Let me start with saying that I have no problem with pubbers being non affiliated, that's a choice and that's ok, what that being said I have a question...well a couple of questions.
I would like to know what those people who play pub matches are looking for from their experience?
Is there any way a unit or clan could enhance this experience?
Do you chose not to join a unit/clan because of social, game based, or just personal reasons(such as no time to give, or had a bad experience)
What frustrates you the most about random matches?
Would any of you be interested in unit/clan organized matches for the non affiliated with times and details posted?
Do the non affiliated have any questions for the people who are in units/clans?
Well that's about it for me, I hope to get a productive discussion going with this because I'm truly curious.
2
A Question To The Unaffiliated...
Started by sj mausgmr, Jul 04 2013 01:51 AM
12 replies to this topic
#2
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- Bad Company
- 117 posts
Member
Posted 04 July 2013 - 03:23 AM
I'm simply not affiliated because I don't think I'll fit any organised group currently. A mixture of playing at odd times and not neceessarilly even on the days I'm usually free to play. Add to that a few certain personal inconvieniences making it difficult to be on voice comms, many groups would likely not want me.
So what am I looking for?
I'd love people to play with regularly within a very casual group. An ideal would be to be known by a few groups and be invited to join drops on and off when I'm playing.
The problem?
MWO seems to have become a very TS heavy community with little place to be able to be seen by numerous groups at once. Mixed Elo and groups being rather celular in-game and to their own forums and TS exasperates this issue of exposure.
For me, personally, I don't think any one clan or unit could help. I'd suggest groups pug on off periods more and use those games to scout other players. Unfortunately, though, current social/game chat isn't condusive to it as everyone disconnects with barely a thought after either dying or quickly checking over their match stats. I also don't really like forums as places to chat and prefer instant type chats (in years past I used to be a regular on various IRC servers), so joining several forums to increase contacts with celular groups is not an atractive option.
Just a bit of my thought processing on the subject.
So what am I looking for?
I'd love people to play with regularly within a very casual group. An ideal would be to be known by a few groups and be invited to join drops on and off when I'm playing.
The problem?
MWO seems to have become a very TS heavy community with little place to be able to be seen by numerous groups at once. Mixed Elo and groups being rather celular in-game and to their own forums and TS exasperates this issue of exposure.
For me, personally, I don't think any one clan or unit could help. I'd suggest groups pug on off periods more and use those games to scout other players. Unfortunately, though, current social/game chat isn't condusive to it as everyone disconnects with barely a thought after either dying or quickly checking over their match stats. I also don't really like forums as places to chat and prefer instant type chats (in years past I used to be a regular on various IRC servers), so joining several forums to increase contacts with celular groups is not an atractive option.
Just a bit of my thought processing on the subject.
#3
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- 234 posts
Member
Posted 05 July 2013 - 06:22 AM
I certainly hear you there Kojin. With very different playing hours day by day, settling in with a specific group would be tough, especially if they had any expectations of you.
I would say from my own experiences though that there are plenty of large scale units out there, with enough of a playerbase to guarantee that at any point in the day, an organised 4 man group should be active. Whilst this would mean a lot of variety in who you would be playing with, at least the opportunity should present itself, to find some people who want to stick together and work together past one round of combat. Hopefully you'd get the opportunity to meet lots of different friendly individuals in such a group as well!
Do you think casual play is lacking in a way that may make you consider looking for such a group, maybe because of the issues you described above with consistency in teams and the problems that can cause?
I would say from my own experiences though that there are plenty of large scale units out there, with enough of a playerbase to guarantee that at any point in the day, an organised 4 man group should be active. Whilst this would mean a lot of variety in who you would be playing with, at least the opportunity should present itself, to find some people who want to stick together and work together past one round of combat. Hopefully you'd get the opportunity to meet lots of different friendly individuals in such a group as well!
Do you think casual play is lacking in a way that may make you consider looking for such a group, maybe because of the issues you described above with consistency in teams and the problems that can cause?
#4
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- 3 posts
Rookie
Posted 05 July 2013 - 01:18 PM
Quote
I would like to know what those people who play pub matches are looking for from their experience?
Mostly I play solo because I want to hone my abilities in a moderate to low stress environment. I like casual play and don't want to make obligations to an organized group at this time. I can log on anytime, play all i want, log off. Besides, trying to predict what your teammates are going to do is a skill all its own.
Quote
Is there any way a unit or clan could enhance this experience?
Have random or semi-organized groups that are more casual in the game play experience. (i.e. aren't afraid to experiment with non-min/maxed mechs, attempt different strategies "just for the hell of it", etc...)
Quote
Do you chose not to join a unit/clan because of social, game based, or just personal reasons(such as no time to give, or had a bad experience)
I'm waiting for the game to exit beta. I want to play for one of the five major houses, I want to play for the clans, I want to lone wolf iit, and probably try a merc unit. Much like using different mechs, I want to shift around and try everything to see what I like, and go from there.
Quote
What frustrates you the most about random matches?
Lack of coordination and support.
The occasional non-aggresive player.
Forum posts and "guides" that suggest everyone should hide behind other mechs, or to not move ahead or make yourself the primary target. Seven teammates hiding behind my hunchback isn't a good receipe for success.
Quote
Would any of you be interested in unit/clan organized matches for the non affiliated with times and details posted?
So, 8 person non-affiliated teams coming together for organized matches, competing and communicating on a regular basis, wouldn't that make the 8 person team a unit by default? Unless you did 8 random players, teamed for a few hours for an organized match, that could be interesting.
Quote
Do the non affiliated have any questions for the people who are in units/clans?
Why are 4 man units dropping vs. unorganized pugs instead of forming 8 man units?
#5
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- Bad Company
- 117 posts
Member
Posted 06 July 2013 - 09:56 AM
I think there isn't really a problem with casual play in itself, more purely problems with pugging at large. It's bad enough having to second guess your enemy without second guessing and hoping your own team is going the same routes or rough ideas.
My best pug experiences have always been when I've got one or two guys that seem to be able to stick with eachother and myself and play to eachother without even uttering a word. It's rare, but great when it happens. Most of the time, however, I spend half my time trying to edge and feel where my team is going or just going 'ef it' and being aggressive and hoping I get support. Both actions are as likely to get me killed or as likely to go somewhere, so it comes down to my own judgment or how uncaring I feel at the time. For example, sometimes I go into a game, see the enemy all grouped together and my own team being picked apart because they're all just sitting and poking their heads out (which then get shot off) so I find a different angle and charge just to see how long it takes me to get CT'd. Other times I'll sit back, follow someone else's lead and try keep together, and then suddenly I'm on my own because the three I was with evaporate or run off...
And that's generally the frustrating thing in a pug, there's either some form of meshing going on or absolute chaos and neither has any real bearing on the outcome. It's all luck trying to mind read your own team and also keep yourself both alive and dealing damage (especially as I like to brawl or mid-range hit and run). It all seems to come down to how well my team accidentally compliment eachother rather than overall skills (though a bunch of newbies and noobs together vs some moderate players is hell to be in the midst of).
The secondary, slightly annoying factor to pugging, is that there seems to be a lower skill/elo ceiling. It feels like you top out if you're a semi decent, mid-skill player playing casually and it's difficult to raise above it without having a pre-made or regular group to drop with.
I try to enjoy myself, though, and that's the prime reason for me playing - Enjoyment. If I'm not enjoying myself I go watch something or go for a ride on my BMX or perhaps have a drink of tea =)
If I could find a good, fun, casual group to drop with, or even a bunch of friends (no one I know plays, unfortunately) that could then participate in CW, I'd be happier.
Hope I'm not turning this into a rant >.<
My best pug experiences have always been when I've got one or two guys that seem to be able to stick with eachother and myself and play to eachother without even uttering a word. It's rare, but great when it happens. Most of the time, however, I spend half my time trying to edge and feel where my team is going or just going 'ef it' and being aggressive and hoping I get support. Both actions are as likely to get me killed or as likely to go somewhere, so it comes down to my own judgment or how uncaring I feel at the time. For example, sometimes I go into a game, see the enemy all grouped together and my own team being picked apart because they're all just sitting and poking their heads out (which then get shot off) so I find a different angle and charge just to see how long it takes me to get CT'd. Other times I'll sit back, follow someone else's lead and try keep together, and then suddenly I'm on my own because the three I was with evaporate or run off...
And that's generally the frustrating thing in a pug, there's either some form of meshing going on or absolute chaos and neither has any real bearing on the outcome. It's all luck trying to mind read your own team and also keep yourself both alive and dealing damage (especially as I like to brawl or mid-range hit and run). It all seems to come down to how well my team accidentally compliment eachother rather than overall skills (though a bunch of newbies and noobs together vs some moderate players is hell to be in the midst of).
The secondary, slightly annoying factor to pugging, is that there seems to be a lower skill/elo ceiling. It feels like you top out if you're a semi decent, mid-skill player playing casually and it's difficult to raise above it without having a pre-made or regular group to drop with.
I try to enjoy myself, though, and that's the prime reason for me playing - Enjoyment. If I'm not enjoying myself I go watch something or go for a ride on my BMX or perhaps have a drink of tea =)
If I could find a good, fun, casual group to drop with, or even a bunch of friends (no one I know plays, unfortunately) that could then participate in CW, I'd be happier.
Hope I'm not turning this into a rant >.<
#6
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- 68 posts
Member
Posted 06 July 2013 - 10:16 AM
First off, thanks for posting a really good topic to discuss, so hopefully you'll get some good feedback which I'm happy to add to also.
Just the casual experience and a bit of fun. I ran, and participated in, clans back in the Quake days and often it was just more hassle than it was worth and just took the fun out of a lot of gaming. Work has structures, rules and egos, when I come on here I am really not interested in all that and generally just want to blow stuff up!
It definitely could if it catered for very casual games like myself, I'd like to play in a decent team of people rather than random folk, but for this to work for me it's got to be a casual arrangement which works for me around home and work life.
As above, mainly personal reasons such as not being able to commit to practice sessions, having to turn up as whatever time for a game, etc. Again, some people seem to take clans far too seriously and just cease to be fun which kind of defeats the object of playing really...
Random skill and lack of teamwork or communications. Don't get me wrong, I've had some superb close matches , even where people haven't typed or said a thing, but sometimes they can be a mixed bag. Saying that I feel quite inconsistent being often the last man standing, or the first to die.
Definitely, sounds like a good solution. I'd more than like to hop in and out if there's an opportunity to do so.
Why so serious!?
sj mausgmr, on 04 July 2013 - 01:51 AM, said:
I would like to know what those people who play pub matches are looking for from their experience?
Just the casual experience and a bit of fun. I ran, and participated in, clans back in the Quake days and often it was just more hassle than it was worth and just took the fun out of a lot of gaming. Work has structures, rules and egos, when I come on here I am really not interested in all that and generally just want to blow stuff up!
sj mausgmr, on 04 July 2013 - 01:51 AM, said:
Is there any way a unit or clan could enhance this experience?
It definitely could if it catered for very casual games like myself, I'd like to play in a decent team of people rather than random folk, but for this to work for me it's got to be a casual arrangement which works for me around home and work life.
sj mausgmr, on 04 July 2013 - 01:51 AM, said:
Do you chose not to join a unit/clan because of social, game based, or just personal reasons(such as no time to give, or had a bad experience)
As above, mainly personal reasons such as not being able to commit to practice sessions, having to turn up as whatever time for a game, etc. Again, some people seem to take clans far too seriously and just cease to be fun which kind of defeats the object of playing really...
sj mausgmr, on 04 July 2013 - 01:51 AM, said:
What frustrates you the most about random matches?
Random skill and lack of teamwork or communications. Don't get me wrong, I've had some superb close matches , even where people haven't typed or said a thing, but sometimes they can be a mixed bag. Saying that I feel quite inconsistent being often the last man standing, or the first to die.
sj mausgmr, on 04 July 2013 - 01:51 AM, said:
Would any of you be interested in unit/clan organized matches for the non affiliated with times and details posted?
Definitely, sounds like a good solution. I'd more than like to hop in and out if there's an opportunity to do so.
sj mausgmr, on 04 July 2013 - 01:51 AM, said:
Do the non affiliated have any questions for the people who are in units/clans?
Why so serious!?
#7
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- 234 posts
Member
Posted 07 July 2013 - 12:54 PM
Interesting stuff guys, I'd certainly agree that team environments can be stressful at times, when competitive and focused on performance and winning. I do find as well that there are great community groups about also though that can be really low stress, and provide you with more than chaff to team up with and help you out.
Ferret, obligations can be a pain, blowing stuff up is certainly better, I hear you there! Interesting that you're keen to look at all elements from merc/faction to clan also, certainly a smart way of fully sampling the game, hope you find your place in the world
Right ye, often it is easiest to do well as a mechwarrior pilot when the attention is not on you and you can concentrate on kicking ***. Unfortunately though this cannot be the case for everyone, someone has to take the damage. Distractions and smart maneuvers can help out with giving shot opportunities with no real return fire, but that is often an advanced style of play you will never find in a pub due to the lack of available coordinational options, and the general reluctance of the population to participate in them.
8 man of randoms is probably something that could work for everyone's benefit, so maybe 16 players (or 24) get together at a set time organised by unit members or well recognised community members. Maybe something that can be looked into in the near future =)
4 mans drop vs unorganised pubs because sometimes we like to chill out too, with our buds, and play some casual games together, with little overall effort towards team coordination (this is generally how things work out with us at least as a unit in pub play, we recognise the degree of challenge pub play represents and tend to play accordingly). Sometimes however we will work on tactics or gameplay styles to test how they will work in competitive, in a pub game environment. Trust me I feel bad for the pug guys without a doubt, but without private servers or enough people to do 8v8 in house often, it's the only place to practice these things without it meaning the potential of a loss in a game that really matter (such as a league). I think with the frequency of matches (over in less than 10 minutes typically) and the infrequency we at least do it as a unit, it's fair on the community as a whole.
Other teams that do super organised all the time though, yes I can see the frustration they may cause.
Kojin, yep, I hear you there mate, I think it's due to the lack of adoption of teamwork in the game, as much as it is key to the franchise. I don't think people realise how key teamwork and timing is in mechwarrior games, and thus those that do well at it do very well in game.
If you're a good player you'll always notice the faults in others, the tough part is the fact you can do little as an individual to try and improve those faults, and thus ultimately those that are content with their mediocre play styles will consistently perform in a mediocre manner, and thus, be annoyingly bad.
Kudos on the tea mate, I can't get enough typically.
Let's hope CW is where it's at buddy.
Bootsock, no worries man, we had a similar topic well back in MWLL when we were trying to get more of an idea what the community felt towards organised units and organised play, thanks for the response!
+1 for Quake buddy, I can imagine how tough things were back when you played in terms of competition and expectations from your clan buddies. It was often all about the cash back then so competition was fierce. Organised play should never be work, it should always enhance the experience. Personally that's what I try to provide for our members to ensure they're enjoying themselves.
Aye inconsistency can be a real pain, is it elo? is it people having a bad day? is it a bad mech mix or configurations? I think we can only speculate.
Why so serious? Great point. I think it's a combination of the effort you put together as a group of people and thus the results you would like to see from that. We all rely on each other to perform and get the results we all want, if things go wrong and finger pointing is possible, often it will happen. It's a social issues unfortunately that is fixable when it is identified and attempted to be fixed from concentrated effort from leadership downwards. Blame culture ultimately doesn't help anyone, but it's very easy when all you're facing is a screen with text on it, or a voice in your headphones.
Great contributions so far guys!
Ferret, obligations can be a pain, blowing stuff up is certainly better, I hear you there! Interesting that you're keen to look at all elements from merc/faction to clan also, certainly a smart way of fully sampling the game, hope you find your place in the world
Right ye, often it is easiest to do well as a mechwarrior pilot when the attention is not on you and you can concentrate on kicking ***. Unfortunately though this cannot be the case for everyone, someone has to take the damage. Distractions and smart maneuvers can help out with giving shot opportunities with no real return fire, but that is often an advanced style of play you will never find in a pub due to the lack of available coordinational options, and the general reluctance of the population to participate in them.
8 man of randoms is probably something that could work for everyone's benefit, so maybe 16 players (or 24) get together at a set time organised by unit members or well recognised community members. Maybe something that can be looked into in the near future =)
4 mans drop vs unorganised pubs because sometimes we like to chill out too, with our buds, and play some casual games together, with little overall effort towards team coordination (this is generally how things work out with us at least as a unit in pub play, we recognise the degree of challenge pub play represents and tend to play accordingly). Sometimes however we will work on tactics or gameplay styles to test how they will work in competitive, in a pub game environment. Trust me I feel bad for the pug guys without a doubt, but without private servers or enough people to do 8v8 in house often, it's the only place to practice these things without it meaning the potential of a loss in a game that really matter (such as a league). I think with the frequency of matches (over in less than 10 minutes typically) and the infrequency we at least do it as a unit, it's fair on the community as a whole.
Other teams that do super organised all the time though, yes I can see the frustration they may cause.
Kojin, yep, I hear you there mate, I think it's due to the lack of adoption of teamwork in the game, as much as it is key to the franchise. I don't think people realise how key teamwork and timing is in mechwarrior games, and thus those that do well at it do very well in game.
If you're a good player you'll always notice the faults in others, the tough part is the fact you can do little as an individual to try and improve those faults, and thus ultimately those that are content with their mediocre play styles will consistently perform in a mediocre manner, and thus, be annoyingly bad.
Kudos on the tea mate, I can't get enough typically.
Let's hope CW is where it's at buddy.
Bootsock, no worries man, we had a similar topic well back in MWLL when we were trying to get more of an idea what the community felt towards organised units and organised play, thanks for the response!
+1 for Quake buddy, I can imagine how tough things were back when you played in terms of competition and expectations from your clan buddies. It was often all about the cash back then so competition was fierce. Organised play should never be work, it should always enhance the experience. Personally that's what I try to provide for our members to ensure they're enjoying themselves.
Aye inconsistency can be a real pain, is it elo? is it people having a bad day? is it a bad mech mix or configurations? I think we can only speculate.
Why so serious? Great point. I think it's a combination of the effort you put together as a group of people and thus the results you would like to see from that. We all rely on each other to perform and get the results we all want, if things go wrong and finger pointing is possible, often it will happen. It's a social issues unfortunately that is fixable when it is identified and attempted to be fixed from concentrated effort from leadership downwards. Blame culture ultimately doesn't help anyone, but it's very easy when all you're facing is a screen with text on it, or a voice in your headphones.
Great contributions so far guys!
#8
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- Elite Founder
- 1,363 posts
Member
Posted 07 July 2013 - 01:16 PM
I play solo currently because I have no idea which house I will end up choosing when Community Warfare is implemented. Even when that time comes, my play time will be restricted to weekends, given that I work week nights. So I have to keep it fairly casual.
As such I'm not interested in joining a merc oufit since from what I understand, these will be the groups for "serious gameplay" and I've had bad experiences with that kind of stuff. ( being forced to use certain chassis with certain types of weapons because they are seen as the most effective at the time)
I would like to find a team to play with as a regular house unit however. If only because I do enjoy team play and communicating on comms with people I'm familiar with.
As such I'm not interested in joining a merc oufit since from what I understand, these will be the groups for "serious gameplay" and I've had bad experiences with that kind of stuff. ( being forced to use certain chassis with certain types of weapons because they are seen as the most effective at the time)
I would like to find a team to play with as a regular house unit however. If only because I do enjoy team play and communicating on comms with people I'm familiar with.
#9
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- 10 posts
Member
- LocationVegas
Posted 07 July 2013 - 01:54 PM
For me, it's mostly the fact that I play later on in the evenings. I live on the west coast, and normally don't log in until 7:00pm PDT on any given day. Most of the units I have seen are on the east coast, so my schedule doesn't really fit well. It's tough when I get online and join an empty TS server because most people are logging off for the night.
Random pugs are fun for now, but I can see them getting boring fast. The limited group experience I have has been much more enjoyable. I just need to find a group that is active during the same times that I'm active.
I have no problem being active in a VOIP server, I would actually prefer it. If anyone is aware of a clan/unit that is active during the evenings, I would be very interested in applying to join.
Random pugs are fun for now, but I can see them getting boring fast. The limited group experience I have has been much more enjoyable. I just need to find a group that is active during the same times that I'm active.
I have no problem being active in a VOIP server, I would actually prefer it. If anyone is aware of a clan/unit that is active during the evenings, I would be very interested in applying to join.
#10
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- 2,870 posts
Member
Posted 07 July 2013 - 06:03 PM
Being a Jadewolf and a Psychopath at once doesn´t really help to get in groups, although I know the proper end of a Laser and that a mech shouldn´t point upside down.
But then again, you knew that already Maus ^^
And good luck to you and the rest of the murderous band for your ongoing engagements in the League(s?) !!!
But then again, you knew that already Maus ^^
And good luck to you and the rest of the murderous band for your ongoing engagements in the League(s?) !!!
#11
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- FP Veteran - Beta 1
- 94 posts
Member
- LocationTerra
Posted 07 July 2013 - 07:02 PM
"Do you chose not to join a unit/clan because of social, game based, or just personal reasons(such as no time to give, or had a bad experience)"
For some reason it's always been outside my comfort zone. Never really felt comfortable with affiliating myself with, or talking to, or basically spending time with a bunch of people I've never met except over the interwebs. Can't explain it. On another level however, I've always enjoyed games where I get to kill organized groups of players as a loner.
"I would like to know what those people who play pug matches are looking for from their experience?"
I want to win. And I want to enjoy playing the game and being a mechwarrior. Just as in another game where I want to enjoy being a knight or a space marine. X)
"Is there any way a unit or clan could enhance this experience?"
Really only if the people were my friends IRL, I think.
"What frustrates you the most about random matches?"
Not winning every match!!! >:L Seriously though, seeing the players use some tactics or something would be cool. Q.Q Once in a while my team will just TOTALLY fail. That bothers me.
"Would any of you be interested in unit/clan organized matches for the non affiliated with times and details posted?"
Perhaps.
"Do the non affiliated have any questions for the people who are in units/clans?"
Y U NOE LOOSE MOAR!?!?!1111
For some reason it's always been outside my comfort zone. Never really felt comfortable with affiliating myself with, or talking to, or basically spending time with a bunch of people I've never met except over the interwebs. Can't explain it. On another level however, I've always enjoyed games where I get to kill organized groups of players as a loner.
"I would like to know what those people who play pug matches are looking for from their experience?"
I want to win. And I want to enjoy playing the game and being a mechwarrior. Just as in another game where I want to enjoy being a knight or a space marine. X)
"Is there any way a unit or clan could enhance this experience?"
Really only if the people were my friends IRL, I think.
"What frustrates you the most about random matches?"
Not winning every match!!! >:L Seriously though, seeing the players use some tactics or something would be cool. Q.Q Once in a while my team will just TOTALLY fail. That bothers me.
"Would any of you be interested in unit/clan organized matches for the non affiliated with times and details posted?"
Perhaps.
"Do the non affiliated have any questions for the people who are in units/clans?"
Y U NOE LOOSE MOAR!?!?!1111
Edited by Senior Knight Steele, 07 July 2013 - 07:07 PM.
#12
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- Survivor
- 110 posts
Member
Posted 07 July 2013 - 07:43 PM
First off, excellent thread. Actual, reasoned discussion on the forums... Wow!
Regarding why I haven't joined up, there are a couple of reasons. First and foremost, my schedule is erratic and inconsistent, due to work and other obligations. Even if they would have me, I don't feel comfortable being part of a team and dropping out of sight irregularly. On top of just making organizing things difficult, my personal skill become highly variable, as the time off from the game both causes a general depreciation of skills, both physical and mental, and having to learn the changes in engine and meta. Second, my experience with organized groups tends to be either VERY casual, to the point of why bother, or extremely demanding on my time. When I'm putting in full time hours for work, I don't want to be told that I need to put in part time hours just to be allowed to participate in my hobby.
Regarding MWO specifically, I've gotten to play with several good groups of people, and, when the TS servers are populated, it serves as a reasonable half way point between pure PUGging and joining up. That said, it still takes time to find and connect with an available group on those servers, and when a player only has a limited amount of play time, it becomes less attractive.
Eventually, hopefully, the group of friends who played MWO, will be returning with the improved stability of the client, upcoming CW, etc. Depending on how many return, we may be able to set up a Merc Corps or something. And, honestly, that also has me in a 'wait and see' state regarding joining up.
That said, PUGging can become immensely frustrating, particularly due to the lack of effective matchmaking currently available. (NO, I am not attempting, nor do I want this to derail things.) Combined with disconnects and drops, it's a dice roll on whether or not the match even starts close to balanced, before concerns like premades or team communication enter into the discussion.
I took part in an open invitation event this last weekend, (the "Dragon Drop") and it was an extremely positive experience. While I am unlikely to formally join up, due to a mix of the reasons listed above, I would very much be interested in participating in other events of the same type. (Thank you again to the 1st Ghost Company!)
Regarding why I haven't joined up, there are a couple of reasons. First and foremost, my schedule is erratic and inconsistent, due to work and other obligations. Even if they would have me, I don't feel comfortable being part of a team and dropping out of sight irregularly. On top of just making organizing things difficult, my personal skill become highly variable, as the time off from the game both causes a general depreciation of skills, both physical and mental, and having to learn the changes in engine and meta. Second, my experience with organized groups tends to be either VERY casual, to the point of why bother, or extremely demanding on my time. When I'm putting in full time hours for work, I don't want to be told that I need to put in part time hours just to be allowed to participate in my hobby.
Regarding MWO specifically, I've gotten to play with several good groups of people, and, when the TS servers are populated, it serves as a reasonable half way point between pure PUGging and joining up. That said, it still takes time to find and connect with an available group on those servers, and when a player only has a limited amount of play time, it becomes less attractive.
Eventually, hopefully, the group of friends who played MWO, will be returning with the improved stability of the client, upcoming CW, etc. Depending on how many return, we may be able to set up a Merc Corps or something. And, honestly, that also has me in a 'wait and see' state regarding joining up.
That said, PUGging can become immensely frustrating, particularly due to the lack of effective matchmaking currently available. (NO, I am not attempting, nor do I want this to derail things.) Combined with disconnects and drops, it's a dice roll on whether or not the match even starts close to balanced, before concerns like premades or team communication enter into the discussion.
I took part in an open invitation event this last weekend, (the "Dragon Drop") and it was an extremely positive experience. While I am unlikely to formally join up, due to a mix of the reasons listed above, I would very much be interested in participating in other events of the same type. (Thank you again to the 1st Ghost Company!)
#13
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Posted 07 July 2013 - 08:36 PM
sj mausgmr, on 04 July 2013 - 01:51 AM, said:
I would like to know what those people who play pub matches are looking for from their experience?
Same thing any other player wants. Fun and a bit of competition.
sj mausgmr, on 04 July 2013 - 01:51 AM, said:
Is there any way a unit or clan could enhance this experience?
By not cheesing in the solo queue. Premade stomping isn't as bad as the good old days of 8vPUG, but the matchmaker still rarely matches a 4 player group with another 4 player group. I'm not particularly fazed by getting a bad hand from the matcmaker, I solo drop so I'm used to accepting whatever the matchmaker throws at me, but it leaches a lot of fun out of the game when a four man drops in with a 4xPPC/Gauss Assault lance and steamrolls, even when they're on your side.
I get that people want to play with their friends without the trouble of organizing an 8 man, but bringing an all assault/all cheese to shoot at PUG players and Trial newbs is a bit of a {Richard Cameron} move. If winning is the only thing that matters to you, then take a long walk and ask yourself "why can't my organized team of four players win the majority of matches with only a slight, rather than massive, advantage?".
sj mausgmr, on 04 July 2013 - 01:51 AM, said:
Do you chose not to join a unit/clan because of social, game based, or just personal reasons(such as no time to give, or had a bad experience)
Too much trouble. I'd rather not have to have to open up a VOIP program and get a group organized just to play. Especially seeing as I usually just play five or so rounds at a time. It's also nice to be able to take the time to play around in the mechlab between matches without having people wait on you.
If I want to play in a group I just get some friends together and play, joining a clan doesn't really offer me anything.
sj mausgmr, on 04 July 2013 - 01:51 AM, said:
What frustrates you the most about random matches?
Removing weight balancing in favor of ELO was a terrible idea. Nothing more annoying than dropping into a match with a huge tonnage disadvantage. Or conversely with nothing but slow mechs on your team on a large map on conquest.
Also, trial mechs. Jesus Christ on a Cucumber do they ruin the game. Or more to the point Single Heatsinks. What genius figured forcing new players to have a massive game-play disadvantage that they're in no way informed of would improve the game?
sj mausgmr, on 04 July 2013 - 01:51 AM, said:
Would any of you be interested in unit/clan organized matches for the non affiliated with times and details posted?
Not really, if I wanted organized matches there's no shortage of clans that I could join up with.
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