Valorant Just Killed Smurfing? Cracking Down on Streamsniping As Well

Riot Games has unveiled updated terms for creators in Valorant targeting Smurf Accounts, set to take effect on January 3, 2025. These changes aim to address off-platform behavior, promote fair play, and improve the gaming experience for both creators and players. Here’s a breakdown of the four key updates and what they mean for the community.

Also before we start, Riot has released the complete schedule for the VCT events, you we got a nice tidy article that includes all the details here.

1. Monitoring Off-Platform Behavior

One of the most notable updates involves the monitoring of off-platform behavior by creators. Riot emphasizes that:

• If a streamer exhibits toxic behavior, such as verbally abusing a teammate, even outside of in-game voice chat, Riot can take action.
• This behavior includes streams where creators behave unethically, regardless of whether it happens in the game or not.

While some view this monitoring as invasive, it can have positive effects by ensuring creators maintain a level of professionalism. This accountability sets a higher standard for community engagement and helps promote a healthier gaming culture.

2. Action Against Account Selling and Boosting Services

Creators who promote activities that violate Valorant’s terms of service, such as account selling or boosting, or using smurf accounts will now face account suspensions. This change is aimed at reducing:

• Smurf Accounts: The practice of using lower-ranked accounts to dominate less experienced players.
• Boosted Accounts: Accounts artificially ranked higher through paid services.

This move could significantly curb access to account-selling websites and services, creating a more balanced and fair matchmaking experience.

3. Anti-Stream Sniping System

Riot is introducing a beta anti-stream sniping system, initially tested with English-speaking creators, with plans to roll it out globally. Stream sniping—where opponents watch a live stream to gain an unfair advantage—has long plagued high-ranking matches, affecting the integrity of gameplay.

If successful, this system could:

• Provide a better experience for streamers by ensuring their content isn’t exploited unfairly.
• Improve the competitive integrity of games involving content creators.

4. Cross-Game Penalties

Riot is implementing cross-game penalties for toxic behavior. Starting January 3, 2025:

• A suspension in Valorant will also result in a suspension across other Riot titles, such as League of Legends.
• This unified approach aims to deter bad behavior and foster positive community interactions across all Riot games.

This penalty system underscores Riot’s commitment to addressing toxicity holistically, ensuring consistent consequences for misconduct.

What’s Next?

These changes reflect Riot’s growing emphasis on community integrity and fair play. By tackling issues like stream sniping, account selling, cross-game toxicity, and smurf accounts, they’re setting the stage for a more enjoyable gaming experience.

Frequently Asked Questions about Valorant’s Smurf Accounts crackdown: