Revert Ranked Dropship back to Drop Zone
Look, I know the devs already have heard a lot of feedback, I'm making this post to add to the list of people who disagree with this change, I am not a frequent user of this forum (ive never posted) but to make it clear: I'm so disappointed about this change that am going as far as making a post for the first time.
I understand that the data shows that there are more games being played, this is almost certainly because the quality of games has taken a nose dive, leading to shorter and less fun games. While I would assume that the devs understand this and have considered this, I find it utterly bewildering why they would make this decision. My best guess is that their is some sort of out-of-touch boss that is forcing this to make the metrics better or increase profits. For myself, I have spent a decent chunk of money on this game, I am choosing to cease giving any money to this game, unless something changes, as I feel disrespected as a consumer.
The Drop Zones allowed for more strategic game play and was more fair, to use a metaphor, it was like chess. In chess, the pieces always start in the same position and both players are on even ground, the fun is in using strategy to outsmart the opponent. In Apex, this looks like starting the game focused on gathering a load out, THEN fighting. This ensured stronger competitive integrity, as it lowered the weight of the RNG of gun spawns on the outcome of the first interaction. In addition, It allowed for multiple fights, and the even spread of teams lowered the amount of 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th parties that has been heavily criticized over the years. In the late game, there would be multiple teams contesting for spots in the final ring. It was dynamic and exciting. Every game felt like a journey, it was addictive, and it was fun.
The dropship, by contrast, is flipping the whole chess board, it causes these hot zones in the map where some teams are overwhelmed by many other teams, and cold zones where other teams are completely isolated, running around the map looking for any fight they can. This leads to games where there are 3 teams left before the first ring closes, its boring, and its chaotic (and not in a good way). It changes the whole dynamic of the game, and for me, it makes me want to stop playing all together, especially coupled with the new wildcard, which was ironically changed to feel more like drop zones felt, despite that format being unfit for the game mode, since its supposed to be chaotic and unserious.
Ultimately, I feel for the devs, the job is challenging, and its pretty much impossible to make everyone happy, but making the casual mode more serious and the serious mode more casual is the best way to make everyone upset. I hope my opinion can be of use in the future decision making around this topic.
