Among the many updates that are coming with the launch of 0.2.8, two components that we are excited to introduce by popular request from our community are the additions of rank-based matchmaking and rewards. In this quick article, we’ll go over the most important things to note about these new features.

Introducing Rank-Based Rewards

With the first iteration of our Tactics reward loop, we implemented the OKA and TOKE reward distribution system, complete with the weekly conversion to $AURY. Based on the positive results that we’ve seen with this mechanism, and how smoothly it’s been working, we are happy to announce that with our next patch, we plan to take another step in the direction imagined more than a year ago.

Going forward, players will notice a new progressive reward system that distributes OKA and TOKE based on the “rating score” of the winning player.

*Visual representation of reward distribution based on player rating.*

Until now, OKA and TOKE rewards have been fixed for each victory because we have been testing the process of distribution and conversion. Now that we have passed this testing phase, we will be implementing the new rank-based rewards system with the deployment of version 0.2.8. A reward mechanism of this nature, coupled with quality matchmaking, seems essential to us for the proper development of the game.

Addressing Abuse

During our test phase (with fixed OKA and TOKE rewards), we noticed that there would be a risk associated with implementing rank-based matchmaking without also modifying our reward distribution system. The main risk is that players will create new accounts in order to face relatively weaker opponents than with their main account in an attempt to increase their chances of winning. Be aware that with our next patch, this kind of behavior should not be an issue. We are also well aware of certain abuses committed by players who use secondary accounts to quickly reap the rewards intended for all players. We had already foreseen the possibility of such behavior during our test phase, and these players have been sanctioned. Rest assured that we will continue to sanction abuse and work tirelessly to constantly improve the gaming experience.

Finally, we can't prevent players from creating secondary accounts, but multi-accounting will simply no longer be a viable method to farm sub-tokens. Focusing on the progression of a main account will allow players to earn more $AURY every week.

Introducing Rank-Based Matchmaking

With our previous patch (0.2.7) we introduced a ranking system for all players, but thus far, our matchmaking has not taken into the ratings of players into account before matching them together.

Starting with version 0.2.8, this will no longer be the case, as you will notice yourself being matched with players of a similar rating in order to ensure a better experience for all. In order to keep matchmaking times reasonable, our system will relax the matchmaking criteria based on waiting times while players are in queue. As a result, the criteria could be totally dropped during times of lower player activity.

Rank-based matchmaking is expected to have multiple effects on the player experience when combined with increased player activity:

High-skill players will be matched with players of similar skill levels more frequently, so we can expect more epic battles for leaderboard spots.
Low-skill players will be matched less frequently with very active high-skill players, giving them a better chance to win and decreasing their frustration when learning the game
Players attempting to farm rewards with alt-accounts will have more difficulty finding a match against themselves.

The rank-based matchmaking system will be adjusted and optimized based on the auto-analysis of wait times as well as how players are being matched.

Uncertainty

Uncertainty affects players' new ratings after each match. The greater the uncertainty, the greater the variation and movement of scores after each match.

New accounts with few or no games and all accounts after a rank reset will have a high uncertainty, which allows the ratings to converge more quickly to a score that represents their skill.

If outcomes match the system’s expectations, the uncertainty will decrease until it reaches a floor. With 0.2.8, the floor will be set higher to allow for more variation and challenging experiences at the top of the leaderboard.

Rank Reset

To keep the game fair for all players, whether they are seasoned or newcomers, each season will start with a rank reset. This will enable all players to have a better chance of getting to the top of the leaderboard.

The leaderboard of the previous season will be archived and accessible, so everybody can view and share details of their previous performances.

Conclusion

This patch is another big milestone for Aurory and should bring us closer to our goal of having a highly competitive, e-sports-ready PvP game. These changes were expected by the players, and we are glad to provide them to you before the end of 2022!

We are always open to feedback from our community and would love to hear from you through one of the social channels below.

Thanks for reading, and Happy Holidays to all!

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Aurory Tactics: Rank-Based Matchmaking and…