Why Smurfing in Smite is a Big No-No: The Cringe Factor Explained

by

Discussions about “Smite,” the game where gods fight in intense multiplayer battles, have been heated due to a contentious topic called smurfing. For those new to the term, smurfing refers to experienced players creating secondary accounts with lower skills to compete against beginners. This habit often results in lopsided matches, frustrating many community members who believe it negatively impacts the experience for new players. A recent post by user squ1db0b on a well-known forum ignited a wave of discussions about why smurfing isn’t just looked down upon but is considered incredibly awkward.

Summary

  • The original post highlights the negative impact of smurfing on new players, arguing it leads to unnecessary bullying.
  • Community members engage in a lively debate about the ethics of smurfing and share their experiences related to it.
  • Many agree that teaching new players is acceptable, but deliberately seeking out lower-skilled matches is a major taboo.
  • The conversation touches on game balance and the matchmaking system, revealing a shared desire for fair competition.

The Unforgiving Nature of Smurfing

The heart of the argument concerning smurfing in Smite lies in the perceived injustice of pairing skilled players with beginners. As squ1db0b noted, this practice is frequently fueled by pride rather than good intentions, with players aiming to boost their statistics or relish dominating less experienced opponents. MinorBaconator added his voice, expressing agreement by calling the initial post “spot-on” and giving a thumbs-up, highlighting that the disapproval of smurfing is indeed widespread. It’s evident that many players believe that smurfing fosters a harmful environment where newcomers may be subjected to bullying, something that experienced players like squ1db0b strongly oppose.

The Raging Storm of Opinions

In the discussion, views on smurfing differed widely, providing an intriguing glimpse into various viewpoints. Some gamers expressed their dislike for smurfing, while others debated whether it was truly a common problem. For instance, Mammoth_Cobbler3892 posed the question, “Is there enough players to Smurf?”, raising a relevant point about player numbers. This hint of skepticism implies that the extent of smurfing might not be as considerable as often thought, although it does not justify such actions.

However, the majority view was clearly against this practice, stemming from an appreciation for how it undermines Smite’s goal of promoting a welcoming and inclusive environment for gamers.

When Smurfing Crosses the Line

At times, the discussion strayed into absurd realms (thank you, Ice King enthusiasts), but some participants recounted instances of what they termed “smurfing.” They spoke about situations where they took on the role of vigilantes against supposed bullies. Kiitschii shared a funny story about making an additional account to assist new players, only to transform into a “smurf-hunter” as soon as they encountered a genuine smurf causing chaos in a game. Their extensive 4,000+ hours of playtime lent credibility to their complaints, as they were clearly invested in ensuring a level playing field. It seems that when someone spots a smurf, it becomes a personal mission to restore balance, making this an amusing yet significant issue in competitive gaming.

The Future of Smite and Its Matchmaking System

Discussions frequently revolved around the effectiveness of Smite’s matchmaking system. A player named TheRadiantPup80969 shared their struggles in advanced games, noting that they frequently encountered players with “0 SR” (Skill Rating), despite their deep involvement in the game. This seasoned player, who has amassed a near decade-long gaming history, continues to grapple with annoying inconsistencies stemming from how matches are created. This experience resonates with a broader feeling within the community that the matchmaking system requires adjustments to provide a more balanced experience, potentially diminishing the temptation of smurfing. The increasing excitement for Smite 2, which promises to tackle many of these balance problems, appears to reflect players’ expectations of a more equitable and less toxic gaming atmosphere.

As the Smite community ponders over the impact of using multiple accounts, or ‘smurfing’, it’s evident that everyone seeks more than just high win rates and boasting rights. The desire is for a fair gaming experience where beginners can learn, veterans can guide without mockery, and all players can participate on an even playing field. Smite holds the promise of being an inviting platform for newcomers, but actions like smurfing risk tarnishing that goal. Although smurfing might provide a short-lived excitement for some, it appears that most agree such behavior leads to awkward encounters that undermine fun – for both smurfs and novices. Let’s strive for more sportsmanship (and less smurfing) as we engage in combat within the arena!

Read More

2025-03-19 01:44