A discussion on the impact of ranked PvP settings on casual players and the need for more cooperative games
A user asks what the community thinks about “toxic” ranked play pushing casual players away from certain games, and the resulting effect on the overall Gaming ecosystem. They mention their own personal preference to relax and unwind after a stressful day, and that many others agree, citing their past experiences with toxicity in competitive games like League of Legends.
“Personally, I prefer a game that I can just play casually when I have time and have fun,” the original poster writes. “But in the last few years I have seen the direction gaming is going and it is making me feel like I no longer belong in this community.” They cite examples like Fortnite and Apex Legends, where they feel the emphasis on ranked PvP settings alienates players who simply do not enjoy competitive play.
Many other users reply with their own thoughts on the subject. “I don’t play any games of that nature,” one writes. “I found a lot of the games I tried that did have those modes to be very stressful and toxic, and felt the developers were more interested in seeing who could be number one than making the game fun to play.”
Another mentions that a competitive meta can take away the enjoyment from a game they used to enjoy. “It’s not just casual vs. competitive either,” they add. “Ranked modes often reward specific playstyles that don’t mesh with the rest of the player base.” Another says that they simply do not enjoy competitive games, but that having ranked PvP settings adds a sense of accomplishment and progression.
“I really don’t like games that are focused around competition,” another replies. “I’d much rather see games where there’s options for both competitive and casual gameplay.” Many others agree with this sentiment, saying that they prefer games that offer a more casual and relaxed experience. Some go further and argue that focusing on competitive gameplay alienates more casual players, and that games should prioritize fun and enjoyment over competition.
“I feel like ranked modes are necessary to improve your skills,” one replies. “But I also think that they should be an option, not the only option.” Another says that they enjoy both competitive and casual gameplay, depending on their mood. “Sometimes I like to try to climb the competitive ladder and other times I just want to play with some friends and not worry about my KDR.”
One user writes that they would rather see more games that focus on cooperative and non-competitive multiplayer experiences. “I prefer to play with friends and strangers alike for the shared experience and enjoyment of playing the game,” they explain. “I think there’s a lot of room in the industry for games that are designed to cater to that desire.”
“Personally, I think ranked modes are amazing,” another replies. “They offer a much more competitive experience that demands more skill and commitment.” Others argue that games with ranked PvP settings often require a significant time commitment to be successful, and that many players simply do not have the free time to invest in such modes.
“I never felt that ranked modes were for me,” another admits. “But I also felt no interest or desire to play with people who felt that it was necessary to berate me for not being as good as them.” Some reply that they often find themselves on teams with toxic players who blame them for bad matches. “They think it’s our fault for being low-level,” another says.
“I also don’t like ranked modes because I’m bad at them,” another adds. “Even if I could enjoy them, I don’t want to play a game that I’m bad at.” Others reply that there are ways to improve at ranked PvP settings without engaging in toxic behavior. “If the game has a ranking system, it should be easy to tell where you are and how to improve,” one explains.
“I think that if you’re going to have ranked PvP modes, they absolutely should be difficult to get into,” another says. “That means that people who do get into them should be pretty good at the game already, which means they should be a positive addition to the community.” Many others express their desire to see more games that focus on cooperative and non-competitive multiplayer experiences.
“I think that ranked modes are absolutely necessary for a good competitive game,” another replies. “Without a ranked mode, the game’s skill ceiling is limited by the creativity of the player base.” Others suggest that developers should provide options for both competitive and casual gameplay. “If you offer players the option to play competitively or casually, you’re able to appeal to a wider audience,” one says.
“Some people enjoy competition, but even those people want to relax and have fun,” another writes. “There should always be options for more casual gameplay.” Others say that games should prioritize inclusivity and accessibility, allowing players of all skill levels to enjoy the experience.
