https://www.pcgamer.com/rare-on-sea-of-thieves-online-we-have-a-responsibility-as-game-creators-to-make-a-positive-social-space/

Sea of Thieves docks today after months of Kraken teasing, beta testing and stranger tormenting. The latter, you understand, was simply us pushing the boundaries of the sea-faring sandbox, and not because we dislike cooperation. I swear, we're friendly folk here at PCG. 

Joking aside, developer Rare is to keen to ensure Sea of Thieves provides a "positive online social space for players" from the outset—and will endeavor to address negative and toxic situations if or as they occur.