Some constructive feedback on Smite 2 casual matchmaking and player retention
I’ve played over 6,000 hours of Smite 1, and I really want Smite 2 to succeed. But honestly, looking at the player count right now, we have a massive problem, and I’m convinced the casual matchmaking is driving people away.
To be clear, I'm not talking about Ranked. Ranked is usually fine because people mostly know what they are doing. I'm talking about Casuals. We need to remember that casual modes are what actually keep this game alive. Casual players are the majority of the player base, they fill the queues, and they are the ones buying skins and funding the game. If casual matches feel like garbage, the game dies.
Right now, the skill floor is on the floor. And I don’t blame new players at all. They are learning, they need time to figure out items and maps, and we need them if we want the game to grow. The problem is how the game setups the teams.
Casual matchmaking is just completely unfair at the moment. It is super common for me to get 2 or 3 teammates who literally installed the game yesterday, while the entire enemy team is made of average, experienced players. Instead of splitting the new players between both teams to balance things out, the system just stacks them all on one side.
This makes matches completely miserable for everyone. As a veteran, it’s frustrating to feel like the game is already lost at the loading screen. And for the new players, getting absolutely stomped by experienced players because the system didn't protect them just makes them uninstall. They won't stick around or spend money if they aren't having fun.
The hidden MMR system clearly isn't working for casuals. Hi-Rez needs to start looking at other metrics for matchmaking, like account level, total hours played, or at least a win/loss ratio. True beginners need to play against other beginners.
If we want Smite 2 to last, the casual player base needs to be protected and taken care of. Right now, the matchmaking is doing the exact opposite.
Let me know if you guys are experiencing the same thing in your casual games.