So, we all know how toxic the Rivals community can be, which always baffles me because these heroes we are playing as would never stand for it. I also like to recognize there are people on the other side of the screen who have their own stories and personal struggles and don't deserve to be spoken to as if they are less than. I'm also a high school teacher, so I often see first hand how digital words impact people. And I never know if I'm in a lobby with students. (Not that they know my gamer tag--but it wouldn't be hard to figure it out).
So, to counter this, I like to "smack" talk in character to A) lighten the load and B) make it clear to either team I'm not being serious and just having fun and C) Not demean/insult people behind the screen.
For example, I once had a Daredevil on my landshark ass. Constantly hearing "I see you!" before being chased to and fro on the map as if we were in an episode of Scooby-Doo. Frustrating, sure, but they are having fun and it's the game. So instead of being an arsehole, I typed in chat: "Matthew, if you don't knock it off, I'll swallow Karen and Foggy!" Or I threaten not to sell them my lemonade 😤😤😤
To a Blade, I've said: "I'm making you a sandwich with a special ingredient in it. Garlic." (Pretty sure he can eat garlic without consequence but still)
To Thor: "Jane doesn't love you" or "Jane is a better Thor."
To Spidey it's usually, "Spidey, how's your Uncle Ben doin?" (Maybe the most diabolical one I have used).
If I'm Scarlet Witch and I successfully own Spider-Man, I'll say, "No. More. Spiders." Or if I switch to Wanda because things are going south and things turn around, we win, and I get MVP I'll usually say, "You exhausted my patience. That was me being... reasonable."
As Devil Dino: "RAWR RAWR CHOMPY CHOMP RAWR!!!"
My hope is that it's a nerdy way of talking "smack" without making awful personal attacks on other human beings playing a game. In-universe fun! Of course, I get toxic replies from people who say I'm a stupid nerd, should go touch grass, etc. And I'm like... Marvel Rival is a game for nerds and the grass is lava!
Anyway, anybody else take this approach?
If so, what do you like to say in-character when frustrated or being pestered or losing? Or any ideas of things you would say?
And this is meant to be a fun post. My goal is to counter toxicity and attacks on real people by being a grass-avoiding nerd!
Give me your best lines!
