[2022] Let's Talk About Freestyling in Casual Playlists

Hi everyone, over the last couple of days, there’s been a lot of conversation on Reddit and social media around freestylers in Rocket League, and how they approach the game in Casual Playlists. First, we want to express our appreciation for the freestyling community overall. We have worked with many in the freestyling community in the past on fun, engaging tournaments and shows, and we love to watch how creative players can get with mechanics.

However, showing off that mechanical prowess cannot disrupt the Rocket League experience for new or casual players in Rocket League. Intentionally deranking any account, or starting a “smurf” account with a lower rank in order to matchmake against new or lower-skilled players in any Online Playlist goes against the Terms of Use and the Code of Conduct.

The bans levied against several freestylers this week came after an investigation into multiple accounts and their behavior in Casual Playlists. These accounts were artificially keeping their Casual MMR low – equivalent to a Silver I player in Competitive – via forfeiting matches, and sometimes own-goaling. In comparison, these accounts normally play Competitive matches at a Grand Champion I level. Some of the analyzed matches show that the accounts in question intentionally kept opponents in overtime for up to 5 minutes of additional play.

Casual Playlists are meant to be enjoyed by all. There are many players who play Casual matches exclusively, and not just as a way to warm up for Competitive. This is the case across all online games that offer both Casual and Competitive environments. While we have taken action against a small number of accounts this week, we are working on broader, better solutions that apply to everyone.

This is not the end of freestyling. We encourage the freestyling community to show off their mechanics against similarly-skilled opponents, as well as play in private matches with their friends and fellow freestylers. Like so many of our other sub-communities (shout out Ranked Hoops, Rocket Hockey League, and many others), there are plenty of ways and opportunities to approach Rocket League with a specific style of play in mind, without disrupting the experience for the playerbase at large.

Hi everyone, over the last couple of days, there’s been a lot of conversation on Reddit and social media around freestylers in Rocket League, and how they approach the game in Casual Playlists. First, we want to express our appreciation for the freestyling community overall. We have worked with many in the freestyling community in the past on fun, engaging tournaments and shows, and we love to watch how creative players can get with mechanics.

However, showing off that mechanical prowess cannot disrupt the Rocket League experience for new or casual players in Rocket League. Intentionally deranking any account, or starting a “smurf” account with a lower rank in order to matchmake against new or lower-skilled players in any Online Playlist goes against the Terms of Use and the Code of Conduct.

The bans levied against several freestylers this week came after an investigation into multiple accounts and their behavior in Casual Playlists. These accounts were artificially keeping their Casual MMR low – equivalent to a Silver I player in Competitive – via forfeiting matches, and sometimes own-goaling. In comparison, these accounts normally play Competitive matches at a Grand Champion I level. Some of the analyzed matches show that the accounts in question intentionally kept opponents in overtime for up to 5 minutes of additional play.

Casual Playlists are meant to be enjoyed by all. There are many players who play Casual matches exclusively, and not just as a way to warm up for Competitive. This is the case across all online games that offer both Casual and Competitive environments. While we have taken action against a small number of accounts this week, we are working on broader, better solutions that apply to everyone.

This is not the end of freestyling. We encourage the freestyling community to show off their mechanics against similarly-skilled opponents, as well as play in private matches with their friends and fellow freestylers. Like so many of our other sub-communities (shout out Ranked Hoops, Rocket Hockey League, and many others), there are plenty of ways and opportunities to approach Rocket League with a specific style of play in mind, without disrupting the experience for the playerbase at large.