Smite 2: The Newcomer Dilemma and What We Can Do About It

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Smite is a game that combines mythology and competitive play, but the beta of its sequel, Smite 2, has brought up some concerns among players, especially those who are new to the game. A player named “tuggix2” on a discussion forum has expressed worries about the challenges newcomers face, particularly in the LATAM region. They’re frustrated by the large skill gap between experienced players and beginners, which they say is making the game less inviting for those who just want to have fun. The number of concurrent players on Steam has dropped from 10,000 to 8,000, indicating some unease about the lessons taken—or not taken—from the first version of Smite.

Summary

  • The gap between veteran and new players is perceived to be widening, leading to a less welcoming experience for newcomers.
  • Experienced players are often seen as unsupportive, sometimes driving new players away instead of encouraging them.
  • A variety of solutions were proposed, ranging from mentoring rewards to better matchmaking systems.
  • The game’s current systems may inadvertently reinforce negative behaviors that contribute to new players’ frustrations.

Skill Gap Perception

The worries about the skill gap in Smite 2 aren’t unwarranted; it’s often a recurring issue in multiplayer games. As tuggix2 stated, these differences can be disheartening for beginners who enter the arena eager to learn but find themselves quickly defeated within seconds. A new player lamented, “I started playing 3 days ago and quit already,” encapsulating the exasperation that arises from dying swiftly despite watching tutorials. All players seek thrilling, enjoyable battles. As another user mentioned, the instant deaths and continuous crowd control can make novices feel they had no chance to engage in meaningful gameplay, which is akin to showing up at a soup party with a fork. It’s just not engaging! Regrettably, if beginners are eliminated before they grasp the game mechanics, they likely won’t stay. This situation is disheartening to witness—it’s like attending a party without the opportunity to join in. And the reality here is that if new players are ousted before they can learn, it’s a loss for everyone.

A Need for Supportive Systems

It appears there’s a growing interest among many game participants for some sort of assistance mechanism, something to connect players with varying skill levels. Various suggestions have been tossed about like confetti in a celebration! Tuggix2 proposed an idea where experienced players could serve as mentors and receive rewards for guiding newcomers. This seems like a fantastic concept; who wouldn’t want recognition for being kind? Another user concurred, emphasizing the importance of creating a supportive environment while raising concerns that a fast-matching system for beginners might not work if skilled players use “smurf” accounts to exploit them. So, we’re faced with the age-old question: can we create systems that preserve the fun aspect of online gaming while also safeguarding the fragile emotions of new players?

Addressing Toxicity

In the thrilling world of casual gaming, it’s crucial to have safeguards in place to prevent negative experiences from spoiling the fun. More and more gamers are advocating for stricter ban systems to combat toxicity, which seems prevalent in unranked matches. Statements such as “It’s about time people shape up,” followed by complaints about veterans treating newbies poorly, highlight a deeper problem. It seems that some players lose their temper too quickly, allowing anger to overshadow the simple joy of playing. This toxic behavior can spoil the gaming experience and act as an obstacle for beginners seeking an enjoyable session. Implementing serious solutions—such as bans or methods to improve player conduct—could help maintain interest among new gamers!

Retention Efforts

Retaining new players is a significant hurdle, and it appears their concerns are valid. Tuggix2’s observation that a decrease from 10,000 to 8,000 players indicates a deeper problem, especially when this decline might be linked to new players struggling with the vast skill gap. The notion that 2,000-3,000 potential newbies could leave because they can’t find their footing in the game is concerning. Discussions have emerged emphasizing the importance of focusing on player retention—players want a welcoming environment, not to be thrust straight into the toughest wall in gaming. If unaddressed, we might witness the player count dwindle further, creating a vicious cycle that could potentially end the game altogether.

In Smite 2, there’s a noticeable sense of tension among the community as they navigate the ongoing issues related to newcomers. Veteran players, with their rich background and expertise, sometimes come off as dismissive, and the obvious skill disparity can be disheartening. However, positive signs are emerging: open dialogues, collaborative ideas such as mentorship programs and improved matchmaking are being proposed. This could signal a brighter future where the Smite community might evolve to become more welcoming and supportive, rather than intimidating new players like a looming titan. Both the community and developers share the responsibility to create an environment where not only do new players join, but they also flourish in the deep world of Smite.

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2025-03-06 15:23