Riot responds to win trading and match fixing in Wild Rift

TL;DR

  • Riot Games now permanently bans high-level win traders and resets accounts to Iron IV
  • First-time offenders receive 7-day bans with reward removal as warning
  • Win trading manipulates matchmaking queues to guarantee specific outcomes
  • Competitive integrity remains Wild Rift’s primary focus for 2021
  • The mobile MOBA requires only 1.5GB storage on iOS and Android devices

Riot Games has taken a definitive stand against competitive manipulation in Wild Rift, officially classifying win trading and match fixing as offenses warranting immediate account termination. This policy shift emerged from a comprehensive blog post addressing longstanding integrity concerns within the mobile MOBA’s ranked ecosystem.

The development team recognizes that these practices have created significant frustration among dedicated players striving for legitimate ranking progression. By establishing clear consequences, Riot aims to restore faith in the competitive ladder system and ensure skill determines advancement rather than orchestrated outcomes.

Win trading represents a sophisticated form of competitive manipulation where organized players synchronize their queue timing to land on opposing teams deliberately. Once matched against each other, one participant intentionally underperforms by feeding kills and objectives to their collaborator, effectively guaranteeing a predetermined match result.

????PSA: This is no April Fool’s.
We’re taking action on win trading and match fixing.

Details here: https://t.co/HtS2H0STlY pic.twitter.com/C0AL2gVCye

— League of Legends: Wild Rift (@wildrift) April 2, 2021

This coordinated deception fundamentally undermines Wild Rift’s competitive integrity, creating artificial ranking inflation that devalues legitimate player achievements. The practice predominantly occurs at elite ranking tiers where the stakes for leaderboard positioning are highest and the temptation for shortcuts greatest.

Riot’s official definition encompasses “any methodology where participants deliberately manipulate matchmaking queues” according to communication lead Ben Forbes. He emphasized these activities inflict “substantial frustration” upon unsuspecting teammates and distort the accuracy of the global ranking system.

Riot has implemented a tiered disciplinary approach that escalates based on offense severity and frequency. Accounts demonstrating the most extensive win trading history face immediate permanent suspension without possibility of reinstatement.

Moderate offenders with clear evidence of participation receive seven-day temporary bans accompanied by complete removal of all Ranked Season 1 rewards. These accounts also undergo competitive rank reset to Iron IV, effectively erasing any ill-gotten ranking progress.

Any player previously flagged for win trading who subsequently engages in match manipulation will automatically qualify for permanent account termination. This progressive discipline model aims to deter repeat offenses while providing correction opportunities for less involved participants.

The punishment framework specifically targets those who actively organize or participate in these schemes, while implementing safeguards to protect players unintentionally caught in manipulated matches.

Forbes acknowledged that combating win trading resembles an “ongoing technological arms race” similar to other cheating prevention efforts. The team recognizes they cannot apprehend every violator in initial ban waves but remains committed to continuous improvement.

Riot is developing systemic modifications to address the root causes of matchmaking manipulation, with detailed announcements planned for future updates. This methodical approach prioritizes sustainable solutions over temporary fixes.

The enforcement team employs carefully calibrated criteria to minimize false positives during this integrity initiative. These precision measures ensure players experiencing legitimate losing streaks or performance variations don’t face unjust penalties.

Competitive integrity represents Wild Rift’s primary development focus throughout 2021. Beyond win trading, Riot will enhance responses to game imbalance, cheating software, and disruptive behavioral patterns in upcoming seasons.

Is Wild Rift available?

Wild Rift maintains exclusive availability on mobile platforms, supporting both iOS and Android operating systems. The game remains inaccessible on PC platforms, maintaining Riot’s strategic focus on optimized mobile gaming experiences.

How many GB is Wild Rift?

This streamlined mobile MOBA installation demands merely 1.5GB of device storage space. Players should ensure adequate free capacity exceeds this minimum requirement to accommodate future updates and seasonal content.

Action Checklist

  • Report suspicious match patterns through official channels immediately
  • Verify your device has at least 2GB free space before installing
  • Monitor official communications for integrity policy updates
  • Review ranked match history for irregular patterns monthly

No reproduction without permission:Game Guides Online » Riot responds to win trading and match fixing in Wild Rift Riot Games cracks down on Wild Rift win trading with permanent bans and rank resets to protect competitive integrity