Smurfing is a problem that plagues many online multiplayer games. A study by the University of California, Irvine found that smurfing occurs in up to 30% of all online multiplayer games. This means that in every 10 games you play, you are likely to encounter at least one smurf.
What Is Smurfing In Gaming?
So, what is smurfing? In gaming terms, it is when a more skilled or experienced player creates an alternate character or “smurf” account to compete against players of a lower skill level. This can give them an unfair advantage and make the game less enjoyable for other players. Smurfing can also be used by teams of experienced players to gain an edge in tournaments.
Why Do People Smurf?
People smurf for a variety of reasons. Some do it to gain an advantage in competitive tournaments or leagues, while others may do it simply to have fun and dominate lower-level players.
Additionally, some people smurf as a way to test out new strategies or characters without risking their main account. Whatever the reason, smurfing can create an uneven playing field and ruin the experience of other players.
History of Smurfing In Gaming: Who’s the First Smurf?
The history of smurfing in gaming is hard to trace as it has been around since the early days of competitive gaming.
The first recorded instance of someone using a Smurf account was in the game Quake III Arena in 1999. This player, known as Kornman00, used an alternate account named “Smurf” to play against lower-ranked players who were unaware of his true identity and skill level.
Since then, the term “smurfing” has become prominent from there on and has become a problem in many online multiplayer games.
Skill Level and Experienced Player Considerations
Advantages of Smurfing for High-Level Players
For experienced players, smurfing can offer several advantages. For example, it allows them to play against weaker opponents to practice new strategies or characters without risking their main account.
Additionally, smurfing allows high-level players to compete in lower-ranked tournaments and leagues where they may have an easier time winning.
Disadvantages of Smurfing for Lower-Ranked Players
Unfortunately, smurfing can also have negative consequences for lower-level players. Since experienced players are more likely to win, it can make the game less enjoyable and discourage new players from entering the competitive scene.
Furthermore, smurfing may create an unevenly competitive field and a less-than-ideal experience for all parties involved.
Unfair Advantage of Seasoned Players Using Smurf Accounts
Using a Smurf account gives seasoned players an unfair advantage over lower-level players. Experienced players have the advantage of knowing the game better than their opponents, as well as having more refined skills and strategies. This allows them to easily dominate in matches against those with less experience or skill.
Moreover, some experienced players may use the alternate account to earn rewards or other benefits that would otherwise be unattainable on their main account.
Online Games and Gaming Community Impact
Impact on Multiplayer Games with a Ranked System
Smurfing can have a huge impact on multiplayer games with a ranked system. These types of games require players to compete against similarly skilled opponents to ensure a fair and balanced environment.
However, when experienced players use Smurf accounts to play against lower-level players, it can lead to an uneven playing field that discourages new players from joining the game.
Furthermore, it can lead to an overall decrease in the quality of gameplay for everyone involved.
Effect on the Gaming Community When Professional Players Use Alternate Accounts
When professional players use alternate accounts, it can harm the gaming community. Professional players are generally considered to be some of the most skilled gamers in the world and their presence can create an uneven playing field for those who are less experienced or skilled.
This can lead to frustration among lower-level players as they try to compete with someone more advanced than them. Additionally, it can lead to a decrease in the overall quality of gameplay as professional players are less likely to play their best when using a Smurf account.
Famous Players and Their Secondary Accounts
Papa Smurf: The Most Famous Player Who Used Alternate Accounts to Play at a Lower Level
PapaSmurf came to prominence in 2013 after being discovered using a different account to participate in a competition. He was later banned from competing in the tournament, but he continued to smurf in other tournaments and online matches.
Smurfing by “PapaSmurf” provoked a range of emotions. Some people feel he is cheating and should be banned from participating in all tournaments. Others feel he is merely using his ability to play against weaker opponents and that he is not breaking any rules.
Average Player Perspectives on Smurfing
Smurfing can be a divisive topic among the average player base. On one hand, some players view smurfing as a legitimate way to practice new strategies and characters without risking their main account.
On the other hand, many view smurfing as an unfair advantage for experienced players as they know the game that lower-level players may not have. As a result, smurfing can create an uneven playing field that can be discouraging for new players and lead to a decrease in the overall quality of gameplay.
Video Game Developers’ Role in Preventing Smurfing in Online Games
Video game developers have an important role to play in preventing smurfing in online games. They can ensure that their systems are designed to discourage experienced players from using Smurf accounts to gain an unfair advantage over lower-level players.
This can include implementing features such as reporting systems, anti-smurfing algorithms, or even restricting access to certain areas of the game for those who are smurfing. Additionally, developers can also work with organizations such as the Esports Integrity Commission to ensure that professional players are not using alternate accounts in competition.
Legitimate Players Versus Inexperienced/Lower-Skilled Players Perspectives on Smurfing
Smurfing has often been seen as a divisive topic among different levels of gamers. Professional and experienced players are generally more likely to approve of smurfing, while players with lower skill levels or less experience may be more likely to disapprove. Experienced players may view smurfing as a legitimate way to practice new strategies and characters without risking their main account. In contrast, inexperienced or lower-skilled players may view this as an unfair advantage as they are not given the same opportunity to gain knowledge of the game that experienced players have.
