Skyblade
04-02-2010, 03:01 AM
Wasn't sure if this belonged here, or in Eyes on Each Other, but I'll put it here for now.
This idea was initiated by the Starcraft II Beta, but it really covers a number of PvP multiplayer games.
Anyway, the new Battle.net system ranks you into leagues depending on your performance in past battles. Mostly win/loss ratio. After I finally got through the practice and placement battles (which were almost painful to play), I wound up in the Copper League (pretty sure it's the lowest league there is). Despite being ranked in here, I found myself getting crushed by most people I played against. But there was a change. The skill level was indeed lower, and I could better analyze my losses and playstyles. What I uncovered explained part of why I lost, and why I dislike PvP in games: It's too fast paced.
Rushing early, keeping pressure on, and ending the game as soon as possible are the primary strategies for virtually every player. I tried out similar ideas, and, yep, I did better. I also found that I wasn't having fun. I didn't like the faster pace, the intense focus, or the gameplay limitations you have to go through to be successful in PvP.
And this applies to other games as well. To be successful in PvP, you have to play a particular way, whether you enjoy it or not. AI has not gotten that rigid. Against a computer I find myself able to play in styles I enjoy more. I can take an hour to set up if I want, and not be overwhelmed while doing so. I can relax and enjoy the game, not just engage in a relentless sprint to the end.
This idea was initiated by the Starcraft II Beta, but it really covers a number of PvP multiplayer games.
Anyway, the new Battle.net system ranks you into leagues depending on your performance in past battles. Mostly win/loss ratio. After I finally got through the practice and placement battles (which were almost painful to play), I wound up in the Copper League (pretty sure it's the lowest league there is). Despite being ranked in here, I found myself getting crushed by most people I played against. But there was a change. The skill level was indeed lower, and I could better analyze my losses and playstyles. What I uncovered explained part of why I lost, and why I dislike PvP in games: It's too fast paced.
Rushing early, keeping pressure on, and ending the game as soon as possible are the primary strategies for virtually every player. I tried out similar ideas, and, yep, I did better. I also found that I wasn't having fun. I didn't like the faster pace, the intense focus, or the gameplay limitations you have to go through to be successful in PvP.
And this applies to other games as well. To be successful in PvP, you have to play a particular way, whether you enjoy it or not. AI has not gotten that rigid. Against a computer I find myself able to play in styles I enjoy more. I can take an hour to set up if I want, and not be overwhelmed while doing so. I can relax and enjoy the game, not just engage in a relentless sprint to the end.