Currently, players can send whispers to others even if they are on that person's ignore list. This means that individuals can engage in trash-talking or harassing behavior without any fear of repercussion, as the targeted player cannot respond. This is particularly frustrating when these players go offline after sending their messages, making it impossible for the recipient to confront them or defend themselves.
Why This Needs to Change:
1. Encouragement of Toxic Behavior: Allowing whispers from ignored players fosters an environment where toxicity can thrive. Players feel empowered to send hateful messages without facing any consequences, as their targets cannot retaliate or respond to them.
2. Mental Health Concerns: Constant exposure to harassment can take a toll on players' mental health. By limiting the ability to send whispers to those on an ignore list or when players are offline, we can create a more positive gaming environment.
Proposed Solutions:
1. Disable Whispers from Ignored Players: If a player is on someone's ignore list, they should not be able to send whispers at all. This simple change would significantly reduce unwanted communication and harassment.
2. Restrict Offline Whispers: Players should not be able to send whispers while in offline mode unless the player is on their friends list. This would prevent toxic players from engaging in harassment without accountability.
3. Communication Restrictions in PvP: Implementing a system where players cannot communicate with members of opposing factions in PvP zones would further reduce instances of harassment and create a more balanced playing field. This one might be a step too far, but it could also help with people coordinating cross faction sabotage.
In conclusion, these changes would foster a healthier community and allow players to enjoy the game without fear of harassment. I encourage everyone to share their thoughts on this issue and support efforts to enhance our gaming experience by advocating for these changes.