Boosting: Rank and skill deception in esports

• Published in: Entertainment computing 2021-01, Vol.36, p.100393, Article 100393
• Main Authors: Conroy, Eoin, Kowal, Magdalena, Toth, Adam J., Campbell, Mark J.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: AVG; Cheating; Gamers; MOBA; Ranking; Video games
• ISSN: 1875-9521; 1875-953X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.entcom.2020.100393

•Boosting affects competitive video game rank distributions and the esports community.•Over 600,000 accounts may partake in boosting in LoL, OW and Dota2 combined.•Over €110 million in revenue is generated annually or multi-annually through boosting services.•An estimated €110 million is generated annually through boosting services.•Boosting scandals have become topical in the professional esports space.•Currently, no international anti-cheating esports organisation exists. Competitive video gaming, collectively known as esports,hassurged in popularity over the last decade. Therapid growth in revenue, viewership, players and exposure to date has led to the rise ofimpropriety in the formofcheating.“Boosting” is a form of cheating whereby high-skilled players access lower-skilled players’ accounts for the purpose of increasing the rank of the account for monetary gain. From esports games such as League of Legends to Overwatch, players are universally ranked based on performance and results-based metrics. The perceived social status of these ranks, along with rank-associated rewards such as in-game cosmetics, ability to enter tournaments and join prestigious teams are significant motivators for one to cheat. This paper reviews and discusses the notable issue of boosting, estimates prevalence and profitability of boosting, its impact on the esports industry and community, and how it is currently being addressed.