I understand that with a lower player population, adding skill based matchmaking could increase wait times. But judging from the responses in this thread. It seems like the majority of players would welcome longer wait times if it meant better matchmaking. Which could lead to increased player population and shorter wait times.
I know in another response you said that this thread represents a small amount of the player base. I get that as well. But why not take it to a vote/poll with the Chel community? There has to be a way EA can release a poll asking the community what they prefer in regards to matchmaking. If the results were in favor of shorter wait times, then EA would have legit evidence to back up the argument of not including skill level for matchmaking.
Many developers engage the community for feedback, and do what they can to tweak and balance games. I think this thread shows there’s a legit grievance in this games community. And we’re frustrated because we’re told the concern has been relayed, but it doesn’t seem like it’s been escalated.
I’ve played with the same group of guys pretty consistently since EASHL switched to WOC. I don’t remember matchmaking ever being as big of an issue as it has been for NHL 25 and NHL 26.
I know you have said that this issue has been relayed before. But I would love to see it escalated to the point where we can take a legitimate vote. I think 2 things should be brought up. 1. Does the community prefer skill based matchmaking vs. shorter wait times. 2. Do we prefer the option to play opponents with an even amount of human players vs. shorter wait times.
I believe skill based matchmaking and more matchmaking options would increase player population significantly. That’s my counter argument to the response of not wanting to increase wait times. I think initially it could increase wait times. But that would quickly change once players start having more fun again. More fun = more players. That decreases wait times.
To the rest of the responses in this thread, I’m glad I’m not alone in voicing this issue. I hope if enough of us are vocal, we can get some changes made. Better matchmaking would increase the overall quality of the game.
Community ManagerThe Cup Finals will only let you play other clubs that are competing for the same cup. Are you able to find teams easily then? This obviously is different than going off player rank though. Regardless, I'll continue to let the team know about the feedback here.
Question: What is considered a log waiting time for the community? Of course it would be different from people to people. But I would like to read here what you guys think is too long.
I would really be able to live with a "fixed" searching time. Say, one minute. Keep looking for one minute for the best matchup. Would that be feasible?
Fixed waiting time also help everybody in the club. You know it's gonna be one minute (or 2?). So nobody's get impatient. It's drink time, bathroom time, whatever...
Just an idea. Instead of giving hope it's gonna be quick, people now know what to expect. It totally change the perception.
Of course I say this because our waiting time is generally under one minute. If EA has to make it a hard 3 minutes then it might not be appealing at all...
Community ManagerQuestion: What is considered a log waiting time for the community? Of course it would be different from people to people. But I would like to read here what you guys think is too long.
I don't know what the community considers a long wait. Personally, I don't mind waiting a couple minutes. If I had to back out of a few lobbies before getting a match though, that would be annoying.
I'm not really sure that a fixed searching time would really help though. The search is already looking for the best matchup.
Community Manager
