Integrated PUG system

Tinker

<div class="IPBDescription">Bridging the gap between pub and pro</div>The idea is to create a system by which the community could create or participate in pick up games (PUGs) from within the game itself. Pick up games are a vital bridge between clan matches and public games where players of all skill levels can participate in a game with more a competitive play style. Ideally the system would:

• Facilitate the gathering of the group of players to play

• Facilitate the opening of a server for the group to play in

• Support the selection of team captains and the following team selection process

• Support the 2 round match of a full PUG, each team playing as each side once

I realize these are lofty goals several of which do not fit in with the way servers are run currently. The idea is merely to open discussion to see what <i>may</i> work and hopefully find an amicable low cost solution that UWE can implement to help the growth of the community. The structure PUGs provide fit this game well and lead to especially fun games. I think that aspect of the community is worthy of nurturing.

paradoxum

there was something like this for NS1 that used IRC if I recall correctly, I don't know how they did it but you could sign up for a game in the IRC channel, I forgot how you actually got into the game - maybe a bot PMd you a steam server link with the password? I don't remember. but it was pretty cool.

ScardyBob

I think this is what your looking for:
<a href="http://www.ensl.org/gathers/4976" target="_blank">http://www.ensl.org/gathers/4976</a>

bLink`

<!--quoteo(post=1923369:date=Apr 8 2012, 09:04 PM:name=ScardyBob)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (ScardyBob @ Apr 8 2012, 09:04 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1923369"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->I think this is what your looking for:
<a href="http://www.ensl.org/gathers/4976" target="_blank">http://www.ensl.org/gathers/4976</a><!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

That'll be cool if that system is inside the game.

Tinker

Keyword: Integrated.

The IRC system was functional but I was still playing NS1 for YEARS before I even heard of PUGs. They really do change the nature of the game for the better though and I think it would do the game well to have a system in place for putting them together.

C.Advent

I agree in that social features like PUG and matchmaking systems could really help making the game more accessible. For beginners it will be an environment where they can learn to adapt to the tactically demanding gameplay of NS2. Any type of organized play makes people think and cooperate, which really is required if you are to enjoy playing a game like NS2. I've already seen beginners criticizing and becoming pissed because they couldn't kill a Fade 1v1, but we all know how satisfying it is to take down an Onos 3v1.

It worked really well for LoL and HoN where they managed to make a quite elitist game (DoTA) more mainstream, without really changing the actual gameplay. People have no qualms about picking a weaker support class over a 1v1 assassin, because they are thinking about the team. Whereas in DoTA when you play random games you still see entire "teams" of 1v1 heroes. That is what can happen with these kinds of additions, and I would love to see the same in NS2.

On a side note, in-game special nametags and map icons for steam friends would rock as well!