In the current scenario, it is very important to monitor and control the user-generated content. Moreover, it is even more essential in online gaming at this time. Today, with the advancement of in-game chats and forums, the interaction between players has become very common. Thus, it is the game developer’s responsibility to maintain the integrity and ensure the safety of players, simultaneously maintain a child-friendly environment.

The modern video games are accompanied by chat rooms that are developed for increasing user engagement. The competitive nature of gaming makes it easy for in-game chats to get heated. With such large volumes of user-generated content (UGC) being uploaded onto these portals, the chances of profanity are extremely high.

Advancements in Profanity Filters

The developers of the iconic game Battlefield V recently unveiled an improved profanity filter. In a first for the video game industry, the new profanity filter, known as the Profanity Negation and Easy Integration system (or ProNAZIs for short) will feature state of the art censorship software that will examine the context behind whatever you type into chat to determine if it can be deemed offensive to someone.

Bulletstorm, another popular combat game, also implemented such controls. It enables the gamers to tone down the language of the voice-overs and subtitles.

Smart algorithms that are coded using disruptive technologies like AI, Machine Learning and IoT have transformed the way such filters work. For example, simple greetings like “Hey there!” won’t trigger the filters. However, as soon as you make a comment like, “Hey, where is your favorite ball?” then the filter tools will spring into action. A detailed report will be sent to the chat room moderator and also to the offending individual. In extreme cases of obscenity, such remarks will be automatically removed altogether.

Different Types of Profanity Filters

Profanity filters are classified on the basis of their features. They can be placed into two broad categories:

1. Standard Profanity Filters
2. Custom Profanity Filters

Let’s explore each of these in brief:

1. Standard Profanity Filters

Such solutions are offered as a plug-n-play API, being an economical option. It can cover the basic level games.

UGC like text, images, and videos can be moderated effectively using them and the offensive content can be rated accordingly by the forum moderator.

2. Custom Profanity Filters

The customized profanity filters employ an automated approach for wading out explicit content from games. They are offered as a SaaS solution that works on a subscription basis.

Taking the content moderation process a step further, it comes with a pre-populated dictionary of offensive patterns and text. The context of a given piece of text can also be evaluated with such smart tools.

Apart from the content, offensive graphics, audio, and images can also be tagged, and the system generates a detailed report.

A Final Word –

With the progression of this ‘game-savvy’ generation, the profanity tools will have to outsmart the changing patterns of profane content. eUnagi, a cognitive intelligence platform powered by AI, has built a high-profile system that moderates content on the go. For more information, you can get in touch with the cognitive experts at info@eunagi.com.