Proxy Game Services Offer 24-Hour Inquiries and Pricing
Gamers Raise Concerns Over Effectiveness of Related Prevention Laws
Industry States "User Reports Play a Key Role"
[Asia Economy Reporters Kayoung Kim, Intern Sungyeol Kim] The 'Proxy Game Punishment Act,' aimed at preventing the deterioration of gaming culture by prohibiting the practice of paying others to operate games, has been in effect since June last year. However, even after eight months, proxy game businesses are still openly operating, raising questions about the law's effectiveness.
Proxy gaming applies to 'competitive games' between users aimed at increasing levels or rankings. The law targets proxy game operators and advertisers (service brokers) who profit from proxy services. Those caught engaging in proxy gaming face up to two years in prison or fines up to 20 million KRW.
The Game Rating and Administration Committee identifies proxy game operators through user complaints, monitoring by game companies and the committee itself, analyzing log records, IP data, and win rate changes, and then refers cases to investigative authorities.
However, activities such as broadcasting evaluations of game items using another person's account, simple proxy item purchases, or event participation are excluded from punishment.
Despite the law being in full effect for about eight months, proxy game businesses continue to operate steadily. Consequently, gamers are questioning the effectiveness of the 'Proxy Game Punishment Act.'
A photo of a Google search for 'Lol Daeri'. Many boosting service companies are advertising. Photo by Google homepage capture
The game where proxy gaming is most prevalent is 'League of Legends (LoL).' LoL features both levels and rankings, and the tier system, which divides users by skill level, has led to the widespread practice of proxy gaming.
Searching 'LoL proxy' on portal sites like Google or Naver yields dozens of companies. Visiting these companies' websites reveals work status, proof of completed tasks, and user reviews. They offer 24-hour inquiries and display price lists.
Advertisements are also openly posted. On LoL-specialized online communities such as LoL Inven and DC Inside's League of Legends gallery, proxy service ads are regularly uploaded. They promote by posting company websites or KakaoTalk chatroom addresses.
The problem with proxy gaming is that it harms the gaming ecosystem. As proxy gaming increases, the enjoyment for regular players diminishes.
In LoL, which is played in 5:5 teams, the tier system matches users of similar skill levels to ensure smoother gameplay. Users who climb to higher tiers through proxy gaming cannot keep up with the game level due to skill differences.
Users expressing dissatisfaction on the League of Legends specialized online community 'LoL Inven' / Photo by LoL Inven homepage capture
Additionally, games become one-sided and less enjoyable due to the skill gap between so-called 'proxy players' operating in lower tiers and regular users.
As such cases continue, gamers have expressed dissatisfaction. A 28-year-old office worker A, who has played LoL for over five years, said, "Proxy gaming has always been a problem in the game. I thought things would change after the law was enacted, but I don't feel any difference."
A 24-year-old student B, who started playing LoL two years ago, said, "It's problematic to maintain a tier that isn't based on my own skill, but the biggest issue is that those who use proxies ruin the game while playing. I come to play games to relieve stress, but I end up more stressed."
User complaints about proxy gaming continue on LoL-specialized online communities.
One user on DC Inside's League of Legends gallery said, "It seems like proxy gaming isn't caught even when reported these days. I reported to the game company about gameplay that was completely different from previous records, but I haven't heard anything for days. I don't know if they're managing it."
Another user criticized, "Winning or losing the game is not determined by my skill but by whether a proxy player exists, which is disheartening. If that's the case, I'd rather play a single-player game."
A user on LoL Inven expressed frustration, saying, "There are proxy ads posted several times a day on the board, but it's funny that they can't catch them. I'm curious if there are any cases of detection. I don't understand why the law was made."
A Riot Games representative, the developer of LoL, stated, "Proxy gaming has been a major concern for Riot from the beginning. We constantly identify proxy users based on internal investigations and user reports. While it can't be eradicated overnight, we catch hundreds of proxy gamers every week. User reports play a crucial role."
They added, "Since the enactment of the punishment law, user awareness has improved, which has had a positive effect. The company will continue efforts to eradicate proxy gaming. We also ask users to refrain from proxy gaming."
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