"In order to keep ranking-up, you’ll have to exceed the ranking system’s expectations for your performance by continually improving as a player"
There has been a lot of talk about the introduction of hero league, and not all of it has been friendly. The seemingly linear ranking system that some accuse of really being about the number of games you grind and not the number of games you win was released with very little technical info, but today that has changed. Most likely motivated by these discussions, Blizzard posted a much more detailed description of it's ranking system and what to expect for the future of ranked HotS play.
It is an interesting read through and through, but some important quotes I took from the post are as follows:
"Additionally, we have an entirely different experience in store for the top of the Team League ranking system beyond Rank 1, which will function much like Grandmaster League in StarCraft II, or Legend rank in Hearthstone."
This is good news to me, as HotS is much more team oriented than other MOBA's and I predict the most competitive experience is to be found in team matches.
"Team League will also make use of the First Come First Served (FCFS) Draft Mode, which will allow anyone on your roster to select a hero when it’s your team’s turn to pick"
More good news, as currently when you que as a group of 5 in hero league, your start support player may be forced to play as another role if he or she was unlucky enough to have first pick. Picking a support first in this meta is generally a bad idea, as far more powerful tanks are usually the first things contested.
"The Heroes ranking system is rather similar to the system we employ for StarCraft II, which strives to keep you around a 50% win-rate, constantly measures your prowess based on your performance against opponents of different skill levels, and calculates where you should be ranked accordingly."
This clears up any confusion on the actual goal of heroes league, and it is good to hear that the system actively searches for players around your skill level, while occasionally testing you with players ranked higher. The lack of players in hero league (due to the hero and level 30 requirements) cause some games to very one-sided, so i'm happy to hear the system will operate smoother as more players que up.
Until Blizzard implements these ranking changes, which includes a more transparent ranking system, most players will have to rely on HotsLogs (seen above), a site that parses replay data to create an MMR seperate from any official Blizzard ranking. While it's accuracy is dependent on at least 1 player from that match agreeing to submit the replay (which is automated), it has so far proven to be a reliable resource.
This isn't blizzards first time developing a ranking system, however the mass appeal of HotS coupled with it's clear viability as an Esport will create ranking problems similar to that of Hearthstone. The challenge Blizzard is faced with is creating a system that can realistically reward the most casual of players, while still satisfying the IdrA's of the world.
Do you think such a system is possible? As always, let us know in the comments section!
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