curious_zombie_

TL;DR:

• Former Halo multiplayer lead Max Hoberman argues modern games do a "disservice" to players by only providing even matchups

• Hoberman says Halo matchmaking was designed to provide a mix of easier wins, harder losses, and even matches

• He argues too much focus on skill parity causes stress and reduces fun through lack of variability

• Hoberman says segregating top players causes discrimination through longer wait times

• Concept of deliberate variance clashes with competitive players wanting to prove skill through fair matches

• Randomness risks unfair stomps, disproportionately benefiting top players at expense of bottom players

• Details lacking on how such a system would handle extended wait times at the extreme ends of the skill spectrum

• Matchmaking systems stay opaque to avoid backlash from different preferences on fairness

TL;DR:

• "Lethal Company," a low-priced ($10) co-op survival horror game on Steam, reached over 100,000 concurrent players post-launch.

• Developed by a single independent developer, it garnered 97% positive reviews from 20,000+ ratings.

• Gameplay centers on up to four players navigating hostile moon landscapes to gather scrap metal, while strategically evading lethal monsters, catering to gamers seeking intense, survival-focused experiences.

• The game, currently in early access, plans updates with new monsters and items, expecting a fuller version release after about six months.