Appreciate your perspective, really, but I think it would be better to spend your time talking about the game itself vs what you admit are a handful of bad actors.
In it's current state, it doesn't sound like it can properly be judged. Other players are stating the current problems that make it unplayable, which of course, would get the same response.
===========
Ratings, ah, yes. Let's forget "PSO2 The Animation", which confusingly even got an English dub before the game was even brought over.
Despite the RATING of the game in Japan, they have a watchable 12 episode AD for the game featuring all age-ranges enjoying the game daily, notably the extras being in grade school. Aside how awful EP4, furthered by the game/anime's "I'm a genius", "OH NO!" plot, it got it's point made of PSO2 being enjoyable for all ages. (Things would be different when compared to Episode Oracle.)
Let's also not forget PSO2 Cloud and how it also gave the Link outfit, and Link has never been rated M. Plus the Switch. It is the all-ages console whose ads primarily target parents and their teens/kids, or teens/kids playing with other teens/kids.
Then there's this fact. PSO2 is... AN MMORPG. An online game is always a license. A contract you sign to play. Not different from a digital game purchase.
If I wanted to see half that crap, I'd draw it myself or go to pixiv/other venues. This low-leveled "culture" is offensive to those with standards.
"You hereby warrant and represent that any User-Generated Content which you synchronise with the Game Software and/or Game Footage shall not be discriminatory, racist, obscene, libelous, offensive, illegal, defamatory, inappropriate, invasive, or likely to adversely affect the reputation or goodwill of SEGA."
Legal language aside, Symbol Art is user-generated content, along with the fact you can have "those" displayed on your Twitch -and- be held liable for it if SEGA wanted to be corrupt and twist the terms to their liking. This can butterfly pretty horrendously, but no. Let's give an idiot a pass, right?
=================================
SEGA does crack down on Symbol Art but it's obviously difficult. The low-effort "meme" ones are widespread; you can only pass out bans to people and hope others learn to not use them. That's the only way to actually truly remove a SA. Fear.
I've reported a few myself, one notable especially because it was worse than a loli; they had to make it explicitly a child, text and all. As if the growing loli obsession wasn't bad enough. "Can't play PSO2NA because loli must be below a certain height" is the common gaijin sentiment..
All would be fine if these idiots kept their pathetic SA private/used them in private channels. Unless their "friends" report them, they can use them as much as they want. In public? Don't force your sad excuse of a kink onto the world...
All SEGA can do is throw down bans, but they're only ever temporary unless it's a repeat offender being banned. On the rare occasion, we'll get an adult baby crying about how "unfair" it is that they got banned despite throwing down "hundreds", aside their "IDC" attitude in-game. Don't invest if you can't have fun, and obviously don't invest if you're going to go against the terms of services.
(Aside the fact that all ToS/T&C blatantly state they can ban you for whatever reason they want.)
"SAO's Legend", a crappy browser-based MMORPG, title obvious.
It had a part of it's terms of services where they CAN infect your PC and they will NOT be liable for it. This is why you read before you sign.
I don't care too much about the avatars, but yes it does seem odd to me people want to run round looking like little girls; I prefer to play games without them but I would not boycott a game just for that. However, the idea of being able to share pictures in game is daft and just trouble waiting to happen.
The community, well a hefty portion of it, sucks in a lot of games. I've played very few where I didn't block communal channels in short order. I'm sure if I played this game I'd be applying whatever blocking features it has with enthusiasm.
Our receptionist while dealing with one of our more annoying sub contractors as she explained why we would not sign off on their over inflated invoice, and were in the process of reviving what they will be officially receiving, well, after getting hit with a barrage of insults by this contractor, she retorted by calling them a Warm Toilet Seat (Forgive me, I forget the rest, as I lost it laughing my ass off at that line).
Now, sure that resulted in the contractor storming into our office demanding an apology, and all their money, this was after they slung a barrage of profanity at our receptionist, and my boss, in less polite words then calling them a Warm Toilet Seat, mind you, told them in no uncertain terms, that there was no way in hell they were getting either.
Since then, I have been waiting for the time when I can use the line Warm Toilet Seat, in a appropriate way... I often just botch the moment and throw out profanity when I am upset with people, but, still, that was a lovely insult.
It also taught me, you can truly rip people down, and not say anything technically bad.
Which is why, among pompous gamers that think they are the mental elite, trying to control chat, is a lost cause.
At best, we can block the obvious, but when people seek creative ways to put you down, lets say, no filter was going to work on someone like a Receptionist.. she was and still is a rare gem in our industry.. never cusses, but she is gifted in making you feel like you got verbally torn apart.
Egotism is the anesthetic that dullens the pain of stupidity, this is why when I try to beat my head against the stupidity of other people, I only hurt myself.
Our receptionist while dealing with one of our more annoying sub contractors as she explained why we would not sign off on their over inflated invoice, and were in the process of reviving what they will be officially receiving, well, after getting hit with a barrage of insults by this contractor, she retorted by calling them a Warm Toilet Seat (Forgive me, I forget the rest, as I lost it laughing my ass off at that line).
Now, sure that resulted in the contractor storming into our office demanding an apology, and all their money, this was after they slung a barrage of profanity at our receptionist, and my boss, in less polite words then calling them a Warm Toilet Seat, mind you, told them in no uncertain terms, that there was no way in hell they were getting either.
Since then, I have been waiting for the time when I can use the line Warm Toilet Seat, in a appropriate way... I often just botch the moment and throw out profanity when I am upset with people, but, still, that was a lovely insult.
It also taught me, you can truly rip people down, and not say anything technically bad.
Which is why, among pompous gamers that think they are the mental elite, trying to control chat, is a lost cause.
At best, we can block the obvious, but when people seek creative ways to put you down, lets say, no filter was going to work on someone like a Receptionist.. she was and still is a rare gem in our industry.. never cusses, but she is gifted in making you feel like you got verbally torn apart.
The goal of moderation in games usually shouldn't be to eliminate all insults. Rather, the goal is to get rid of trolls saying, "Look at me! Look how gratuitously offensive I can be!"
Just turn off the feature on your side if you can't handle it.
Obviously, whenever a system like this exists, people are going to make hentai and pictures of dicks. It's a given. Should we disable voice chat in video games because people can say mean things that hurt your feelings? What about text chat?
Making articles like this is how these systems get disabled, ruining the feature for everyone because you can't take it. The game is rated M, kids aren't supposed to be playing it anyways so stop using the "I can't recommend it to kids" as an excuse.
Rather then the symbol art which is easily ignored, talk more about the unbearable lag that also plagued the PSO2 western launch that made the game near unplayable. That seem more like a real game issue the complaining about people randomly spamming symbol arts.
Making articles like this is how these systems get disabled, ruining the feature for everyone because you can't take it. The game is rated M, kids aren't supposed to be playing it anyways so stop using the "I can't recommend it to kids" as an excuse.
So everyone who doesn't like being forced to look at this stuff, HAS to disable it? So they don't get to use the system because people who break the rules do? Hypocritical.
M is for 17+ not 18+. Interesting how in the US you couldn't go to a convenience store or "specialty" shop and buy a video or magazine or go to a strip club if you were under 18, even if it didn't serve alcohol - yet 17+ games supposedly just get a pass because... well, they don't.
Most games that feature explicit images are rated 18+.
Audio chat and text are different. Most games, PSO2 included have a profanity filter. It's turned on by default. So players can't see profanity but they can see full, unfiltered sex acts? Local audio chat, if disabled in game, doesn't disable audio chat for everyone. You can still use audio chat on your PC, Xbox, etc. Not good examples on your end.
Making articles like this is how these systems get disabled, ruining the feature for everyone because you can't take it. The game is rated M, kids aren't supposed to be playing it anyways so stop using the "I can't recommend it to kids" as an excuse.
So everyone who doesn't like being forced to look at this stuff, HAS to disable it? So they don't get to use the system because people who break the rules do? Hypocritical.
M is for 17+ not 18+. Interesting how in the US you couldn't go to a convenience store or "specialty" shop and buy a video or magazine or go to a strip club if you were under 18, even if it didn't serve alcohol - yet 17+ games supposedly just get a pass because... well, they don't.
Most games that feature explicit images are rated 18+.
Audio chat and text are different. Most games, PSO2 included have a profanity filter. It's turned on by default. So players can't see profanity but they can see full, unfiltered sex acts? Local audio chat, if disabled in game, doesn't disable audio chat for everyone. You can still use audio chat on your PC, Xbox, etc. Not good examples on your end.
Perhaps we can start from a different angle. What does being able to swap images bring to a MMO? What is it giving gameplay wise that every MMO needs, mature or not? That leads me to thinking it is gratuitous and just asking for trouble.
Is it FF that has a way of communicating by selected phrases? That is an amazing system, I would not say we need it in every MMO but it validates itself for MMO gameplay. This does not, pure and simple as that.
Making articles like this is how these systems get disabled, ruining the feature for everyone because you can't take it. The game is rated M, kids aren't supposed to be playing it anyways so stop using the "I can't recommend it to kids" as an excuse.
So everyone who doesn't like being forced to look at this stuff, HAS to disable it? So they don't get to use the system because people who break the rules do? Hypocritical.
M is for 17+ not 18+. Interesting how in the US you couldn't go to a convenience store or "specialty" shop and buy a video or magazine or go to a strip club if you were under 18, even if it didn't serve alcohol - yet 17+ games supposedly just get a pass because... well, they don't.
Most games that feature explicit images are rated 18+.
Audio chat and text are different. Most games, PSO2 included have a profanity filter. It's turned on by default. So players can't see profanity but they can see full, unfiltered sex acts? Local audio chat, if disabled in game, doesn't disable audio chat for everyone. You can still use audio chat on your PC, Xbox, etc. Not good examples on your end.
Pretty much, although one would think some of the images would violate their TOS and those showing them could be reported for that.
However, if they fail to take action all that's left is using the tools they provide to filter out what you'd rather not see.
I played this game a lot and I can tell you they don't go away. I know from what was discussed in our guild that people have reported them but I think they get banned for like a day or something because they will be back. You have to block the images you don't want to see or the whole feature which is terrible because you'll miss out on some of the art that is done really well. I have found some rare gems and humour in them.
Symbol art requires skill because you make rubbish if you do not know how to use it. I could never make anything but a basic face but people have come up with masterpieces. I do not advocate removing anything this creative for any reason. There are sites where you can copy some of the art to use in game.
Making articles like this is how these systems get disabled, ruining the feature for everyone because you can't take it. The game is rated M, kids aren't supposed to be playing it anyways so stop using the "I can't recommend it to kids" as an excuse.
So everyone who doesn't like being forced to look at this stuff, HAS to disable it? So they don't get to use the system because people who break the rules do? Hypocritical.
M is for 17+ not 18+. Interesting how in the US you couldn't go to a convenience store or "specialty" shop and buy a video or magazine or go to a strip club if you were under 18, even if it didn't serve alcohol - yet 17+ games supposedly just get a pass because... well, they don't.
Most games that feature explicit images are rated 18+.
Audio chat and text are different. Most games, PSO2 included have a profanity filter. It's turned on by default. So players can't see profanity but they can see full, unfiltered sex acts? Local audio chat, if disabled in game, doesn't disable audio chat for everyone. You can still use audio chat on your PC, Xbox, etc. Not good examples on your end.
That's the thing, the mage itself not feature it, that counts as player content.
Just to give you an example.
Minecraft is rated E - Everyone.
But, only applies to what the game provides, this does not apply to any kind of user generated content, nor does that apply to chat either, so someone talking about their sex life in chat, even if it not profane, it is still a very adult themed discussion and would remove the E rating, but again, Chat and all UGC is not rated, as such, making profane words from blocks, or making sexual objects does not count for this rating either.
It is what it is.
Egotism is the anesthetic that dullens the pain of stupidity, this is why when I try to beat my head against the stupidity of other people, I only hurt myself.
It's because they allow stupid people to show their stupidity. The developers should know better that stupid people play these games.
There are two options:
1. Disable the feature
2. Allow a report system and people who post inappropriate stuff and are subsequently reported are banned permanently. Also before the implementation of this, on the same day, announce that those who report inappropriate stuff are going to get in-game rewards and those who have inappropriate stuff are going to get permanently banned, see how it will all work itself out soon.
to each their own. to call someone stupid shows your ignorance and disdain towards anyone that doenst think like you.
Too heavy moderation in games make it boring, so what if there are explicit images, its not a western game and asian culture gaming has different standards.
I played this game a lot and I can tell you they don't go away. I know from what was discussed in our guild that people have reported them but I think they get banned for like a day or something because they will be back. You have to block the images you don't want to see or the whole feature which is terrible because you'll miss out on some of the art that is done really well. I have found some rare gems and humour in them.
Symbol art requires skill because you make rubbish if you do not know how to use it. I could never make anything but a basic face but people have come up with masterpieces. I do not advocate removing anything this creative for any reason. There are sites where you can copy some of the art to use in game.
So there is a penalty, but so minor it isn't much of a deterrent. That does make the situation one the player must personally address.
It's because they allow stupid people to show their stupidity. The developers should know better that stupid people play these games.
There are two options:
1. Disable the feature
2. Allow a report system and people who post inappropriate stuff and are subsequently reported are banned permanently. Also before the implementation of this, on the same day, announce that those who report inappropriate stuff are going to get in-game rewards and those who have inappropriate stuff are going to get permanently banned, see how it will all work itself out soon.
While it's true such things tend to be abused by some people, you're not in a position to dictate options here. Rather, you are the one with limited options.
You can:
1. Use the provided tools so you don't see what you'd rather not.
Perhaps we can start from a different angle. What does being able to swap images bring to a MMO? What is it giving gameplay wise that every MMO needs, mature or not? That leads me to thinking it is gratuitous and just asking for trouble.
Is it FF that has a way of communicating by selected phrases? That is an amazing system, I would not say we need it in every MMO but it validates itself for MMO gameplay. This does not, pure and simple as that.
Well, it's the same answer as, what does swapping emojis bring to a text message. Nothing is required, but sometimes it makes getting your point across a little easier. One of my favorite emojis is the person shrugging emoji, because it's a lot easier to do that then say "I don't know" or whatever. Same thing with using the thumbs up.
They have premade chat options too, a lot of auto chat features... but the symbol chat adds just a little more fun. Is it necessary? Well, not really, but chat isn't necessary either.
Perhaps we can start from a different angle. What does being able to swap images bring to a MMO? What is it giving gameplay wise that every MMO needs, mature or not? That leads me to thinking it is gratuitous and just asking for trouble.
Is it FF that has a way of communicating by selected phrases? That is an amazing system, I would not say we need it in every MMO but it validates itself for MMO gameplay. This does not, pure and simple as that.
Well, it's the same answer as, what does swapping emojis bring to a text message. Nothing is required, but sometimes it makes getting your point across a little easier. One of my favorite emojis is the person shrugging emoji, because it's a lot easier to do that then say "I don't know" or whatever. Same thing with using the thumbs up.
They have premade chat options too, a lot of auto chat features... but the symbol chat adds just a little more fun. Is it necessary? Well, not really, but chat isn't necessary either.
Ok, so why can't the game just have players being able to swap emojis in chat bubbles, I am sure we would all be fine with that?
Perhaps we can start from a different angle. What does being able to swap images bring to a MMO? What is it giving gameplay wise that every MMO needs, mature or not? That leads me to thinking it is gratuitous and just asking for trouble.
Is it FF that has a way of communicating by selected phrases? That is an amazing system, I would not say we need it in every MMO but it validates itself for MMO gameplay. This does not, pure and simple as that.
Well, it's the same answer as, what does swapping emojis bring to a text message. Nothing is required, but sometimes it makes getting your point across a little easier. One of my favorite emojis is the person shrugging emoji, because it's a lot easier to do that then say "I don't know" or whatever. Same thing with using the thumbs up.
They have premade chat options too, a lot of auto chat features... but the symbol chat adds just a little more fun. Is it necessary? Well, not really, but chat isn't necessary either.
Ok, so why can't the game just have players being able to swap emojis in chat bubbles, I am sure we would all be fine with that?
Symbol Art is actually made by players not something you copy from the net like emojis. It involves players showing off their talent. There is a huge difference. Emojis don't require any effort this is actually art. You draw it out using a combination of the symbols. They don't look like anything much until you combine them.
Here's a video to explain he shows the process in it.
Why would anyone be fine about removing this tool. Just because some people abuse it does not make it something you just take away.
Perhaps we can start from a different angle. What does being able to swap images bring to a MMO? What is it giving gameplay wise that every MMO needs, mature or not? That leads me to thinking it is gratuitous and just asking for trouble.
Is it FF that has a way of communicating by selected phrases? That is an amazing system, I would not say we need it in every MMO but it validates itself for MMO gameplay. This does not, pure and simple as that.
Well, it's the same answer as, what does swapping emojis bring to a text message. Nothing is required, but sometimes it makes getting your point across a little easier. One of my favorite emojis is the person shrugging emoji, because it's a lot easier to do that then say "I don't know" or whatever. Same thing with using the thumbs up.
They have premade chat options too, a lot of auto chat features... but the symbol chat adds just a little more fun. Is it necessary? Well, not really, but chat isn't necessary either.
Ok, so why can't the game just have players being able to swap emojis in chat bubbles, I am sure we would all be fine with that?
Symbol Art is actually made by players not something you copy from the net like emojis. It involves players showing off their talent. There is a huge difference. Emojis don't require any effort this is actually art. You draw it out using a combination of the symbols. They don't look like anything much until you combine them.
Here's a video to explain he shows the process in it.
Why would anyone be fine about removing this tool. Just because some people abuse it does not make it something you just take away.
I can appreciate it is art, they are being very creative, but what does it bring to a MMO it really needs? Now call me a philistine if you will, but I don't see how this is needed in the MMO experience.
Lets take something different, like player music in Lotro. That can be used to create a great gaming mood, indeed it was used in roleplaying quite a lot. So I look for a similar benefit here but I can't see one.
If your argument is it is good purely because it is art then the philistine in me will have none of it.
This game has a system where you can join random groups to handle an Ark emergency. We all play as a member of Ark. Although you can form groups most times you are in with random people that can heal and rez you and most people do it for each other and we all carry skills that allow us to. You can group all day long and it is not a single player game although you can solo but the good loot come from these emergencies. People don't talk instead they use this to communicate . They introduce themselves and occasionally give instructions in them. They also use chat not saying everyone uses symbol arts but this is simply a way to show your creativity. It is not necessary but a fun addition and quite unique in how it works.
There are also lobbies where people who are especially good at symbol art show off their work. Unfortunately the vulgar and penis artists also make their rounds there. I feel it does help bring people to the lobbies and people make new friends there I'd like to think. Any activity that helps bring people together in an MMORPG is a good thing.
This is also an old game almost 9 years. They have been using these symbol arts and people who are PSO2 fans enjoy using it. I think what many fail to understand is that certain games have characteristics that once removed makes the game lose its identity. This is special to PSO2. As an old fan of the game since when I used to play it on the Japanese servers I just think that this is a complaint that can easily be handled by the individual player without destroying symbol art in the process.
This game has a system where you can join random groups to handle an Ark emergency. We all play as a member of Ark. Although you can form groups most times you are in with random people that can heal and rez you and most people do it for each other and we all carry skills that allow us to. You can group all day long and it is not a single player game although you can solo but the good loot come from these emergencies. People don't talk instead they use this to communicate . They introduce themselves and occasionally give instructions in them. They also use chat not saying everyone uses symbol arts but this is simply a way to show your creativity. It is not necessary but a fun addition and quite unique in how it works.
There are also lobbies where people who are especially good at symbol art show off their work. Unfortunately the vulgar and penis artists also make their rounds there. I feel it does help bring people to the lobbies and people make new friends there I'd like to think. Any activity that helps bring people together in an MMORPG is a good thing.
This is also an old game almost 9 years. They have been using these symbol arts and people who are PSO2 fans enjoy using it. I think what many fail to understand is that certain games have characteristics that once removed makes the game lose its identity. This is special to PSO2. As an old fan of the game since when I used to play it on the Japanese servers I just think that this is a complaint that can easily be handled by the individual player without destroying symbol art in the process.
I am not saying they should close the function down, I just that I don't see the need for it. Now bringing players together is a good thing, it has that but it strikes me that you could get reliant on it if you don't speak the same language. In all the best experiences I have had in MMOs the players could all understand each other, this may draw away from that. I can see how it can be fun, but it seems more like an ad on, rather than a essential part; I did not realise it was an old game, as that system has not taken off, I guess that is proof it is not.
That said, I always like diversity in what a game has to offer and this is different. But if you were to ask me to pick between player music and player pictures I would always say music, because I have seen it integrate so well. Though for roleplaying the music was more suitable than the example below.
I'm sorry. This, for me, is a no issue being blowing out of proportion. The game states its rating... it's lewd and weeb as f***. Idk what people were expecting, for real.
The game as serious issues which should be talked about. Like how endgame grind locks you behind days in gathering daily and daily quests don't respawn at same timer as daily resources which make, depending on the time you take them, impossible to complete.
Nah the other issues are just temporary problems. Not worth talking about bugs that will be fixed in a couple weeks. Symbol chat is a problem that doesn't go away.
A great feature that constantly gets abused.
I will say I've seen a lot less of the bad symbol chat in recent days. Hopefully sega is banning people.
Just turn off the feature on your side if you can't handle it.
Obviously, whenever a system like this exists, people are going to make hentai and pictures of dicks. It's a given. Should we disable voice chat in video games because people can say mean things that hurt your feelings? What about text chat?
100% agree. I turned off symbol chat since I figured I'm not missing much.
Just like voice or text - you either block after someone after the fact or you turn off the system. In the open public your gonna have people misbehaving.
And I do think it is important to let everyone know what they are getting into online.
Comments
This isn't a signature, you just think it is.
Now, sure that resulted in the contractor storming into our office demanding an apology, and all their money, this was after they slung a barrage of profanity at our receptionist, and my boss, in less polite words then calling them a Warm Toilet Seat, mind you, told them in no uncertain terms, that there was no way in hell they were getting either.
Since then, I have been waiting for the time when I can use the line Warm Toilet Seat, in a appropriate way... I often just botch the moment and throw out profanity when I am upset with people, but, still, that was a lovely insult.
It also taught me, you can truly rip people down, and not say anything technically bad.
Which is why, among pompous gamers that think they are the mental elite, trying to control chat, is a lost cause.
At best, we can block the obvious, but when people seek creative ways to put you down, lets say, no filter was going to work on someone like a Receptionist.. she was and still is a rare gem in our industry.. never cusses, but she is gifted in making you feel like you got verbally torn apart.
Obviously, whenever a system like this exists, people are going to make hentai and pictures of dicks. It's a given. Should we disable voice chat in video games because people can say mean things that hurt your feelings? What about text chat?
Making articles like this is how these systems get disabled, ruining the feature for everyone because you can't take it. The game is rated M, kids aren't supposed to be playing it anyways so stop using the "I can't recommend it to kids" as an excuse.
M is for 17+ not 18+. Interesting how in the US you couldn't go to a convenience store or "specialty" shop and buy a video or magazine or go to a strip club if you were under 18, even if it didn't serve alcohol - yet 17+ games supposedly just get a pass because... well, they don't.
Most games that feature explicit images are rated 18+.
Audio chat and text are different. Most games, PSO2 included have a profanity filter. It's turned on by default. So players can't see profanity but they can see full, unfiltered sex acts? Local audio chat, if disabled in game, doesn't disable audio chat for everyone. You can still use audio chat on your PC, Xbox, etc. Not good examples on your end.
Is it FF that has a way of communicating by selected phrases? That is an amazing system, I would not say we need it in every MMO but it validates itself for MMO gameplay. This does not, pure and simple as that.
Pretty much, although one would think some of the images would violate their TOS and those showing them could be reported for that.
However, if they fail to take action all that's left is using the tools they provide to filter out what you'd rather not see.
Symbol art requires skill because you make rubbish if you do not know how to use it. I could never make anything but a basic face but people have come up with masterpieces. I do not advocate removing anything this creative for any reason. There are sites where you can copy some of the art to use in game.
Just to give you an example.
Minecraft is rated E - Everyone.
But, only applies to what the game provides, this does not apply to any kind of user generated content, nor does that apply to chat either, so someone talking about their sex life in chat, even if it not profane, it is still a very adult themed discussion and would remove the E rating, but again, Chat and all UGC is not rated, as such, making profane words from blocks, or making sexual objects does not count for this rating either.
It is what it is.
This littel tidbit should have been in this article.
to each their own. to call someone stupid shows your ignorance and disdain towards anyone that doenst think like you.
Too heavy moderation in games make it boring, so what if there are explicit images, its not a western game and asian culture gaming has different standards.
If you dont like it, dont play it.
So there is a penalty, but so minor it isn't much of a deterrent. That does make the situation one the player must personally address.
At least some make good use of he feature.
While it's true such things tend to be abused by some people, you're not in a position to dictate options here. Rather, you are the one with limited options.
You can:
1. Use the provided tools so you don't see what you'd rather not.
2. Play something else.
They have premade chat options too, a lot of auto chat features... but the symbol chat adds just a little more fun. Is it necessary? Well, not really, but chat isn't necessary either.
Here's a video to explain he shows the process in it.
Why would anyone be fine about removing this tool. Just because some people abuse it does not make it something you just take away.
Lets take something different, like player music in Lotro. That can be used to create a great gaming mood, indeed it was used in roleplaying quite a lot. So I look for a similar benefit here but I can't see one.
If your argument is it is good purely because it is art then the philistine in me will have none of it.
There are also lobbies where people who are especially good at symbol art show off their work. Unfortunately the vulgar and penis artists also make their rounds there. I feel it does help bring people to the lobbies and people make new friends there I'd like to think. Any activity that helps bring people together in an MMORPG is a good thing.
This is also an old game almost 9 years. They have been using these symbol arts and people who are PSO2 fans enjoy using it. I think what many fail to understand is that certain games have characteristics that once removed makes the game lose its identity. This is special to PSO2. As an old fan of the game since when I used to play it on the Japanese servers I just think that this is a complaint that can easily be handled by the individual player without destroying symbol art in the process.
That said, I always like diversity in what a game has to offer and this is different. But if you were to ask me to pick between player music and player pictures I would always say music, because I have seen it integrate so well. Though for roleplaying the music was more suitable than the example below.
Lotro Music - Eye of the Tiger by Sleeping Forest Band - YouTube
A great feature that constantly gets abused.
I will say I've seen a lot less of the bad symbol chat in recent days. Hopefully sega is banning people.
Make games you want to play.
http://www.youtube.com/user/RavikAztar