Howdy, gamers.
On this Dev Letter, we would wish to share an replace on changes we’re making to the Map Choice function in NA, SA, EU, RU, and Console, the place it has been out there since Could.
In our earlier Dev Letter, we defined that the introduction of Map Choice was a choice made to prioritize giving gamers the flexibility to decide on the maps they wished to play, whereas additionally making an allowance for the potential impression on the matchmaking surroundings. We additionally dedicated to persevering with to watch the reside service and discover higher methods to function the function. Immediately, we want to share what we’ve noticed by way of reside service knowledge and the background behind the changes we’re making primarily based on these findings.
■ What We Noticed In the course of the Preliminary Operation Interval
To briefly look again, we launched the Map Choice function with the Could replace to areas that had beforehand operated underneath the Random Map system, and have been working it for roughly three months. This choice was made to supply extra gamers with the chance to instantly select the maps they wished to play, no matter area.
Throughout this era, one of many first issues we examined was how gamers had been truly utilizing the Map Choice function. Our findings confirmed that gamers who actively chosen a map constantly gravitated towards sure maps.
* This knowledge represents the share of alternatives for every map amongst gamers who used the Map Choice function. It doesn’t symbolize the general map preferences of the complete participant base.
For reference, all through this Dev Letter, maps are categorized as both giant or small primarily based on their measurement, as outlined beneath.
| Class | Map Measurement | Maps |
|---|---|---|
|
Erangel, Miramar, Taego, Deston, Rondo, Vikendi |
||
Specifically, Erangel and one of many consultant small maps continued to obtain constant alternatives all through the interval. In comparison with the earlier Random Map service, these maps additionally skilled comparatively little change within the variety of gamers per match. Whereas this development was not noticed throughout each map, it did point out that, for sure maps, gamers with completely different playstyle preferences had been constantly discovering and choosing the experiences they had been searching for.
On the identical time, we rigorously reviewed the suggestions a lot of you shared with us. A lot of the issues weren’t in regards to the Map Choice function itself, however quite about the way it was being provided. On maps that obtained comparatively few alternatives, the variety of gamers per match decreased, leading to longer matchmaking occasions and a better proportion of bots. We discovered that these elements had been contributing to issues about general matchmaking high quality.
From the outset, we understood that introducing the Map Choice function may contain sure trade-offs in matchmaking high quality, and we communicated this in our earlier Dev Letter. Nevertheless, after reviewing each the reside service knowledge and your suggestions, we concluded that the impression has been extra noticeable than we initially anticipated.
Primarily based on these findings, we consider changes to the present operation of the function are needed. Within the following sections, we would wish to share the path of these modifications and the reasoning behind them.
■ Reviewing the Variety of Accessible Maps
We plan to proceed supporting the Map Choice function itself, as a number of maps have continued to obtain constant alternatives all through the operation interval. Nevertheless, we additionally concluded that it was essential to re-evaluate what number of maps needs to be out there on the identical time.
Whereas Map Choice is on the market, each gamers who actively choose a map and people who enter Random Matchmaking are matched throughout all 5 out there maps. Consequently, even when you don’t choose a map your self, the general matchmaking pool in that area remains to be divided throughout 5 completely different maps.
The matchmaking swimming pools in PC areas (NA, SA, EU, and RU) and throughout all Console areas are comparatively smaller. Consequently, providing 5 maps concurrently proved to be greater than the matchmaking surroundings in these areas may successfully help. On maps with comparatively fewer alternatives, this led to fewer gamers per match, longer matchmaking occasions, and a better proportion of bots.
To handle this, we’ll cut back the variety of out there map slots from 5 to three. By concentrating the participant inhabitants throughout fewer maps, we count on to extend the variety of gamers per match whereas decreasing each matchmaking occasions and the proportion of bots. We consider this adjustment will enhance the matchmaking expertise for each gamers who use Map Choice and people who enter Random Matchmaking.
We additionally took into consideration the constant suggestions requesting separate choices for big maps and small maps. With that in thoughts, we consider that three map slots symbolize the smallest configuration that enables us to supply one fastened slot, one giant map, and one small map whereas avoiding pointless fragmentation of the matchmaking pool. That is why we determined to maneuver to a three-slot configuration.
■ Map Slot Configuration
Following this adjustment, the Map Choice system will consist of 1 fastened slot and two rotating slots. The 2 rotating slots will function one giant map and one small map.
The fastened slot will at all times function Erangel. All through the operation interval, Erangel constantly obtained the very best stage of participant alternatives and skilled comparatively little change within the variety of gamers per match in comparison with the earlier Random Map service. Primarily based on this constant demand, we consider Erangel ought to stay completely out there quite than rotating out and in on a weekly foundation.
The 2 rotating slots will encompass one giant map(8×8) and one small map(4×4, 3×3, 2×2).
We additionally thought-about prioritizing maps solely primarily based on choice charges. Nevertheless, this method would lead to durations the place gamers preferring small maps would don’t have any alternative to pick one. Though small maps accounted for a smaller share of general alternatives through the operation interval, they continued to obtain regular engagement from a devoted group of gamers. For that reason, we consider you will need to be certain that gamers who get pleasure from small maps at all times have one out there as a selectable possibility.
■ Replace Particulars
| Areas |
|
| Schedule |
|
| Replace Particulars |
The variety of out there map slots will probably be decreased from 5 to 3.
|
-
The Map Choice function itself will stay unchanged. Solely the collection of out there maps will probably be adjusted.
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The 2 rotating slots will consist of 1 giant map and one small map.
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The detailed map lineup will probably be introduced individually by way of a future Map Service Report.
■ The Street Forward
With this adjustment, our objective is to seek out the best steadiness between preserving gamers’ means to decide on the maps they wish to play and sustaining a wholesome matchmaking surroundings.
After these modifications are carried out, we’ll proceed monitoring key operational knowledge, together with the variety of gamers per match, modifications in bot participation, and your suggestions. We’re additionally making ready a separate Q&A to deal with extra subjects that weren’t lined on this Dev Letter and reply a wider vary of questions. As at all times, your suggestions will proceed to assist form our growth path, and we’ll share each our selections and the reasoning behind them by way of Dev Letters and different communication channels.
As at all times, we stay dedicated to offering the absolute best gameplay expertise.
Thanks.
We’ll see you once more in our subsequent Dev Letter.
PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS Crew