Proposal: PvP and Handicap system

JoDiamonds put this idea in my head - credit where due. - Tal

People complain that PvP is "unfair" and/or "unbalanced" when in fact what they are really stating is that there exists players who are extremely skilled at PvP (In fact, its all they do) and when placed in an arena with such, the lesser skilled are typically taken to task in moments.

While GW does give us a nice complement of balanced classes based on the "rock-paper-scissors" model, it doesn't have any "balance" architecture built in to compensate for those who are at the two extremes: very good and very bad at playing the game.

I propose a handicap system similar to golf.
You are ranked (as is already the case) based on your wins and losses and the ratio of such.
This could be assigned a handicap for newer, less skilled players in the interest of keeping PvP "fair."
My idea would be to give the faction bonus to the newer players, and then this decreases as they become more consistent and successful in their victories - and think about it - this also provides an incentive to try PvP if you haven't already.

Ideas? Shortcomings? Lighter Fluid?

Talesin

I like that idea, its not giving anyone a direct advantage, and it is allowing the newer ones, or not so skilled ones to attain skills and upgrades faster. Though keep in mind, ANet wants the guilds we see at the top and the winners in the tournaments to be the best of the best. But, if they give a handicap, will we really have the best of the best at the top, or will we have people who got lucky because of the handicap?

I think this idea is very nice in concept, but hard to implement...

i just can't think of a way to seriously implement it for a seperate arena. then again, its midnight now, so i don't do much thinking anymore.

night all,

Makk.

I think it would be good to implement this idea, but only partially. Have certain arenas use a handicap system, and certain arenas not. Also, have it as an option when you enter a fight, and if everyone decides to use it or not, it will be that way. Aside from that, this sounds like a good idea to me.

Agreed; in respect to the ladder and GvG bit, no handicap - straight up "best of the best" but for everything else, why not give the new kids a break?

Tal

One thing though, how would this handicap be instated? You mentioned giving faction bonuses to newer players, but I don't think that would help make it fair very much. I think maybe giving newer players health boosts or something, I don't know though.

Why should you get less faction for being good?

Then you would have players purposely losing so that they could gain a health bonus and then unleash it upon everyone...

Iteicea I think that problem could be solved by making it not worth it to do that. There are numerous ways to do that, and I'm sure it wouldn't really be a big problem.

That would be my problem with the idea as well...

Trying help out the new players is a good thought, but those who practice PvP all the time and only play PvP shouldn't be punished for being the best.