So, as has been the trend -- I've heard many in the greater AOE2 community call certain builds (especially ones they lose to,) "cancer." I've also heard people label playstyles as "toxic." Whether it's a Hoang push, Inca Trush, laming, or god knows what -- if they aren't using a Scrush, feudal archer/skirm army, or god forbid they use walls -- you get a modified version of the encounter below. Unfortunately, over time this has been normalized within the community as acceptable, especially as pro players have at times borrowed the language. Besides, if my favorite AOE2 player says it, I have no problem insulting my 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 00 + opponent for using such a strategy.
Now, I don't really have an issue with such immature behavior -- I usually just toy with the person because they're salty -- after their insults I thanked the individual for their gracious point donation after failing to wall their base before a trush. The problem lies in that some do have an issue with such behavior. Each person that gets turned off from AOE2/DE is one less person that helps keep the game we've all loved and played since before some pro players were even born going. Engaging in such behavior is a lack of self-awareness. Some will excuse it as rage in the heat of the moment, but it can have impacts throughout the community.
One might argue, "Why, IYIyTh, wouldn't these certain playstyles cause people not want to play? They're not fun to play against! Advocating for them is hypocrisy!!"
To that I would point to the fact that all strategies are viable, and what is fun to play against is subjective. If we start ridiculing or insulting people for playing Frank Scouts, or Ethiopian Archers -- what is the difference? If the game allows the individual to partake in an effective strategy that works -- there is absolutely no reason to wish cancer upon them or their family, or call them "toxic." They are simply using the same tools available to you to win the game.
You have the right to not prefer to play against Franks -- to detest the strategy of making Frank scouts so much you even refuse to play that civilization. You also have the right to feel like laming isn't fun, cheap, and ruins the experience -- and not wish to partake in it yourself -- but you don't have the right to impress your strategy preferences on your opponent -- and certainly have no right to denigrate them because of it.
Okay, I'm done procrastinating work now.
Now, I don't really have an issue with such immature behavior -- I usually just toy with the person because they're salty -- after their insults I thanked the individual for their gracious point donation after failing to wall their base before a trush. The problem lies in that some do have an issue with such behavior. Each person that gets turned off from AOE2/DE is one less person that helps keep the game we've all loved and played since before some pro players were even born going. Engaging in such behavior is a lack of self-awareness. Some will excuse it as rage in the heat of the moment, but it can have impacts throughout the community.
One might argue, "Why, IYIyTh, wouldn't these certain playstyles cause people not want to play? They're not fun to play against! Advocating for them is hypocrisy!!"
To that I would point to the fact that all strategies are viable, and what is fun to play against is subjective. If we start ridiculing or insulting people for playing Frank Scouts, or Ethiopian Archers -- what is the difference? If the game allows the individual to partake in an effective strategy that works -- there is absolutely no reason to wish cancer upon them or their family, or call them "toxic." They are simply using the same tools available to you to win the game.
You have the right to not prefer to play against Franks -- to detest the strategy of making Frank scouts so much you even refuse to play that civilization. You also have the right to feel like laming isn't fun, cheap, and ruins the experience -- and not wish to partake in it yourself -- but you don't have the right to impress your strategy preferences on your opponent -- and certainly have no right to denigrate them because of it.
Okay, I'm done procrastinating work now.
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