Chances of getting toxic players while playing online multiplayer games is very high when you are queuing up as a solo player. This was the biggest problem in Overwatch game, but the developer Activision Blizzard has introduced the Endorsement system and Team queuing, which allowed them to reduce toxic matchmaking by up to 40%. Activision Blizzard’s Natasha Miller said that the toxic matchmaking reports are down by 40% after introduction of Endorsement systems. This is a positive sign, as the toxicity was one of the most significant problems for Overwatch players.
Most of the toxic players used slangs while playing, opposed the teammates and prematurely quit the game leaving others alone in the game. But, now with the endorsement system, all of these actions will affect the ratings of the player. The player with low scores would get other low rating players playing with them. Also, the high rating player will receive top rating player with or against him. Similar to the Matchmaking feature in Valve games like Counter Strike Global Offensive and DotA 2, the endorsement system works in similar ways. It’s been nine months since the introduction of the Endorsement system and other features, which operated positively for the game.
The overwatch is encouraging the players to team up with other friends and play together. This way, the rate of abandoning the match mid-game, toxic behaviour has been reduced, and the teamwork is getting perfect between the team of friends. Although not all of the toxic players are out of the game, the 40% decrease in toxicity is a great thing for the game. But, with this reduction, most of the players can now notice the differences in gameplay. Not just this, but the improvement in legit and calm players shows us how other game developers should implement the system to reduce toxicity and make the multiplayer gaming experience better.
