9 replies to this topic

[CFC Conky]

Hello all,

Forgive me if this idea has been posted before, I didn't find anything using the search function.

I've only been playing this game for a couple of months now, and enjoying it very much. It has been mentioned numerous times that the new player experience is pretty brutal, which may drive new players away. It certainly was for me. I wonder if a 'test drive' mode could be implemented for new players.

The way it could work is a quick play mode using the trial mechs only (some or all - to discourage using the mode to test out new builds), where players would not earn any c-bills, xp, etc. This may sound a bit pointless (pardon the pun), but it might discourage experienced players from farming us noobs while we learn how to drive, shoot, avoid lrms, etc. This game is complicated enough without getting stomped by better players in most matches, at least at first. Of course there is no guarantee that it would only be populated by beginners, but a mode where novices can just play with other new players might be just the thing to help us 'git gud' a bit easier/faster.

Good hunting,
CFC Conky

Edited by CFC Conky, 06 July 2017 - 06:12 PM.

[Leone]

The problem, I feel, would be, as with other things in this game, the queue times. I do not feel there'd be a full twenty four folk queue up in this mode often enough to have a decent drop rate. We play game to play games. It's only once you've gotten into the game, and want what it has to offer that you're willing to sit an read whilst waiting for a CW match.

Asking new folk to do this seems like a recipe for failure.

~Leone.

[Steel Raven]

I've been a advocate for a game mode with a lower number of players. 12 vs 12 can be chaotic for anyone, maybe recycling the older smaller maps for 6 vs 6 or Solaris style duels would ease players into 12 vs 12 matches where they would earn more.

Edited by Steel Raven, 06 July 2017 - 10:13 PM.

[Nerokar]

Well, there are two problems with your idea.
First: As allready said, this would be an empty queue or it would splitt up the community.
Second: It needs its own developing and balancing time. Resources, that are needed to bring the game further.

It is like Leone said. We play to play... So forcing someone into longer queue to lean something in a "metagame" is a bad idea. A question to you: We allready have a great tutorial, where a new player can learn everything without pressure. The Academy... did you, as a new player, played much there after those cbill achevements? I did not. I learned it "the hard way" because I wanted to play the REAL game.

@Steel Raven: Smaller maps with lower player counts usually attract more experienced players, because of less chaos and larger skillimpact and the higher weight of teamplay... It would be more of a trap for a new player... And it would split up community even more... Dont get me wrong, I do not want to say your Idea is bad, I only try to discuss the ideas.

The only thing I could imagine, that could help a new player: (Optional) Vocal Help infight for the first 25-50 matches, that warns newbes what happens. Things, that avarage player is allready aware of, like:
"Warning heavy dmg from Long Range Missiles, consider to move in cover"
"Warning Longrange weapon fire detected"
"Warning rear armor is under Attack"
"Warning you are firing without target lock"
"Your target has high damaged Left Side Torso. Focus fire"
"Weapongroup(s) X is(are) not at optimal shooting distance(out of range)"... after shooting one

Things like that (only Ideas, nothing shaped out) would take some pressure out of a fight for a new player and would not offer any advantage to an alt account.

But honestly, I have no real Idea, what PGI could do to make the start into the game easier without dopping the current "depth" of gameplay. Like in all games the mechanics are not the problem. The problem is the expirience. PGI cant learn you positioning or how to avoid lurm-rain or how to lead the targets right. This is the point, were the community has to do its homework. And beside all the salt in generalforum, the com. does great job instructing new players here in forum... if the newbe is willing to learn... There is no information you can not get here...

Edited by Nerokar, 07 July 2017 - 12:54 AM.

[CFC Conky]

Hello all,

Yup, queue times for 12x12 matches could be an issue. Perhaps smaller matches or even a persistent map where you could drop would alleviate wait times, granted, this would take up resources that PGI may not have at the moment. Ideally, an offline mode where you could set up quick missions/matches against bots would help ease new players into the game, but of course that's not going to happen.

Good hunting,
CFC Conky

EDIT: Instead of an offline mode, perhaps having a mission in the academy where you get attacked with LRMs and can practice the various counters like cover, ams, pushing the shooter, etc. A few more missions explaining the various features, how to use consumables, etc would also be good and perhaps not all that difficult for PGI to implement. This would certainly fix the queue problem.

Naturally, there is no substitute for a human opponent, but at least new players would have a better skill/knowledge base when they jump in to swim with the sharks.

Edited by CFC Conky, 07 July 2017 - 10:19 AM.

[Tarl Cabot]

https://mwomercs.com...ost__p__5810920

The quickest workaround - with Private Lobbies no longer requiring Premium time would be for the community to come together and have those who are willing to guide newbies. While PGI first step to ENHANCE this by running ticker/banner like they do for incoming downtime and such to that constantly points new players to this forum/thread or to the Faction chat tab. Could even note that the player is new with 50 or less games played.

I can also see this being abused by "new" players, aka veterans who started up a new account then obliterate the helper . PGI would need to add a new reporting section so it can be reviewed than have that account banned, check IP address, review and possibly suspend the main account for x amount of time.

[Tier5 Kerensky]

I doubt it would work. New players would not want to play mode which gives no cbills.

New players need and want more cbills than players who have played long, plus their earnings are probably lower due to weaker skills and mechs.

I think for many players, the start is difficult. The game and it's mech&weapon system is rather complicated. Per each 100 loadouts, maybe 5 can work well. Other games don't have so many different ways to fail. For me, two years ago it was difficult. I don't think it's become more difficult than that.

[Atomic Hamster]

Maybe adding optional AI mechs to testing grounds maps would allow players to get a feel for actually fighting on specific maps (without getting rolled so quickly that nothing is learned), and also to familiarise themselves with new mechs and loadouts? This might be more educational (and entertaining) than simply wandering around an empty map with static targets.

Edited by Atomic Hamster, 07 July 2017 - 04:15 PM.

[Koniving]

Modify said queue to take 4 vs 4.
No earnings. Might work.

Personally wish the "tier" valves were tighter to mix tiers a bit less early on.

[R E S P E K]

This game has a small base. Wont work