Meet Renata Pedroza from Keywords Studios in Mexico!
Staff Spotlight – Fresh from the launch of our new Trust & Safety Services, we are thrilled to introduce our superheroes on the frontline, helping to protect the video games community from harmful and abusive content.
Like superheroes, moderators show up every day and help people in need, often without any recognition of the invaluable services they provide. Their role in making the internet a safer place couldn’t be more crucial. That’s why we’re so excited to introduce the real people behind the superhero masks.
To kick off this series, we recently caught up with Renata Pedroza, Trust and Safety Moderator at Keywords Studios in Mexico, to discuss life as a moderator in the video games industry.
What inspired your journey to Keywords and the video games industry as a whole?
I’ve always been aware of the potential hazards that come with being online but growing up it seemed that many kids weren’t and for gamers, the level of protection against harmful content was very different to now.
I’ve been passionate about video games since I was young, and using this passion to help make the community a better place is what motivates me. Video games have been a safe space for me and I think it’s so important for everyone to have a place they can go to switch off. For that to happen though, we have to ensure we provide healthy and safe spaces for these communities to thrive.
Describe a typical day in the life of a superhero/moderator.
I wake up every day with the aim of doing the best I possibly can. Throughout the course of a day, we can analyse up to a hundred conversations, trusting both our policies and our gut in deciding whether something needs further attention. As moderators, we are exposed to all kinds of content but most of the time it’s just wholesome conversations.
For me, spending time with my significant other and switching off from work helps deal with the challenges of the role. And if I come across anything potentially distressing, my leads are always there for emotional support.
Why is moderation so important in video gaming?
As moderators, we act as protectors for the gaming community. We do our best every day to protect those most vulnerable, like children, and redirect urgent cases to the relevant authorities.
What are some of the challenges that come with the moderation process?
Sometimes what we see or read can trigger a degree of anxiety. It’s important to have a strong support system both in work and at home. Personally, it helps for me to not to take anything personally and keep in mind why I’m in this job – my passion for video games and the safety of its players. But most important is having that safety net. Regular communication is also key. Fortunately, my team and leaders really value these qualities.
What elements of the video games industry do you see evolving in the future?
The gaming industry is becoming more and more diverse by the day, which is amazing. While this is rightly being praised, we shouldn’t stop there. It is going to take time for education in this area to yield the results that we all want.
What advice would you give someone considering a career in moderation / Trust & Safety in the gaming industry?
Firstly that this job can, of course, be challenging but the reward of being a force for change is more than worth it. As I mentioned earlier, it’s very important to ensure you have a safety net to guide you through difficult periods, and that you learn to leave work at the office.
Another point worth noting is that moderation isn’t for everybody, and that’s okay. If you’d like to support the cause of Trust and Safety, you can do so in many different ways!
What does being a superhero mean to you?
For me, being a superhero means accepting responsibility to do the right thing and standing up for those in danger. It’s about being brave enough to not only ask for change, but to be the change that helps those in need.
To learn more about how Keywords Studios’ all-in-one Trust & Safety services can help you create a safer, more enjoyable community for your players, visit our Player Support page here.
