I feel that 343 is holding back on this information because they know it will cause a lot of backlash. They will just let us know that they didn't find a solution to introducing a skill based ranking system a week before release, in hopes that you already pre-ordered the game. It would be a very sneaky move on their end and I am disappointed that a new company I "beli343ed" in is already shitting on all my hopes of bringing back a skill-based ranking system.
Not gonna lie as negative as both of us are sounding right now this does seem to be the case for what will happen. Honestly, I don't care at this point. As amazing as the game looks we have no idea how the game will be handled online. We have gotten hints and reassurances that matchmaking will be streamlined and managed properly but no details on the matter. What good is it to have a great game that gives you awful matches. Halo reach was not a good game at all but with the addition of the TU some people believe that ZBNS was better to play than halo 3. Of course it doesn't matter when almost every game you play is a blowout with you on top or the bottom. People can SLRP on halo 4 all they want but in the end if people are not put into competitive, even matches the game will suffer online.
A visible skill based rank system is not even necessary to have to create even and competitive matches. (It pains me to say that btw, because I really want a visible skill based rank system) The thing is however, a visible skill based rank system would create a system of accountability and peace of mind for me personally. 343 would have to make sure matches are competitive and even with a visible skill based rank system because otherwise it is blatantly obvious to a player if the system is working. Whereas with a rank system that is hidden the player has less of an idea about how the system is ranking that player versus other opponents. (the player doesn't know if they are getting better and just facing better opponents, or if they are just getting matched randomly with people that aren't good etc.)
If anyone has a problem with getting matches that are competitive and even, well I don't even know. I do understand that some people don't want a visible skill based rank system and even though I disagree that is not my main point in this mini rant if I can call it that. The main thing is 343 has not dedicated anything in the likes of hard details and facts about how they intend to handle matching players of the same skill level together to create fair and intense matches. Aka I do not want another halo reach on my hands in regards to how matchmaking handles.
PS- of course people can play customs, campaign, specops and etc but your average consumer of halo 4 will be playing matchmaking. The longevity of the game will primarily be attributed to how enjoyable the online matchmaking experience is.
Dude, be for real. If you are on a videogames forum saying you might not buy game x if the developer doesn't do y, you are going to buy that game.
I do wish they'd just come out and say "there will be no ranking system of any kind", but I'm still gonna buy the game regardless.
And so are you, chip.
Key word was preoder. I
probably will still buy the game but until I see hard details on how the online aspect of the game will be handled I will not under any circumstances put down extra money for the game.
edit: going to a meeting will be back in an hour or so.
I would love to have them in customs.
