Gaming Fair: Unraveling the Importance of Skill-Based Matchmaking in Esports with Apache Flink
A Deep Dive into the Pros and Cons, and a Fun Apache Flink Repository for Solutions.
THE GROWING IMPORTANCE OF ESPORTS RANKED MATCHES
As the #esports era continues to grow, it is increasingly important to have fair and engaging ranked matches to retain and increase player interest. This means grouping players based on their skill level so that everyone has a chance to compete on a level playing field.
Let’s assume that the SOMERANDOM game follows the rank hierarchy shown in the attached image. When players are grouped into a ranked match, they should be placed on the same rank level, or one rank above or below. For example, if the game uses a 3v3 matchmaking algorithm, then all six players in a match should belong to the same rank (for now).
THE NEED FOR EFFECTIVE MATCHMAKING SYSTEMS
👉 Higher player engagement.
👉 It eventually adds up to the revenue. If a player likes the game, they MIGHT purchase other things that are offered by the game within the game.
👉 Positive brand reputation.
THE CONSEQUENCES OF POOR MATCHMAKING
👉 Players who are constantly matched up with players who are either way too good or way too bad are more likely to get discouraged and quit playing. This can lead to lost revenue for esports businesses.
👉 Players who have a negative experience with a game’s matchmaking system are more likely to leave negative reviews and spread the word to their friends. This can damage the brand reputation of esports businesses.
👉 A player who is trying to improve their skills may be constantly matched up against players who are much better than them and never have a chance to win.
👉 Sponsors will pull out gradually.
CRAFTING SOLUTIONS WITH APACHE FLINK
So thought of creating a fun repo using Apache Flink to solve this problem.
The accompanying fun repository serves as both a testament to self-learning and a practical exploration of how data engineering can be applied to solve real-world problems. Remember, this endeavor is not just about coding; it’s about shaping the future of esports, fostering a community where players thrive, sponsors flourish, and the industry as a whole reaches new heights.
Disclaimer: This repo is for self-satisfaction and self-learning purposes only and has nothing to do with any real games.
CONCLUSION: ELEVATING ESPORTS WITH DATA ENGINEERING
In the dynamic landscape of esports, the crucial role of skill-based matchmaking cannot be overstated. As we’ve explored the advantages and disadvantages of effective and ineffective matchmaking systems, it’s evident that the gaming experience directly impacts player engagement, revenue generation, and brand reputation.
The journey doesn’t end with identifying challenges; it extends to finding innovative solutions. This is where data engineering, embodied by the powerful Apache Flink, steps in. By leveraging advanced technologies, we can transform the esports ecosystem, ensuring fair and engaging ranked matches that resonate with players.
