New Queue - Ranked Practice

Someshta·Dec 19, 2013·1 votes·381 views

I enjoy playing ranked games because I know the other players are both more competitive and more committed to game play than your average Normal player. I play a lot of decent games in Ranked, and they are usually challenging. But, I don't always want to endure the emotional roller coaster that can hit you when your rating is at stake. At times like that, I'll play some Normal matches, but it's just not the same. What I really want is to be able to play a Ranked game without the consequences; to be matched with other players based on my Ranked MMR without the outcome affecting my rating. That way we can take a break from some of the stress and still enjoy the skill level we've worked for.

2 Comments

PhlymoloDec 19, 20131 votes

So basically a "Normal" queue in pbe? I agree 100%, but for different reasons.

I want a normal queue simply for the purpose that I thought the beta existed, namely to play/test champions and situations and provide feedback. I find myself going to play bots on dominion to try out new champions which is less than ideal.

Its hard to do the same ranked for obvious reasons. You could very easily throw a game if the champion you want to play doesn't fit the role you get. Much more pressure to stick to your existing champion pool.

SomeshtaDec 19, 20131 votes

Exactly, I think this would be a great platform for practicing builds or strategies at a competitive level.

And you have to realize there is a subtle but really important difference between this queue and Normal queue: You are matched for the game based on an independent reference. When you queue for a Normal game or a Ranked game, the outcome immediately changes the skill level of your next match. With this queue, you are continuously matched with players at your current Ranked MMR. So, although you could say this queue would end up being flooded with just as many trolls/unbalanced players as Normal, that problem is mitigated somewhat by the independent reference. When those trolls or players who don't fit in your skill level raise or lower their MMR they would no longer be paired with you. And on the other hand, there are always new players entering your match pool. The big difference is that you remain "stationary" on the ladder while everyone else shifts around you, allowing you a better chance to understand exactly how games at that skill level are played out.

You could then also say that everyone would just be stationary on the ladder, but two things should mitigate that. The first is rating decay from not participating in ranked games. The other is the fact that players using this queue should be competitive by nature and enjoy ranking. So this queue would serve as a temporary respite/training ground for players in new divisions.