EA DICE has confirmed that the Battlefield 5 Open Beta will include a profanity filter on PC. One of the game’s producers, Jaqub Ajmal, gave some details on Twitter about the feature. Although some fans are unhappy about the filter, Ajmal stated that it was unfortunately necessary.

The Profanity Filter in the Battlefield 5 Open Beta on PC

The issue arose when a fan asked Ajmal on Twitter about chat filter options. They were referring specifically to the ability to mute individual players rather than an entire chat. Ajmal responded that; “We have added a profanity filter in Battlefield 5, which will be available in the Open Beta on PC”. The filter will not feature on consoles, so players must use the normal methods of reporting abusive players.

Totally understand that. We have added a profanity filter in Battlefield V, which will be available in the Open Beta on PC. — Jaqub Ajmal (@JaqubAjmal) August 30, 2018

The move has, of course, drawn complaints from some fans. Ajmal stated that; “it’s actually sad that things like these are needed.”

No, it’s Battlefield where players are suppose to treat each other with respect in the chat. It’s actually sad that things like these are needed. — Jaqub Ajmal (@JaqubAjmal) August 31, 2018

Ajmal also drew a distinction between in-game profanity and profanity in the chat. While a character in Battlefield might use contextual profanity during the game’s story, etc., there is a major difference between that and players using profanity in the game’s chat; “Personally I think there is a difference if in-game characters say it to each other,” says Ajmal; “that is part of the fantasy, like when you watch a movie and they are cursing at each other. While the chat is actually in reality, between players.”

Personally I think there is a difference because if in-game characters say it to each other, that is part of the fantasy, like when you watch a movie and they are cursing at each other, While the chat is actually in reality, between players. — Jaqub Ajmal (@JaqubAjmal) August 31, 2018

Unfortunately, abusive behavior online is nothing new. If the reaction to Battlefield 5 thus far is any indication, the feature may well be a necessary evil. Plenty of so-called fans directed sexist or misogynistic abuse towards the game after female characters were featured in promotional material; many using “historical accuracy” or “political correctness” as thin veils to try and justify such abuse. Ajmal’s comments only refer to the profanity filter in the context of the Open Beta. However, it will presumably feature in the final release as well.