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[Defect]

Better not playing a game than being frustrated. Trust me, you don't want random matchmaking to put you in a lobby where your teammates don't know how to aim and your opponents are all Onyx.

I'm used to having bad teammates but my friend and I usually win high Onyx/Champ games anyway.

I think something might be up with matchmaking, we were having a hell of a time finding a match in Warzone of all things Saturday night.

It's been extremely difficult finding ranked games for a year now. I have to go on an alt to get games consistently.

If you can't find a game within 3 minutes then just lower the mmr matching. The population is already super low and ranks don't matter anymore.

 

[Fata1moose]

.

 

[The Henery]

what did they change w/ regards to MM algorithm?

i've been having crazy unbalanced matches ever since recently... barely get a good / fair game anymore.

i figure/figured it's probably just low population, but did they change something with MM at all out of curiosity?

[i don't use twitter, so i don't follow this sheeeet]

Menke is one of the most transparent Halo custodians we've ever had and he takes the time to interact with the community. He said, many months ago now, that teams vs randoms would be prohibited while they work on a new matching system that can apparently match teams vs randoms fairly. That new matching system was recently implemented. However, this was just posted by him

Last week we rolled out a new team matchmaking rule that does a much better job at making sure a match is fair when parties are involved. The early results were promising, but we discovered an issue that forced us to take the rule down for the time being. The issue doesn’t sit on the 343 side of the fence, so I don’t have an ETA now.

Not sure if that means to4 won't match randoms now or not.

 

[E92 M3]

There's a lot of vitriol towards loot boxes right now. If 343i just recreates their current req system in Halo 6, they're going to get blasted for it. They need to change req packs so they're cosmetic only, while having less saturation such as 18 green visors. It's a problem within the game anyway, the meta in warzone was completely ruined once wasps and other REQs were added. The progression in the game mode should be throughout the match, not progression in the menus.

Forza 7 is getting destroyed in Amazon reviews and rightfully so - they tried to screw us over with the VIP pass.

 

[Fuchsdh]

There's a lot of vitriol towards loot boxes right now. If 343i just recreates their current req system in Halo 6, they're going to get blasted for it. They need to change req packs so they're cosmetic only, while having less saturation such as 18 green visors. It's a problem within the game anyway, the meta in warzone was completely ruined once wasps and other REQs were added. The progression in the game mode should be throughout the match, not progression in the menus.

I doubt it. EA is getting blasted because they're taking it three steps beyond anything in Halo 5; the unlock issues are systemic to the entire game (no real way to avoid it), they're non-cosmetic, they dramatically affect non-consumable stats and such *and* it clearly has a crazy grind compared to Halo 5's tuning, even at launch.

 

[Prinz Eugn]

There's a lot of vitriol towards loot boxes right now. If 343i just recreates their current req system in Halo 6, they're going to get blasted for it. They need to change req packs so they're cosmetic only, while having less saturation such as 18 green visors. It's a problem within the game anyway, the meta in warzone was completely ruined once wasps and other REQs were added. The progression in the game mode should be throughout the match, not progression in the menus.

No way, they probably made a bajitrillion dollars off REQs. If anything, it's going to be a significantly more refined system that pushes you to buy in-game REQs, or at least lets you. God knows I would have bought a DMR and an extended mag magnum the first week if they had let me.

Menke is one of the most transparent Halo custodians we've ever had and he takes the time to interact with the community. He said, many months ago now, that teams vs randoms would be prohibited while they work on a new matching system that can apparently match teams vs randoms fairly. That new matching system was recently implemented. However, this was just posted by him



Not sure if that means to4 won't match randoms now or not.

This would explain some of our problems since we had 3-4 people. That's a good change, hopefully it won't destroy MM times when it comes back...

 

[Madness]

I doubt it. EA is getting blasted because they're taking it three steps beyond anything in Halo 5; the unlock issues are systemic to the entire game (no real way to avoid it), they're non-cosmetic, they dramatically affect non-consumable stats and such *and* it clearly has a crazy grind compared to Halo 5's tuning, even at launch.

Plus 343 has Jem to handwave anything so they're not too worried...



I am teasing Jem. EA has gone overboard with loot boxes. While I don't like REQ's, it did mean free maps. I still haven't unl9locked the h2 BR. But god help you 343 if you lock my Crossed Swords behind REQ's again. They can monetize a lot of shit except for user identity and I will be okay.

 

[Trup1aya]

No way, they probably made a bajitrillion dollars off REQs. If anything, it's going to be a significantly more refined system that pushes you to buy in-game REQs, or at least lets you. God knows I would have bought a DMR and an extended mag magnum the first week if they had let me.

This would explain some of our problems since we had 3-4 people. That's a good change, hopefully it won't destroy MM times when it comes back...

That's dangerous water to tread. If you aren't careful,more intrusive/offensive mts/loot will make the game less interesting - limiting earning potential.

The first priority should be making the base game feel like an excellent value proposition. That means it should launch with a ton of content that is desirable and obtainable through GAMEPLAY ONLY. I think some key custom owns all base weapon variants should fall under This category. This way players can have fun even if they don't have the ability to grind/pay for perks.

The req packs and lootboxes come into play for higher level weapon variants and special/post-release cosmetic items.

Finally, players should be able to use unwanted req cards and req points to craft consumable cards that they don't have commendations for. You have 50 energy swords, but no prophets bane? No problem-Use those to make one!

It might seem counterproductive, but i think the best way to follow up on the reception to Halo5's monetization would be to make the system less oppressive. People would be more willing to buy and support the game.

 

[Prinz Eugn]

That's dangerous water to tread. If you aren't careful,more intrusive/offensive mts/loot will make the game less interesting - limiting earning potential.

The first priority should be making the base game feel like an excellent value proposition. That means it should launch with a ton of content that is desirable and obtainable through GAMEPLAY ONLY. I think some key custom owns all base weapon variants should fall under This category. This way players can have fun even if they don't have the ability to grind/pay for perks.

The req packs and lootboxes come into play for higher level weapon variants and special/post-release cosmetic items.

Finally, players should be able to use unwanted req cards and req points to craft consumable cards that they don't have commendations for. You have 50 energy swords, but no prophets bane? No problem-Use those to make one!

It might seem counterproductive, but i think the best way to follow up on the reception to Halo5's monetization would be to make the system less oppressive. People would be more willing to buy and support the game.

I agree common base stuff would be great, and that the game should launch fully-featured (especially, Forge, for God's sake).

A basic problem is that what's best for our personal enjoyment is not what's best for 343i's bottom line. Features like efficiently converting REQs you don't want into REQs you do means you lave less incentive to shell out actual money for packs, and so are unlikely to happen.

What I would like to see is much deeper customization, mostly in terms of aesthetics. Let me change my HUD color, or fonts, or whatever. Give me custom scopes that don't do anything but look different. Give me 30 reticles to choose from. Let me customize the colors and skins on my weapons piece by piece. Let me do the same for vehicles.

Would I pay $2 so when I spawn a tank, it's white and blue with my spartan emblem on the front? I just might.

 

[Juan]

Well, since you're talking about this, 343 just posted a job offer regarding a Game Economist position: https://careers.microsoft.com/jobdetails.aspx?ss=&pg=0&so=&rw=1&jid=323160&jlang=en&pp=ss

The individual we seek has the passion, skills, and experience to characterize and design digital economies. You should also have a deep understanding of the ways human decision-making can affect, and be affected by, the sort of economies found in video games. Beyond your advanced economic training, you are experienced in video games with either first hand development experience or extensive background in gaming, able to talk in great detail and specifics about the game(s) you engage with most.

Duties:
• Partner with creative and data science team members to analyze existing data sets around previous titles regarding internal game progression and economies.
• Work across internal sub teams to model existing, and desired, relationships between various types of currencies and rewards within our game systems. These range from virtual in game points or credits to actual cash transactions.
• Theorize and constantly tune a roadmap of behavioral patterns for various consumer segments across our audience.
• Establish, maintain and measure the right KPI’s regarding the engagement and longevity of our game economies.
• Design and execute experiments using a variety of approaches such as: A-B, mulit-arm and contextual-bandit.

 

[Trup1aya]

I agree common base stuff would be great, and that the game should launch fully-featured (especially, Forge, for God's sake).

A basic problem is that what's best for our personal enjoyment is not what's best for 343i's bottom line. Features like efficiently converting REQs you don't want into REQs you do means you lave less incentive to shell out actual money for packs, and so are unlikely to happen.

I certainly agree that this dilemma exists. But it works both ways. If people are actively avoiding your game because the monetization tramples on the fun, that's not good for 343i's bottom line either. You have to have balance.

I don't think converting reqs neccisarily removes the incentive to shell out cash. If you craft a Prophets Bane And enjoy it, you might be more inclined to spend $ to actually unlock the certification.

If a player quits the game because they never get to use the weapons they are interested in, they'll never spend any money at all.

What I would like to see is much deeper customization, mostly in terms of aesthetics. Let me change my HUD color, or fonts, or whatever. Give me custom scopes that don't do anything but look different. Give me 30 reticles to choose from. Let me customize the colors and skins on my weapons piece by piece. Let me do the same for vehicles.

Would I pay $2 so when I spawn a tank, it's white and blue with my spartan emblem on the front? I just might.

Yeah all of that stuff is cool- And would probably make bank w/o any rng. I think there should be a smart mix of in-game only, RNG, and cash only content. But the main thing is - make the game totally enjoyable for player who never buys a thing - even if he's playing against someone who has it all. When you achieve that, the game can have a wider audience and potentially more post launch revenue.

 

[Fuchsdh]

I agree common base stuff would be great, and that the game should launch fully-featured (especially, Forge, for God's sake).

A basic problem is that what's best for our personal enjoyment is not what's best for 343i's bottom line. Features like efficiently converting REQs you don't want into REQs you do means you lave less incentive to shell out actual money for packs, and so are unlikely to happen.

What I would like to see is much deeper customization, mostly in terms of aesthetics. Let me change my HUD color, or fonts, or whatever. Give me custom scopes that don't do anything but look different. Give me 30 reticles to choose from. Let me customize the colors and skins on my weapons piece by piece. Let me do the same for vehicles.

Would I pay $2 so when I spawn a tank, it's white and blue with my spartan emblem on the front? I just might.

I imagine they're certainly going to look at this. The REQ system certainly seems half-baked in its implementation, and clearly wasn't designed to scale as much as it ended up.

The stuff like Voices of War makes me hopeful we will get a lot more customization beyond the in-game weapons and skins.

 

[ATOMICJORGE]

Master Chief helmet signed by all the 343 Industries team, I saw it on a gaming expo this past weekend it was very cool

 

[MeatGrinder]

Well, since you're talking about this, 343 just posted a job offer regarding a Game Economist position: https://careers.microsoft.com/jobdetails.aspx?ss=&pg=0&so=&rw=1&jid=323160&jlang=en&pp=ss

Bayesian statistics? Sounds like REQ packs are making a return.

What I find interesting is the mentioning of Macroeconomics. Does this mean open-world Halo game or a more detailed REQ pack system? The req pack system is very microeconomic based and I cannot seem to fathom why they would want to include macroeconomics.

I suggest this is thread worthy.

 

[NippleViking]

Bayesian statistics? Sounds like REQ packs are making a return.

What I find interesting is the mentioning of Macroeconomics. Does this mean open-world Halo game or a more detailed REQ pack system? The req pack system is very microeconomic based and I cannot seem to fathom why they would want to include macroeconomics.

I suggest this is thread worthy.

Nagh. I dont think there's much to infer here.

 

[Trup1aya]

Bayesian statistics? Sounds like REQ packs are making a return.

What I find interesting is the mentioning of Macroeconomics. Does this mean open-world Halo game or a more detailed REQ pack system? The req pack system is very microeconomic based and I cannot seem to fathom why they would want to include macroeconomics.

I suggest this is thread worthy.

With Macroeconomics, I think they are just referring to how all of the currency and rewards systems work together across the game- so the entire ecosystem consisting of XP, CR, req packs, ranks, req collection etc

 

[curiouscharles]

Damn lol, it's crazy to think how fast I got them mostly sticking to WZA at the time. I banged 'em out left and right, now I'm just sitting on over 2 million RP.

nearly 4 mil here, and never played warzone [outside a small handful of matches when the game launched].

but i DID buy myself some silver and gold packs as christmas presents to speed up the process [i was so enamored with Halo 5 i didn't give any fucks].

 

[Madness]

Master Chief helmet signed by all the 343 Industries team, I saw it on a gaming expo this past weekend it was very cool

Is that the motorcycle one?

 

[NippleViking]

Going to be really interesting to see how they overhaul the progression system, and whether Warzone is radically evolved, or merely iterated upon (but dialled up to 11) next Halo.

Spoiler

Watch Warzone Invasion, and Warzone Payload become a thing

 

[ATOMICJORGE]

Is that the motorcycle one?

No I think this is the one for Halloween costumes

 

[Trup1aya]

Going to be really interesting to see how they overhaul the progression system, and whether Warzone is radically evolved, or merely iterated upon (but dialled up to 11) next Halo.

Spoiler

Watch Warzone Invasion, and Warzone Payload become a thing

What would Warzone Payload be?

 

[FATstronaut]

Master Chief helmet signed by all the 343 Industries team, I saw it on a gaming expo this past weekend it was very cool

Pretty cool!

 

[NippleViking]

What would Warzone Payload be?

You've played Payload gamemodes before surely? Escort an on-rails bomb/vehicle/mine-cart toward the objective by being in proximity of it, opposition tries to contest. Wouldn't fit as neatly as Invasion, but it could still be a compelling alternative gamemode.

 

[Samurai G0SU]

man .. i just need some halo 6 news tbh........

 

[Trup1aya]

You've played Payload gamemodes before surely? Escort an on-rails bomb/vehicle/mine-cart toward the objective by being in proximity of it, opposition tries to contest. Wouldn't fit as neatly as Invasion, but it could still be a compelling alternative gamemode.

I've never played such a gametype. Where does the name payload cone from? Overwatch?

I think warpath from doom would be another good addition. You get points for capturing a hill that is constantly sliding along a predetermined route. I've seen it recreated it forge to great effect.

 

[Fuchsdh]

I've never played such a gametype. Where does the name payload cone from? Overwatch?

I think warpath from doom would be another good addition. You get points for capturing a hill that is constantly sliding along a predetermined route. I've seen it recreated it forge to great effect.

There's Payload in Team Fortress 2, not sure if that's the originator or it's older than that.

 

[NippleViking]

I've never played such a gametype. Where does the name payload cone from? Overwatch?

I think warpath from doom would be another good addition. You get points for capturing a hill that is constantly sliding along a predetermined route. I've seen it recreated it forge to great effect.

Team Fortress 2 was my first encounter with it. Overwatch has brought it back in vogue though.

Yeah, warpath was great. I love a dynamic objective. Advanced Warfare had Momentum which I found worked even better. It was effectively tug of war over 5 (or 7?) hills, which needed to captured in 5 order - so if you captured point 3, the next one to capture was one closer to the enemy base. It was fantastic, as it funneled players toward a constant centre of action (facilitating chaos), and the constant back and forth provided an associated shift from offense to defense, and back again. One hill may have been on an open field, encouraging snipers, then the next inside in a little hut promoting a switch to shottys.


343i could probably have done it on a few of the current Warzone maps tbh.

 

[jelly]

The CS Dust2 map got me thinking, should Halo stop renaming maps, even loosely and stick to the same names?

I honestly can't remember map names now, map quality perhaps but I dunno, maybe I'm getting nostalgic, I wouldn't mind some classics coming back with their original names.

 

[curiouscharles]

The CS Dust2 map got me thinking, should Halo stop renaming maps, even loosely and stick to the same names?

I honestly can't remember map names now, map quality perhaps but I dunno, maybe I'm getting nostalgic, I wouldn't mind some classics coming back with their original names.

i've never understood why they bothered, always hated the renaming of maps that were clearly just updated versions of previous ones.

also, cool fucking helmet Jorge!

 

[Trup1aya]

I actually like the renamed remakes... it's fun to see them stay on theme

 

[VincentMatts]

Did they ever show the Halo5 enhancements for Xbox one X?

 

[E92 M3]

Did they ever show the Halo5 enhancements for Xbox one X?

Don't expect much besides shinier industrial boxes lol.

 

[Fuchsdh]

Don't expect much besides shinier industrial boxes lol.

I'm curious if stuff like better texture filtering and a longer distance for the half-rate animation would be part of the improvements. Those are definitely the weakest graphical elements of the game.

 

[FUNKNOWN iXi]

Did they ever show the Halo5 enhancements for Xbox one X?

Yup,

Spoiler

BTB Pistol starts.

 

[Deputy Moonman]

man .. i just need some halo 6 news tbh........

I'll be really annoyed if we hear nothing until next year and then they say Halo 6 is not coming out until 2019 or later. If it's not a 2018 release 343 should tell us now, so that people aren't waiting all this time for halo 6 info only to be disappointed in the release date. Whether it's realistic or not, I'm hoping for Halo 6 next year. If it's gonna be later, so be it. I just want to be warned now so that I'm not wasting my time hoping.

 

[Karl2177]

I'll be really annoyed if we hear nothing until next year and then they say Halo 6 is not coming out until 2019 or later. If it's not a 2018 release 343 should tell us now, so that people aren't waiting all this time for halo 6 info only to be disappointed in the release date. Whether it's realistic or not, I'm hoping for Halo 6 next year. If it's gonna be later, so be it. I just want to be warned now so that I'm not wasting my time hoping.

I'll just go ahead and say to temper your expectations. It'll be ready when they say it's ready.

 

[curiouscharles]

Yup,

Spoiler

BTB Pistol starts.

purchase worthiness confirmed.

I'm curious if stuff like better texture filtering and a longer distance for the half-rate animation would be part of the improvements. Those are definitely the weakest graphical elements of the game.

yup, and a consistent 1080p at least [i guess it'll still be dynamic, so should scale nicely on the new hardware].

should be relatively easy updates shouldn't they?

[i know nothing]

 

[RedSparrows]

Sorry if reopening old wounds, but BTB pistol starts - what's the rationale for that when it comes to there being on-map precision weps?

I see why you don't want to be pinged with a BR from miles off, but you won't have a chance against an on-map DMR or LR or BR if spawning with a pistol, surely? Let alone Citizen Snips.

 

[Fata1moose]

.

 

[FUNKNOWN iXi]

Sorry if reopening old wounds, but BTB pistol starts - what's the rationale for that when it comes to there being on-map precision weps?

I see why you don't want to be pinged with a BR from miles off, but you won't have a chance against an on-map DMR or LR or BR if spawning with a pistol, surely? Let alone Citizen Snips.

Give us Pistol secondaries at the very least. Personally, I just don't find the BR as enjoyable as a starting weapon as the Pistol. Also, BTB maps were designed around Pistol starts to begin with, and by all accounts of people who have played and tested Pistol starts on these maps, it plays well.

It's at least worth trying for matchmaking imo. I think that's what disappoints people the most, that 343 hasn't even tried BTB Pistol starts..

The lack of news is actually refreshing. Hopefully they took a step back to see what went wrong with not just Halo 5, but 4 as well.

Yeah, not to mention they want people foaming at the mouth for new Halo info, which is already starting to happen. There's nothing like the Halo Hype Machine™.

 

[belushy]

343 announces Halo World Championship 2018.

https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/halowc-2018-and-halo-livestream-reveal

The Halo World Championship is returning in 2018, a few small surprises for Halo 5 are on the way, and we've got a livestream coming Tuesday, October 17 at 4PM PT to tell you more.

edit: Tashi made a post about the HWC here. https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/what-s-next

So, what's next?

For the better part of 2017, the HCS team has been heads-down and hard at work on the future of the Halo Championship Series in 2018, and the result will be a major shift like players, team orgs, and fans have been asking for.

As mentioned earlier, we're excited to confirm that there will indeed be yet another Halo World Championship season in the HCS, with $1,000,000 on the line for the 2018 Finals. Don't miss the Halo Livestream next week where we'll reveal more details:

 

[SCHUEY F1]

Big changes coming to HCS. Details on the 17th with a livestream at 7pm ET

Edit:beaten and with a link

 

[BizzyBum]

Hmm, if they are announcing a live stream for an announcement it must be pretty big.

I'm hoping MLG is hosting 2018 and into the start for Halo 6. I won't get my hopes up, though.

 

[Fata1moose]

.

 

[Trup1aya]

Sorry if reopening old wounds, but BTB pistol starts - what's the rationale for that when it comes to there being on-map precision weps?

I see why you don't want to be pinged with a BR from miles off, but you won't have a chance against an on-map DMR or LR or BR if spawning with a pistol, surely? Let alone Citizen Snips.

Because you can maneuver and plan around singular on map weapons. But when EVERYONE can crossmap, it becomes extremely oppressive.

 

[ATOMICJORGE]

Pretty cool!

Indeed wish it was mine

 

[op_ivy]

Huh. Announcing a coming announcement, days after Denver and the current esl contract ends. We mlg?

 

[belushy]

Huh. Announcing a coming announcement, days after Denver and the current esl contract ends. We mlg?

This announcement will be before Denver.

 

[op_ivy]

This announcement will be before Denver.

Oh. Right. Still, mg? And forge maps? And stellur to get relegated?

 

[Trup1aya]

Am I wrong to be optimistic? After two years, are we really going to use a format that fans, players, and orgs have been asking for the whole time? Are they listening listening, or are they Worlds 2017 listening where they half-ass all suggestions, and add wrinkles that make everything worse?

I dunno, I've felt this sort of optimism before and have been burned. But something tells me something good is about to happen.

PS: how come the blog post mentioned every TO who helped with H5 except for MLG?