Xbox’s System for Reporting Abusive Voice Chat to be Implemented This Week
Microsoft is preparing to introduce a new feature on Xbox consoles that allows users to report abusive voice content. Initially announced in July, this feature enables gamers to submit any inappropriate comments they encounter while playing multiplayer games. The system records a 60-second clip that is saved on the console, and users have a 24-hour window to file a report. This feature will be included in the September update for Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One, but it will initially be available only in select English-language markets, including the US, UK, Canada, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand.
Microsoft says it has tailored voice reporting to balance ease of use with minimal gameplay disruption. “The feature is designed so that only you, the player, can initiate the capture of the last 60 seconds of game activity for content monitoring,” the company wrote. It works in the same way as capturing regular game clips, but the content saved for the moderation check is only used for this purpose. “They won’t appear in your recent lockers, and clips can’t be uploaded, edited, or shared,” Microsoft wrote.
The company emphasized that the console will not save or load clips unless you initiate the reporting process. Once you record a clip of spoken conversation that you believe violates Xbox’s Community Standards, the sample stays on your console for “24 online hours” and you can send it immediately or wait until your gaming session ends. In addition, Xbox alerts as a final reminder to send a report if the 24-hour period is about to end. Finally, you will receive a notification later on whether the company took action against the perpetrator.
The Xbox September update also includes the ability to quickly stream an Xbox game to Discord. After updating the console, you can link your Discord account and join voice channels on the platform directly from the console. You can find the activation controls in the Xbox guide by going to Parties & Chats and selecting Discord.
In the September update, users will also be able to change the console’s variable refresh rate (VRR). You can now turn the feature off or back on by going to General > TV & display settings > Video. You’ll see options to leave VRR “always on”, switch it to “gaming only”, or disable it completely.
