Some time has passed since the last Dev Blog, and we feel, that its time to start doing them again ^^
This time, we want to talk about the Matchmaking System in general, and the upcoming changes for it.
Current Situation:
We currently use a 'mixed' system to find matches for players. This is split up into:
(Unranked) General Matchmaking
(Unranked) Server Browser Matches
(Ranked) Individual/Clanwar Matchmaking
In General Matchmaking, players can search a match in their preferred mode & setting (Psyonic/ESP/Classic).
In Server Browser Matches, players can just create a lobby, and wait for players to join.
In Ranked Matchmaking, players are matched up with other players of similar rank (as much as possible).
Using this system, we are offering players a big choice over how they want to play the game. Want to play competively? Play Ranked! Want to find a match very quickly? Use the General Matchmaking! Do you want to play with your friends alone? Create a room in the Server Browser!
This system, although working in theory, has a big flaw: It needs a very high playercount to work reliably, otherwise players wont be able to find other players to play with,as it is essentially splitting the playerbase into 3 parts. (and these parts then are further splitted under the respective modes)
This has proven to be a problem especially in areas of the world, where the playercount is relatively low. Players in these areas often try to find a match in the general matchmaking, but are not able to, because not enough players are searching
That is, why we will be changing the system in the near future to provide you with an even better experience!
Upcoming Changes:
To improve the situation, we will be merging the Server Browser and the General Matchmaking System.
Quick sketchup of the new main menu choice.
In the main menu, you will have 3 choices: "Quick Join", "Server Browser", and "Ranked Matchmaking"!
The Server Browser functionality won't be changed, it will just redirect you to the usual server list/lobby list.
The Ranked Matchmaking Button will direct you to the same Matchmaking System, that you are used to, but you will only have 2 modes to choose from: "Individual and Clanwar".
New Ranking Screen
The Quickjoin Button will open up the following window:
The menu, that opens after pressing "Quick Join"
There you can choose the mode & map, that you want to play in. This system them will find you a room with these settings!
The big difference compared to the current Matchmaking System is, that the Quick Join Function will find you a match in the Server Browser! So instead of splitting up our community into 3 chunks(General MM, Server Browser, Ranked) , we will focus the playerbase into 2 groups: "Unranked", and "Ranked". We hope, that this change will help you find a match more quickly!
Future Plans
We still have a lot of changes coming up in the future for these system, for example:
- Ranked Restriction: Players below a specific level won't be able to participate in Ranked Matches
- Ranked Rejoin: Players, that leave a Ranked Match will be able to rejoin it
- Penalties for leaving: Players, that leave a ranked match will receive a temporary matchmaking ban
- Parties in Quick Join: You will be able to invite your friends into a "Quick Match Lobby", and then together find a match
Please tell us what you think about these planned changes.
We also now have new way for you to get in touch with us! Just join our Skype Feedback Group by clicking on this link.
Thank you for reading this Dev Blog, and have a good day!