EDIT: It would appear that the issue illustrated below is (at least partially) a consequence of recording errors, and not illicit ‘boosting’ activities. Howev3er, unless rectified, the issue serves to undermine the Infinity Challenge in a manner similar to that outlined in my post.
Please refer to the Spartan Ops leaderboeard, as it serves as the basis of my present concerns.
Similar to many others, I was initially captivated by the notion of an extensive and internationally orientated Halo 4 tournament. Furthermore, it was pleasing to learn that it would include a Spartan Ops division, thereby accommodating those who do not exhibit an affinity for competitive multiplayer. The opportunity to play a highly edifying game, whilst potentially earning prizes in the process, constituted the foremost attribute of the Infinity Challenge. Perhaps naively, I assumed that ample provision would be made to prevent illicit manipulation of game mechanics on the part of some individuals.
Alas, upon reviewing the present Spartan Ops scoreboard, I fear that it is largely dominated by players who have employed surreptitious methods to complete an unfeasibly high number of games. Simple mathematics should illuminate the extent of the issue.
Firstly, assume that to find and play a Spartan Ops match, on average, requires five minutes. (In reality, this is likely too short a time interval). Given that the Infinity Challenge has been online for 38 hours, one may conclude that the maximum number of games an individual could have completed is 456. If the average game is assumed to be eight minutes in duration, this figure declines to 285. Therefore, one may conclude that any player exhibiting a score exceeding 500 is playing in a manner disingenuous to the spirit of the tournament.
At present, a majority of players listed on the Spartan Ops leaderboard have completed over 500 games, with many exhibiting a score notably larger than this. The highest ranked player presently boasts a total of 55,890 completed games. This equates to completing a Spartan Ops mission every 2.5 seconds. Even many of those within tier 3 exhibit a score that could not have been obtained in a legitimate fashion.
I consider these “cheating” (for lack of a better term) individuals to be analogous with those who formerly ‘boosted’ in the Halo: Reach campaign. As you are likely aware, many players manipulated Reach game mechanics in an unanticipated and questionable manner, for the purpose of significantly enhancing their campaign statistics. Such behaviour was tolerated, as it was considered to not be adversely impacted the experience of other players. However, in the present instance, the ‘boosting’ activities of some Infinity Challenge participants are impacting upon others. Many are inadvertently penalised for not exploiting game mechanics. Employing a second analogy, this behaviour is comparable to entering multiplayer games without the intent of playing; primarily for the purpose of illegitimately obtaining experience.
Overall, I believe that the illicit activity of some individuals is undermining the legitimacy and merits of the Infinity Challenge. This tournament has the potential to be a landmark event within Halo’s history, and a beacon to which other game studios may aspire. Lamentably, as those desiring to participate in a legitimate fashion are marginalised by the actions of others, the appeal of the Infinity Challenge shall be greatly diminished. Although I acknowledge that some may oppose my assertion that this behaviour is illegitimate, one must conclude that it is in opposition to the spirit of the tournament. Consequently, it serves to undermine the event itself.
I do not profess to know the appropriate course to be taken. The most robust solution would be to disqualify those who have clearly played Spartan Ops in a manner that was never intended. Ultimately, illicit ‘boosting’ should not be tolerated in so encompassing a tournament. By accommodating those who desire to exploit Halo 4, the event organisers risk disillusioning many legitimate players. To enhance the success and scope of the Infinity Challenge, notable effort must be undertaken to promote the ideals of sportsmanship and just conduct.
I wish to conclude by posing the following question, which illustrates the basis of my concerns. Would you tolerate activities of this nature in other tournaments and competitions?