Console Giants Update 2020 Player Safety Pledge

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Nintendo, Sony, and Microsoft have released a joint statement renewing their promise to keep players safe on all their gaming systems.

These three companies initially agreed on shared safety guidelines in 2020. They’ve recently updated those guidelines to keep up with new technology, research, and how the industry works together. Their core belief remains that gaming should be inclusive for all, with a strong emphasis on keeping young players safe.

Roblox, the popular gaming platform, is facing criticism and legal challenges over its safety measures for children. The company is currently dealing with over 80 lawsuits claiming it didn’t do enough to shield young players from online predators and harmful interactions. These cases have been combined into a single lawsuit in California. While Roblox recently started requiring age verification for in-game chats, some players are already finding ways to bypass the system, and there’s been some dissatisfaction with the new requirement.

The updated 2020 safety pledge shifts from broad principles to a more hands-on approach, focusing on how safety goals are achieved. The original pledge explained the importance of player safety, but this version details the actual work being done – including stricter rules, tougher penalties, responsible data handling, and the latest moderation technology. It also emphasizes increased cooperation by specifically mentioning key industry groups and projects.

This partnership is built on three main ideas: keeping players safe, working together, and taking responsibility. To help with safety, the companies will focus on giving parents tools to manage what their children experience while gaming, including easy-to-understand rules and customizable safety settings. They believe these features need to be simple to find, understand, and use to actually make a difference.

As a gamer, it’s good to hear Nintendo, PlayStation, and Xbox aren’t just working with each other, but also with a ton of other groups. They’re talking to game publishers, the people who make the rules (like ESRB and PEGI), even the police and charities. They’re also doing research to make sure gaming is a positive experience for everyone, and getting involved in things like the Lantern program to try and fight toxic behavior and harmful stuff online. It’s cool to see them taking that extra step beyond just competing with each other.

You can read the full statement on the Nintendo website.

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2026-01-15 01:04