| | Xbox Live Etiquette - Part One At A Glance- An introduction to Xbox Live online etiquette basics.
- Keep the mic chatter to a minimum.
- Know your Zone
- Meet your perfect match.
Online etiquette is a precious but too often ignored element of the Xbox Live® experience. There is a standard to which all of us should be held, and while a perfect etiquette record is unlikely for even the best-behaved gamer, we all deserve to have everyone follow some basic standards as best they can.
This guide lays down—at least in a broad sense—some basic standards by which we should all be held.
Sometimes it's a question of simple but forgivable ignorance. A new online gamer might not realize that quitting out of a game just robbed you of your points in a ranked match, another may not understand that screaming an obscenity after getting headshot may be offensive to some. Still others just don't fully understand the system and what each option and feature means. The more insidious etiquette violations are devised by those that glean joy from deliberately causing a miserable set of circumstances, or cheating to attain wholly undeserved ranking. Pitiful as that may be, it's true, but whatever the reason, this guide lays down—at least in a broad sense—some basic standards by which we should all be held. 
No need to all out blitz on every play. Sportmanship is key. Do everyone, including you, a favor and keep the following rules in mind when playing online. You'll create a much more relaxed, enjoyable, and friendly experience for all involved. The Headset
Your most direct and intimate contact with your fellow gamer comes via the headset; impressions good and bad are formed by what you do and say with it. Keep the following in mind: - Mute When Necessary: Communication should be limited to the game at hand or the players playing it. No one needs to hear your girlfriend shouting at you from the next room to take the garbage out, or your digestive rumbling after too large a swig of carbonation, let alone whole phone conversations with buddies of yours. Try to remember to mute yourself when such situations arise.
- No Singing: Why this is a problem is anyone's guess, though maybe you've got your favorite song pumping through your sound system and you just can't help yourself, or perhaps you'd love to say something witty or disparaging, but can't quite summon the wit, so breaking into tedious song seems the best option. Either way, mute yourself when it happens or just plain master the urge.
- Keep the Mic Clear: This irritant is usually completely unintentional, but often folks get their mic up too close to their mouth and give birth to the dreaded "heavy breathing" syndrome. Make sure your mic is well enough away from your face to alleviate the problem. Provided no one mentions anything, you're probably good to go, but if the subject is broached, just please make sure to check that it's not you.
- Watch Your Language: There's a lot of competitive passion flowing through Xbox Live, and it's understandable that frustration can spill over into angry cursing (I'm guilty of this more than I would like), but please folks, it's just not necessary. Though many may not think so, there are plenty of folks that are either uncomfortable with cussing or just plain find it offensive. Plus, there are plenty of children that frequent Xbox Live and they don't need to hear that garbage.
- Clear Communication: Casual chatter and general vocal merriment comprise a large slice of the voice communication over Xbox Live, but when playing on a team, tactical communication should come first. Remember, especially in Ranked matches, your fellow gamer is there to win, not hear about who your sister is dating. There's a time and place for everything, so just use a little common sense and you won't ruffle any feathers.
- Ambient Noise: The microphone on the standard headset does a fair job of filtering out background noise, but it doesn't eliminate everything. Be wary of a loud fan in the same room, playing your game with the volume cranked way up, or background music from a radio. You might be surprised how much filters through to your fellow players. If you're worried something might be a problem, just ask.
- No Headset: Clearly, if you don't have a headset, there's not much you can do to communicate with teammates, but if at all possible, find one and use it. If you do have one, there's no excuse for not using it when playing in a ranked game with teammates. Communication is vital, and you can be sure you're there with people who are serious about winning, so buck up, strap on that headset and get to work.
The Proper Zone
This bit is fairly simple. The different Gamer Zones exist for a reason. Use them properly and you'll not only let everyone else breathe easy, but you'll find your own experience more appropriate to your style of gaming. Here's your basic primer: - Recreation: Put another way, this is the spot for casual gamers; gamers that dig on the pastime, but just don't put in the time to get real serious. They're there to have fun and enjoy the show, not be hardcore.
- Pro: This zone is for the pure competitor, the one who takes his gaming seriously and aspires to win every time out. If you're the kind of gamer who wants to find a serious clan or the best (but respectful) competition, this should be your Gamer Zone.
- Family: This is for the children and the parents. Like recreation, this Zone is dedicated to the less hardcore crowd, and specifically geared towards the family friendly experience.
- Underground: If you don't fit the prior three conditions, chances are you belong here. If you're hardcore, like to talk a lot of trash, or if you find yourself posting in forums with words like "pwned", and "noob", chances are you'll find like-minded gamers here.
Player Match Not Ultra-Competitive
A common problem for the more competitive gamer is pure frustration; finding yourself locked in a team match with folks that just don't know their way. If you find your blood pressure rising rapidly, ask yourself one question, are you in an unranked game? 
Keep the friendly fire to nil. There's a reason, and a good one, why there's a separation between ranked and unranked (usually called Player Match). The ultra-competitive can sate their thirst for winning in ranked games, and be reasonably sure (with the TrueSkill system) that they'll be teamed up with players of equal skill. The opposite is of course true for unranked games. You can't expect people to know every in and out of the map, or even always basic strategy. Non-ranked games are there for practice, for learning, for grasping the basics. There's no call for brooding and complaining when you find a person on your team that's there for just those purposes. Article by Ryan Treit |
