A recent social experiment conducted by two Arc Raiders players suggests a notable difference in player behavior between PC and console lobbies when cross-play is enabled. The findings indicate that PC players tend to be more cooperative and less aggressive compared to their console counterparts, leading one participant to vow against using cross-play in the future.
Key Takeaways
- PC players in Arc Raiders exhibit a higher degree of friendliness and willingness to cooperate than console players.
- Console players, particularly on PS5, reported more instances of being shot on sight and less positive interactions.
- The use of proximity chat appears to be a significant factor in de-escalating conflicts and fostering cooperation.
The Experiment
Two Arc Raiders enthusiasts, one playing on PC and the other on PS5, decided to conduct a week-long test to gauge player friendliness across platforms. Both players turned off cross-play to isolate their experiences within their respective platform’s servers. Their objective was to approach other players with a non-aggressive stance, explain their need for resources to upgrade benches, and suggest cooperation or peaceful extraction.
Contrasting Experiences
The results painted a stark contrast. The player on PS5 encountered a significantly higher number of hostile players, with "shooting on sight" being a common occurrence. This led to a need for a more cautious and untrusting playstyle. In contrast, the PC player reported a much friendlier environment, characterized by more instances of wishing luck, successful team-ups, and even occasional trading.
Data and Observations
Over the week, the PC player interacted with 172 individuals, with 47 shooting on sight and only 17 extracting together. The PS5 player, however, interacted with 237 players, experiencing 102 instances of being shot on sight and only seven successful cooperative extractions. This translated to approximately 79% negative interactions on PS5 lobbies versus 33% on PC lobbies.
Factors Influencing Behavior
While acknowledging the experiment’s limitations, the article suggests that the availability of voice communication (proximity chat) plays a crucial role. Hearing a voice can often diffuse tense situations and prevent unnecessary combat. Regional differences were also noted, with North American servers showing more communication than EU servers, though not necessarily more friendliness.
Conclusion
The experiment strongly suggests that PC players in Arc Raiders are generally more inclined towards cooperation. While the game offers both aggressive and chill experiences depending on the mode, players seeking a more amicable environment might consider disabling cross-play, as one participant concluded, "I am never playing the game on cross-play ever again."
