Embark Studios has recently implemented a matchmaking system in their game Arc Raiders, aimed at improving the player experience and reducing frustration associated with unexpected encounters in combat. According to the studio’s CEO, Patrick Söderlund, this new system seeks to group players based on their play style; those with more aggressive tendencies will face each other, separating them from those who prefer to avoid player vs player (PvP) combat.
Few violent people are seen because they only see each other
The decision to establish this matchmaking system comes in a context of growing popularity of the game, where the disparity in players’ approaches has led to frustrating situations. “In a game like this, we knew from the beginning that we were going to have some of that [preferences in players]. Especially as the game has grown, that becomes a problem”, Söderlund stated in an interview with Games Beat.
However, although this initiative promises a more balanced experience, it is not without limitations. Even though the system aims to facilitate more coherent matchups, there is a possibility that players may encounter opponents whose play style does not match their own, which can lead to occasional frustration. Söderlund warned that this is not a perfect system, and players may still experience unexpected encounters.
The implementation of this system is presented as an effective solution in a game where the dynamics of the players can vary significantly. The Arc Raiders community has been restless about this development, and many players echo that a more structured approach to matchmaking could improve the overall experience. With an evolving competitive environment, Embark seeks to manage these differences to provide a gaming experience more in line with the preferences of its users.
