Firstly I'd like to say in no way am I suggesting removing ELO, everything would be in addition to ELO not instead of ELO. I don't expect it to get much traction since it's such a long read but hopefully it's not too boring for anyone who does read it all.
I think it might be time for AOE2 to add a tiered coloured ranking system (similar to LoL). Below are some of my reasons, would be keen to hear other people's opinions. Again, not replacing ELO but in addition to ELO.
1. Would allow for better tournament marketing "Gold Tier Tournament" sounds a lot better than "1500-1800 ELO Tournament".
2. General game marketing and player motivation. Reaching a new tier might add a bigger sense of achievement for players, and create an intensity when they are about to enter or drop out of a tier. This might help make the lower ELO's more fun and I know AOE2 is trying to get more players involved in multiplayer and most of this untapped market is probably in the low ELO range.
3. Related to point 2, system wipes and seasons. Dividing the year into 4 segments Dark Age (Q1), Feudal (Q2), Castle (Q3) and culminating in Imperial (Q4). Every quarter the system will get wiped, the highest ranked players in each tier could get an exclusive badge. Have with it themed as well, Q1 might be a shield so the badges for top players are shields made from the material/colour of their rank (gold shield badge). Smurfing might be an issue for this and the only "fix" I have is giving ALL players in higher tiers the badges of the lower tiers. This would add more exclusivity to higher tiered badges. The fix isn't perfect but it's all I've got.
4. More accessible for new players. It's easier for new players to understand, as ELO isn't a common term but most people have an intrinsic understanding that diamond is near the top of a tier system, vs telling someone oh he's 2500+, not everyone will know 2500+ is the top tier. While yes both systems will take some learning, I feel the coloured system would be a quicker and easier way for new players while they learn all about ELO and what a 1400 player really is vs an 1100 player. Personally I thought they weren't that far apart, after getting a deeper understanding I realised 1400 is way better. It would also give players pre-defined categories of similar skill levels so when creating a lobby you can say "x tier players" instead of guessing what ELO range would keep the game competitive and fun.
I don't have suggestions for player distribution but I hope people with deep understanding of the game at all levels and data that devs have could help with this. There might 5,000 bronze tier players but only 50 platinum etc. This would be a step system not linear like ELO so defining tiers well would be key to success. If I get wiped by someone in the same tier as me every time we play the system would be broken, in the same breath I shouldn't win 50% of games against someone in the higher part of my tier if I'm at the bottom of my tier.
Apologies if this isn't written well, I didn't intend for it to be this long when I started, I have plenty more to say on it but feel this is a good spot to stop at.
I think it might be time for AOE2 to add a tiered coloured ranking system (similar to LoL). Below are some of my reasons, would be keen to hear other people's opinions. Again, not replacing ELO but in addition to ELO.
1. Would allow for better tournament marketing "Gold Tier Tournament" sounds a lot better than "1500-1800 ELO Tournament".
2. General game marketing and player motivation. Reaching a new tier might add a bigger sense of achievement for players, and create an intensity when they are about to enter or drop out of a tier. This might help make the lower ELO's more fun and I know AOE2 is trying to get more players involved in multiplayer and most of this untapped market is probably in the low ELO range.
3. Related to point 2, system wipes and seasons. Dividing the year into 4 segments Dark Age (Q1), Feudal (Q2), Castle (Q3) and culminating in Imperial (Q4). Every quarter the system will get wiped, the highest ranked players in each tier could get an exclusive badge. Have with it themed as well, Q1 might be a shield so the badges for top players are shields made from the material/colour of their rank (gold shield badge). Smurfing might be an issue for this and the only "fix" I have is giving ALL players in higher tiers the badges of the lower tiers. This would add more exclusivity to higher tiered badges. The fix isn't perfect but it's all I've got.
4. More accessible for new players. It's easier for new players to understand, as ELO isn't a common term but most people have an intrinsic understanding that diamond is near the top of a tier system, vs telling someone oh he's 2500+, not everyone will know 2500+ is the top tier. While yes both systems will take some learning, I feel the coloured system would be a quicker and easier way for new players while they learn all about ELO and what a 1400 player really is vs an 1100 player. Personally I thought they weren't that far apart, after getting a deeper understanding I realised 1400 is way better. It would also give players pre-defined categories of similar skill levels so when creating a lobby you can say "x tier players" instead of guessing what ELO range would keep the game competitive and fun.
I don't have suggestions for player distribution but I hope people with deep understanding of the game at all levels and data that devs have could help with this. There might 5,000 bronze tier players but only 50 platinum etc. This would be a step system not linear like ELO so defining tiers well would be key to success. If I get wiped by someone in the same tier as me every time we play the system would be broken, in the same breath I shouldn't win 50% of games against someone in the higher part of my tier if I'm at the bottom of my tier.
Apologies if this isn't written well, I didn't intend for it to be this long when I started, I have plenty more to say on it but feel this is a good spot to stop at.