After having Windows on my computer again, I thought I’d give Valorant another look. Despite the aggressive kernel-level anti-cheat, I installed and launched the game.

The first thing I encountered (again) was black bars on the left and right. Even though my 3440x1440 resolution is supposedly supported according to the documentation, that apparently just means the game will run, not that the resolution will be fully utilized. Riot still seems to think it’s unfair to other players if aspect ratios other than 16:9 and 4:3 work. They could just crop the top and bottom, which would actually put ultra-widescreen users at a disadvantage. Whatever.

Despite that, I started a quick match and I have to say, it’s just your classic shooter fare. But what was really awful: almost immediately, the voice chat was flooded by two kids. They were getting worked up and making fun of another player. I then politely asked them to be quiet. My mistake. From that point on, they targeted me and started insulting me. Nothing to be done, I reported them and let them know I had.

Their reaction: They cornered me and pinned me there. For the last two rounds. Fine, I guess that’s a thing you can do. I always thought League of Legends was toxic, but Valorant is even worse. Riot seems to attract toxic players.

I’m too old for this shit. So: Uninstall.