Yes, reverse boosting can get you banned in many popular online games
Reverse boosting – the practice of intentionally playing poorly to get placed into easier lobbies – is considered a form of cheating in multiplayer competitive titles. Those caught repeatedly reverse boosting risk account suspensions, stat resets, and even permanent bans.
What exactly is reverse boosting?
Reverse boosting refers to purposely performing worse during matches in an effort to lower your visible skill ranking and get matched against less experienced opponents. This manipulation tricks the underlying matchmaking algorithms and systems tracking player performance.
According to data from Streamscheme, over 57% of polled Call of Duty players admit to having reverse boosted at some point. Players engage in reverse boosting for reasons like:
- Farming camo or other unlocks more easily
- Relaxing in lobbies against weaker players
- Boosting win rate or K/D ratio stats
- Carrying teammates or friends to higher ranks
Why game creators almost universally oppose the practice
Most major studios prohibit and actively punish reverse boosting – seeing it as a violation of fair play and often direct cheating. Intentionally dying repeatedly hurts not only ranked match integrity but also ruins the experience for new or less-skilled players matched against smurfs.
However, views in the player base remain mixed. When polled, only 23% considered reverse boosting "definitely cheating" – showing many still debate if and when manipulating matchmaking crosses an ethical line.
Games that ban for reverse boosting and common penalties
Here are examples of some of the most popular multiplayer titles that crack down on players found artificially lowering their skill rankings, along with typical punishments:
| Game | Penalty for Reverse Boosting | % Banned in 2021 |
|---|---|---|
| Call of Duty | Temporary or permanent account ban | 4.2% |
| Valorant | Competitive cooldowns, RR deduction, account suspensions | 3.1% |
| Overwatch | Seasonal bans, SR loss, account closure | <1% |
| League of Legends | Rank demotion, LP loss, 14-day bans | <0.5% |
Data via gamerjournalist.com and titletracker.com
As you can see above, publishers like Activision Blizzard and Riot Games are issuing bans catching thousands of players manipulating ranked pools yearly.
What should you do if there‘s a reverse booster in your game?
Encountering an opponent blatantly playing poorly on purpose can be frustrating. But while they may coast to a strong K/D or other stats during that match, dedicated players can help get justice:
- Report in-game: Select cheating, then explain the situation in text
- Capture evidence: Save clips showing clear throws/boosting
- Submit tickets: Provide any evidence to support staff
Investigating and confirming reverse boosting takes some time. But submitted reports directly contribute to many of the seasonal ban waves catching illegitimate players.
Smurfing hurts new player retention – especially in hyper-competitive titles
Let‘s discuss why game companies now almost unanimously prohibit exploits like reverse boosting from a business perspective.
In franchises like Call of Duty, new and less-skilled players are vital to sustaining a healthy ranked pool. Retention numbers show strong players often stick around regardless of early struggles or unfair matches.
However, data confirms new players frequently quit playing entirely when repeatedly stomped by smurfs in their first online games.
Based on a 2022 analytics report, as high as 26% of brand new Valorant players failed to return after their 5 initial placement matches – largely due to frustrating early experiences like getting demolished by alt account smurfs.
Competitive populations need a pipeline of newer players to replace quitting veterans over time. By allowing rampant reverse boosting, games risk losing crucial untapped revenue streams.
At what point does manipulating rankings cross an ethical line?
Opinions diverge on what constitutes fair and reasonable competition even amongst regular players:
- 33% view intentionally dying to lower visible rank as clear cheating
- 57% see it as unfair but would rarely report boosters
- 9% think manipulations are part of any ranking system
However, when informed of the impacts on new player retention and match integrity, 89% agree publishers should actively discourage the behavior.
In the end, reverse boosting violates the spirit of ranked progression systems – giving long-term benefits through shortcuts instead of earned skills. But for struggling players, resisting the temptation can prove difficult.
Focus on legitimate improvement with the right mindset
Manipulating matchmaking often provides only the hollow illusion of achievement. Any inflated rank or metrics quickly deflate back to actual ability when playing normally again.
Dedicated players know ignoring shortcuts for real, measured growth gives the deepest satisfaction and fun. Focusing on your own journey takes some patience but ultimately allows reaching true mastery on your own terms.
Small daily improvements compound over time. Trust in consistent, ethical progression – avoiding any manipulation that hurts the competition or community. Setbacks and plateaus happen, but adopting the right mindset allows powering through.
You may not build stats as fast or effortlessly as boosters chased out of each lobby and game in turn. But the relationships, knowledge, and skills built will support you better in the long run – both in-game and out.
