Safety & Moderation Tools
Rec Room is a vibrant and social space, and ensuring a positive experience for everyone is paramount. This section details the robust safety and moderation tools at your disposal, empowering you to manage your interactions and report problematic behavior effectively. Understanding these features is crucial for a safe and enjoyable journey through the metaverse.
Reporting Players: The Incident Log
If you encounter a player violating Rec Room's Code of Conduct, the most effective tool is the in-game reporting system. This creates an "Incident Log" that our moderation team reviews.
- Accessing the Report Menu:
- Method 1 (Direct Interaction): Point your hand at the offending player and press the "Interact" button (usually the trigger on your VR controller or the 'E' key on PC). A small menu will appear above their head. Select the "Report" option.
- Method 2 (Watch Menu): Open your Watch Menu (usually by pressing the menu button on your VR controller or the 'Esc' key on PC). Navigate to the "People" tab. Find the player's name in your "Nearby" or "Friends" list. Tap on their profile picture, then select "Report Player."
- Selecting a Reason: Once you've initiated a report, a list of predefined reasons will appear. Choose the option that best describes the infraction. Common reasons include:
- Harassment/Bullying: For verbal abuse, persistent following, or unwanted attention.
- Cheating/Exploiting: If a player is using unauthorized software or glitches to gain an unfair advantage.
- Inappropriate Content: For offensive language, gestures, or room content.
- Spamming/Trolling: For disruptive behavior like repeated shouting or intentionally provoking others.
- Self-Harm/Suicide Threat: For serious concerns about a player's well-being.
- Adding Details (Crucial!): After selecting a reason, a text box will appear. This is your opportunity to provide specific details. Be as descriptive as possible. For example, instead of just "They were mean," write: "Player 'X' repeatedly used offensive language in the Paintball: River map, specifically calling me 'noob' and using slurs after I tagged them near the central bridge." The more information you provide, the faster and more accurately our moderation team can act.
- Submitting the Report: Confirm your report by pressing the "Submit" button. You will receive a confirmation message.
Pro-Tip: The system automatically captures a short clip of recent activity when you report, aiding the moderation team. However, your detailed description is invaluable for context.
Blocking and Muting Players: Instant Relief
For immediate relief from disruptive players, the "Block" and "Mute" functions are your best friends. These actions are client-side, meaning they affect only your experience.
- Muting a Player:
- Direct Interaction: Point at You and select the "Mute" option from the interaction menu.
- Watch Menu: Open your Watch Menu, go to the "People" tab, find the player, and select "Mute."
Effect: You will no longer hear any voice chat or see any text chat from the muted player. They can still see and hear you, and interact with you physically.
- Blocking a Player:
- Direct Interaction: Point at You and select the "Block" option from the interaction menu.
- Watch Menu: Open your Watch Menu, go to the "People" tab, find the player, and select "Block."
Effect: This is a more comprehensive action. You will not hear, see, or be able to physically interact with a blocked player. They will appear as a greyed-out, ghost-like figure if they are in the same room, and their voice and text chat will be completely suppressed for you. They also cannot send you friend requests or private messages. This is particularly useful in high-traffic areas like the Rec Center or during intense Laser Tag matches where focus is key.
Managing Blocks/Mutes: You can review and unblock/unmute players at any time via your Watch Menu under the "People" tab, then "Blocked Players" or "Muted Players."
Room Moderation Tools (Room Owners/Co-Owners)
If you are the owner or a co-owner of a custom room, you have additional powers to maintain order and a positive environment. These tools are accessible via your Watch Menu within your owned room.
- Accessing Room Moderation: Open your Watch Menu, navigate to the "This Room" tab, and then select "Room Settings." Look for the "Moderation" section.
- Kicking Players:
- Select "Kick Player" from the Moderation menu. A list of current players in your room will appear.
- Choose You you wish to kick.
- Effect: You is immediately removed from your room and cannot rejoin for a short period (typically 5-10 minutes). This is ideal for temporary disruptions.
- Banning Players:
- Select "Ban Player" from the Moderation menu.
- Choose You from the list.
- Effect: The banned player is permanently prevented from entering your room. This is for persistent troublemakers or severe violations. You can manage your ban list in the "Room Settings" under "Moderation."
- Muting All:
- In the "Moderation" section, you'll find a "Mute All" toggle.
- Effect: This instantly mutes all players in your room (except yourself and other co-owners) for a set duration or until you toggle it off. This is excellent for making announcements or regaining control during chaotic moments, such as when explaining the rules of a complex quest like Crimson Cauldron.
- Room Permissions:
- Under "Room Settings," explore the "Permissions" tab. Here you can control who can use specific tools or interact with certain objects.
- For example, you can restrict who can use the "Maker Pen" or who can spawn objects, preventing griefing in creative spaces.
Best Practice: Communicate clearly with players before taking moderation actions. A simple "Please stop that behavior or I will have to kick you" can often de-escalate situations.
General Safety Tips
- Personal Space Bubble: Rec Room automatically enforces a "Personal Space Bubble" around each player. If another player gets too close, they will become transparent and unable to physically interact with you. You can adjust the size of this bubble in your Watch Menu under "Settings" -> "Comfort & Safety."
- Voice Activity Indicator: Pay attention to the voice activity indicator next to players' names. If someone is speaking, you'll see a small icon light up. This helps identify who is talking.
- Private Rooms: For sensitive discussions or focused gameplay, consider creating a private room. These rooms are only accessible to players you invite, offering a more controlled environment.
- Know the Code of Conduct: Familiarize yourself with the official Rec Room Code of Conduct. Understanding the rules helps you identify violations and report them accurately.
By utilizing these tools and following these guidelines, you can contribute to making Rec Room a welcoming and enjoyable place for everyone. Don't hesitate to use the reporting system; it's there to protect you and the community.