Embark Studios clarifies the functionality of Arc Raiders' unique 'aggression-based matchmaking'. This system pairs players with similar combat tendencies, aiming to balance lobbies without making moral judgments about playstyles. While initially causing confusion, the developers emphasize it's a tool for fostering engaging player environments, not a punitive measure, and is continuously refined.
Fair Play: Deconstructing Aggression in Arc Raiders Matchmaking
The Genesis of an Innovative Matchmaking Approach
When a new extraction shooter introduces a system for pairing players based on their combat behavior, it's bound to spark numerous inquiries. Embark Studios recently unveiled its "aggression-based matchmaking" in Arc Raiders, a method that, alongside other undisclosed criteria, aims to group individuals with comparable gameplay styles.
Clarifying the System's Intent and Functionality
Embark's CEO, Patrick Söderlund, explained in an interview with GamesBeat that players who prefer player-versus-environment (PvE) content and engage less in player conflict will predominantly be matched with similar individuals. He acknowledged that the system is not an exact science but strives to align player preferences within matches.
Initial Player Responses and Developer Insights
This announcement garnered diverse reactions. Some players lauded the concept of being rewarded for peaceful gameplay with less aggressive lobbies. Conversely, others perceived it as a penalty for enjoying player-versus-player (PvP) combat, while some expressed concerns that aggressive team matches might negatively influence their solo matchmaking experiences.
Debunking Misconceptions: Aggression as a Metric, Not a Judgment
Following the initial discussion, Embark design lead Virgil Watkins addressed the misconceptions in a conversation with GamesRadar+. He clarified that the term "aggression-based matchmaking" is somewhat misleading but generally reflects how players perceive its operation. Watkins stressed that the system does not assign moral values to a player's decision to engage in combat.
Understanding the Nuances of Player Interaction Tracking
Watkins elaborated that the system records actions such as who initiates conflict and who sustains damage. However, it refrains from interpreting the player's intentions. He used an example where a less skilled player might initiate an attack and miss, leading to their elimination by a more skilled defender. In such a scenario, the game registers the outcome without judging the initial intent of the aggressive player.
Player Agency and the Evolving Nature of Matchmaking
The core principle is not about the game judging player actions, but rather identifying whether a player participates in PvP activities. Watkins described it as a "blunt instrument" that is continuously being refined. He noted that players can adapt their in-game behavior to influence their matchmaking, a degree of agency the development team supports. The ultimate objective, as reiterated by Söderlund, is to unite players with similar inclinations, not to isolate aggressive players. Watkins also countered Söderlund's earlier statement, confirming that Arc Raiders does not utilize traditional skill-based or gear-based matchmaking, relying instead on its unique rating system that is constantly monitored and adjusted based on match health and player feedback.
