Smite Changes: The Controversial Removal of the 3-Team Party Queue in Ranked Play

As a long-time Smite player who’s shared countless ranked battles with my friends, I can’t help but feel a pang of frustration over the recent removal of the 3-team party queue. It was one of the things that made our gaming experience unique and fun, allowing us to strategize together without worrying about being matched against full stacks or solo players.


Changes in Smite, often provoking lively discussions among its dedicated fanbase, have been no exception. The recent choice to eliminate the 3-team party queue from ranked matches has certainly ignited such a conversation. Though intended as an experiment, it’s sparked a wave of reactions from players, with some expressing disappointment and others viewing it as a progressive measure for improved matchmaking. User No_Repeat1463 voiced discontent over this decision, feeling estranged from friends who relish queuing together. The comments section showcases a community split on how to navigate the challenges posed by ranked matchmaking, with both optimism and skepticism evident.

Wow… already removing 3 team party Que for ranked.
byu/No_Repeat1463 inSmite

Summary

  • The removal of the trio queue has ignited mixed feelings in the Smite community.
  • HiRezRabbit stated that trio queues will return when the matchmaking tech allows.
  • Players are debating whether ranked should allow duos or only full 5-player teams.
  • Optimistic players hope the changes will lead to faster matchmaking and more competitive balance.

The Frustration of Friends

For many players who primarily play games with their friends, the original post from No_Repeat1463 struck a chord. Many within the community share his disappointment, expressing similar sentiments such as “You’ve lost all those people, well done for removing something you only need to use.” This change is seen as a painful blow by groups who enjoyed teaming up for ranked matches. Comments like “this sucks for people who have more than one friend” from AggravatingPride3402 underscore the struggles of those often playing with small, tight-knit teams. These players view this removal not just as an inconvenience but as a threat to their cherished social gaming experience.

The HiRezRabbit Perspective

HiRezRabbit spoke up about the comments section, offering insight into why they decided to eliminate the trio queues. He pointed out problems with player numbers and disastrous matchmaking situations where a duo might wait for long periods without finding a suitable game. The core issue is that the system can’t efficiently blend solo players with groups of varying sizes, leading to mismatched games, which HiRezRabbit suggested could lead to an unfair competitive balance: “We theoretically could create matches like this: A group of 3 against a group of 2 versus 5 individual players.” This issue affects not only those wanting to play with friends but also those seeking a more balanced playing environment. His comment, suggesting the ongoing pursuit of improved matchmaking solutions, offers some encouragement to players: “Once we have the technology in place… we will do it.

The Debate on Matching Sizes

During the conversation, several participants expressed diverse views on what a balanced and entertaining ranked mode should look like. The_Manglererer proposed that ranked play should be limited to either solos or full teams of five, suggesting each type of queue have its own ranking system. This approach, he argued, preserves the integrity of competitive matchmaking by preventing players from exploiting the system through premade groups. On the other hand, DopioGelato voiced concerns about the current system favoring those who manipulate matchmaking by teaming up together. He highlighted, “Premades are all about gaining an advantage,” suggesting that teaming up for higher MMR points is questionable and may be a form of friendship boosting. For many participants, the debate over whether to allow trio queues or advocate for stricter solo-queue policies has become a matter of honesty and fairness within the ranked community.

The Optimists’ View

On a brighter side, certain gamers believe that getting rid of trio queues could enhance the gaming experience overall. User Krugenn is one of them, anticipating that eliminating these queues would boost matchmaking effectiveness and speed. In his opinion, this move would provide a broader selection of players, leading to more balanced games. He stated, “This will significantly expand the matchmaking pool, theoretically offering better matches.” This line of thought indicates that amidst the disgruntlement, there’s a group eager for smoother gameplay, finding comfort in the prospect of shorter wait times and potentially superior matches. It’s crucial to remember that these alterations are part of Hi-Rez’s ongoing attempts to accommodate player preferences while managing the technical challenges they encounter.

Uniting all these feelings creates a vivid image of a community grappling with the challenges brought about by change. Although friendships are strained as some aim to advance together, the common goal of fair gameplay seems to be the focal point in many conversations. With differing viewpoints sparking intense debates, players eagerly anticipate the outcomes of Hi-Rez’s continuous adjustments to their matchmaking system, hoping it will result in an enhanced Smite experience for all.

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2024-09-13 13:58