, to assert my skill and experience in ways that were overwhelming and yet not conducive to obtaining the objective.
And I also understand the desire to show off because everyone works hard at their game. Plus, genuinely friendly banter and jokes lighten the atmosphere on both sides and are a key component to putting matches back into perspective and making the game fun, win or lose. But I’ve been on the other end- I’ve been that Lucio several times that has been completely supplexed by Lucios who just want to just bully me simply because I’m Lucio.
And I’m not saying it’s not allowed. Playing the game is playing the game. But I would classify the desire to make the gaming experience miserable for others above all else, even within the bounds of the game rules, as toxic.
Afterwards I tried to befriend the Lucio to apologize and make amends, but they ignored it, which is fair dues. I would think such a person would be willing to harass me. But you live and learn, and from now on I’m gonna temper the kind of bloodlust and desire to make others miserable that people conflate with “competitive spirit.” The objective and my team come first. Another frog fight will come, but I’ll try not to be so antsy to initiate, and to thank them for the battle since Lucio’s mere presence is always a blessing. Again, Overwatch should be fun, matches sportsmanlike, and I believe there can be kindness in competition.
To that Lucio, I am sorry for being a jerk. Should we meet again, I honestly hope you hand my butt back to me. I deserve it. xD