It’s no secret that the PvP playerbase has been dwindling these past few months, and I think the main reason is because there is no real way to identify skill level in this game. As it stands, the current mists map chat looks something like “rank 38 bunker LF free/paids” or “group LF1M rank 30+”, this is a joke. PvP rank really just= the amount of matches played, the amount of matches played does not dictate the skill level of an individual player. Especially in a team-based game. Implementing an accurate way for players to visually identify who is a truly better player would bring back the casuals, get more people watching streams, and would give the hardcore players something to play for again. Here’s how I would go about implementing a ratings system for this game.
1. We take away free tournaments; having to find 40 ppl to begin 1 match puts absurd and un-needed stress on the queue system.
2. We replace the free tournaments game type with a ranked single elimination match game type with a random map selection for each match (not a tournament, just 1 5v5 match winner takes all).
3. We award the players of the winning teams rating, and deduct some rating from the players of the loosing team. Furthermore, we also award players of the winning team 1 tournament ticket; this is very important because it not only will improve queue times for paid tournaments by streamlining the currency, but it will also level the playing field in terms of skill level in paid tournaments. Right now we have a cliff in skill level; paids are very hard to win, and frees are very easy to win.
Also, the players could be awarded a chest similar to copper after winning 2 ranked games in a row, a chest similar to silver after 3 ranked game wins in a row, and a chest similar to gold after 5 ranked game wins in a row.
4. We let people rent out hotjoin rooms so that the serious teams can scrim each other, also make a team version of hotjoin where premade teams can queue into other random teams on random maps just to have fun (essentially the free tournaments system without the tournament part).
5. Ranked games can only be solo/duo queued. This is also important; it makes an effort to better individualize skill level, but it also means that if the powerhouse teams want to practice together, they have to face other teams on their level by hosting a scrim (via step 4), or by playing paids. I would propose a ranked 5s, but the player population as it is right now is not big enough to harbor another game type, perhaps after a few monthly tournaments people will start recognizing that this game is serious about being an esport and come back to replace the population that would be lost through implementation of another game type, but now i’m just theorizing.
6. We add quality of life things like a ratings ladder, linkable achievements, titles for reaching milestone ratings, option to show character’s in their pvp gear on character selection screen, ect.. things that will improve the PvP experience for the player by allowing them to set goals that they can create sentimental value in their accounts.
7. PUT MORE DEVS ON PVP, 2 is simply not enough to keep up with the demands of the players, but i will say they’ve been doing a great job with what they’ve got.
And that’s it; a realistic and logical implementation of a ratings system for guild wars 2 structured PvP that allows players of every skill level to improve, set goals, and experience the game at their own pace, without having to forfeit our current paid/monthly/yearly tournament system. I’m sure adding ratings has been suggested before, but i don’t think it’s been made clear the best way to go about implementing it. If you would like to see these changes in our game please subscribe to the topic!
(edited by Zodian.6597)