The mobile verification system developed by Riot Games for Valorant‘s competitive mode prevents smurfing at Ascendant rank and higher. The Valorant Updates account on Twitter asked players to share their experiences with smurf detection since the system became operational. The player data shows that most players found the new measure unproductive because they reported higher numbers of smurf accounts in lower rank areas.
The team will start their investigation work. The Ascendant competitive system requires players to link their phone numbers according to Riot’s introduction of this requirement. The idea appears to be straightforward according to the statement. The system requires each player to have one unique phone number which makes it hard to create numerous alternate accounts for defeating new players. The developers directly asked players through Twitter about the effectiveness of their system. The players provided various responses to the inquiry. The public response showed that all players rejected the system through their usage of various terms to explain its lack of effectiveness.
Aman Sahu reported that he and his squad played four games yesterday, and they encountered two matches with smurf players. The smurfs were operating without any attempt to hide their activities. The players in the lobby disclosed their actual rank and main account to all members of the lobby. The player demonstrated self-confidence through his present behavior. The player who goes by “d” communicated his thoughts through this statement “people keep playing smurfing in ts right now. The mood shows everywhere through the response messages. Chum2K said ‘Ha fuck no’ about what he saw. ‘Nope, no changes whatsoever,’ added GaelTheProtogen. The message delivered to the audience shows complete clarity.
The situation becomes more complex when it reaches this point. The system exhibits unusual implementation patterns according to its current state. Angie received a mobile verification request after playing Silver 2 although he thought the system existed only for Ascendant players. The situation creates confusion because it brings multiple elements together. A player known as “ki” from Japan questioned whether the service had started operating there, while another player named Shiro directly inquired about its use in EU countries. The question raises whether this solution works worldwide or functions as an incomplete testing procedure. The system appears to operate in different parts of the world.
The first explanation arrives with a gap that exists in the system because players already use their phone numbers to create multiple accounts. Myz explained that “a virtual number costs $2.” Utilation confirmed this by saying “Yeah idk what they were thinking.” Vae explained that people can rent phone numbers at prices below one dollar. The system creates an obstacle that acts as a minor roadblock because the system requires low payments. The system creates an obstacle that acts as a minor roadblock because the system requires low payments. Shiroi Sakura proposed his solution through the following statement: “They dont need to connect their mobile when they can also just detect the HardwareID. The game should impose permanent bans on players who engage in smurfing after the system detects their activities. The approach shows extreme disadvantages, yet it could succeed.
The lowest rank players experienced a negative impact because players believe it worsens game conditions. Nordic reported that he found more Smurfs inside lower ranks because this system modification brought Smurfs into the game. Players with high-rank positions select unverified alternate accounts because they want to reach Gold or Plat rank without using their main account verification. Dizastrous_ explained this issue by stating “If you’re high elo I’m sure there’s less, if you’re under ascendant it’s way more now.” The solution to the problem shifted to lower-ranking players. The solution to the problem shifted to lower-ranking players. The solution to the problem shifted to lower-ranking players.
The matchmaking system creates disorder through its process which players connect to because it appears to have no connection to their current situation. Abhishek complained that “The matchmaking soo fkd I’ve been getting plat , diamond and asc players in a fucking gold lobby.” The question creates confusion because it asks whether the problem comes from smurfing or from matchmaking problems. At this point, who can even tell. The system creates even more problems according to DadQrusu because every game contains one player whose purpose is to enhance another player. The 2FA system served no purpose according to him. Oof.
The gamers proposed different methods to solve the problem. Toby proposed that they connect mobile authentication system to Premier mode since this solution would work for probably some players. Mosam Lihiniya proposed an idea based on rewards through which he stated “Only way to reduce smurf is give more rewards to main account no one want to play others account.” The concept of using cosmetic rewards as a solution didn’t work for everyone because it only worked for particular people. People who want to smurf will continue to do so because they want to play with their lower-ranked friends or to defeat weaker opponents or to escape their main account ranked anxiety.
The current situation brings us to the present, where the new bundle is the least of players’ concerns. Many in the community also play on consoles like PlayStation and Xbox, where similar account integrity issues can arise.
