MIND YOUR LANGUAGE

An important thing to remember is that there’s a human being at the end of every gamertag. So, with this in mind, use voice chat and messaging responsibly. You should avoid using slurs, offensive language and unnecessary yelling. Gamers come from all backgrounds, ages, sizes, abilities and genders, so be mindful of your words. It may deter players from coming back to the community.

BE GRACIOUS IN DEFEAT, AND IN VICTORY

No one likes a sore loser – or a smug winner. Not every game will end in victory, so accept defeat gracefully and acknowledge the skills of your opponents. Use these losses as opportunities to learn and improve and avoid blaming others or making excuses for your loss. On the flip side, winning feels great, but there’s no need to gloat and put your fellow gaming compatriots down. You’ll remember this when you’re on the opposite end of the stick.

REMEMBER THAT NO ONE LIKES A CHEAT

Fair play is at the fundamental core of gaming etiquette. Resist the temptation to cheat or exploit glitches in a game. These actions not only undermine its integrity, but can also result in serious penalties for you and your account, and you’ll lose kudos among your peers.

EMBRACE NEWCOMERS

If you’re experienced in a game, make sure to assist newbies. A welcoming community encourages growth and ensures a positive gaming environment. Share tips and strategies and be patient with those still learning the ropes. You were in their position once.

If you’re new to gaming yourself and want to level up your set-up, then say hello to a gaming experience that’s out of this world. Get a PS5 slim console on EE, and you can even pay for it in three instalments.

MIND YOUR MIC

Ensure your microphone is free of excessive background noise – screaming or excessively loud audio can be particularly disruptive and unpleasant for other gamers. Mute yourself when not actively participating to avoid disrupting others and adjust your mic and in-game volume to a comfortable level. If available, use push-to-talk functionality to control when your microphone is active – this prevents the accidental broadcasting of private conversations or background noise.

Microphone delay can also be an issue if your internet speeds aren’t up to scratch. To avoid this, get EE’s most reliable full fibre. It stays fast for you even at peak times. Also you can find our awesome range of gaming headsets on our Game Store.

VALUE YOUR TEAM

In team-based games, cooperation is key. Prioritise team objectives over personal goals. If playing competitively, practice good sportsmanship, win or lose. Avoid blaming teammates and instead focus on improving together as a team.

REPORT ABUSE

If you encounter toxic behaviour, such as harassment or cheating, report it through the appropriate channels provided by the game you’re playing. The developers rely on the community to maintain a healthy gaming environment, so be proactive in ensuring everyone has an enjoyable experience.

ALLOW THE COMMUNITY TO THRIVE

Above all, it’s vital to adhere to all these rules to allow the gaming community to thrive. Good gaming etiquette will contribute to a far less toxic space for all, and allow the community to grow and blossom year on year. Happy gaming, all.