I’m curious if we need to be reporting them, or if 343 has a system that detects them without our help.
I’ve been reporting them through XBL for the past two weeks, but it’s getting rather tiresome since it happens every other game in team slayer and doubles.
> 2659268351405841;1:
> I’m curious if we need to be reporting them, or if 343 has a system that detects them without our help.
>
> I’ve been reporting them through XBL for the past two weeks, but it’s getting rather tiresome since it happens every other game in team slayer and doubles.
You are able to through the Quit eirly option! Hope that helps!!
> 2659268351405841;1:
> I’m curious if we need to be reporting them, or if 343 has a system that detects them without our help.
>
> I’ve been reporting them through XBL for the past two weeks, but it’s getting rather tiresome since it happens every other game in team slayer and doubles.
Short answer: Yes.
Long answer: Yes, but whether or not something is done when you report them remains to be seen (for me at least. If someone has more knowledge regarding Xbox Live’s report system let me know). Right now it is the best option we have until an in-game solution is implemented.
Reporting smurfs through Xbox Live does nothing. It’s not against the Xbox Live TOS to have multiple accounts.
> 2533274796457055;4:
> Reporting smurfs through Xbox Live does nothing. It’s not against the Xbox Live TOS to have multiple accounts.
So 343 has a system in place to detect them? Nice to know. Hopefully I start seeing less of these idiots ruining the entire purpose of matchmaking.
> 2659268351405841;5:
> > 2533274796457055;4:
> > Reporting smurfs through Xbox Live does nothing. It’s not against the Xbox Live TOS to have multiple accounts.
>
> So 343 has a system in place to detect them? Nice to know. Hopefully I start seeing less of these idiots ruining the entire purpose of matchmaking.
Unfortunately that’s not what he said.
While smurfing is technically cheating, theyre nothing stopping people from making multiple accounts so just report them for unsporting conduct instead of cheating so you drop their reputation
> 2535416646700910;7:
> While smurfing is technically cheating, theyre nothing stopping people from making multiple accounts so just report them for unsporting conduct instead of cheating so you drop their reputation
Exactly what rule is smurfing breaking that would constitute it being deemed cheating?
There are two good reasons to use a smurf account.
> 2533274797328974;8:
> > 2535416646700910;7:
> > While smurfing is technically cheating, theyre nothing stopping people from making multiple accounts so just report them for unsporting conduct instead of cheating so you drop their reputation
>
> Exactly what rule is smurfing breaking that would constitute it being deemed cheating?
>
> There are two good reasons to use a smurf account.
>
>
> - Long wait times to find games. This can get bad, especially depending the time of day. - Grouping up with friends with a large skill gap. None of my friends want to play with me if I’m on my regular account. They just haven’t taken the time to develop as players and don’t want to go against onyx players, or even diamond for that matter when they are genuinely gold level players. If they aren’t having fun, it makes it hard to have fun for me. I’d 100% rather piss random people off and play with friends than not.Anyway, what is reporting a smurf account going to do lol it is a smurf account anyway. Seems like reporting a smurf account which is barely used is going to do nothing at all.
Smurf accounts do not break any rules when it comes to Xbox Live. There is no rule stating that one person can only have one account.
However, in terms of Halo 5, smurf accounts could be considered manipulation of matchmaking, in that they do not accurately represent a player’s true skill and can be used manipulate skill-based matchmaking in a few different ways. And matchmaking manipulation is definitely against the rules.
> 2533274817408735;9:
> > 2533274797328974;8:
> > > 2535416646700910;7:
> > > While smurfing is technically cheating, theyre nothing stopping people from making multiple accounts so just report them for unsporting conduct instead of cheating so you drop their reputation
> >
> > Exactly what rule is smurfing breaking that would constitute it being deemed cheating?
> >
> > There are two good reasons to use a smurf account.
> >
> >
> > - Long wait times to find games. This can get bad, especially depending the time of day. - Grouping up with friends with a large skill gap. None of my friends want to play with me if I’m on my regular account. They just haven’t taken the time to develop as players and don’t want to go against onyx players, or even diamond for that matter when they are genuinely gold level players. If they aren’t having fun, it makes it hard to have fun for me. I’d 100% rather piss random people off and play with friends than not.Anyway, what is reporting a smurf account going to do lol it is a smurf account anyway. Seems like reporting a smurf account which is barely used is going to do nothing at all.
>
> Smurf accounts do not break any rules when it comes to Xbox Live. There is no rule stating that one person can only have one account.
>
> However, in terms of Halo 5, smurf accounts could be considered manipulation of matchmaking, in that they do not accurately represent a player’s true skill and can be used manipulate skill-based matchmaking in a few different ways. And matchmaking manipulation is definitely against the rules.
I’d be interested to hear 343’s opinion on if a smurf account is considered a form of matchmaking manipulation (maybe they have already released some sort of take on it? feel free to direct me there if so).
Seems like it could be a pretty slippery slope when trying to judge one’s “true skill” and applying that to any sort of matchmaking manipulation punishment. I could think of infinite scenarios in which one’s “true skill” could be genuinely misrepresented unintentionally (being overly tired, drunk, high, lots of distraction, playing on a different screen than what you’re accustomed to, etc…).
> 2533274797328974;10:
> > 2533274817408735;9:
> > > 2533274797328974;8:
> > > > 2535416646700910;7:
> > > > While smurfing is technically cheating, theyre nothing stopping people from making multiple accounts so just report them for unsporting conduct instead of cheating so you drop their reputation
> > >
> > > Exactly what rule is smurfing breaking that would constitute it being deemed cheating?
> > >
> > > There are two good reasons to use a smurf account.
> > >
> > >
> > > - Long wait times to find games. This can get bad, especially depending the time of day. - Grouping up with friends with a large skill gap. None of my friends want to play with me if I’m on my regular account. They just haven’t taken the time to develop as players and don’t want to go against onyx players, or even diamond for that matter when they are genuinely gold level players. If they aren’t having fun, it makes it hard to have fun for me. I’d 100% rather piss random people off and play with friends than not.Anyway, what is reporting a smurf account going to do lol it is a smurf account anyway. Seems like reporting a smurf account which is barely used is going to do nothing at all.
> >
> > Smurf accounts do not break any rules when it comes to Xbox Live. There is no rule stating that one person can only have one account.
> >
> > However, in terms of Halo 5, smurf accounts could be considered manipulation of matchmaking, in that they do not accurately represent a player’s true skill and can be used manipulate skill-based matchmaking in a few different ways. And matchmaking manipulation is definitely against the rules.
>
> I’d be interested to hear 343’s opinion on if a smurf account is considered a form of matchmaking manipulation (maybe they have already released some sort of take on it? feel free to direct me there if so).
>
> Seems like it could be a pretty slippery slope when trying to judge one’s “true skill” and applying that to any sort of matchmaking manipulation punishment. I could think of infinite scenarios in which one’s “true skill” could be genuinely misrepresented unintentionally (being overly tired, drunk, high, lots of distraction, playing on a different screen than what you’re accustomed to, etc…).
There is a difference between having a really bad or really good day on your main account and having a secondary account that’s always ranked lower so you can find easier games. True skill can vary due to a lot of things, as you said. But those kinds of things end up reflected in your skill, even if only temporarily. Smurfs are different, though, as typically smurf accounts are kept at a rank that is lower than a player’s main account rank. Some people claim that they use smurf accounts as warm-up, but they can also be used to allow someone to purposefully lower the average rank of their team so they get matched with weaker opponents. Players can do this to either help boost friends to higher ranks or better stats, or they can do it just to play easy games against enemies who are underskilled by comparison. Players who use smurf accounts don’t mind taking the losses necessary to keep the accounts ranked low, because the accounts are not their main and therefore they can just direct people to their primary accounts when they desire to display their skill and stats.
> 2533274817408735;9:
> > 2533274797328974;8:
> > > 2535416646700910;7:
> > > While smurfing is technically cheating, theyre nothing stopping people from making multiple accounts so just report them for unsporting conduct instead of cheating so you drop their reputation
> >
> > Exactly what rule is smurfing breaking that would constitute it being deemed cheating?
> >
> > There are two good reasons to use a smurf account.
> >
> >
> > - Long wait times to find games. This can get bad, especially depending the time of day. - Grouping up with friends with a large skill gap. None of my friends want to play with me if I’m on my regular account. They just haven’t taken the time to develop as players and don’t want to go against onyx players, or even diamond for that matter when they are genuinely gold level players. If they aren’t having fun, it makes it hard to have fun for me. I’d 100% rather piss random people off and play with friends than not.Anyway, what is reporting a smurf account going to do lol it is a smurf account anyway. Seems like reporting a smurf account which is barely used is going to do nothing at all.
>
> Smurf accounts do not break any rules when it comes to Xbox Live. There is no rule stating that one person can only have one account.
>
> However, in terms of Halo 5, smurf accounts could be considered manipulation of matchmaking, in that they do not accurately represent a player’s true skill and can be used manipulate skill-based matchmaking in a few different ways. And matchmaking manipulation is definitely against the rules.
exactly its a direct manipulation of the ranking system.
also usually the only people who defending smurfing are those that support it’s use and don’t think it’s wrong. you are essentially bullying the lower leveled and less skilled players. last I checked bullying is wrong and against code of conduct
Im a champion in swat. Theres not a viable population for me to be on my main in the am(when i typically have time to play). I make new tags and within a few hours its onyx. So for the 3 randoms on my team for the 50 games, your welcome for the rank ups.
> 2533274817408735;9:
> > 2533274797328974;8:
> > > 2535416646700910;7:
> > > While smurfing is technically cheating, theyre nothing stopping people from making multiple accounts so just report them for unsporting conduct instead of cheating so you drop their reputation
> >
> > Exactly what rule is smurfing breaking that would constitute it being deemed cheating?
> >
> > There are two good reasons to use a smurf account.
> >
> >
> > - Long wait times to find games. This can get bad, especially depending the time of day. - Grouping up with friends with a large skill gap. None of my friends want to play with me if I’m on my regular account. They just haven’t taken the time to develop as players and don’t want to go against onyx players, or even diamond for that matter when they are genuinely gold level players. If they aren’t having fun, it makes it hard to have fun for me. I’d 100% rather piss random people off and play with friends than not.Anyway, what is reporting a smurf account going to do lol it is a smurf account anyway. Seems like reporting a smurf account which is barely used is going to do nothing at all.
>
> Smurf accounts do not break any rules when it comes to Xbox Live. There is no rule stating that one person can only have one account.
>
> However, in terms of Halo 5, smurf accounts could be considered manipulation of matchmaking, in that they do not accurately represent a player’s true skill and can be used manipulate skill-based matchmaking in a few different ways. And matchmaking manipulation is definitely against the rules.
Finally at least a Mod, if not a direct rep from 343 addresses how smurfing and smurf boosting is against the rules. I guess Josh led the way at least a bit. From Josh’s latest update, as we all know, this type of cheating is as easy to detect as a spartan charge. They are taking and will be taking actions against the culprits including possible “permabans” for the worst offenders.
Some might argue with me, but IMO having an alt acct for occasional legit use isn’t a huge issue. I believe that’s part of the reason MS initiated Gold Sharing, along with providing an affordable vehicle for hard working parents providing entertainment of multiple kids. But it’s hard to see why a company would support players deliberately breaking the system, as some of the habitual offenders have done here on Waypoint.
> 2535471864203846;13:
> Im a champion in swat. I make new tags and within a few hours its onyx. So for the 3 randoms on my team for the 50 games, your welcome for the rank ups.
How about “No Thanks”. You might find this hard to believe, but some players don’t want ‘carries’ to artificial ranks and levels where they get stomped because they can’t compete. Some players actually want to earn their way through fair, competitive play. Novel concept huh? So you can take your smug attitude and smurf it where the sun don’t shine, champ.
> 2535471864203846;13:
> Im a champion in swat. Theres not a viable population for me to be on my main in the am(when i typically have time to play). I make new tags and within a few hours its onyx.
At least you are not admitting to de-ranking a ‘SMURF’ to Bronze for entertainment or boosting. Creating numerous, alternate tags to find games might seem acceptable but consider the other point of view: You started out with an inordinate amount of skill and then no-lifed a lower populated playlist to Champ 1. Congratulations, you’ve done a lot more with Halo than I’m capable of. Now you’re so good that when you try to get a match at certain times the game cannot find players with whom it would be fair to match against you. Guess what? That’s what happens to players at the top levels in any sport. And in video games, due to population it happens often toward the end of a game’s lifespan, or sometimes sooner. When the game says “Unable to Match” it is telling you it’s time to try another playlist, arrange custom scrims, enter tournaments, etc to satisfy your uber competitive nature, but at the moment the game cannot provide it. It’s NOT telling you it’s time to manipulate the MM algorithm of the game, break the rules, and create a biased, unfair Arena. No where in the TOS for H5 or MS does it say that you are ENTITLED, to play any list, any time, against any level of competition you alone desire.
As the population drops off there are less players at both ends of the curve. What if some brand new, 8yr old, Bronze 1 kids wanted to play against Champs because they couldn’t find a match, or just because…? And the Champs could not avoid getting matched against them over and over. Would that be fair to the Champs? The attitude that “I paid my $50 and I’m entitled to do whatever I want” just does not reflect the reality of the transaction. 343 and MS make the rules, not the players. If they start enforcing them seriously some of the more notorious smurfing boosters are going to find out just how real that is.
okay so I never noticed this until my pc froze on my I was stuck looking at the bottom of the screen. you want to know why smurfing is technically cheating right? well, 343 was oh so kind to put two fabulous links at the bottom of all these pages. but the only one yo should concern yourself with is labeled “Code of Conduct” by clicking this link you’ll be magically transported to a new place where the xbox live rules and regulation are written. It’s like the ten commandments but easier to follow! anyways in you scroll down just a little bit you’ll (hopefully) notice a heading with a dark bullet saying
“Don’t cheat or tamper. For example, don’t:”
under that heading there are four smaller bullets. if we go down to the second of these, it explains why Smurfing - the act of making a new account to bypass the matchmaking ranking system, is in fact cheating, and reportable. the second bullets stats…
"Exploit game vulnerabilities or glitches "
last I checked intentionally bypassing a ranking system in place to balance matched not ONLY makes you a giant noob with no skill whatsoever but also make you a cheater, as you are when smurfing actively exploiting, Halo 5’s matchmaking vulnerabilities…
Sorry, pumpkin. you cant win this debate. unless Xbox decides to revise their rules all smurfers are cheaters and should be reported as such AND for unsporting behavior.
well since no one understands the concept of LIMITED onyx/champ players. smurfing was/is the only way to play during the AM. another thing that you dont realize is
A. they gain 1 csr if they win(isnt much), and 30 csr loss if they loose (big loss). so big handicap
B. the amount of games to equal a champ vs champ game is 10. so they have to win 10 games just to equal 1.
for myself i work from noon to midnight, so my game time is limited to 6am to 11am. so technically if following 343s rules i have to eather derank my tag to fit the population or make a tag every day.