Introduction
League of Legends (LoL) is one of the most popular online multiplayer games in the world. As with many competitive games, players are always looking for ways to improve their rankings and overall performance. One controversial practice that has emerged in the gaming community is LOL boosting. This practice involves paying a professional player or service to increase a player’s rank or MMR (Matchmaking Rating). While it may seem like a shortcut to success, LOL boosting raises several ethical concerns that every player should be aware of.
What is LOL Boosting?
LOL boosting refers to the process where a player hires a professional to play on their account to improve their ranking in the game. This can be done through various means, such as:
- Account Boosting: A professional player logs into the client’s account and plays games to raise the account’s rank.
- Solo Queue Boosting: The booster plays in the client’s rank tier, aiming to win games and elevate the client’s rank.
- Duo Queue Boosting: The client and the booster play together in ranked games, with the booster using their skills to help win games.
Ethical Concerns
- Unfair Advantage
One of the primary ethical issues with LOL boosting is the unfair advantage it provides. When players use boosting services, they bypass the skill development and learning process that other players go through. This can create an imbalance in the game, where boosted players are matched against opponents of higher skill levels who have earned their ranks through legitimate gameplay. This undermines the competitive nature of the game and can lead to frustration and unfair experiences for other players.
- Integrity of the Game
The integrity of any competitive game relies on a level playing field. LOL boosting undermines this integrity by introducing elements of dishonesty. It misrepresents a player’s skill level and achievements, leading to a mismatch between a player’s actual abilities and their rank. This can negatively impact the gaming experience for others and erode trust in the ranking system.
- Violation of Terms of Service
Most game developers, including Riot Games, have strict terms of service that prohibit account boosting. Engaging in boosting services can lead to account suspension or banning, which not only affects the player who hired the service but also disrupts the community and gaming ecosystem. By violating these terms, players are risking their accounts and contributing to a less fair gaming environment.
- Impact on Professional Play
LOL boosting can also impact professional play and the overall esports ecosystem. As players who have used boosting services climb the ranks, they may eventually compete in professional settings. This can skew the competitive landscape and devalue the achievements of those who have reached their ranks through genuine skill and effort.
- Psychological Impact
Boosting can have psychological implications for players. Relying on a boosting service can create a false sense of accomplishment and may undermine the satisfaction derived from personal achievement. Players who use boosting services might struggle with impostor syndrome or feel less confident in their skills, knowing they did not earn their rank through their own efforts.
Conclusion
LOL boosting raises significant ethical concerns that impact both individual players and the gaming community as a whole. It creates unfair advantages, undermines the integrity of the game, violates terms of service, affects professional play, and can have psychological impacts on players. While the temptation to use boosting services may be strong for those seeking quick results, it is important for players to consider the broader implications and choose to engage in gameplay that upholds the values of fairness and integrity.
