The Future of Smite: Community Reactions to ‘Hanging It Up’

As a gamer with over a decade of experience under my belt, I find myself reflecting deeply on the current state of Smite and its upcoming sequel, Smite 2. The recent post by PerseusHalliwell27 resonated with me, as I too have faced moments of burnout due to toxic gameplay and poor team dynamics. However, unlike Perseus, I’ve decided to stick it out, albeit with a grumbling spirit.

In the gaming world, there’s been some soul-searching among fans of Smite, the well-known MOBA where gamers engage in fierce 5 versus 5 battles. A post penned by user PerseusHalliwell27 with the title ‘I’m finally taking a break’, has struck a chord with players who feel disenchanted with their gaming experience. After being a dedicated player since Season 3, Perseus decided to step back from Smite due to increasing irritation over toxic gameplay, poor team interactions, and simply not having fun anymore. This sentiment rings true for many others in the community who either empathize or share their own tales of exhaustion, painting a rather grim image of the current state of the game. As players ponder their future with both Smite and its upcoming sequel, Smite 2, the mood remains a mix of nostalgia and uncertainty.

I’m finally hanging it up
byu/PerseusHalliwell27 inSmite

Summary

Many players echo a sentiment of burnout, citing toxicity and poor team play as significant deterrents.
The anticipation for Smite 2 brings mixed feelings, with hope for improvement overshadowed by current frustrations.
The community is experiencing a noticeable drop in player engagement, prompting discussions about the game’s future.
Players reflect on the negative impact of competitive gaming on their mental well-being, leading to breaks or permanent departures.

Burnout and Toxicity

Among PerseusHalliwell27’s post’s respondents, a sense of burnout is evident. User JetButton shares they’ve taken a temporary hiatus but continue to be enthusiastic about Smite 2. This theme of stepping back while still holding onto hope for the future appears frequently in comments. Some players express dissatisfaction and the need for rest, yet there’s an underlying optimism. User skrukketiss69 underscores their extended involvement with Smite, suggesting breaks are vital for mental health, a viewpoint supported by EmperorDurrell, who explains that he stopped playing competitive multiplayer games altogether due to the toxicity in Smite. This suggests an increasing recognition of the negative impact of competitive gaming on mental well-being, leading players to pursue more balanced or enjoyable gaming options instead.

The Struggles of Transitioning to Smite 2

The shift from Smite to Smite 2 has left many players of the game feeling bewildered and annoyed. User Acorn_lol noted a decrease in posts on the subreddit, suggesting that player enthusiasm and involvement might be decreasing. The widespread discontent with Hi-Rez’s handling of this transition is highlighted by user Xuminer, who criticized their choice to abandon support for Smite 1 before Smite 2 was fully developed. Xuminer expressed disappointment over the lack of proper support for either game, stating that it has led to a team-based environment where there’s no longer motivation or rules to promote fair play and teamwork. This raises significant questions about Hi-Rez’s management tactics, as many are worried that negligence during this transition could result in long-term problems for both the current and future player communities.

Community Reflection on Gameplay Experience

One key point arising from the conversations is a widespread longing for the game’s past experiences coupled with present-day discontentments. User 2HardInThePaint expressed feelings of emptiness upon achieving their goal of becoming Grandmaster: ‘Once I finally reached my objective of attaining GM in ranked, I found myself without a reason to play anymore.’ This sentiment seems to resonate with a broader realization that accomplishing personal achievements can lead players to question their reasons for participating in competitive environments. Meanwhile, Nikeboy2306 spoke fondly of playing with friends, emphasizing that the loss of that social aspect caused them to completely abandon the game. These comments highlight the importance of the social element in maintaining player engagement, and without a welcoming community or exciting gameplay, enthusiasm wanes.

The Road Ahead for Smite

Regardless of the challenges, there remains a group of enthusiastic gamers eagerly anticipating Smite 2. As HouseOnFire13 put it, ‘I’m actually looking forward to what’s coming next.’ This positive outlook is evident in many reactions. Gamers are still craving the quality gameplay that Smite was famous for and are open to giving Smite 2 a try, on condition that it delivers on its pledges. However, they are adjusting their expectations, as suggested by user One-Personality-293, who noted, ‘S2 is still in its early stages and doesn’t offer anything that justifies its existence yet.’ This balanced optimism shows that while gamers want to back the franchise, many are mindful of past errors and are eager for improvement.

As players step back or let go of their emotional connections with Smite, it becomes clear that this isn’t just about the game but about personal well-being and community experiences. The discussions highlight a critical juncture for Smite, where understanding player sentiments can guide future development and community engagement efforts. The future may be uncertain, but there’s a strong desire among players for Smite to evolve and deliver on its potential once more, ultimately fostering a healthier gaming environment. The hope is that Smite 2 can capitalize on these reflections and come back stronger, keeping the spirit of the community alive amidst the challenges.

2024-11-20 18:58