Is Smite’s Player Base Growing? A Casual Conquest Conspiracy!

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It appears that Smite, a third-person multiplayer online game where players take on roles as different gods and mythological characters, is experiencing an increase in new players. This surge was noted by Reddit user Zhevchanskiy, who discussed the growing number of beginners in casual conquest modes. His post expressed both worry about the learning curve and understanding of the challenges that come with such games. Players have been expressing concerns, particularly about team dynamics which can be unpredictable when newcomers are not yet adept at handling the battlefield. We’ll delve deeper to explore the differing viewpoints within the community regarding this developing situation.

Summary

  • A noticeable increase in new players is creating mixed experiences in casual conquest matches.
  • Concerns about matchmaking fairness abound, with more seasoned players clashing with newcomers.
  • While some players are encouraging and helpful, others express frustration with the growing skill gap.
  • The need for a better onboarding system or dedicated queue for new players has been voiced multiple times.

New Players’ Impact on Gameplay

New players joining Smite certainly brings excitement to the community. Yet, it may also cause some chaotic game scenarios. Zhevchanskiy expressed disappointment over games where teammates would abandon ship after dying once, a frustrating trend that seems to stem from both strategic confusions and annoyance. Picture preparing for Conquest, all geared up for epic multi-kills, only to witness your team scattering like a group startled by a squirrel. The conversation surrounding this issue reveals underlying topics about player satisfaction and assistance.

MikMikMika, one user, stated, “Many newcomers try it out, yet many also seem to quit soon afterward,” implying that a surge of new players might not automatically benefit the community. This observation echoes the feelings of experienced players who believe the game lacks an effective introduction for novices. Smite can be demanding; understanding jungle routes and lane interactions requires more than a few games. It may be less about welcoming new players and more about helping them endure the frequently harsh landscape of competitive gaming.

Matchmaking Woes

A recurring issue that’s been discussed extensively involves the efficiency of matching players, which often seems ineffective. For instance, players such as inky0210 have encountered situations where they were pitted against novices with minimal game experience who may not even understand fundamental game mechanics. This isn’t about minor adjustments over time but rather significant disparities like a level 10 player competing against an experienced level 18. As another user has pointed out, this predicament is not only disheartening for veterans but also potentially detrimental to the self-assurance and longevity of beginners. After all, one can only endure so many defeats before their motivation dwindles like an overripe banana.

One dedicated player, known as boryangg, rightly stated, “It’s unfair for people with hundreds of hours to compete against someone playing their 4th match…” This idea is widely shared within the subreddit, where many are urging for a more efficient matchmaking system. The worry is that if there isn’t a way to either group newcomers separately or teach them the game’s complexities from the start, we could potentially discourage these players completely. Since the goal of such games is to make players feel like they’re advancing and getting better, failing to do so might result in more players abandoning their Smite journeys and voicing their disappointments online.

The Role of Toxicity in Player Growth

In many gaming communities, a problem that can influence player retention is the prevalence of toxicity. A user named iamllcoolray highlighted this issue, stating that novice players often struggle not only with game mechanics but also the intense social pressures associated with competitive play. This user was uncomfortable with the harassment new players might experience if they didn’t perform well, as they put it, “One individual persistently urged me to be reported because I was a beginner.” It feels similar to being the new student at school who is chosen last for dodgeball—rather than camaraderie, you encounter hostility.

To put it simply, it’s clear that toxicity can make it difficult for new players to stay engaged and for a supportive community to thrive. Many gamers understand that dealing with skill discrepancies might cause tension, but it’s crucial to provide constructive advice instead of harmful criticism. For instance, DreamScape1609 has pointed out that the learning curve in Multiplayer Online Battle Arenas (MOBAs) can be quite steep, and without proper guidance and teamwork, it’s hard for players to contribute effectively.

Creating a more welcoming environment significantly enhances the gaming experience for most players. Even veteran gamers, who have invested countless hours perfecting their abilities, were once beginners and deserve a sense of esteem during their learning journey.

Solutions for a Brighter Future

In this situation where we’re experiencing a surge of new players and the resulting conflicts, it appears that there’s a consensus within our community that we could benefit from a more polished onboarding process. This would be designed to accommodate novice gamers, offering them an opportunity to grasp the game mechanics in safer, friendlier settings. A popular idea is to establish a separate queue for players who have played less than around 20 games, helping them adapt smoother into the game. This reduces the stress of entering high-stakes environments where they might face quick defeats.

Other games, such as League of Legends, are often cited for their effective handling of matchmaking to eliminate game imbalances. Additionally, supplying resources and guides for beginners might foster a more positive approach towards learning. Frankly, it’s demotivating to be overshadowed by experienced players. A stronger community structure could result in more smiles instead of frowns.

Despite the challenging terrain of Smite at present, there’s a glimmer of optimism amid these hurdles. Balancing the intricacies of gaming requires input from all sides – veterans, creators, and newbies – united in their efforts to foster an inclusive and thriving community. As gamers migrate towards Niflheim, Lua, and Olympus in Smite, we can only wish that everyone finds their bearings and realizes that this mythical arena offers opportunities for learning, camaraderie, and no banana-filled snacks!

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2025-04-30 15:14