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8v8 Post Mortem
Hey all,
We've decided to call the 8v8 test early; QP will be returning to normal as of this post. The second weekend isn't required, now that we've had a full week's cycle, it's given me all the data we need. As promised, here are some of my findings and tests from this event(spoiler: it gets boring from here).
Unlike last year's 8v8 event, I (Tiyos) had full access to all matchmaker controls and tools this time. While I'm not an engineer and thus cannot create new mechanics and behaviors, I can tweak and adjust values defined by the engineers before me. During the summer, MWO experiences a dip in player count, which causes a temporary increase in search times. My goal with this 8v8 event was to see if, during the parts of the year where player count dips, 8v8 was a suitable alternative to longer wait times. During this event, I was also making other changes to the matchmaker in the background and monitoring its impact on search times and match quality. Some of the changes were opening tier gates quicker or slower, changing weight class balancing priorities(which then caused some matches of five assaults against one or two), or mixed group allowances. There are still some changes I would like to test once 12v12 is back up and running and the dust has settled.
To answer the question of poor wait times at certain times of the year, I have heard your feedback. While a portion of the player base enjoyed 8v8, the overwhelming message received is that our players want the game to remain 12v12 in Quick Play. During periods with long search times, we will instead prioritize opening the tier gates quicker to merge our player base into fewer buckets until a better solution presents itself.
Another piece of feedback often given was the existence of "soup" queue, or groups and solos merged into one queue. While total group size, tonnage, and composition are up for debate and potential change, groups will remain in the queue. We are well aware of how interconnected and social our community is. We will maintain players ability to play with their friends as they desire.
Thanks for your patience during this test and your dedication to MechWarrior Online.
Happy hunting in the returned 12v12.
MechWarrior Online Team
