BF1 - A Dynamic Ranking Structure
Hey you glorious *s!
I was pondering this morning about Battlefield 1, and I must say this game has been incredible, but I want to see it move towards heavy competitive eSports incredible. Please take a moment and hear me out on this idea.
One of my favorite games of all time, StarCraft 2, certainly held its time in the sun for years and to this day continues to be a very competitive and addicting game. One of the aspects that I think makes StarCraft 2 perpetually fun is its dynamic meta game and ranking structure. Players are placed and shifted through ranks (from Bronze to Grand Master), based on their player skill. This rank can go up and down, to the point where you might climb your way to the top if you have the ability, or put into lower rankings against players of your skill level to ensure a better-quality match. This model that Blizzard utilizes attracts players like Star Wars rebels are drawn to a quick and gruesome death. This is not only used in StarCraft 2, but we also see it in games like Overwatch or from other companies with games like World of Warships.
I think Battlefield can adopt something a little more laxed, but similar all the same.
Utilizing ranks from Private to Four Star General, a dynamic ranking structure could be put forth to place players into ranks based off teamwork used, flags taken, points defended, etc. An ideal scenario would have a player who constantly acts as an effective squad leader, whom gives constant orders from offense to defense, rise in the ranks to a Lieutenant, Captain, Major, you name it! It would have squad members who join squads and obey orders, support the squad, hand out ammo and med packs, etc., rise to Sergeant, Gunnery Sergeant, Sergeant Major, whichever. This system would demand that players use effective teamwork and cooperation, and bring Battlefield to a spotlight that might not before been imagined.
Now of course for those of you who might not like this system, an unranked set of servers could also be established, and I think it would be fair that weapon unlocks not be based on this system so that all players could get the weapons they desire without having to work too strenuously for them.
Here are the Pros and Cons I have contemplated of my proposal.
PROS:
* Dynamic Ranking could tremendously boost teamwork and cooperation, if implemented correctly.
* Players would get a huge sense of achievement from achieving higher ranks.
* Battlefield could very well move into a top 10 eSports game, as I truly believe this model would bring in a truckload of new competitive players.
* This model could suppress constant and intentional teamkilling, keeping the baddies as privates or whichever.
CONS:
* This system would not be an easy design, and it has taken blizzard years to completely polish the concept.
* Some players might get offended that they can't achieve the higher ranks if they don't use teamwork and cooperation.
* Players might prefer the free-spirited design that Battlefield currently holds.
That's all I can think of for now, I basically woke up and had this idea like one of those shower moments. I accept that this idea would not have the easiest time getting implanted into Battlefield 1, but I have my eyes set on that juicy Battlefield 1941 that were all dreaming of at night. Please let me know if you like this idea, or if you think its complete *. I wouldn't be heartbroken if DICE didn't move in this direction because I am already having a blast playing Battlefield 1, and perhaps something that is already awesome should be left the way it is.
Semper Fi!
- Lex
