"The League of Legends developer is now enforcing a ban on account boosting, a decision that is expected to negatively impact its financial gains after 15 years of lax enforcement"
In a long-awaited move, Riot Games, the developer behind the popular multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game League of Legends, has announced plans to address the community issue of 'smurfing'. This practice, where experienced players create new accounts to dominate less skilled players, has been a subject of concern for years [1].
The decision, made for the game's health rather than the health of its bottom line, is somewhat refreshing. Riot's director of product management, Drew Levin, has admitted that a change is being made to ensure a fair, balanced environment that supports competitive integrity and community trust [2].
However, the potential financial implications for Riot Games are not without complexity. On the positive side, reducing smurfing can lead to greater player retention and satisfaction, which in turn can increase revenue from in-game purchases and esports engagement, especially around high-profile events like the League of Legends World Cup with its $2 million prize pool [3]. Better competitive balance can also enhance sponsorship and advertising value.
On the other hand, cracking down on smurfing could temporarily reduce revenue linked to account sales, boosting services, and secondary markets where smurf accounts and boosting have economic activity. Players who relied on smurfing for easier progression or to experience lower-rank matchmaking might reduce their playtime or spending, potentially impacting short-term revenue. Additionally, enforcement costs, such as developing detection systems and handling appeals, represent an operational expense.
Despite these concerns, Riot believes in the game's future. The admission by a senior Riot development that a change is being made for the game's health is a positive sign for the long-term financial health of League of Legends. This move comes at a time when revenue is not as secure as it once was, with Riot's recent decision to combat 'smurfing' being made in the context of a sports gambling deal and a game approaching its 20th anniversary [4].
Not all sections of the League of Legends community are in favour of Riot's decision. Some players thought Riot would never truly address the issue of smurfing in the game. However, the potential benefits to the game's health and competitive integrity may outweigh any short-term financial concerns.
References:
[1] Polygon. (2021). What is smurfing in League of Legends? Polygon. Retrieved from https://www.polygon.com/league-of-legends/2019/7/1/18657943/what-is-smurfing-in-league-of-legends
[2] Dot Esports. (2022). Riot Games' Drew Levin discusses the importance of addressing alt accounts in League of Legends. Dot Esports. Retrieved from https://dotesports.com/league/news/riot-games-drew-levin-discusses-the-importance-of-addressing-alt-accounts-in-league-of-legends
[3] Esports Insider. (2021). League of Legends World Championship 2021: How Riot Games can maximise revenue. Esports Insider. Retrieved from https://esportsinsider.com/2021/10/league-of-legends-worlds-2021-revenue/
[4] Forbes. (2022). Riot Games Signs Big Sports Betting Deal As It Prepares For League Of Legends' 20th Anniversary. Forbes. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/benjaminjoseph/2022/01/10/riot-games-signs-big-sports-betting-deal-as-it-prepares-for-league-of-legends-20th-anniversary/?sh=66e5c8b0389d
- Announcements regarding the smurfing issue in League of Legends have sparked discussions among gamers, with some expressing relief that Riot Games finally plans to tackle the problem.
- As the gaming console market gets increasingly competitive, the announcement from Riot Games about their anti-smurfing measures has caught the attention of industry news outlets.
- With the League of Legends World Cup approach, deals and partnerships with esports, finance, and business entities are being negotiated, introducing new opportunities for revenue streams.
- The sports and action-packed League of Legends games can now be enjoyed on TV, as the developers continue to expand their reach to various platforms for wider audiences.
- Some players speculate that the reduction in smurf accounts might lead to a shift in focus on multiplayer online games like MMOs, offering more diverse gameplay experiences.
- Dealings between Riot Games and sports betting companies could potentially impact the esports ecosystem, necessitating an evaluation of the new business dynamics and their implications on the gaming community.
