Dota 2’s recent summer update has brought about significant changes to the game’s client, including a revamped behavior score system. However, these strict restrictions imposed on misbehaving players have raised concerns for the future of high-MMR ranked matches, according to Gaimin Gladiators’ Quinn Callahan.
During a Twitch stream on September 4th, Quinn expressed his worries about the broken report system in Dota 2. He believes that without a limit, the majority of high-ranked players will be barred from playing ranked until their behavior score improves. This issue stems from both player abuse and an oversight on Valve’s part, resulting in even the best players being placed on the “naughty list.”
Quinn explains that when players are losing games, they tend to report everyone in the entire match, including himself. Admitting to doing the same, he points out that this leads to a rapid decline in behavior scores for the entire lobby, rather than just the one griefer. Under Valve’s new system, any player with a behavior score of 3,000 or below is unable to queue for ranked matches. Quinn predicts that in about two weeks, most professional players will fall below this critical threshold.
Furthermore, Quinn tested whether commending other players could help alleviate the issue, but found that the sheer number of reports each player receives negates any positive effect from commending. The absence of a maximum limit for reports or any deterrent for mass reporting allows the system to be heavily abused.
To support his claims, Quinn shared his recent reports, all of which were actioned by Valve’s system, despite half of them being unjustified. The client now notifies players when their reports are acted upon. This highlights the need for Valve to reevaluate the system, as it is currently punishing top-tier players based on false positive reports.
Although this issue primarily affects high-ranking players, it is crucial for both Valve and the Dota player base to address the problem. Mindlessly reporting an entire lobby due to the actions of a few undesirable players is illogical and should be discouraged. Losing the ability to play ranked matches just months before The International would have significant consequences. However, player attitudes must change if Valve does not make adjustments to the system.
In conclusion, it is essential for either Valve or the Dota community to take steps towards reform. However, it remains uncertain whether any significant changes will occur in the near future.
Source: DOTESPORTS
