The game of League of Legends has attracted a massive following due to its myriad of unique characters, thriving international eSports tournaments, and the enticing yet contentious range of champion skins available. Yet, this gaming community has quite a reputation; it's noted as much for its level of toxicity as it is for its challenging and competitive gaming atmosphere.
The intense competition of this game frequently results in players becoming engaged in heated exchanges and disputes during a match. In some instances, they go as far as sabotaging their fellow teammates in frustration, particularly when they are extremely agitated. This is an even more prominent issue in higher ranking games where seasoned players are capable of exploiting the smallest slip-ups.
One notorious action that players utilize to sabotage their teams is purchasing unsuitable items for their characters, also known as 'trolling,' and intentionally exiting the game, leading to an uneven 4v5 turnout in power. In the environment of such a team-oriented game, these actions can drastically shift the outcomes and are heavily frowned upon by the community due to their game-ruining effects.
Recently, a high-ranking League of Legends streamer has come under fire by the community for exactly this behavior. Accused of purposefully ruining their own team's gaming experience, the actions of this individual have sparked considerable backlash.
Streamer Accused of Throwing Matches
The player at the heart of this controversy is high ranking Karthus player, lolmalice, who has been accused by the League of Legends community of trolling and intentionally wrecking games.
Allegedly, during a game where Malice's team was already losing significantly, instead of attempting to rally his team towards a comeback, Malice appears to have sold his Ability Power (AP) items, which are critical for his champion's performance, and replaced them with tank items that are inconsistent with his character's playstyle.
The online gaming community did not hesitate to express their criticisms regarding this behavior. Users on social platforms have described Malice's in-game behavior and actions as deplorable, with some resorting to name-calling, labeling the streamer as a 'man child.'
In response to Malice's controversial game play, one user stated, "This is not new. He is a man child and toxic. He was given a platform and he abused it by being toxic and arrogant.” This clearly shows the level of discontent from the community members.
Community Response and Potential Consequences
Another user highlighted the disparity between Malice's in-game actions and his streaming title, 'Soloq chilling.' The irony between the calm demeanor suggested by the title and the disruptive gameplay did not escape the viewers.
The impact of this behavior on the player and the game is not yet clear. It remains uncertain whether these activities, as reported by the gaming community, will compel the game's developers to impose any form of sanctions or penalties. But, the sentiments from the players and the gaming community are crystal clear—they are decidedly unhappy with such actions.
In the highly competitive world of online gaming, sportsmanship and fair play are critical. As the League of Legends community continues to grow, it is important that high-ranking individuals and influencers within the community uphold these values. After all, their actions and attitudes have a significant impact on the overall atmosphere of the game.
A single player's decisions and actions can drastically change the experience for everyone. Cases like the one with 'lolmalice' serve as reminders of the importance of fair play and sportsmanship in the online gaming community. Although gaming provides a platform for competition, let's not forget the essence of playing—having fun in a respectful and fair environment for all.