How Riot's Social Scientists Fight League of Legends Trolling

An anonymous reader writes "There's an interesting interview up today with Jeffrey Lin, lead designer of social systems for Riot, the game studio behind League of Legends. Lin has a PhD in cognitive neuroscience. His recognition that most trolls are only trolls because they're having an off day has changed the way that Riot punishes players. 'In other words, you need a carrot and not a stick. Where a punishment would come across as harsh and out-of context, pointing out to players that they're letting their usually-high standards of conduct slide usually results in a change of attitude. Incentivising the good behaviour with an Honour stat which could be affected by conduct in any match also serves to reinforce that good behaviour.' As a result, Lin's seen a noticeable spike in the number of people saying 'GG' (good game) at the end of a match. It leaves you wondering: what if Activision approached Call of Duty griefers on Xbox Live the same way?"

Re:Misery loves company

[Cryacin]

If they're having an off day, just give them a "participation" trophy. That'll cheer the poor little sods up! It worked for the edumacation system, didn't it?

Re:These are griefers, not trolls. Trolling is fun

[Anonymous Coward]

You don't know what a troll is.