South Korea To Make ‘Game Boosting’ Illegal

South Korea To Make ‘Game Boosting’ Illegal

It can be rather frustrating when you’re playing a competitive online game to find that while one of your opponents is fairly ok, the other seems almost Godlike. Well, at least compared to your ability. This isn’t, however, particularly uncommon. The term ‘boosting’ is often well applied in these situations.

It is, however, something that South Korea is taking very seriously. How much? Well, in a report via PCGamesN, offenders could face prosecution and even, potentially, a prison sentence!

What Is Boosting?

Boosting is a way to artificially inflate a players ranking. There are various ways you can go about doing this but, as above, the most common method is simply being teamed with players who are significantly better than you. You are, essentially, carried up the ranks with their exceptional ability making up for the mediocrity of the account.

Let us say, for example, that you want to get into the Platinum ranks on Rocket League, but have nowhere near that ability. You could, in theory, partner up with a player (presumably paying them) whose ability is much higher than the rating would suggest. Worse, let them use your account to do it on your behalf!

Additionally, if you see people playing Overwatch on ‘road to bronze’ groups. This is essentially the same thing, just in reverse!

Penalty!

As you might have already known, South Korea takes competitive gaming seriously. Like, really seriously! With this new law set to come into effect, offenders risk an £18,000 fine and even potentially a 2-year prison sentence. Yeah, if you didn’t understand how seriously before, you do now!

What do you think? Surprised that such a thing would become a law? Have you ever boosted or been boosted? – Let us know in the comments!