February 14th 2017 PVP Arena Update Discussion

[Sparton_LOTB]

So then it is possible for this type of scenario to happen? Seems to me like it would be more ironite spent to stay in the 1900 VP range throughout the week than it would be going all-in at the end of it (it has been mentioned by others that this is more accurate). Again, how can Askoras final rank at 74 and others mentioned by Nicko be possible (playing less and climbing higher in the ranks)?

There's other things to it too. I've been trying to bottle up some changes to matchmaking to eliminate one possible way that a wonky metric is being used for matchmaking, in addition to making other changes to improve variety in attack lists and spread attacks out more evenly.

I notice it is quite difficult without consistently buying ironite to keep your head above water at 1700 VP but I have not put in the effort that others have to know for sure what would use up more ironite.

You don't get a prize for being 2300 for most of the week; you only get a prize for finishing there (and being within the top 25). You just have a natural advantage to being able to place highly the closer you are to a given division as the week comes to a close.

There's arguably more value from spending ironite later in the week, but also arguably more risk that you won't be able to catch up to the division you want the more other people try to do the same.

I was just reading where you stated that you guys were researching possible ways where people could abuse the system.. this seems like one potential way to bypass the players who are grinding PvP all week and again, somewhat unfair to them.

I would maintain that, all else being equal [which is not the case, but we're investigating that], trading more time/ironite to catch up and pass compared to those who maintain a rank throughout the week is an appropriate trade off. There will always be a pressure to finish in the top divisions relative to the amount of people who want to be there... based on how much they want to be there. In general, though, while there is movement at the top, most people at the highest divisions end at a rank not far off where they were in the middle of it (even Jofer cooled his jets for a bit then blitz towards the top mid-week to make it easier to end on top).

We naturally want to limit how much you can just throw ironite at your screen to bypass others to give more people a chance, which is generally kept in check with the general length of combat and the increased likelihood you'll be revenged. However, if someone wants the top that much more than you... then you'll be passed.

Thanks again for being so accessible as I think we all just want to keep it fun while keeping it fair and most of us forum lifers are willing to be patient and work with you guys on this thing.

For sure. As always, I'm very appreciative of how mature and constructive many of you guys are as we continue to improve and add to the game over time.