Guilty Gear Strive introduces social media harassment policy after developer abuse

Arc System Works add harassment and social media rules after Guilty Gear Strive devs face online criticism

Arc System Works has introduced a social media harassment policy aimed at protecting Guilty Gear Strive staff from “personal attacks” online, following increased criticism directed at developers over recent game balance changes.

The announcement comes shortly after the May 13 balance patch, which addressed an exploit involving the character Happy Chaos.

The zoner character, who uses dual pistols to attack opponents from long range, was previously found to have a looping exploit in April’s 2.00 update that allowed players to trap opponents at full screen distance.

The issue prompted widespread discussion within the player base, including concerns about competitive fairness ahead of Evo Japan. Despite the debate, no players using Happy Chaos reached the Top 8 bracket at the event.

Following the online reaction, Arc System Works introduced two policies titled the “Customer Harassment Response Policy” and the “Social Media Policy.”

In a statement shared via the official Guilty Gear account on X, the company said the measures are intended to “foster better communication” with players while ensuring staff are protected from harassment.

The Customer Harassment Policy outlines prohibited conduct including “acts of intimidation, threats, and physical assault,” as well as “insulting, discriminatory, or sexual remarks, personal attacks, threats of harm, and threats of business obstruction.”

It also prohibits “dissemination of false information online, invasion of privacy, and demands for excessive service,” along with “demand for apologies or monetary compensation without reasonable cause.”

Violations may result in suspension from Arc System Works services, reporting of social media accounts, and in some cases legal action or criminal proceedings.

The Social Media Policy similarly bans “defaming, libeling, or damaging the reputation or credibility of us, other customers, or other third parties” and other behaviour deemed inappropriate by the company.