How an AI moderator aims to eliminate toxicity and cheating in online multiplayer gaming

Special How an AI moderator aims to eliminate toxicity and cheating in online multiplayer gaming
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Equipped with Minerva AI technology, FACEIT ensures that gamers are protected from cheats. (Screen grab from FACEIT website)
Special How an AI moderator aims to eliminate toxicity and cheating in online multiplayer gaming
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Equipped with Minerva AI technology, FACEIT ensures that gamers are protected from cheats. (Screen grab from FACEIT website)
Special How an AI moderator aims to eliminate toxicity and cheating in online multiplayer gaming
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Equipped with Minerva AI technology, FACEIT ensures that gamers are protected from cheats. (Screen grab from FACEIT website)
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Updated 02 August 2024
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How an AI moderator aims to eliminate toxicity and cheating in online multiplayer gaming

How an AI moderator aims to eliminate toxicity and cheating in online multiplayer gaming
  • Minerva is a specialized AI technology that moderates text, audio and behavioral data to detect toxicity on FACEIT’s gaming platform
  • Players caught harassing, cheating, or undermining account integrity can be temporarily banned or face a multi-year suspension

RIYADH: As the world’s leading online platform for competitive gaming, FACEIT is leveraging the power of artificial intelligence to ensure a safe environment for its global — and growing — 25 million user community.

The FACEIT platform uses Minerva, a specialized AI technology that can understand in-game actions and other non-text chat behaviors, identifying trends that suggest poor sportsmanship beyond explicit statements.

Minerva has documented more than 4 billion messages on the esports platform and has implemented more than 5 million corrective actions to improve player interactions and police bad behaviors.

FACEIT is the digital platform offering of ESL FACEIT Group, a gaming and esports company procured for $1.5 billion in 2022 by Saudi Arabia’s Savvy Games Group, which is 100 percent owned by the country’s Public Investment Fund.

The industry as a whole is already immensely profitable. In 2023, the global online gaming market generated approximately $26.14 billion in revenue, which translates to 9.8 percent growth compared to the previous year, according to Statista.

Saudi Arabia is considered a key market. A report by the US-Saudi Business Council found that more than 68 percent of young Saudi Arabia citizens and 58 percent of the population as a whole self-identify as gamers

Opinion

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According to Maria Laura “Lulu” Scuri, vice president of labs and community integrity at ESL FACEIT Group, more than 80 percent of gamers have reported experiencing harassment in a multiplayer game, while 28 percent stopped playing their favorite games because of toxic behaviors.

“Toxicity and harassment take many shapes and forms, ranging from in-game actions (griefing and sabotaging teammates) to verbal and text abuse (mic spam, insults and cursing) to targeted attacks based on a player’s identity (sexism, racism and more),” Scuri told Arab News.

“Negative in-game interactions make it more difficult for individuals to enjoy their play time, forge meaningful relationships with others, and connect with a community that, overall, tends to provide a positive experience.”




Maria Laura “Lulu” Scuri.

Scuri says AI tools like Minerva help human moderators make quicker and better decisions to fight toxicity at a scale that would not otherwise be possible.

“These systems don’t only protect users but encourage positive play, be it by acknowledging players’ impact on improving their community and the FACEIT platform.”

Scuri says the system is “almost human” in its judgment and performance “thanks to the wealth of data Minerva has analyzed.”




To ensure a safe environment, Minerva provides anti-cheat and chat moderation. (Screen grab from FACEIT platform)

“The AI has a human-like understanding of interpersonal interactions. For example, not every curse word or piece of slang is malicious,” she said.

“Instead, Minerva looks for patterns in behavior and the full context of text and voice messages to determine if behavior is worthy of a flag. As a whole, this work allows FACEIT to not only efficiently identify bad behavior, but do so at a scale that meaningfully shapes how players experience their favorite games.”

Popular multiplayer first-person shooter game “Counter-Strike 2” was released on the FACEIT platform in September last year, allowing players to join communities. In addition, they can join or host matches on private servers, participate in community tournaments, or qualify for the FACEIT Pro League.

DID YOUKNOW?

• FACEIT is an esports platform founded in 2012 that administers leagues for games including ‘Counter-Strike 2,’ ‘League of Legends,’ ‘Rocket League,’ and ‘Rainbow Six Siege.’

• In 2022, FACEIT and esports company ESL were acquired by Savvy Games Group, a holding company owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, for a combined $1.5 billion.

• FACEIT’s Minerva engine is a specialized AI technology that analyzes and moderates text, audio and the behavioral data of players to detect toxicity and other abuses.

To ensure a safe environment, Minerva provides anti-cheat and chat moderation.

“Each game title and community is different, and moderation needs to reflect that,” said Scuri. “Whether it be adjusting to the ways players communicate with each other — text, voice and more — or the in-game actions that correlate with bad behavior, context is key.

“Instead of just punishing bad behavior, FACEIT is taking steps to reward positive play, encouraging the players who make a strong, positive impact in-game to continue to set an example for their community.”




(Screen grab from FACEIT platform)

There are, however, several punishments that Minerva can dish out if users act out.

Players who violate FACEIT’s code of conduct may be temporarily banned, face multi-year suspension from participating in games or accessing their accounts, or receive a warning. Meanwhile, “cooldowns” are time-based restrictions placed on accounts for smaller infractions.

Ban lengths vary based on the severity of the offense and the number of times a user has repeated the behavior. These offenses fall into three main categories: toxicity, subversion of account integrity, and cheating.

INNUMBERS

$26.14 billion Global online gaming revenue in 2023. Source: Statista

$32.56 billion Projected global online gaming revenue in 2027.

1.13 billion Number of online gamers worldwide.

Toxicity includes acts of harassment, encouraging self-harm, spamming, posting offensive content, griefing, ghosting, blocking, team flashing or intentional team damage, abuse of the platform’s reporting system, and abuse of its live admins.

Violations of account integrity can include account sharing, ban evasion, boosting or ladder abuse, multi-accounting, and smurfing or intentional de-ranking.

If a player is caught cheating, they can be banned for two years. Any user caught evading a cheating ban on a new account will have it permanently banned and deleted. The cheating ban of the original account will also be extended for another two years.

It is hoped that the automatic detection of such violations by Minerva will make competitive gaming much fairer, match players more effectively, and ensure the online environment is both safe and enjoyable.
 

 


Meet Reman Assere, Saudi Arabia’s youngest Arabic calligraphy instructor

Meet Reman Assere, Saudi Arabia’s youngest Arabic calligraphy instructor
Updated 10 sec ago
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Meet Reman Assere, Saudi Arabia’s youngest Arabic calligraphy instructor

Meet Reman Assere, Saudi Arabia’s youngest Arabic calligraphy instructor
  • She became the youngest certified instructor at the age of just 11
  • Assere now tutors students of all ages

MAKKAH: After qualifying at just 11 years old, Reman Assere officially became Saudi Arabia’s youngest calligraphy instructor.

Her journey started in fifth grade, sparked by a school activity. She began with basic exercises but, with continuous practice and self-learning through platforms such as YouTube, she steadily refined her skills.

Arabic calligraphy is celebrated for its variety of styles, including Kufic, Naskh, Thuluth, Diwani, and Ruq’ah, each with a unique character and distinct lettering technique. (Supplied)

Her ambitions and her love of the art drove her to undertake professional training in Kufic calligraphy, believed to be the earliest example of a universal style of Arabic calligraphy. Once qualified, she was registered on the Ministry of Culture’s official platform, Al-Khattat.

What truly set her apart and caught people’s attention was her relentless dedication to learning. Even during vacations, she practiced tirelessly, seeking out special events and connecting with other calligraphers.

FASTFACT

Reman Assere’s ambitions and her love of the art drove her to undertake professional training in Kufic calligraphy.

Now aged 15, Assere told Arab News that her professional training was carried out under the guidance Shurooq Al-Harbi. She also highlighted the pivotal role played in her development by Prof. Siraj Al-Omari, whose ongoing support and encouragement were instrumental.

Today, Assere has become proficient in both in writing and teaching Kufic calligraphy and is expanding her expertise to include the Diwani style.

Reman Assere

However, her journey has been far from easy. A lack of calligraphy institutes in her native region of Abha posed considerable challenges and meant she had to rely on online courses or travel to other cities.

It was worth it, however. Her numerous awards include first place in the 2023 Cultural Skills Competition and the Ministry of Education’s National Olympiad for Arabic Calligraphy. She has also demonstrated her talents at prominent events, such as the Layalina Festival in Wadi Al-Dawasir and the Abha Shopping and Entertainment Festival.

Arabic calligraphy is celebrated for its variety of styles, including Kufic, Naskh, Thuluth, Diwani, and Ruq’ah, each with a unique character and distinct lettering technique. (Supplied)

Assere has also led courses at the Holy Mosque Library in Makkah and organized calligraphy workshops in schools.

Today, she is recognized as one of the most influential trainers in Arabic calligraphy, teaching across all age groups. She takes pride in seeing her students compete in calligraphy competitions, a testament to the success of her approach and teaching methods.

Reman Assere has become proficient in both in writing and teaching Kufic calligraphy and is expanding her expertise to include the Diwani style. (Supplied)

Even in an age of rapid technological advancements, Assere is confident that calligraphy’s unique beauty will endure. She believes the future is bright for students and trainees, as the art of calligraphy continues to inspire and cultivate creativity.

She explained how the beauty of Arabic calligraphy is in the balance and harmony of its letters, with fluid lines that interlace. For Assere, Arabic calligraphy not only captures the essence and grace of the Arabic language, but it also allows the writer to convey thoughts and emotions.

Arabic calligraphy is celebrated for its variety of styles, including Kufic, Naskh, Thuluth, Diwani, and Ruq’ah, each with a unique character and distinct lettering technique. Rooted in precise geometric principles, Arabic calligraphy achieves a harmonious visual balance, allowing for flexibility in letter formation, overlapping designs, and intricate decorative motifs.

Assere said: “The beauty of Arabic calligraphy extends beyond writing; it is a visual art that enhances both artworks and decorations. Over time, it has become a cultural symbol that embodies Arab and Islamic identity.”

 

 


Saudi Arabia’s urban planning on display at WUF

Saudi Arabia’s urban planning on display at WUF
Updated 42 min 4 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia’s urban planning on display at WUF

Saudi Arabia’s urban planning on display at WUF
  • The pavilion highlighted prominent Saudi infrastructure development initiatives, in line with international quality standards, that meet the needs of residents and visitors of Saudi cities

CAIRO: The Saudi pavilion at the World Urban Forum in Cairo this week hosted a series of workshops and bilateral meetings on the Kingdom’s strategies and projects in comprehensive urban planning.

The Saudi presence also underlined the positive effect of these strategies on achieving sustainable urban development and improving the quality of life in Saudi cities, in line with the goals of Vision 2030.

Through representatives and officials of the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and more than 30 national entities, the Saudi pavilion showed the Kingdom’s efforts to adopt and expand comprehensive urban planning practices focused on sustainability, and apply the requirement to study environmental impact in municipal and investment projects.

The meetings highlighted the concept of smart municipalities aimed at improving the quality of municipal services in Saudi regions and adopting modern technologies and enhanced municipal regulations for smart city policies, as well as the use of artificial intelligence technologies and data in improving the quality of life.

The pavilion highlighted prominent Saudi infrastructure development initiatives, in line with international quality standards, that meet the needs of residents and visitors of Saudi cities, the Saudi Press Agency reported, in addition to urban landscape development projects and visual distortion treatment projects.

 

 


Saudi foreign minister, Blinken discuss regional crises

Saudi foreign minister, Blinken discuss regional crises
Updated 08 November 2024
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Saudi foreign minister, Blinken discuss regional crises

Saudi foreign minister, Blinken discuss regional crises
  • Two discussed ongoing efforts to address the issues in Gaza and Lebanon

RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan spoke on the phone on Friday with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Saudi Press Agency reported.

During the call, they reviewed regional issues, with a particular focus on Gaza and Lebanon and ongoing efforts to address the issues there, SPA added.

In a separate call on Friday with UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, Blinken stressed the need to stop the fighting in Sudan and the need to support efforts to form a civilian government, the State Department said.

Blinken also discussed the need to expand humanitarian access to Sudan and thanked the UAE for its provision of aid for Gaza and Lebanon, according to a State Department statement.


Saudi health minister unveils new healthcare projects in Qassim

Saudi health minister unveils new healthcare projects in Qassim
Updated 41 min 28 sec ago
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Saudi health minister unveils new healthcare projects in Qassim

Saudi health minister unveils new healthcare projects in Qassim
  • Saudi Health Minister’s visit marked the inauguration of several healthcare projects, including 54 initiatives valued at more than SR 448 million ($119.4 million)

BURAIDAH: Saudi Health Minister Fahad Al-Jalajel visited Qassim to review several healthcare projects designed to enhance the quality, efficiency and accessibility of medical services for residents.

These initiatives align with the objectives of the Health Sector Transformation Program, a key component of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which aims to foster a “vibrant society” enjoying a healthy and prosperous life, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

His visit marked the inauguration of several healthcare projects, including 54 initiatives valued at more than SR 448 million ($119.4 million). Among these were key projects under the Qassim Health Cluster, such as the dental center in Unaizah, along with community-supported initiatives worth nearly SR102 million.

Highlights included the Prince Faisal bin Mishaal Fertility Center in Buraidah, the Abdullah Saleh Al-Othaim Diabetes Treatment Center at Al-Rass General Hospital, the Al-Rajhi Bank Cardiac Catheterization Center, and several other specialized healthcare facilities.

 


Saudi Arabia highlights global humanitarian efforts at G20 Parliamentary Summit in Brazil

Mishaal bin Fahm Al-Sulami, deputy speaker of Saudi Arabia’s Shoura Council, took part in the 10th Summit of G20 Parliamentary S
Mishaal bin Fahm Al-Sulami, deputy speaker of Saudi Arabia’s Shoura Council, took part in the 10th Summit of G20 Parliamentary S
Updated 08 November 2024
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Saudi Arabia highlights global humanitarian efforts at G20 Parliamentary Summit in Brazil

Mishaal bin Fahm Al-Sulami, deputy speaker of Saudi Arabia’s Shoura Council, took part in the 10th Summit of G20 Parliamentary S
  • Mishaal bin Fahm Al-Sulami, deputy speaker of Saudi Arabia’s Shoura Council, made the comments during the 10th Summit of G20 Parliamentary Speakers held in Brazil

RIYADH: Mishaal bin Fahm Al-Sulami, deputy speaker of Saudi Arabia’s Shoura Council, commended Brazil’s initiative to launch the Global Alliance to Combat Hunger and Poverty, affirming that Saudi Arabia has been a member of the alliance since May 2024, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

This came during the 10th Summit of G20 Parliamentary Speakers held in Brasilia, Brazil, focusing on the theme “Parliaments for a Fair World and a Sustainable Planet.”

Al-Sulami led the Kingdom’s delegation at the international gathering, revealing that Riyadh would host the UN Conference on Land and Drought in December.

The deputy speaker elaborated on Saudi Arabia’s comprehensive approach to addressing poverty and hunger through the efforts of the government and the Shoura Council, which have created a social safety net through various support programs, the Social Development Bank, and the contribution of charitable organizations.

On the international front, Saudi Arabia’s humanitarian contributions have been substantial, SPA reported. From 1975 to 2024, the Kingdom provided nearly $133 billion in development assistance, reaching 171 countries worldwide. This aid has supported over 7,090 humanitarian and development projects. Currently, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre manages 1,700 projects aimed at combating hunger and poverty around the world.

Al-Sulami highlighted Saudi Arabia’s commitment to workplace equality through its adoption of ILO Conventions 100 and 111. The Kingdom’s laws ensure equal pay and employment opportunities, with no discrimination between men and women in jobs and wages. These efforts have yielded significant results, with female participation in the labor market reaching 37 percent by 2023, exceeding expectations set in the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

The Kingdom has also provided $187 million in urgent relief to Gaza, along with $1.6 billion in development and humanitarian assistance, according to SPA.

Saudi Arabia launched the Global Alliance for the Two-State Solution in partnership with other Arab and Islamic countries, the EU, and Norway, hosting its first meeting in Riyadh on Oct. 30, 2024. Following the extraordinary Arab-Islamic Summit held in Riyadh on Nov. 11, 2023, the Kingdom announced another edition of the summit scheduled for Nov. 11, 2024. These efforts aim to achieve an immediate ceasefire, end the Israeli occupation, provide relief to the Palestinian people, and establish an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, in line with UN Security Council resolutions.

The P20 summit addressed several crucial topics, including parliamentary contributions to fighting hunger, poverty, and inequality; the role of parliaments in sustainable development; and adapting parliamentary systems to 21st-century governance challenges. Iman Al-Jubreen, a member of the Shoura Council delegation, presented a working paper on women’s representation in decision-making positions, sharing Saudi Arabia’s experience in women’s empowerment.