As we approach the conclusion of 2023, the Dota 2 community finds itself embroiled in controversy following the latest patch 7.35b, which brought significant adjustments to the behavior score system. This update, introduced with the aim of promoting positive player interaction, has, however, sparked a heated debate, pitting those in favor against those decrying what they perceive as an unjust system.
Highly-regarded players, boasting behavior scores of 10k and above, now report abrupt drops in their scores, attributing the decline to what they believe are baseless in-game reports. The recent sensitivity adjustments in the behavior system have become a focal point, raising suspicions of deliberate abuse by teammates or opponents.
Adding fuel to the fire is the conspicuous lack of detailed information regarding the inner workings of the system. Players are left frustrated and speculative, feeling they have little control over their scores and risk facing undue penalties, despite commendable conduct in matches.
In response to the growing discontent, a subculture within the Dota 2 community has emerged, offering “behavior score boosting” services. In these arrangements, players log into others’ accounts with the sole objective of elevating their behavior scores. Dubious strategies, including exclusive gameplay in turbo mode or strategic queue timing, are perceived as attempts to manipulate the system to garner commendations or evade reports.
Compounding the issue, the Dota 2 community is still grappling with other cases which involving high profile players, such as Mason “Mason” Venne. Previously, he was exposed for using illegal boosting services, where he reportedly paid someone to artificially elevate his account’s score to an ideal level. This maneuver is viewed by some as a desperate bid to salvage Mason’s reputation, which had suffered amid a series of disappointing performances.
While the company has acknowledged the issues and pledged incremental adjustments to the behavior score system and to combat these illegal boosting, fans are growing impatient, demanding a comprehensive solution addressing core problems such as transparency and the prevalence of false reports.
