Why Smite’s New Player Ranked Queue is a Recipe for Disaster

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Smite, a renowned multiplayer game featuring team battles in an arena setting, has recently sparked debate among its player base, primarily due to the new ranked queue system enabling beginners immediate access. After grappling with the game’s rules and strategies, players are left puzzled as to why novices can join ranked matches so quickly, given their apparent lack of understanding of fundamental concepts. This issue has ignited a heated discussion on the game’s subreddit, where experienced players voice their annoyance, recounting instances of teaming up with inexperienced players who may not yet grasp their roles on the battlefield. Many seasoned players are voicing concerns that this open system could result in disorder within the ranks.

Summary

  • Smite’s decision to let new players queue for ranked matches has many seasoned players worried about the game’s future.
  • Veteran players report an influx of inexperienced teammates leading to frustrating game experiences.
  • There are calls for establishing a minimum level requirement for ranked matches to balance competitive integrity.
  • The debate continues around the need for accessibility versus maintaining a healthy and competitive gameplay environment.

The Dilemma of New Players in Ranked

In this particular post, an experienced player with close to a decade of gaming experience expresses their frustration by asking “What were developers thinking?” They compare the situation of newcomers joining ranked matches without sufficient knowledge of game mechanics to a toddler entering a wrestling match. The player emphasizes that they don’t intend to be unkind to beginners, but lament that ranked games are filled with inexperienced players who seem clueless about their chosen characters or the strategic nuances of the game. Other seasoned players share similar sentiments, recounting tales of losing streaks due to teammates who don’t grasp the intricacies of the game. This post highlights a concern that suggests new players may burn out quickly and, in turn, annoy more skilled players.

The Woes of Experienced Players

One player expressed their disappointment, saying “When does it become acceptable for newcomers to join ranked matches right after account creation?” This sentiment reflects the growing dissatisfaction among veteran players. They often find themselves outmatched by inexperienced players on the battlefield, leading to frustrating situations where they perform well individually while their team falters due to lack of skill. A user even described a situation where they were winning (“I was 5-0 at this point”) but ultimately lost because of their teammates’ struggles. With such occurrences becoming more frequent, many experienced players are finding it increasingly difficult to remain patient amidst repeated encounters with novice players disregarding the game’s strategic nuances. They shared that these experiences can be incredibly challenging (“It was insanely painful to play that out”), leading to concerns that the current system might drive veterans away from the game, potentially damaging its competitive essence.

Accessibility vs. Competitive Integrity

In gaming, ensuring accessibility is crucial since everyone, even beginners, should have an opportunity to participate in the competitive aspects of a game. However, some people propose implementing prerequisites, like playing a specific number of casual games, to foster a more enjoyable atmosphere. A user insightfully commented, “It’s a terrible idea for newcomers who haven’t played MOBAs before to jump straight into ranked matches.” As the saying goes, “A chain is only as strong as its weakest link,” many believe that strengthening the requirements is necessary to maintain the integrity of ranked games without discouraging novice players. Furthermore, it’s disconcerting to some that newcomers must meet level requirements for casual modes but can easily enter ranked matches with no such limitations. This inconsistency has sparked debate and raised questions about whether developers might be prioritizing player numbers over balanced gameplay.

Potential Solutions and Future Outlook

In the current version of Smite, gamers are advocating for changes in the ranked queue system as it progresses. Ideas vary from setting a minimum level to creating a comprehensive tutorial mode that thoroughly prepares newcomers for the intricate aspects of ranked play. Some users propose raising the entry requirements to balance out skill levels in unranked matches, while others suggest advanced solutions such as temporary ranks to reflect a player’s experience. A dedicated user expressed concern about having beginners on their team who might feed, emphasizing the need for an improved onboarding process that covers topics like team compositions, map awareness, and fundamental game mechanics before allowing ranked play.

In the ongoing debate about Smite’s revised ranking system within our community, it’s evident that many experienced players share a common concern: preserving the competitive essence of the game while guiding newcomers. Given the existing structure appears susceptible to disorder, there’s a strong sense that enhancing both accessibility and competitiveness could significantly improve the gameplay experience. This theme is likely to persist in future discussions as players strive for a gaming environment mirroring Smite’s renowned dynamic and strategic gameplay.

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2025-01-26 15:16