When is Riot going to realize Support Role is the problem not queue mechanics?

Byakuyazakura·3/23/2016, 9:20:06 AM·2 votes·484 views

Solo queue is essentially not going to happen and dynamic queue is screwing up because no one wants to play support. Which is, of course, the same reason that team-builder failed? Which is the same reason that the original queue failed? Here's an idea Riot, how about remove the need to play a 20-50 minute game were you don't cs, die constantly, build mostly nothing items, and feel "I really wish I had gotten to play the game". The problem originates from you having 4 ways to cs: top, mid, bot, and jungle. But you have 5 players. My idea for fixing this is simple.

So here's an interesting (and obvious) way to deal with that. How about those who are designated "support" in champ select you provide an modifier that works like Ancient Coin and Relic Shield combined. It gives 80% of the gold when a enemy unit (champion or minion) is killed by either the player or a nearby ally to the player and the nearby ally gets 100% of the gold. This way you get to cs, you get as much gold as a support normally would, no accidental KS or minion kill, and most importantly you get to play the actual game. Back when we had 2 active players per lane, the issue was fighting over cs and kills. But given people are willing agree to play support in queue than wouldn't it be even easier to have then simply choose to only take 80% cs (which they know is the gold they would get anyway) without the added boredom. I know I would choose this role (more often then I currently choose support and dread getting stuck with it less) because I could focus instead on opportunities to harass or push or gank. I would also have the opportunity after the laning phase to actually participate in the rest of the game as something other than walking cannon fodder.

Continuing to keep the support role the same is going to undermine every queue you come up with because people will always choose the support role less often then any other role and hate having to play it. Make it as fun and involved as the other 4 roles throughout the game and people will willingly choose it in line with the others. It won't be dreaded, it will be like the other 4 roles in that you spend you time trying to manage minion waves and try to chase and kill the other guys throughout the entire game.

Technical Note: The 80% figure would be adjusted to whatever is commensurate with the current average of support vs. ADC gold. The support player would get gold like normal if no one was nearby. The support designation could be swapped in champ select just like champions so that agreements to switch could be facilitated. Starting Support items would no longer be needed and could be replaced with early warding items (or whatever else tickles your fancy).

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