Paladins Has a BIG Problem Right Now...

Summary

In this video, Andrew discusses the challenges and objectives behind the introduction of Arcade Mode in Paladins. Arcade Mode was designed to address matchmaking issues by consolidating various game modes into one queue, aiming to improve player count and balance. However, it faces significant drawbacks, such as the lack of mode selection, leading to frustration for players who prefer specific game modes. Andrew compares Paladins' system to Overwatch’s, noting that the loss of choice in Paladins feels more impactful. Despite attempts to improve the experience, low player engagement and poor matchmaking continue to hinder Arcade Mode’s success.

Takeaways

• 😀 Arcade mode was introduced in *Paladins* to address two main problems: bad matchmaking and limited game mode availability.
• 😀 By combining multiple game modes (Onslaught, Team Deathmatch, Payload, King of the Hill) into a single queue, arcade mode aims to improve matchmaking by providing a larger pool of players.
• 😀 One key issue with arcade mode is that players cannot choose which game mode they want to play, leading to frustration when they end up in a mode they dislike (e.g., Survival).
• 😀 The arcade mode's matchmaking problem stems from a lack of player participation, partly due to the competition from Onslaught, the most popular mode, which reduces the player count in the arcade queue.
• 😀 The presenter notes that while arcade mode works in other games like Overwatch, *Paladins*' players were previously accustomed to choosing their game modes, which makes the change feel more significant.
• 😀 *Paladins*’ arcade mode suffers from lower player numbers, which leads to poor matchmaking, perpetuating a vicious cycle where players leave due to bad matches, further reducing the player pool.
• 😀 Despite the arcade mode's flaws, it was a solution aimed at fixing *Paladins*’ matchmaking and player distribution issues, particularly when the player base shrunk over time.
• 😀 The inability to choose a game mode has caused dissatisfaction among *Paladins* players, as many feel that a feature has been removed from the game.
• 😀 The arcade mode has been seen as an experiment, with the hope that it would solve the issues of matchmaking and mode availability but it hasn't fully met player expectations.
• 😀 The future of *Paladins* seems uncertain, as the game faces significant player retention challenges, with hopes pinned on future content (like Champion 60 or Season 8) to revive player interest.

Q & A

What is the main problem Arcade Mode tries to solve in Paladins?

Arcade Mode aims to solve the issue of bad matchmaking caused by a shrinking player base. By combining multiple game modes into a single queue, it attempts to increase the pool of players and improve matchmaking fairness.

Why is matchmaking so bad in modes like Onslaught or Team Deathmatch?

The player base is too small to fill queues for specific modes, which leads to unbalanced matchmaking. With fewer players, it becomes harder to create well-matched teams, especially in high Elo brackets.

How does Arcade Mode address the issue of unavailable game modes?

Arcade Mode ensures that all game modes—such as Siege, Onslaught, and Payload—are always available in a rotating queue, which prevents players from having to wait for specific modes to be available.

What is the major downside of Arcade Mode?

The major downside is that players no longer have the ability to choose their preferred game mode. This leads to frustration, as players may end up in modes they dislike, such as Survival, instead of their desired mode.

How does the lack of mode choice in Arcade Mode compare to Overwatch's system?

In Overwatch, players have never been able to choose their game mode when queuing for casual matches. Since this has always been the case, players accept it. In contrast, Paladins used to allow players to pick their preferred mode, making the change feel more disruptive.

Why do players avoid Arcade Mode despite its potential benefits?

Many players avoid Arcade Mode because of the lack of control over the mode they play. They prefer to queue for specific modes like Onslaught or Payload, and feel frustrated by being forced into modes they don't enjoy.

What is the impact of low player counts in Arcade Mode?

Low player counts in Arcade Mode lead to longer queue times and unbalanced matches. This worsens the player experience and creates a cycle where players avoid Arcade Mode, further reducing the player base and exacerbating matchmaking issues.

How has Arcade Mode been received in terms of matchmaking success?

The success of Arcade Mode in terms of matchmaking is mixed. While it was intended to improve matchmaking by increasing the player pool, low participation and a competing Onslaught queue have led to inconsistent results and continued matchmaking issues.

What would be the ideal solution to the issues caused by Arcade Mode?

The ideal solution would be to restore separate queues for each game mode, ensuring that players can always play their preferred mode. However, this requires a larger player base, which is not currently available.

Why might Paladins need more players to solve the Arcade Mode issues?

More players would allow Paladins to have separate, well-populated queues for each mode, ensuring better matchmaking and a more enjoyable experience for everyone. A larger player base would also reduce the negative effects of Arcade Mode's lack of choice.