Multiplayer Queue System
Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2022 6:55 pm
I think that in addition to the ability to create and join open multiplayer matches, you should also have the ability to join a queue for a Live match; it feels slow and awkward to only use open lobbies. Ideally with an MMR or ranking system as well, since one-sided slaughters tend to be boring for everyone involved. Here is what I propose for some of the finer details:
Since having several queues for a niche game like this tends to split the playerbase too much and make the queues take too long, you should have as few separate queues as possible. Ideally just one queue, with a randomized map selection, Strategic Command for the objective (Since that seems to be considered the "standard" format), 1500-2000 points (Again, since that seems to be the standard), and the standard turn limit of 8, along with a turn timer of 500 (Long enough to give you time to think through a complex turn, but not so long as to enable slow-playing).
You should not be able to see what race your opponent has picked before the match starts, and if you disconnect after the match starts, that should count as a loss for your MMR/rank and a win for your opponent.
Since I know that a lot of people like to play with point limits other than 1500-2000, instead of forcing everyone to play those "standard" point limits, you could instead have a list of checkboxes before you queue up; one for every point limit. So if I want to play 500 or 1000, I would check the corresponding boxes and leave the other ones unchecked, so I will only be matched with players who checked 500 or 1000, and I will only have to play 500 or 1000 matches. But since it's important not to split the playerbase too much, I don't think you should have such a system for maps, objectives, turn limits, etc..
Also, since I know some players don't like certain maps, you could introduce a map veto system as a side feature, allowing you to choose a couple of maps that will not be randomly chosen when you enter the queue.
Since having several queues for a niche game like this tends to split the playerbase too much and make the queues take too long, you should have as few separate queues as possible. Ideally just one queue, with a randomized map selection, Strategic Command for the objective (Since that seems to be considered the "standard" format), 1500-2000 points (Again, since that seems to be the standard), and the standard turn limit of 8, along with a turn timer of 500 (Long enough to give you time to think through a complex turn, but not so long as to enable slow-playing).
You should not be able to see what race your opponent has picked before the match starts, and if you disconnect after the match starts, that should count as a loss for your MMR/rank and a win for your opponent.
Since I know that a lot of people like to play with point limits other than 1500-2000, instead of forcing everyone to play those "standard" point limits, you could instead have a list of checkboxes before you queue up; one for every point limit. So if I want to play 500 or 1000, I would check the corresponding boxes and leave the other ones unchecked, so I will only be matched with players who checked 500 or 1000, and I will only have to play 500 or 1000 matches. But since it's important not to split the playerbase too much, I don't think you should have such a system for maps, objectives, turn limits, etc..
Also, since I know some players don't like certain maps, you could introduce a map veto system as a side feature, allowing you to choose a couple of maps that will not be randomly chosen when you enter the queue.