[b]TL:DR - put LFG in game ;)[/b]
Optional Matchmaking ([b]OMM[/b]) needs to address four Community needs;
1. Provide a quick and easy way for people who suffer time constraints or have few friends, to form a team to enjoy end game content;
2. Be implemented in a way that ensures ill disciplined players do not negatively impact the performance of a match made team.
3. Provide the ability for people to solo content at their choice; and
4. Provide folks with a way to bring pre-made teams to complete end content.
The following scheme suggests one way to deliver these requirements, build participation and game sales, both of which are essential to longevity of the franchise.
Please note there are other ways to meet these objectives.
This thread provides a place for respondents to share their views and hopefully provide [b]Community Manager Cosmo[/b] with some suggestions to take forward.
OMM could be implemented as in game Looking For Group ([b]LFG[/b]). Where in game LFG system is integrated with the party formation and messaging functions of xbl and psn.
OMM is available for all content with the exclusion of content that requires premade teams for success vis Hard level Raids and L35 PoE.
A new Add is created in the Tower who provides a bulletin board where folk can either state their availability or set up a team for a particular task and call for volunteers.
Like third party LFG sites, this approach enables team leaders to curate teams prior to formation.
Once teams are formed, but prior to an event, teams members are provided with a kick player option where the kick is based on a majority vote.
This approach provides a second but expanded team curation option.
Prior to commencing the activity as the team starts the process of meet and greet, negotiating who is doing what in the event and any in event call outs, any gamers not participating in the way the team needs runs a kick risk.
Once the team curation is finished the leader punches the Go button and the event is on.
Whilst there are a few technical matters that may need to be solved to implement this approach all can be solved without excessive development time.
What do you think ? What alternatives are better - let's give Cosmo some solid feedback to take forward.
Thank you for reading, liking and/or contributing.
gallp13