Netease and Blizzard today released a statement regarding player rule violations. Seven Chinese players have been penalized for match-fixing and smurfing.
Punk: Match-fixing and smurfing on other's account, banned from all official and sanctioned tournaments for two years, Blizzard account permanently closed, all rewards from related tournaments revoked.
Coffee: Match-fixing, banned from all official and sanctioned tournaments for one year and half, Blizzard account permanently closed, all rewards from related tournaments revoked.
Silky (Chinese player): Smurfing, banned from all official and sanctioned tournaments for one year, Blizzard account permanently closed, all rewards from related tournaments revoked.
JIN, Park, BreakingGG and 麦乐鸡块: Smurfing, banned from all official and sanctioned tournaments for six months, Blizzard account permanently closed, all rewards from related tournaments revoked.
Affected tournaments: Star of China reality show qualifier, GPL Season 1 qualifier, Kung Fu Super League Chinese qualifier.
In addition, Silky was expelled from the X-Team roster. Team manager xiaose also announced that Silky and Coffee's Korean trip sponsored by him and F91 have been cancelled. Coffee and Silky's Kung Fu Super League spot have also been revoked, with an additional qualifier next week to determine their replacements.
In case it isn't clear to some readers, there are two players named Silky. One is an American player who is participating in the American WCS series. The one being talked about here is a different player, it is simply a chinese player with the same tag.
Sad to hear about this though, many of them take part in many events.
Match fixing is bad, so I can see why Punk and Coffee got punished, but smurfing? I'm guessing the context here is important, because just smurfing does not seem a terrible thing to do. What were the specific circumstances about the smurfing in this case?
On June 10 2017 12:51 Lazare1969 wrote: Never heard of them tbh
Then you don't follow any of the smaller weekly cups. They're the new generation of Chinese players, taking over from old ones like TooDming, Jim and MacSed.
On June 10 2017 12:48 DARKING wrote: Match fixing is bad, so I can see why Punk and Coffee got punished, but smurfing? I'm guessing the context here is important, because just smurfing does not seem a terrible thing to do. What were the specific circumstances about the smurfing in this case?
They smurfed on other's accounts to play in tournaments on their behalf. What this should be called in English?
On June 10 2017 12:48 DARKING wrote: Match fixing is bad, so I can see why Punk and Coffee got punished, but smurfing? I'm guessing the context here is important, because just smurfing does not seem a terrible thing to do. What were the specific circumstances about the smurfing in this case?
They smurfed on other's accounts to play in tournaments on their behalf. What this should be called in English?
On June 10 2017 12:48 DARKING wrote: Match fixing is bad, so I can see why Punk and Coffee got punished, but smurfing? I'm guessing the context here is important, because just smurfing does not seem a terrible thing to do. What were the specific circumstances about the smurfing in this case?
They smurfed on other's accounts to play in tournaments on their behalf. What this should be called in English?
Account sharing I guess? Hard to fit that in a title though
On June 10 2017 12:48 DARKING wrote: Match fixing is bad, so I can see why Punk and Coffee got punished, but smurfing? I'm guessing the context here is important, because just smurfing does not seem a terrible thing to do. What were the specific circumstances about the smurfing in this case?
They smurfed on other's accounts to play in tournaments on their behalf. What this should be called in English?
Account sharing perhaps?
Worse than that, they knowingly competed in tournaments on behalf of other players.
On June 10 2017 12:48 DARKING wrote: Match fixing is bad, so I can see why Punk and Coffee got punished, but smurfing? I'm guessing the context here is important, because just smurfing does not seem a terrible thing to do. What were the specific circumstances about the smurfing in this case?
They smurfed on other's accounts to play in tournaments on their behalf. What this should be called in English?
假冒他人?
Impersonation? Or is that too serious, I think we don't even use such a term for this context in Chinese.
On June 10 2017 12:48 DARKING wrote: Match fixing is bad, so I can see why Punk and Coffee got punished, but smurfing? I'm guessing the context here is important, because just smurfing does not seem a terrible thing to do. What were the specific circumstances about the smurfing in this case?
They smurfed on other's accounts to play in tournaments on their behalf. What this should be called in English?
edit: no clue why I basically retyped what you typed... xD - typing it as such is the most clear I believe. I guess the most clear way to state it would be just that they were "smurfing under each other's accounts in tournaments"
I believe that would alleviate any doubt as to what type of smurfing it was, and why it is more serious. Also of great importance is that the GPL has WCS points and was a qualifier for a LAN so that definitely compounds the issue in regards to the WCS handbook rules.
On June 10 2017 12:48 DARKING wrote: Match fixing is bad, so I can see why Punk and Coffee got punished, but smurfing? I'm guessing the context here is important, because just smurfing does not seem a terrible thing to do. What were the specific circumstances about the smurfing in this case?
They smurfed on other's accounts to play in tournaments on their behalf. What this should be called in English?
假冒他人?
Impersonation?
That would imply the other does not know his identity is being used by others, which is not the case here, I guess smurfing is the best word here.
On June 10 2017 12:48 DARKING wrote: Match fixing is bad, so I can see why Punk and Coffee got punished, but smurfing? I'm guessing the context here is important, because just smurfing does not seem a terrible thing to do. What were the specific circumstances about the smurfing in this case?
They smurfed on other's accounts to play in tournaments on their behalf. What this should be called in English?
假冒他人?
Impersonation?
That would imply the other does not know his identity is being used by others, which is not the case here, I guess smurfing is the best word here.
I don't think you'd use smurfs in a competitive context. Smurfing doesn't imply trying to pass yourself off as someone else.
On June 10 2017 12:48 DARKING wrote: Match fixing is bad, so I can see why Punk and Coffee got punished, but smurfing? I'm guessing the context here is important, because just smurfing does not seem a terrible thing to do. What were the specific circumstances about the smurfing in this case?
I looked at the Chinese statement from NetEase and from the term they used, looks like "smurfing" means these players played in tournaments using someone else's identity.
BreakingGG apparently played as 麦乐鸡块 in the Star of China qualifier, this one was mentioned explicitly.
On June 10 2017 12:48 DARKING wrote: Match fixing is bad, so I can see why Punk and Coffee got punished, but smurfing? I'm guessing the context here is important, because just smurfing does not seem a terrible thing to do. What were the specific circumstances about the smurfing in this case?
They smurfed on other's accounts to play in tournaments on their behalf. What this should be called in English?
Account sharing perhaps?
Worse than that, they knowingly competed in tournaments on behalf of other players.
well that is super serious... fuck what a terrible news for the chinese and overall sc scene i wonder if the punishment for the players that "shared acc" in the tournaments arent severe enough.
Silky was punished harsher than other smurfers because he was not behaving honestly in front of solid evidence. Punk and Coffee's matchfixing game was a GPL match on May 4th when Punk "accidentally" detonated 40+ banelings, the match fix have monetary benefits involved thus was a serious matter.
One case is an isolated incident, two cases is a coincidence, three cases is an epidemic. I know that they're different scenes, but this is the third matchfixing incident and the 5th and 6th players that have been uncovered in the last 2 years. I can't help but think that there are more cases that are flying under the radar, like the suspicious ProLeague games. This could seriously damage SC2 in China, which was one of the last bastions of hope for this game, with WESG putting $400k into one tournament. This will just contribute to the vicious cycle of players getting greedy and matchfixing, followed by sponsors leaving the scene, leading to less money in the scene, which leads to players matchfixing to pay the bills etc.
The smurfing bans are weird. I didn't know the Chinese took it so seriously.
On June 10 2017 13:23 Solar424 wrote: One case is an isolated incident, two cases is a coincidence, three cases is an epidemic. I know that they're different scenes, but this is the third matchfixing incident and the 5th and 6th players that have been uncovered in the last 2 years. I can't help but think that there are more cases that are flying under the radar, like the suspicious ProLeague games. This could seriously damage SC2 in China, which was one of the last bastions of hope for this game, with WESG putting $400k into one tournament. This will just contribute to the vicious cycle of players getting greedy and matchfixing, followed by sponsors leaving the scene, leading to less money in the scene, which leads to players matchfixing to pay the bills etc.
The smurfing bans are weird. I didn't know the Chinese took it so seriously.
I found some further information that explains why this "smurfing" is so serious.
In silky's KFC qualifier match against ein, silky asked punk to play as himself against ein. Silky then sat right next to punk, and fed punk information on what build ein was doing from watching the live stream.
On June 10 2017 12:43 -Kyo- wrote: In case it isn't clear to some readers, there are two players named Silky. One is an American player who is participating in the American WCS series. The one being talked about here is a different player, it is simply a chinese player with the same tag.
Sad to hear about this though, many of them take part in many events.
Thanks for posting this, I don't want anyone to confuse me with this silky.
On June 10 2017 12:43 -Kyo- wrote: In case it isn't clear to some readers, there are two players named Silky. One is an American player who is participating in the American WCS series. The one being talked about here is a different player, it is simply a chinese player with the same tag.
Sad to hear about this though, many of them take part in many events.
Thanks for posting this, I don't want anyone to confuse me with this silky.
On June 10 2017 12:43 -Kyo- wrote: In case it isn't clear to some readers, there are two players named Silky. One is an American player who is participating in the American WCS series. The one being talked about here is a different player, it is simply a chinese player with the same tag.
Sad to hear about this though, many of them take part in many events.
Thanks for posting this, I don't want anyone to confuse me with this silky.
On June 10 2017 12:48 DARKING wrote: Match fixing is bad, so I can see why Punk and Coffee got punished, but smurfing? I'm guessing the context here is important, because just smurfing does not seem a terrible thing to do. What were the specific circumstances about the smurfing in this case?
They smurfed on other's accounts to play in tournaments on their behalf. What this should be called in English?
I am very disturbed that these bans are not permanent. Especially the ones for Silky, Punk, and Coffee. Match fixing and cheating are not forgivable. Their Starcraft careers ought to be over.
Life is never coming back. He shouldn't be. Neither should they.
On June 10 2017 14:16 Circumstance wrote: I am very disturbed that these bans are not permanent. Especially the ones for Silky, Punk, and Coffee. Match fixing and cheating are not forgivable. Their Starcraft careers ought to be over.
Life is never coming back. He shouldn't be. Neither should they.
The difference between value of those two are not really equatable. The CH and KR scene are also quite different, and moreover, Life's position as a player is amplified by his previous placements.
Personally, I've always thought, as it is in sports (generallllyy.. speaking) an appropriate punishment for what was done is fair enough. Once the players have served their time, if they show no repeat offense behavior, then give them that chance.
It's quite tragic when hard stances are taken, as seen in the CS:GO scene where some of the best NA players were perm banned by valve, but have stated years later (while still being well respected in the community) they would donate all tournament earnings/do PR/PSAs/etc, just to have another chance to compete. That is their drive to play. The top players all respect them and this approach, but they are still shut out by valve.
2 years is a long, long time in esports. Just go check out the reddit thread on teams of the past to really put in perspective how much has changed in each iteration of SC2 in those time gaps.
Just as a PS, if you really think hard stances should always be taken, then many players such as Major, and a few WCS EU players would also currently be perm banned for similar things, or smurfing in tournaments.
People make mistakes, and in this case, it really sucks for these rising players but lets take a logical approach.
To agree on some aspects: pathological/repeat offenders should always be quickly identified and never be given the next opportunity.
Hey digmouse I miss you <3. There's not really an equivalent term in English for what went on but I think calling it smurfing is really unfair because smurfing is a legimate thing you can do without breaking rules. I would classify it as "Falsely participating as another player in moneyed events". The law hasn't really caught up with esports here so we don't have an English or Latin word to describe this.
On June 10 2017 14:40 ploguidice wrote: Hey digmouse I miss you <3. There's not really an equivalent term in English for what went on but I think calling it smurfing is really unfair because smurfing is a legimate thing you can do without breaking rules. I would classify it as "Falsely participating as another player in moneyed events". The law hasn't really caught up with esports here so we don't have an English or Latin word to describe this.
Actually, in events with WCS points you are FORCED to use an account that ONLY you play on. Moreover, that account name will be what you are 'registered' as for the event season.
When it comes to tournaments the WCS rulebook is actually quite clear that there is no smurfing allowed.
Smurfing to ladder, or team house accounts for practice are still "allowed" as far as I know though; but these accounts are not used for tournaments.
On June 10 2017 14:40 ploguidice wrote: Hey digmouse I miss you <3. There's not really an equivalent term in English for what went on but I think calling it smurfing is really unfair because smurfing is a legimate thing you can do without breaking rules. I would classify it as "Falsely participating as another player in moneyed events". The law hasn't really caught up with esports here so we don't have an English or Latin word to describe this.
On June 10 2017 14:16 Circumstance wrote: I am very disturbed that these bans are not permanent. Especially the ones for Silky, Punk, and Coffee. Match fixing and cheating are not forgivable. Their Starcraft careers ought to be over.
Life is never coming back. He shouldn't be. Neither should they.
The difference between value of those two are not really equatable. The CH and KR scene are also quite different, and moreover, Life's position as a player is amplified by his previous placements.
Personally, I've always thought, as it is in sports (generallllyy.. speaking) an appropriate punishment for what was done is fair enough. Once the players have served their time, if they show no repeat offense behavior, then give them that chance.
It's quite tragic when hard stances are taken, as seen in the CS:GO scene where some of the best NA players were perm banned by valve, but have stated years later (while still being well respected in the community) they would donate all tournament earnings/do PR/PSAs/etc, just to have another chance to compete. That is their drive to play. The top players all respect them and this approach, but they are still shut out by valve.
2 years is a long, long time in esports. Just go check out the reddit thread on teams of the past to really put in perspective how much has changed in each iteration of SC2 in those time gaps.
Just as a PS, if you really think hard stances should always be taken, then many players such as Major, and a few WCS EU players would also currently be perm banned for similar things, or smurfing in tournaments.
People make mistakes, and in this case, it really sucks for these rising players but lets take a logical approach.
To agree on some aspects: pathological/repeat offenders should always be quickly identified and never be given the next opportunity.
The question of the appropriate punishment for misrepresentation is hairier, though I absolutely consider it necessary for said punishment ro be punitive, so as to disincentivize repeat attempts. However, when it comes to the named three, there must be no second chances. Fixed matches and tournament stream cheating are not to be taken lighrly, or even moderately. They entirely delegitimize what the viewer sees on their screen. Time for the next few players in the Chinese ranks to get their shot in WCS qualifiers, and for some other high-caliber players to make arrangements in the Korean House. Silky, Coffee, and Punk can find some other game, preferably by another company, if they want a second chance. Like Hosty and AZK did.
On June 10 2017 12:48 DARKING wrote: Match fixing is bad, so I can see why Punk and Coffee got punished, but smurfing? I'm guessing the context here is important, because just smurfing does not seem a terrible thing to do. What were the specific circumstances about the smurfing in this case?
They smurfed on other's accounts to play in tournaments on their behalf. What this should be called in English?
I still think "smurfing" doesn't sound right. Maybe "impersonation" is more appropriate? I think “代考” is called impersonation in exam, and this is something similar.
Another word is substitute exam-taker. So, maybe something like "substitute game-player"?
On June 10 2017 14:16 Circumstance wrote: I am very disturbed that these bans are not permanent. Especially the ones for Silky, Punk, and Coffee. Match fixing and cheating are not forgivable. Their Starcraft careers ought to be over.
Life is never coming back. He shouldn't be. Neither should they.
The difference between value of those two are not really equatable. The CH and KR scene are also quite different, and moreover, Life's position as a player is amplified by his previous placements.
Personally, I've always thought, as it is in sports (generallllyy.. speaking) an appropriate punishment for what was done is fair enough. Once the players have served their time, if they show no repeat offense behavior, then give them that chance.
It's quite tragic when hard stances are taken, as seen in the CS:GO scene where some of the best NA players were perm banned by valve, but have stated years later (while still being well respected in the community) they would donate all tournament earnings/do PR/PSAs/etc, just to have another chance to compete. That is their drive to play. The top players all respect them and this approach, but they are still shut out by valve.
2 years is a long, long time in esports. Just go check out the reddit thread on teams of the past to really put in perspective how much has changed in each iteration of SC2 in those time gaps.
Just as a PS, if you really think hard stances should always be taken, then many players such as Major, and a few WCS EU players would also currently be perm banned for similar things, or smurfing in tournaments.
People make mistakes, and in this case, it really sucks for these rising players but lets take a logical approach.
To agree on some aspects: pathological/repeat offenders should always be quickly identified and never be given the next opportunity.
if they want a second chance. Like Hosty and AZK did.
This part I don't really understand. If you are worried about the legitimization of one company in esports, shouldn't you be worried about the whole enterprise seeing as how they are all intertwined in a significant manner, especially in regards to the tournaments that are hosting events? In which case, it really wouldn't make sense to allow them to play a different game as the fundamental thing you are at odds with here is the fact that they have cheated in the first place. If you are worried about them undermining one game, what is to stop them from doing it in a different game?
If you are not worried about them undermining the system, and admit that they'd probably learn from such an experience (i.e; they are not repeat offenders/genuinely vouch that they will not allow this sort of thing to happen again), why is it hard to allow them, just as in football or any other traditional sport (or esport for that matter) to be given another chance YEARS from now if the community still believes them to deserve a chance?
What you've basically stated is they can get another chance, effective immediately, just not with this company. Unfortunately, this approach does not really deal with the terms of punishment they've already been given because you're essentially acting as if they are a completely different entity due to the fact that they've changed the game they're playing. This approach to me makes even less sense under the pretense that they do something like forward their tournament earnings to some charity and can only make income from some form of sponsorship.
Regardless, I don't think we really need to worry to much about it now... because who knows where sc2 will be in 2 more years... it's a really, really long time given how long the game has already been out o:
ah edit: I'll also add in terms of "punishment", it's quite well documented that harsher punishments don't generally serve as a deterrent to breaking rules. A key objective of the players in this case is probably at the fundamental issue of sc2 right now... which is that it is hard to make a real living outside of korea. If you can clearly see that even if you get a ban, and you make a few $KK more than you can make legitimately playing in tournaments during that time then these people are probably going to take the chance. You'll take it, the money you have received, and try to move on. Obviously, under the hope that they don't actually think they'll get caught.
On June 10 2017 12:48 DARKING wrote: Match fixing is bad, so I can see why Punk and Coffee got punished, but smurfing? I'm guessing the context here is important, because just smurfing does not seem a terrible thing to do. What were the specific circumstances about the smurfing in this case?
They smurfed on other's accounts to play in tournaments on their behalf. What this should be called in English?
Account sharing perhaps?
Worse than that, they knowingly competed in tournaments on behalf of other players.
Well at least blizz takes seriously their own rules, I feel this new good overall for the scene even tho is sad to see that many newcoming pros being involved
ah edit: I'll also add in terms of "punishment", it's quite well documented that harsher punishments don't generally serve as a deterrent to breaking rules. A key objective of the players in this case is probably at the fundamental issue of sc2 right now... which is that it is hard to make a real living outside of korea. If you can clearly see that even if you get a ban, and you make a few $KK more than you can make legitimately playing in tournaments during that time then these people are probably going to take the chance. You'll take it, the money you have received, and try to move on. Obviously, under the hope that they don't actually think they'll get caught.
It's pretty much impossible to make a real living in Korea without KeSPA teams paying 60k a year to top players. Right now, there are teams paying top top Korean Pros 500-1000 a month (it might be higher than 1000 and I hope it is, but it's documented that it's as low as 500), but that's not enough to make a "real living". Of course every little bit counts. That can't be ignored. I'm sure the players love the support and it's good for the scene to have teams, but it's not what it was before when players were being adequately (adequately might even be a generous way to describe it) compensated for skipping university to play a game.
Side note: streaming in now way compares to the lost 60k a year. Watch streams of top Koreans and add up how much they make in donations. It's like trying to dam a river with a pebble.
On June 10 2017 12:48 DARKING wrote: Match fixing is bad, so I can see why Punk and Coffee got punished, but smurfing? I'm guessing the context here is important, because just smurfing does not seem a terrible thing to do. What were the specific circumstances about the smurfing in this case?
They smurfed on other's accounts to play in tournaments on their behalf. What this should be called in English?
Account sharing perhaps?
Worse than that, they knowingly competed in tournaments on behalf of other players.
Sounds like good ole fashioned fraud or false pretenses.
On a more serious note, how is that the ban only last for a year or two? Blizzard should just ban them from entering Blizzard sponsored tournaments ever again.
ah edit: I'll also add in terms of "punishment", it's quite well documented that harsher punishments don't generally serve as a deterrent to breaking rules. A key objective of the players in this case is probably at the fundamental issue of sc2 right now... which is that it is hard to make a real living outside of korea. If you can clearly see that even if you get a ban, and you make a few $KK more than you can make legitimately playing in tournaments during that time then these people are probably going to take the chance. You'll take it, the money you have received, and try to move on. Obviously, under the hope that they don't actually think they'll get caught.
It's pretty much impossible to make a real living in Korea without KeSPA teams paying 60k a year to top players. Right now, there are teams paying top top Korean Pros 500-1000 a month (it might be higher than 1000 and I hope it is, but it's documented that it's as low as 500), but that's not enough to make a "real living". Of course every little bit counts. That can't be ignored. I'm sure the players love the support and it's good for the scene to have teams, but it's not what it was before when players were being adequately (adequately might even be a generous way to describe it) compensated for skipping university to play a game.
Side note: streaming in now way compares to the lost 60k a year. Watch streams of top Koreans and add up how much they make in donations. It's like trying to dam a river with a pebble.
I think it's just down to Starcraft 2 not being a big enough game anymore to warrant "high" salaries. It's unfortunate that these players aren't getting paid much but that's just how it is when fewer and fewer people are watching the game.
On June 10 2017 13:21 digmouse wrote: Silky was punished harsher than other smurfers because he was not behaving honestly in front of solid evidence. Punk and Coffee's matchfixing game was a GPL match on May 4th when Punk "accidentally" detonated 40+ banelings, the match fix have monetary benefits involved thus was a serious matter.
If he uses grid I'm almost inclined to believe him.
On June 10 2017 13:21 digmouse wrote: Silky was punished harsher than other smurfers because he was not behaving honestly in front of solid evidence. Punk and Coffee's matchfixing game was a GPL match on May 4th when Punk "accidentally" detonated 40+ banelings, the match fix have monetary benefits involved thus was a serious matter.
If he uses grid I'm almost inclined to believe him.
Cmon detonating banelings doesn't mean anything, it happened to the best
On June 10 2017 15:41 valas991 wrote: So, upcoming chinese player match-fix, 1,5-2 year ban A well known player (Life) match-fixes, perma ban.
I understand that they are different region, and different kind of players, but they did the same crime,in same game, should've same punishments imo.
Unlike life, not that many money is involved. it is more like the old Byun/Coca story.
It's a tad more severe than that as tournament spots/WCS points and some money were involved.
How are the reactions from Chinese fans?
Obviously outrage from most ppl. However some are blaming xiaose and F91 for hogging all the resources in the Chinese scene. "The SC2 godfather" as they say. They claim that these impoverished players did it for money becuz the scboys refused to share the cake despite rolling in money.
Doesn't make any sense since those two took money out of their own pockets to host tournaments but w/e.
The attitude from some of these players also did not help. One claimed everyone was doing it he was just unlucky to get caught (he was paid 40 dollars to go easy on his opponent, which according to him was commonplace). Another said he can still make money from streaming (xiaose said he'd make sure that won't happen).
On June 10 2017 15:41 valas991 wrote: So, upcoming chinese player match-fix, 1,5-2 year ban A well known player (Life) match-fixes, perma ban.
I understand that they are different region, and different kind of players, but they did the same crime,in same game, should've same punishments imo.
Unlike life, not that many money is involved. it is more like the old Byun/Coca story.
It's a tad more severe than that as tournament spots/WCS points and some money were involved.
How are the reactions from Chinese fans?
Obviously outrage from most ppl. However some are blaming xiaose and F91 for hogging all the resources in the Chinese scene. "The SC2 godfather" as they say. They claim that these impoverished players did it for money becuz the scboys refused to share the cake despite rolling in money.
Doesn't make any sense since those two took money out of their own pockets to host tournaments but w/e.
The attitude from some of these players also did not help. One claimed everyone was doing it he was just unlucky to get caught (he was paid 40 dollars to go easy on his opponent, which according to him was commonplace). Another said he can still make money from streaming (xiaose said he'd make sure that won't happen).
Actually, it is true that Xiaose and F91 earned a lot. However, most Chinese Starcraft II players and viewers play the game and watch the streaming not because of the game, but mainly because it is Xiaose and F91 streaming and playing the game. So, it makes sense that Xiaose and F91 earn a lot from Chinese Starcraft II market. Also, those who said "scboy refused to share the cake" is not appropriate. Xiaose and F91 also knows their profits is depending on the Chinese Starcraft II market; they tried their best to help Chinese Starcraft II players. For example, Xiaose and F91 sponsor (the money is from their own income and those who sponsored by them do not need to advertise SCBOY) at least one of Chinese players to attend every WCS events such as the WCS austin; also, recently they decided to sponsor (the sponsor money is also from their own income) two Chinese "new generation" players (they hold a match to select two Chinese players, the selected are Silky and Coffee however they will be replaced due to matchfixing and smurfing) to have trainings in Korea.
On June 11 2017 15:06 CUTtheCBC wrote: wow Blizzard just destroyed the entire Chinese scene.. couldn't they have gone with a softer punishment?
Not as bad as you think tbh. And the punishment is already quite lenient.
So after reading the thread and not knowing very much about Chinese SCII besides for the old guys like MacSed, what does this mean for Chinese SCII? I know the scene is going through a downturn right now, so what does it mean for the scene in general? I'm really curious as someone who is wayyyy out of the loop rn.
On June 11 2017 15:06 CUTtheCBC wrote: wow Blizzard just destroyed the entire Chinese scene.. couldn't they have gone with a softer punishment?
Not as bad as you think tbh. And the punishment is already quite lenient.
So after reading the thread and not knowing very much about Chinese SCII besides for the old guys like MacSed, what does this mean for Chinese SCII? I know the scene is going through a downturn right now, so what does it mean for the scene in general? I'm really curious as someone who is wayyyy out of the loop rn.
7 less active players to participate in tournaments, definitely could hurt the scene to an extent, but the scene is getting a lot more new comers due to active involvement of Netease on talent scouting and exposure, plus more grass root and official tournament support means players have more and more incentive to practice and improve.
The match fixing and smurfing are relatively small scale and do not bear the same impact without illegal betting org influences, so the damage is limited, at least based on current evidence.
Lastly the scene generally accepts that the players did the wrong thing out of youth ignorance, and is generally taking a soft approach on them.
On June 12 2017 06:10 evolsiefil wrote: and to think life is apparently banned for life for doing the same thing. i think its time to pardon life once 2 years have passed.
I'd agree with your 2 year pardon; however, the courts in korea found him guilty of criminal activity contingent on a 3 year suspension. Based on the legality of the courts in his case, or any case for that matter, I'd always defer the reexamination period to the time that the courts decide as punishment; in his case, 3 years. Else, we'd kind of be undercutting the decision passed by the justice system in that region (or any region if we did such a thing). It should be mentioned of course, comparing cases that go through such legal systems vs those that don't are vastly different.
Regardless, the KR scene will never except him back and it's something we all have to accept.
Terrible, when will players learn that this kind of stuff doesn't fly. You'd think Savior and Life would've showed that it's terrible to do this yet it keeps happens -_-
On June 12 2017 15:12 BigFan wrote: Terrible, when will players learn that this kind of stuff doesn't fly. You'd think Savior and Life would've showed that it's terrible to do this yet it keeps happens -_-
What makes you think that everyone matchfixing gets caught though? Isn't it pretty likely that there is a fair amount of matchfixing going on that never gets revealed? Maybe it's actually a good way for players to get a proper salary, with only a small risk.
On June 12 2017 15:12 BigFan wrote: Terrible, when will players learn that this kind of stuff doesn't fly. You'd think Savior and Life would've showed that it's terrible to do this yet it keeps happens -_-
What makes you think that everyone matchfixing gets caught though? Isn't it pretty likely that there is a fair amount of matchfixing going on that never gets revealed? Maybe it's actually a good way for players to get a proper salary, with only a small risk.
It is a common problem when you have people in the position to change where lots of money go, but them not getting any of those lots of money. (Or especially not enough money to live a stable live). There are going to be some people who offer part of the money to make sure that the lots of money goes their way. And it is tempting to take that money, if you don't make lots of money.
On June 12 2017 15:12 BigFan wrote: Terrible, when will players learn that this kind of stuff doesn't fly. You'd think Savior and Life would've showed that it's terrible to do this yet it keeps happens -_-
What makes you think that everyone matchfixing gets caught though? Isn't it pretty likely that there is a fair amount of matchfixing going on that never gets revealed? Maybe it's actually a good way for players to get a proper salary, with only a small risk.
It is a common problem when you have people in the position to change where lots of money go, but them not getting any of those lots of money. (Or especially not enough money to live a stable live). There are going to be some people who offer part of the money to make sure that the lots of money goes their way. And it is tempting to take that money, if you don't make lots of money.
Yeah, that's more or less what I'm think as well. It all comes from more money being in the (illegal) gambling scene than in progamer salaries.
On June 12 2017 15:12 BigFan wrote: Terrible, when will players learn that this kind of stuff doesn't fly. You'd think Savior and Life would've showed that it's terrible to do this yet it keeps happens -_-
What makes you think that everyone matchfixing gets caught though? Isn't it pretty likely that there is a fair amount of matchfixing going on that never gets revealed? Maybe it's actually a good way for players to get a proper salary, with only a small risk.
Considering we had multiple insiders saying matchfixing was rampant in korea and every few weeks the bets on pinnacle got voided it's a pretty safe assumption to say that there were much more matchfixers. Just a shame that Life of all people was caught.
On June 10 2017 12:48 DARKING wrote: Match fixing is bad, so I can see why Punk and Coffee got punished, but smurfing? I'm guessing the context here is important, because just smurfing does not seem a terrible thing to do. What were the specific circumstances about the smurfing in this case?
They smurfed on other's accounts to play in tournaments on their behalf. What this should be called in English?
Account sharing perhaps?
Essentially its the same as cheating. Just like letting someone else do your exam at University or something.
On June 12 2017 15:12 BigFan wrote: Terrible, when will players learn that this kind of stuff doesn't fly. You'd think Savior and Life would've showed that it's terrible to do this yet it keeps happens -_-
What makes you think that everyone matchfixing gets caught though? Isn't it pretty likely that there is a fair amount of matchfixing going on that never gets revealed? Maybe it's actually a good way for players to get a proper salary, with only a small risk.
Someone reported the match fixing and other frauds to the match organizer, and the organizer immediately asked Netease and Blizzard to check every game of the match (IP address, micromanagement, etc). According to Xiaose, among those who were reported, 7 were confirmed, while another was exonerated. All others that participated in the match but not mentioned in the list were also checked, and no fraud was found.
On June 12 2017 21:55 Charoisaur wrote: Considering we had multiple insiders saying matchfixing was rampant in korea and every few weeks the bets on pinnacle got voided it's a pretty safe assumption to say that there were much more matchfixers. Just a shame that Life of all people was caught.
Could you please refresh me those insiders and maybe what exactly and when they said that?
On June 10 2017 15:41 valas991 wrote: So, upcoming chinese player match-fix, 1,5-2 year ban A well known player (Life) match-fixes, perma ban.
I understand that they are different region, and different kind of players, but they did the same crime,in same game, should've same punishments imo.
I agree the punishments of some players have got are lenient indeed. But other regions are not doing better. Except South Korea. They have developed corresponding laws and rules.
Life was actually prosecuted by law enforcer. That along is a great difference.
In light of the recent penalties handed out by Blizzard to Punk, Coffee, Silky, BreakingGG, JIN, Park and JaxMine/麦乐鸡块, and further investigation ourselves, the OSC Team have decided to follow Blizzard and Netease's direction and match the penalties given to the players involved.
In addition to the time bans, all 7 players will have their 2017 OSC Points reduced to 0 (effective immediately), and will be unable to participate in all OSC Partnered Tournaments/earn points + rewards until their ban duration expires.
This point penalty is implemented as not to deny rule abiding players and teams any direct and indirect benefits from our ongoing rankings in both the Player + Team Championships, by a rank that one of these players may currently hold.
Although JIN, Park, BreakingGG & JaxMine's offences were in a tournament not directly connected to League (Punk, Coffee & Silky were committed in an OSC Partnered Tournament), a connection to our partners is there, and as such we act to support our partners at Blizzard and the organizers behind Kung Fu Cup, with a unified League wide response.
The OSC team does not condone match-fixing, smurfing, or any other unsportsmanlike actions in StarCraft II. Players are warned not to be involved with such acts as they will be heavily punished. We hope that the punished players should use the ban duration to fully reflect on their actions and not repeat their offence again.
We acknowledge these were the actions of individuals, and not representative of an entire community or team. We reiterate that OSC remains committed to supporting the Chinese scene, with events like CN Weekly, All Stars, and other Partnered Events and additional rewards for all who play within the spirit of the competition! We hope the community will stay together and not let the action of 7 players discourage them from competing, or organizations from supporting all the other many players who are very well deserving!
When I first read it I thought they were banned for just playing under a different name on ladder. Playing as someone else in a tournament is obviously not good though.
EPT
Punk: Match-fixing and smurfing on other's account, banned from all official and sanctioned tournaments for two years, Blizzard account permanently closed, all rewards from related tournaments revoked.
Coffee: Match-fixing, banned from all official and sanctioned tournaments for one year and half, Blizzard account permanently closed, all rewards from related tournaments revoked.
