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PLAY SMART, LOOK SHARP
THE GAMERS' CODE OF CONDUCT

All gamers, take note! There is a certain code of conduct that you should live (or die) by.

OH, BEHAVE!

Gaming is good, clean fun. Do not use your avatar for lewd activities.

CASUAL'S COOL

When deciding what to wear to gaming centres, chuck your school uniform for something that says "casual-but-cool''. Um, do not dress up as one of your avatars.

DON'T BE SELFISH

In massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs) like World Of Warcraft, group players loot only after all the mobs (enemies) in the area have been killed. Picking up valuables before the fight is over is unfair and may endanger your comrades still engaged in combat.

CLEAN UP AFTER YOURSELF

If difficult battles get you sweating under the collar, bring a piece of tissue to wipe the mouse and keyboard when you're done.

PLAY TO YOUR STRENGTH

If you are the healer of the group, be sure to take note of everyone's health bar and heal accordingly and quickly. If you are the tank (main fighter), lead the group to front-load damage. In other words, know your character and play to its strengths.

MIND YOUR MANNERS

Calling people names and using vulgarities are strongly discouraged. Ill-feeling within a team can cause conflict, and conflict between just two players is enough to bring the whole team down in a difficult battle.

LOSE WITH GRACE

In one-on-one combat situations, do not be a sore loser. Learn from your mistakes so you improve.

NO CHEATING

Whether in school, or in Azeroth, cheating is for losers. Real gamers appreciate the hard work put in to gain levels and are impressed with players equipped with difficult to impossible-to-get gear. If you have not earned it, do not pretend you did.

TAKE A BREAK!

Many real-time games include on-screen clocks that keep track of time. But if for you, five hours feels more like five minutes, make sure you set the alarm on your mobile phone so you are not late for dinner. Remember, most games reward players with experience points for letting their avatars "rest''.


Got any nasty gaming experiences? Tell us in Stink and Spill!