Hearing the Problem: Modulate’s Journey Bringing Real-time Safety to Call of Duty
October 14, 2025
Case Synopsis
Exposure to hostile rhetoric and toxic harassment is commonplace in online gaming sites and, in some cases, leads to radicalization and real-world hostility. Despite mounting evidence that live voice chat is one of the primary vectors for the dissemination of extremist ideology in games, most publishers have been reluctant to address the problem proactively, citing both player-privacy expectations and the technical complexity of moderating real-time communications. In 2023, Activision partnered with Modulate, a Boston-based start-up, to deploy ToxMod, the first scalable, real-time voice-moderation system purpose-built for games. Early results published by Activision and Modulate in late 2023 were striking. From late August through October, the number of players exposed to severe instances of toxic voice chat dropped by about 50%, while retention among players in voice-moderated lobbies rose 28%.
This case traces how Modulate’s founders developed a mission-driven safety platform, the commercial and ethical hurdles they overcame to win Activision’s business, and what their experience reveals about the wider challenges of governing user communications in immersive social platforms.
How to Use This Case Study
This case is built for flexible use in the classroom, in workshops, or in professional training. Readers should review the story and learning objectives before the session, then use the discussion questions to explore the business, ethical, and regulatory dilemmas it raises. Instructors can adapt the material for group exercises, role- plays, or open conversation, depending on time and setting. The goal is to help participants think critically about how technology companies can balance safety, privacy, and business pressures.
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