“git gud, scrub”

I’ve been harsh in the past when talking about elements within the DPS channel community. Given they make no claims that they are anything except about min/maxing their DPS builds, it’s hard to understand why some use it as a platform to bully others.

Edit: It’s been suggested that this is a vendetta against the DPS league. It’s not. I’ve been a member since the beginning. I just don’t like bullies who happen to be members of DPS. I don’t have the ability to change the environment inside DPS. I think it’s a lack of leadership in how DPS deals with them. And to be perfectly honest, I’m not alone.

On the one side you have players like PorchSong who have gone out of their way to help other players to advance game mechanics and understanding to improve builds. I respect that effort immensely. My builds are where they are today because of that kindness.

On the other side, a core group who routinely belittle other players for fun. This isn’t criticism designed to motivate the player. This is bullying.

The changes that came with Delta Rising has produced many unintended consequences that have impacted the community. The single largest has been the new divide surrounding DPS. Those who can spend the money and have the skill to do it, and those who have to do it with skill alone. You can be the judge if that perception is wrong or right.

The old queues are empty. The bulk of the only activity remaining is now in a private chat channel for those who can break 10K or more.

This afternoon – based on a first hand account I trust – a player was openly bullied by 3 members of the DPS league on his team. The bullying continued into private messages outside of the team and DPS chat channels.

His response was to post in the forums. Sadly Cryptic does nothing to stop bullying in-game. In fact the PWE Terms of Service does not mention bullying at all, but comes close to it in Section 15, subsection 15.2, line g:

f. “stalk,” threaten or otherwise harass or cause discomfort to another;

The conversation that followed in the DPS chat channels was interesting and while not excessive, certainly gives the reader a feel for smug attitude held by the DPS leagues most vocal member. Here’s the full copy of that conversation in open channel.

PDF: Here’s the full copy of that conversation in open channel

In closing – come-on DPS league – you are better than this. Give us more Porch, and a lot less Sarcasm.