New Option: SMURF ACCOUNT

FarRockBF·Dec 22, 2014·24 votes·2,700 views

For every 5v5 I play on my smurf there are 8 smurfs and 2 new players who go 0/8. Riot has already stated nothing will happen against smurfs since it cannot be proven so why not allow it?

Give people the option when starting Level 1 to choose "I am a smurf" or "I am a new player".

There will be a pool for under 30 smurf players to be matched together and new players can actually enjoy matches vs other new players.

I doubt many smurfs would try to abuse this just to harass poor new players (whats the point before ranked?) but just to be sure if a player has an absurd win streak they should get promoted to the smurf pool.

EDIT: Bonus for players who choose SMURF they do not have to play vs bots, they jump to PvP (still level 1 though). Also, Smurf doesn't have to be an exclusive pool, they just get a huge MMR boost.

40 Comments

AerothalDec 22, 20148 votes

that's already there man. when you create an account it asks you about your experience level. if you dont answer truthful there, why would you answer truthfully on your proposed questions? Also, the system is self regulating. when you start pvp, your mmr quickly starts placing you with and against players with a similar mmr.

FarRockBFDec 22, 20144 votes

{quoted}

that's already there man. when you create an account it asks you about your experience level. if you dont answer truthful there, why would you answer truthfully on your proposed questions? Also, the system is self regulating. when you start pvp, your mmr quickly starts placing you with and against players with a similar mmr.

For at least the first 5-10 matches its completely off since new players get carried easily. Also, that experience level thing isn't the same at all. I agree with the MMR sentiment though. Players who say "I'm a smurf" should instantly get a massive MMR boost and perhaps the benefit of not having to play vs bots. Give them incentive to be honest!

kiloechoespDec 23, 20141 votes

Where's your proof that there's a bunch of smurfs in low levels?

When I made a second account on EUW(not NA), I answered truthfully. I am a very experienced LoL player. Immediately after joining the queue, I got beaten badly. Everyone played extremely well for their level. The MMR seemed to have already increased based on my choice.

Even in ranked, there's a few players who feed. They're not new, maybe they are having a bad day or whatever.

Enraged PigletDec 23, 20141 votes

and I mained support for s3 and quit for quite a few months once and then support changed a lot so I sucked so I started a new account to practice some and didn't think it mattered so just picked the begginer and after winning 3 games your mmr rises way above everyone else and then you get matched with the most toxic fuckers in the game who I think are even new players as well I mean really I have never played so many games in a row with such people it's amazing. Then your mmr rises some more and then you get 30 min ques and then get matched with other smurfs.

I've made several accounts using the other option experienced and it seems way better though you still get 30+ min ques.

patmax17Dec 23, 20143 votes

I was thinking of another solution, basically to allow lvl30 players to create new level30, unraked accounts, bound to the same username but with another summoner name. Would you mind if I opened a new thread to post my version? ;)

FarRockBFDec 23, 20141 votes

{quoted}

I was thinking of another solution, basically to allow lvl30 players to create new level30, unraked accounts, bound to the same username but with another summoner name. Would you mind if I opened a new thread to post my version? ;)

This is actually a good idea.

patmax17Dec 23, 20141 votes

here's my post, then! http://boards.na.leagueoflegends.com/en/c/miscellaneous/UJ3WVjhF-an-idea-for-smurf-accounts-player-account-vs-gaming-account :)

PentaJumpDec 23, 20143 votes

As someone who smurfs a lot, I would definitely use the smurf option.

FarRockBFDec 23, 20141 votes

{quoted}

As someone who smurfs a lot, I would definitely use the smurf option.

Same ;)

SciencePrimeDec 22, 20142 votes

I don't think people will abuse it, and the ones that do will could get promoted to "smurf" in the way OP describes. Just went last 5 games 11-2-15? Smurf stamp.

EleshakaiDec 22, 20142 votes

I think picking 'I'm a smurf' should get your account banned, personally. I wish Riot could find a way to limit people to one account. There's no reason to make a smurf that is legitimate(aside from pro players who want to avoid the absurd wait times at the top of Challenger or who want to practice secret strats) and they should be given 'premade diamond 1' accounts to use as practice accounts if they need one, rather than an actual smurf). Concealing your identity only matters if you've done something horrible. Wanting a 'new chance at ranked' only matters if you're trying to troll bronze people. And avoiding bans is wrong anyways, so why should it be encouraged?

FarRockBFDec 22, 20142 votes

{quoted}

I think picking 'I'm a smurf' should get your account banned, personally. I wish Riot could find a way to limit people to one account. There's no reason to make a smurf that is legitimate(aside from pro players who want to avoid the absurd wait times at the top of Challenger or who want to practice secret strats) and they should be given 'premade diamond 1' accounts to use as practice accounts if they need one, rather than an actual smurf). Concealing your identity only matters if you've done something horrible. Wanting a 'new chance at ranked' only matters if you're trying to troll bronze people. And avoiding bans is wrong anyways, so why should it be encouraged?

You can rage all you want; we both know it will never change. There always was and always will be smurfs. All it does is ruin the new player's experience and I am trying to mitigate that. Why are you opposed?? Do you actually think people will suddenly start smurfing now that the first 5 levels they dont have to play vs bots?

EleshakaiDec 22, 20142 votes

{quoted}

You can rage all you want; we both know it will never change. There always was and always will be smurfs. All it does is ruin the new player's experience and I am trying to mitigate that. Why are you opposed?? Do you actually think people will suddenly start smurfing now that the first 5 levels they dont have to play vs bots?

Just because people will 'always do something' doesn't mean we should make it acceptable. By offering the option, you're legitimizing it and stating it is acceptable.

GlamazonDec 22, 20142 votes

Many people smurf because they're frustrated with losing. Trolling new players is a lot of the appeal. Many people would purposely opt for this with your system. Lol

I don't think that guy was "raging" btw. Nice to know your sensitive over differing opinions.

GaleWinUnleashedDec 22, 20141 votes

I once had a smurf account in order to play premade games with my friends who were just starting out. I would play support (sorta) and try to advise them throughout the game as I carried them anyway =P

JubbinautDec 23, 20142 votes

I use smurf accounts to play with friends I've introduced to the game (my lvl 4 and 5 accounts - it was a whole thing about matching names with some friends, don't ask), which is why my baby-smurfs are still super low level despite being created 8 months to a year ago.

I use my other smurf to focus on different champs that I don't buy for my main account. That account is full of top-laners and junglers, whereas my main is full of ADCs and mages (and a handful of supports).

I'll grant that the latter may not be a spectacularly "legitimate" reason, but I don't see any reason to consider the former such. After all, if League is better with friends, why shouldn't I be allowed to play with them (without completely screwing up their games by bringing in a bunch of lvl 20+ players on the enemy team)?

EDIT: That said, I think other systems could be implemented to obviate that. For example, a "level lock" type system that forces your account to be treated like it's only lvl X (and limiting you to appropriate Runes/Masteries) could, assuming it wouldn't screw up matchmaking.

Enraged PigletDec 23, 20141 votes

I made my smurfs so that I could practice differnt roles becuase I got stuck to maining support when I first started because I didn't bother to argue against everyone for other roles pre s4 then they changed the support role and now everyone and there brother duo ques and first calls both lane and support changed a lot and I quit for several months so I made some smurfs to practice other roles and I got matched with higher lvl smurfs and when I did my promo's I actually got higher then when I quit the last season.

SnowTortugaDec 22, 20142 votes

You must have forgotten how toxic the community is Teemo item 3151

DedriusDec 23, 20142 votes

The reason that you are against 8 smurfs is because you have a higher MMR than new players, much like everyone else in the lobby. Basically your system is already in place, but it is invisible.

5tuntM4nDec 22, 20141 votes

It'll be abused so muuuuuuuuuuuch

and new players might think of a "smurf" differently

FarRockBFDec 22, 20143 votes

{quoted}

It'll be abused so muuuuuuuuuuuch

and new players might think of a "smurf" differently

Why and how would it be abused? If someone went on an 8 game win streak say they would instantly be moved permanently to the smurf pool. And why would people abuse it? Most people play smurfs just to:

Conceal their real identity
Have a different chance at ranked
Avoid bans

I agree SOME people would go out of their way to abuse it, but I believe 80% of smurfs would be honest. And lets be frank; smurfs HATE getting that noob on THEIR team. This would avoid that.

qetzelDec 23, 20141 votes

I don't think Riot wants 3. They therefore cannot officially promote smurfing. If they did then their punishments would be meaningless.

Sozan5Dec 23, 20141 votes

{quoted}

Why and how would it be abused? If someone went on an 8 game win streak say they would instantly be moved permanently to the smurf pool. And why would people abuse it? Most people play smurfs just to:

Conceal their real identity

Have a different chance at ranked

Avoid bans

I agree SOME people would go out of their way to abuse it, but I believe 80% of smurfs would be honest. And lets be frank; smurfs HATE getting that noob on THEIR team. This would avoid that.

Both 2 and 3 are already abusing the system. Especially the 3rd one.

You aren't supposed to avoid bans ffs.

Lord ImrhialDec 22, 20141 votes

The problem I see with this, is that it will allow Bot'ers to blend in MUCH easier with the "newbie" pool, as both bots and new people tend to suck early on (no offense!), but that will make a new person's experience even worse. Allowing smurfs in newbie selection can be harmful, BUT it can also be very rewarding if that smurf is helpful and kind.

League has always had a harsh learning curve, splitting the "nice smurfs" from the "bad ones/botters" however will just make it harsher for new people :/

FarRockBFDec 22, 20141 votes

[{quoted}](name=Lord Imrhial,realm=NA,application-id=cIfEodbz,discussion-id=nufrjJpA,comment-id=0004,timestamp=2014-12-22T18:55:50.735+0000)

The problem I see with this, is that it will allow Bot'ers to blend in MUCH easier with the "newbie" pool, as both bots and new people tend to suck early on (no offense!), but that will make a new person's experience even worse. Allowing smurfs in newbie selection can be harmful, BUT it can also be very rewarding if that smurf is helpful and kind.

League has always had a harsh learning curve, splitting the "nice smurfs" from the "bad ones/botters" however will just make it harsher for new people :/

There are no botters in summoners rift.

Maximum ZileanDec 22, 20141 votes

{quoted}

There are no botters in summoners rift.

Yes, there are. I've ran into quite a few.

FarRockBFDec 22, 20142 votes

{quoted}

Yes, there are. I've ran into quite a few.

Are you sure? I've played so many games even COOP; never once found a botter in SR. Ghost + Heal and all?

Maximum ZileanDec 22, 20141 votes

{quoted}

Are you sure? I've played so many games even COOP; never once found a botter in SR. Ghost + Heal and all?

Ghost+Heal, follows a random person the entire game, doesn't say a thing, and constantly runs under enemy towers.

FarRockBFDec 22, 20142 votes

{quoted}

Ghost+Heal, follows a random person the entire game, doesn't say a thing, and constantly runs under enemy towers.

Wow. Can you post a screenshot with names crossed out? Would be really curious...I thought they couldn't get into the rift. If they can then this is a super huge issue.

Maximum ZileanDec 22, 20141 votes

{quoted}

Wow. Can you post a screenshot with names crossed out? Would be really curious...I thought they couldn't get into the rift. If they can then this is a super huge issue.

It was a long time ago that I ran into them, like 6 months ago. They are on an old computer, but I can try and dig them up from the old forums, I did post them on those somewhere as a report.

GaleWinUnleashedDec 22, 20141 votes

I played with a Soraka bot once in a co-op game. The entire game, she moved only to cast W or E on me (pre-rework, so this was restoring my health and mana... as Zed...). No other abilities were used, and she purchased pieces of a basic item set every time she died.

Lord ImrhialDec 22, 20142 votes

{quoted}

There are no botters in summoners rift.

Riot is re-making Refer a Friend SOLELY due to ALL the bots. I ran into like 100 during my first 10 levels when I made a new smurf a few months ago

http://euw.leagueoflegends.com/en/news/game-updates/features/upcoming-changes-refer-friend

Quote from that: However, as we said, we've recently seen bot usage swell in volume and spill into places like new player games and into game modes like Dominion.

BOTS are feeding on smurf accounts for the level 10 RP and IP rewards, which are then sold off to paying users in the form of mystery gifting and such.

RuneWarpDec 22, 20141 votes

Alright, I'm going to post a different point of view. I am neither for or against this system to be honest. First of all, I'm a smurf. I played my first dozen games and got placed in queues with other smurfs. I like to believe I have educated multiple new players, more so then i have harmed other ones with unfair games. I think there are two types of smurfs: the good kind and the bad kind. The good kind are the type they play other smurfs, give tips to allies and enemies alike and overall are gracious players. The bad kind is pretty self explanatory... They are bad! Now, while I think that your opinions are right, the way you suggest improvement is pretty poor. However, I will present my own opinion:

If there is a duo queue, the duo has mme equal to the highest mrr of the party.
The skill divide is more abrupt. You are placed against players with the same win percentage to games played ratio as you.
Players must type in a visible code to queue up for games. This would completely remove botting. Imagine something like the recapcha system.
Another idea is that instead of splitting smurfs and noobs, teams have an equal smurf to noob ratio. Thoughts? Also, if I started playing and the game asked if I was a smurf or not, I would be truly terrified. Like, seriously.

Angry MonsterDec 23, 20141 votes

cause bronze smurfs are just as bad as new players. this system will just force a new subset of players to be bottom of the barrel.

New players should be sticking to Bot til level 20. while the smurfs are jumping into PVP as soon as they can.

proud and bronzeDec 23, 20141 votes

this would defeat the entire purpose of making a smurf

giraffiti0Dec 23, 20141 votes

I just tested this theory. Made a new account, said I was experienced. First game I was against 3 smurfs 2 new players. I got 20 plus kills. Every game after that I have had only smurfs. The worst players on my team still had te word smurf in thei name, and claimed to be at least silver. I've only played til lvl 6 on the account but I start every game by asking who isn't smurfing and every game they are all smurfs. I think the problem is when gold and plat players beat smurfing silver players badly their mmr drops and then new players get stuck with low Elo smurfs. Even a bronze 5 smurf has more knowledge than a brand new player and that's the problem

IronChefBoyardeeDec 23, 20141 votes

@Morello @Meddler @RiotPls

Space BumDec 23, 20141 votes

I was thinking about making a post similar to this a while back. My solution is allowing players to have more than one Summoner per user account. Riot would know your mmr from your existing Summoners and place you accordingly on new Summoners.

It would probably be used without hesitation and offer hilarious surprise when people find out bans affect all Summoners on an account.

pcfmYiJC8RDec 24, 20141 votes

So now we want to punish people who are good at the game for making a new account? Worst logic ever.. Suck it up, you only get better playing against better players anyways.