Griefer — Definition, examples, FAQs, and more

Griefer: a brief history

Griefing has been a part of online gaming culture since the early days of multiplayer games. It is seen across various genres, from sandbox games to massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs).

The motivations behind griefing can vary, but often involve a desire for attention, amusement at others’ expense, or a simple interest in disrupting the game.

How it's used today

Players use the term “griefer” to talk about disruptive behavior in many online games with social or roleplaying elements. It often comes up in discussions where players want to maintain a positive or fair environment during play.

Types of games where the term is commonly used include:

MUD, MUSH, PbP, MMORPG, FPS, MOBA, Chat RPG, Social media RPG, PvE, PvP, RPI, RPE.

Griefer examples

• In a building or survival game, a griefer might destroy other players’ creations or steal resources without any intention of playing the game as designed.
• In an MMORPG, a griefer could repeatedly kill a much lower-level player, preventing them from progressing in the game.
• In a team-based game, a griefer might intentionally hinder their own team by refusing to cooperate or actively disrupting strategies.
• In a sandbox game, a griefer could use exploits to trap other players in inescapable situations, effectively removing their ability to play.

Myths and misconceptions

1. All griefers are young players or only exist in certain types of games. In reality, griefers can come from any age group and target a wide range of game genres, from sandbox games to first-person shooters (FPSs) to MMORPGs. Any multiplayer game can become home to griefers.
2. Griefing is a harmless part of gaming culture. While some view it as trolling or playful antagonism, it can have serious effects on players’ enjoyment and mental health. If left unchecked, griefing can contribute to a toxic gaming community.
3. Griefers are just highly competitive players who want to win at all costs. However, the main goal of a griefer is usually to disrupt the experience for others, not to achieve victory or follow traditional competitive play.
4. Reporting griefers is pointless because nothing will be done. While it can sometimes feel discouraging, many game developers take reports of griefing seriously and may issue warnings, bans, or implement new systems to discourage disruptive behavior.
5. Griefers only disrupt strangers online and not their friends or regular group members. In fact, griefing can occur within any group dynamic, including among friends or established gaming communities, and can be especially damaging in close-knit groups.

Griefer FAQs

What distinguishes a griefer from a competitive player?

A competitive player aims to win or excel within the established rules and spirit of the game. In contrast, a griefer derives pleasure specifically from causing distress to other players and disrupting the game experience, often without any interest in traditional gameplay objectives.

Can griefers be banned from games?

Yes, many online games have policies and reporting systems in place to deal with griefers. If a player is found to be intentionally ruining the experience for others, they can be warned, temporarily suspended, or permanently banned from the game.

How can players deal with griefers?

Players can deal with griefers by using in-game reporting tools to alert moderators or GMs to the abusive behavior.

Avoiding engagement with griefers, as they often seek attention or a reaction, is also advisable. Utilizing mute or block features can prevent griefers from continuing their harassment.

Is griefing considered a form of cyberbullying?

Yes, griefing can be considered a form of cyberbullying, especially when it involves targeted harassment, threats, or causing intentional distress to other players. Many online platforms take this behavior seriously and have reporting tools and measures in place to combat it.

What are other ways to describe a griefer?

Griefers can also be called trolls, pests, troublemakers, bad actors, or bad-faith players because they undermine the spirit of the game. However, harmless-sounding terms like “pest” and “troublemaker” do not always convey the level of abuse or damage that griefers can do to a game, its players, or its community.