Blackballing — Definition, examples, FAQs, and more

Blackballing: a brief history

The term seems to have been adopted from older social clubs, where “blackballing” described formal exclusion, and later appeared in online roleplaying communities. Players noticed similarities between these historical practices and the informal ways people could be shut out of MU* groups or storylines.

Over time, blackballing came to refer less to a formal process and more to subtle or organized efforts to isolate players socially. As text-based communities grew, the term broadened to cover any campaign to harm someone’s reputation within a game.

How it's used today

Players use the term blackballing when discussing negative social dynamics in online roleplaying communities. It often comes up in conversations about community behavior and ways players interact with each other outside of character actions.

You’ll hear this term used in places like:

MUSHes, multi-user dungeons (MUDs), play-by-post (PbP) games, roleplay-intensive games (RPIs), social media RPGs, MMORPGs, and chat RPGs.

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Blackballing examples

• In a play-by-post game, one player consistently ignores another’s posts or character, effectively excluding them from the narrative based on out-of-character disagreements.
• In a MU*, players coordinate to exclude someone from major events or storylines without in-character justification, based on a personal conflict.
• A group within a chatroom RPG systematically downplays the achievements and contributions of another player, diminishing their role and influence in the game.
• A player spreads false rumors about another player’s behavior in an MMORPG, leading others to avoid teaming up with them.

Myths and misconceptions

1. Blackballing is a formal process like a vote. This reflects a misunderstanding of its informal, social nature, as blackballing typically happens through social exclusion or rumor rather than any official mechanism. Sometimes, players don’t even realize they are engaging in behavior that could be considered blackballing.
2. All blackballing is deliberate and malicious. Many assume that blackballing is always intentional, but it can occur unintentionally due to group dynamics, misunderstandings, or accidental exclusion, similar to passive aggressive RP.
3. Blackballing only happens because of direct personal conflicts or disagreements between players. In fact, blackballing can also arise from miscommunication, rumors, or the way group interactions and cliques develop over time, not just direct animosity.
4. Blackballing only affects high-profile players or those involved in visible drama. In reality, anyone in a community can become a target of blackballing, regardless of their status, role, or level of involvement in the game.
5. Once blackballing has started, it cannot be addressed or resolved. While blackballing can be difficult to deal with, proactive communication, mediation, and thoughtful moderation can help prevent or mitigate its effects within roleplaying communities.

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Blackballing FAQs

What can lead to blackballing in RPGs?

Blackballing can result from personal disputes, disagreements over gameplay, character conflicts, or perceived slights. It may also stem from out-of-character issues that bleed into the game environment.

How can blackballing affect a game or community?

Blackballing can significantly impact the social dynamics of a game or community, leading to divisions, reduced enjoyment, and even causing players to leave the game entirely. It can create a hostile or unwelcoming atmosphere, affecting the overall community health.

What should you do if you are being blackballed?

If you are being blackballed, communicate with the game moderators or administrators. Present your case calmly and provide any evidence of the behavior. It’s also helpful to engage in self-reflection to understand if there’s a valid reason for the ostracization and address it if possible.

What are some signs that you’re being blackballed?

Blackballing often results in social exclusion, isolation, and/or ostracization. If you suspect something might be up, look for changes in social interaction within the game, such as being excluded from events, being ignored in roleplay, or being left out of discussions that you normally would have been invited to previously. For example, if multiple players stop greeting you or responding to your own greetings, that might be a sign that something is amiss.

How can game moderators prevent or address blackballing?

Game moderators can prevent or address blackballing by establishing clear community guidelines, promoting a positive game culture, and intervening in disputes before they escalate. They should also provide a clear process for reporting and resolving such issues.

Is blackballing the same as in-character conflict?

No, blackballing is not the same as in-character conflict. While in-character conflict is a normal and often enjoyable aspect of roleplaying, blackballing involves out-of-character actions and motivations that affect in-game interactions and relationships.