FACEIT introduces verification

Leading pick-up game (PUG) platform FACEIT, part of ESL FACEIT Group which is owned by Saudi Arabian-backed Savvy Gaming Group, introduced a verification service today which is described as an "unmatched layer of security and trust" when playing on the FACEIT platform.

The product is the first of many releases that are expected to be delivered this year as part of an overhaul of the FACEIT system. The new verification program is partnered with DAON, a digital identity company that promises to "securely authenticate and manage identity throughout the entire customer lifecycle, ensuring that customer identities are accurately verified, safely secured, and easily recovered".

According to the FACEIT's FAQ, the identification system is free and optional to everyone. In order to properly complete the verification, you must scan a QR code, provide a photo of yourself, and provide one additional identification document, like a passport or driver's license.

Following the verification link, the user is presented a page with a QR code. Once the code is scanned using a mobile device, the user will click the link and be taken to a webpage asking the user to take a scan of their face. Following the successful scan, the page then asks for a passport or driver's license.

The creation of the program, as FACEIT explains, is to remove more "smurfs" and cheaters from the platform to provide a better gameplay experience. By removing individuals from possessing multiple accounts, this can create a more equitable matchmaking experience. Additionally, the verification can act as a workaround of the financial barrier to FACEIT premier, which prevented some users from enjoying a higher-level experience.

Of note is that while the verification system currently remains optional, FACEIT have stated that "verification status will soon be required to access specific competitions" and they will enforce verification for "certain accounts" as a way of "mitigating malicious behaviors". Noting lastly that "official competitions like open qualifiers" will soon require verification status.

Finally, FACEIT claims that the ID verification information is stored on Daon's European Datacenters and none of the verification data is stored on FACEIT itself.