Good write up from Elliot at massively OP
`https://massivelyop.com/2021/09/10/wow-factor-how-world-of-warcraft-mirrors-a-toxic-relationship-for-players/
Basically WoW’s problems with it’s community and preception stem from a toxic relationship fostered by everyone and nothing seems like it’ll change.
the toxicity in this city in this ciiiiiity
Great read. Finally someone described toxicity correctly. And I had to laugh at the “pathological” defenders - well smile a tiny bit.
It’s one of the better written articles (not exhausting long and covuluted) I’ve read on WoW in awhile. Thx for sharing.
I can’t read, can someone summarize it for me?
I think Elliot is arguably one of the best Op-Ed WoW writers out there. I also think he’s spot on when he cites that it’s multiple factors but the biggest ones are the attitude of the developers, and the defenders.
It’s a feedback loop.
“All abusive relationships are toxic relationships, but not all toxic relationships are abusive relationships.”
Communication between the people involved in the relationship is marked by hostility.
Not true. That’s just someone’s personal experience. Not the entire community.
It’s impossible to trust the other person or be vulnerable around them.
It’s the internet. Enough said.
The other person attempts to control your behavior and/or the emotions you express.
If you let them. Doing nothing, solves nothing.
The relationship takes a great deal of effort from you that is not reciprocated.
Maybe the other individual isn’t aware of the “relationship”, it’s just one sided.
Lies and falsehoods are consistently present.
WoW isn’t a dating website. It’s a game and people just want to have fun and not deal with toxic people that keep pestering them.
You eventually make excuses for the behavior of the other party, gaslit into assuming that it is under your control.
Does the Author of this Article even “Play” the game?
It’s a game. Not a dating website. People are a–holes, usually not irl. But on here, they can be. In a way, it releases stress from their normal daily activities. Expecting all players to be perfect is just absolute trash.
The Author (on the website) just assumes people should behave in a certain way, and calls anyone that steps out of line. “Toxic” Judgmental prick tbh
These are the key points of the article.
Communication from Blizzard has either been non-existant or Ivory Tower “You think you do, but you don’t”
Devs seemingly don’t trust the players, and the players are very skeptical of the team.
WoW Devs consistently imply they know what you find fun and what you don’t find fun.
Players play the game for many hours, but all it gets tossed and nothing recognizes our work each expansion.
WoW says one thing and never delivers.
WoW has an ardent group of defenders who will always attempt to blame other players than Blizzard.
To be fair I haven’t read the article nor do I plan on it, but the whole “toxicity” I feel is trying to reclaim a piece in time that has long past. Sorry but you can’t go back to classic systems in Retail.
Yes there is a lot of, " hearing what you want to hear" from the Developers. Mostly their vision seems counter to Casual players. Since they make up the bulk of their money I don’t think it’s necessarily toxic but really bad business model.
They may make the game exactly what they want at the cost of their player base.
The game doesn’t force you to do anything, take responsibility for yourself and what you do with your free time. They create pressures but ultimately, you’re the one logging in.
As far as communication goes, I’d say the customers in this relationship are abusive - to the company and each other - if just a fraction of the vitriol I’ve seen people write (myself included) were written to us by the company - imagine the wailing. They show a great deal more restraint in the communication department.
Most of this person’s essay to me were off point, not really helpful (to me). If the company’s done anything, it would be fostering a hyper competitive environment and changes that eroded community and accountability for the players - which helped to create an atmosphere that’s less friendly.
But yeah, seen Twitter lately? It’s a jungle out there and this is the internet. Acting uncivilized is par for the course in our new social media interconnected lives.
something something… feelings… something something
its a minority that are actually “toxic” the others just feed the trolls
but nothing like these toxic baddies! 
Is this really something folks need to be told? Everyone has the chance to not be a troll and to not be “toxic” (god i hate that word) to each other, it’s up to the community to decide to not be turds to each other.
it’s good keeps the forums active. the game surly doesn’t.
Its about people who hate toxic people. Who in turn become toxic people. They just dont realize it, because reasons… Basically, we’re all toxic.
I prefer to lounge around and hope my prey comes to me. Eventually.
casts invisibility but has music playing way too loud to be hidden
Compared to vanilla it seems the more behaved the community gets the more “toxic” it’s considered to be.
I’m safe from toxicity! The irradiated gnomes hiding in me beard for so long have built an immunity in my system.
Highly recommend beard gnomes.
hugs beard
You lie. You only had one gnome.
One of 'em tends to hop out and go exploring for treats. They’ll be back.