- cross-posted to:
- technology@lemmy.world
- cross-posted to:
- technology@lemmy.world
In early March 2024, Discord revealed that “sponsored quests”, or ads would be added to the platform to help “support game developers” through the popular chat app.
Discord didn’t initially share a release date, or even how they’re going to implement ads into Discord’s overall design, other than mentioning that the sponsored quests would “tastefully” be integrated.
A report from The Wall Street Journal claims that Discord’s sponsored quests will be landing on the platform this week, and will be displayed at the bottom left of the app.
To everyone who’s been overusing the word “enshittification” - it’s this.
In addition, they’re forcing binding arbitration on anybody who doesn’t opt out.
To opt out, you need to send an email within 30 days of the day they go into effect. They go into effect on April 15th so you have until May 15th to opt out.
That means if you have a reason to sue Discord, you’re forbidden from doing it. Instead you’re required to use an arbitrator. Whatever they decide is official. But, don’t worry, even though Discord pays for the arbitrator and relies on them for repeat business, the arbitrator is definitely neutral.
What is the point of consumer protection laws if businesses can just write “nuh-uh?”
While I’m generally against in-app ads, I think it’s interesting to note how many people in the comments likely did not read the actual article linked. It seems that every user can entirely opt-out of seeing the ads. While they are ads, they aren’t really so in the traditional sense: you stream a developer’s game to other users on Discord and you can get gifts in Discord. Not so bad I don’t think, though I don’t use the gifts much at all, and it’ll probably be for the types of games I don’t play.
Well, I guess it’s about time I finally start moving off Discord. I always said I would wait until they did something absolutely shitty knowing it would come at some point.
I think that point is just about here.
…yet another reason to not use that pestilence.
In addition, I saw a good damned loot box in my client.
o7