Create Defining Features Between Ranked & Normal/Blind/Draft Games.
I think with the upcoming ranked changes in 2019, and the addition of Clash and more rewards for Ranked players and the competitive environment in general, it's a good time to start looking at Normal matches too.
Players, especially new, should have an exact understanding of what each game mode brings to them. Some are very clear in their role (I'm looking at you ARAM). Some are not so (Ranked Flex Queue versus Ranked Solo/Duo Queue). What exactly makes Ranked games any different from Normal games anyway?
Well Ranked Games are where you can compete to earn rewards in-game (and out) to show off your skills as a player. Simple enough. What about Normal Games, or Blind Pick. This game mode is for simply having fun! If both game modes feature the same scenario, only one is more competitive for sake of competition, why do they feel the same to play?
Blind Pick, and normal games in general, do not feel less competitive. I may be wrong here, but I'm under the impression that both game modes use a matchmaking system based on a hidden MMR (Matchmaking Rating) number associated with your account. Both games modes' MMR system while not directly the same, do affect each other somewhat. Both game modes feature the same matchmaking system along with the same punishment system, while NOT using the same reward system. Again, I might be incorrect, and I know RIOT may not share their technology regarding MMR since it's a company secret.
Risk/reward relations people make when deciding a game mode to play could be better defined. I feel like Ranked games are judged unfairly when compared to the same risks/rewards to Normal and Blind games. Either Ranked games are far too lenient on players like letting people evade bans, AFK, "run it down mid", flame, and all other mannerisms of bad sportsmanship. Or Blind/Normal is too restrictive on players. Some people feel forced to play what should be a FUN game for the sake of not being banned for raging in chat or quitting when they're not having fun.
I suggest maybe both "tightening the ropes" in Ranked by being more aggressive and less forgiving on bans and chat restrictions. But also ease up on the casual players in FUN mode. Maybe let people dodge champ select freely? People can be tilted and instantly flame in pre-game chat. Or maybe allow for a non-unanimous early surrender so players don't feel trapped for half an hour, and can leave without being banned (also for players who want to play aren't stuck in a 4v5 because of a leaver).
I feel like there's no incentive to play Normal Game modes other than the game/fun aspect (which is great), but then it turns out to be just as demanding as a full Ranked game where I'm pitted against the same players of the same skill level (albeit with greater leniency). So I feel I'm forced to play a game I'm not enjoying for the sake of saving my teammates from being forced to play a game THEY won't enjoy. Then I'm tilted, then they're tilted. No one's having fun anymore and we all lose anyway.
This just got me thinking there should be clear definitions of what a ranked game is and what a normal game is. Especially since there really isn't much distinction from them other than the fact they'll have Ranked or not next to the game mode. I don't know. Maybe I'm wrong about all this and I'm just not aging the same way the game's community is. I hope my lengthy post brings to light something I've felt should've been commonplace a long time ago.
TL;DR
Normal games feel like Ranked without being the ability to earn a shiny border. Players shouldn't feel forced to play a Normal game when they aren't enjoying it. Players also need more severe punishments for ruining the Ranked environment with bad sportsmanship. Then players could clearly say "okay this one mode is for fun, and this one mode is for serious".
Thank you, take care, and good night.
P.S. Speaking of new players, for the love of god PLEASE update and modernize the tutorial. It is so ancient it could be used as a defense tool for the ancients. (shots fired)