Many players of the extraction adventure game ARC Raiders may have believed they were cleverly maneuvering into PvE-focused matchups, but that notion has been firmly debunked. A recent statement from Embark Studios clarified that the game does not utilize Aggression-Based Matchmaking (ABMM).
In a recent chat with Embark representatives, it was explicitly stated that the concept of ABMM does not apply within the world of ARC Raiders. The system is not as straightforward as players might assume, with both peaceful and aggressive players mixed together.
No Friendly Lobbies in ARC Raiders
Watkins emphasized that the game does not funnel players based on their aggression levels.
The term aggression-based matchmaking wasn’t created by us. The matchmaking isn’t binary; there’s no distinct separation into friendly or aggressive settings. It’s influenced by individual player motivations. Just because someone prefers a calmer environment doesn’t inherently restrict others from engaging as they choose.
Players might feel pressured to act a certain way, but they have the freedom to determine how confrontational their experience becomes. While some players lean toward cooperative gameplay, motivation varies across the board.
Primarily, we want to ensure fairness in PvP interactions. It’s crucial to highlight that the game doesn’t compel anyone to engage combat with others; that choice lies entirely with the player. There will always be those motivated to compete, and it’s our responsibility to cater to them.
Player feedback collected through end-of-round surveys had no impact on matchmaking. If a player expressed dissatisfaction after a fierce PvP encounter, it won’t affect their placement in the next round.
These surveys are aimed at understanding player experiences and do not influence matchmaking outcomes. Our focus is solely on players’ actions during each round.
Key Takeaways
- ARC Raiders does not implement Aggression-Based Matchmaking (ABMM).
- Players are not funneled into combat-heavy or peaceful lobbies; matchmaking is based on individual actions.
- The game promotes player autonomy, giving them control over their level of engagement.
- End-of-round surveys are for player satisfaction feedback and do not influence matchmaking results.
- All players, regardless of gameplay style, have a place in the diverse interactions within the game.