Featured game modes idea

Atresia·Feb 21, 2014·1 votes·330 views

Ok, so with the Hexakill out I'd like to share my thoughts about the Featured Game Modes so far.

I really liked both the One For All and Snowdown Showdown game modes, though I haven't really played much the second because of the poor IP rewards that came from it (I'm still farming to get the champions I want).

With the Hexakill release I'm a little bit confused about the direction you are going with the Featured Game Modes. Hexakill doesn't really bring anything new and refreshing to the table. Giving a sixth player to completely unchaged game type - with same amount of minions, same jungle, same gold distribution etc. - you're not really changing a lot if not changing anything at all. Of course it enables for some funny team comps but to be honest those same team comps would've been viable in normal game as well - just that nobody takes Hexakill seriously so everybody lets those so-colled "troll picks" pass through unnoticed.

I think you should take a more innovative steps when creating new Featured Game Type. I have two ideas regarding new Featured Game Modes, one really obvious and one little exotic. I don't write this topic with a "RIOT PLZ DO DIS" mindset, I just want to point out which direction Featured Game Modes should follow in my opinion.

Game Mode #1: Blitz, two 5-player teams on SR

Game starts normally but at 1:29 minute mark timer switched to one hour (so that minions would be way more powerful), all outer turrets blow up on their own and every player gains level 18 and 25k gold. All items bought from that point are automatically fully stacked. In few words everybody starts maxed out.

Game Mode #2: FFA, 5 players or five 2-player teams on CS

Every player (or every 2-player team) starts on a single point on Dominion map with that point captured. Game would end at a certain amount of kills by a player (or a 2-player team) or when the timers passes out (whatever comes first). You can buy only while dead. The points cannot be captured.

I'd love to hear your feedback - not on the ideas themselves but on the general direction Riot seems to be taking with Featured Game Modes and what would you want it to be.

4 Comments

RoaranorFeb 21, 20142 votes

The core idea behind Hexakill was to see what kind of meta players would establish given the opportunity to add another player, something quite a few players were curious about as a feature. Would they duo top? Stack bot lane for a quick turret? I've seen some pretty neat strategies develop, as well as some pretty predictable ones.

AtresiaFeb 21, 20141 votes

Of course but consider, please, my point: all things done on Hexakill could've been done on Summoner's Rift but you'd open yourself to be flamed on. It changes the mindset players approach the game more than changing the actual gameplay itself.

RoaranorFeb 22, 20142 votes

I understand what you're saying, and it's a legitimate concern. But I think opening the path for new methods, metas, and mindsets in an existing format can be just as productive as an entirely new format. The point you brought up is that unconventional tactics can normally leave players as a target for flaming and negativity should they not work, but this mode helps mitigate that by reducing some of the risks that would normally come with those tactics. For example, you now have an extra player to send duo mid without having the Marksman solo bot or leaving top lane wide open, but have to keep in mind that the other team may have send their sixth player top instead. How do you react in this situation? Do you adjust your player/lane spread on the fly or simply let one mid laner roam top frequently?

Tl;dr Hexakill, while it may not yield the pure enjoyment from unique modes like One for All, can in itself lead to some interesting player data, provide new challenges, and result in a good time.

Of course, you can expect them to release more unique game modes in the future.

bcbudszFeb 22, 20141 votes

I would love to see a game mode like the old Hero defense maps in WC3 and SC2, one team working towards one main boss, 5 lanes? or more or less, as lanes progress when you take out a tower or a check point barracks, end boss with say 1 mill hp? discuss