Rahul Garg supervised by Dr. Nimmi Rangaswamy received his Master of Science – Dual Degree  in Computing and Human Sciences (CHD). Here’s a summary of his research work on Toxicity in Online Gaming: The Role of Game Design, Identity, and Cultural Context in the Global South:

Toxicity in online gaming is more than just an unfortunate side effect of competitive play—it is a deeply embedded issue shaped by game design, player dynamics, and broader social structures. While research on gaming toxicity has largely centered on Western contexts, this study shifts focus to India, where unique cultural, linguistic, and regional factors influence how toxicity is experienced and perpetuated. Gaming in India is a rapidly growing space, yet it remains deeply exclusionary in many ways, with toxicity often targeting players based on gender, language, region, or religious identity. Through an ethnographic approach, including in-depth interviews and observational co-playing, this study investigates how toxicity manifests, how players rationalize or resist it, and how online interactions reflect broader societal divisions. One of the key concerns explored in this research is the role of game design and matchmaking systems in reinforcing bias and exclusion. Most matchmaking algorithms prioritize skill-based ranking and latency optimization but fail to consider the social dimensions of player experiences. This oversight results in structures that inadvertently foster hostility, as players are matched without consideration for linguistic compatibility, cultural norms, or pre-existing biases. The study reveals that players from marginalized groups—such as women, non-binary players, and linguistic minorities—frequently encounter discrimination and harassment, often leading them to modify their behavior, hide aspects of their identity, or disengage from competitive gaming entirely. The findings also highlight the normalization of toxicity in online spaces, where aggressive behavior is often framed as a natural or even necessary part of competition. In Indian gaming communities, toxicity is deeply gendered, with female players regularly facing skepticism, harassment, and pressure to prove their competence. Additionally, linguistic and regional biases shape in-game interactions, where players who speak certain languages or exhibit accents associated with particular regions are frequently targeted. The study also examines how asymmetric and symmetric game structures influence the dynamics of toxicity, with different formats fostering distinct patterns of aggression and exclusion. Beyond player interactions, this study considers the impact of external influences, including streamers, gaming influencers, and community echo chambers, in legitimizing or amplifying toxic behavior. Popular streamers often set behavioral norms for younger audiences, reinforcing toxic patterns that trickle down into everyday gaming culture. While some gaming personalities attempt to promote inclusivity, others actively foster hostility, normalizing aggression and harassment in ways that extend beyond individual matches or specific game titles.

 Rather than relying solely on reactive measures like reporting and banning, there is a need to integrate proactive design changes—such as improved matchmaking filters, greater support for linguistic diversity, and better moderation tools—that take into account the cultural and social realities of gaming in the Global South. This study is also grounded in a postcolonial perspective, recognising that global gaming platforms often reflect Western norms, values, and modes of communication that do not always align with the lived experiences of players in regions like India. The dominance of English, the lack of region-sensitive moderation, and the design of social systems in games often position Indian players at the margins, forcing them to adapt to structures that were never made with their context in mind. Toxicity, in this sense, is not only a behavioural issue but also a symptom of deeper structural inequalities rooted in global digital hierarchies. By situating Indian players within this broader postcolonial framework, this research highlights how digital spaces continue to reproduce older power dynamics, demanding more localised and culturally sensitive approaches to gaming design and governance. This study contributes to critical discussions on gaming toxicity, algorithmic bias, and social disparities in digital environments, offering valuable insights for researchers, game developers, and policy makers. As online gaming continues to grow in India and other non-Western contexts, understanding how toxicity operates in these spaces is crucial for fostering more inclusive and equitable multiplayer ecosystems.

June 2025