Is the Overwatch matchmaker designed to sell skins?
I’m not here to tell you, or convince you that it factually is. I don’t know, I nor anyone else has any proof that would hold up in a court of law. I am here to say that I believe there is, and list my reasons why I think that is.
I’ve made many comments about this. I’ve intentionally left out my personal experiences in the OP (for which there are many).
Here are some things that when looked at individually might look unrelated. But when compiled and looked at together, may seem a little sus.
To attempt to make this entertaining if not just goofy. I’m going to pretend I am Blizzard in some parts of this post. I’m having a bit of fun with this so it does get a bit outrageous. 
First and foremost the actual factual patent.
patents(dot)google(dot)com/patent/US20160001181A1/en
- [0036]
The microtransaction engine may analyze various items used by marquee players and, if the items are being promoted for sale, match the marquee player with another player (e.g., a junior player) that does not use or own the items. Similarly, the microtransaction engine may identify items to be promoted, identify marquee players that use those items, and match the marquee players with other players who do not use those items. In this manner, the microtransaction engine may leverage the matchmaking abilities described herein to influence purchase decisions for game-related purchases.
- [0037]
In one implementation, the microtransaction engine may target particular players to make game-related purchases based on their interests. For example, the microtransaction engine may identify a junior player to match with a marquee player based on a player profile of the junior player. In a particular example, the junior player may wish to become an expert sniper in a game (e.g., as determined from the player profile). The microtransaction engine may match the junior player with a player that is a highly skilled sniper in the game. In this manner, the junior player may be encouraged to make game-related purchases such as a rifle or other item used by the marquee player.
- [0038]
In one implementation, when a player makes a game-related purchase, the microtransaction engine may encourage future purchases by matching the player (e.g., using matchmaking described herein) in a gameplay session that will utilize the game-related purchase. Doing so may enhance a level of enjoyment by the player for the game-related purchase, which may encourage future purchases. For example, if the player purchased a particular weapon, the microtransaction engine may match the player in a gameplay session in which the particular weapon is highly effective, giving the player an impression that the particular weapon was a good purchase. This may encourage the player to make future purchases to achieve similar gameplay results.
Okay. There’s the patent. It looks fishy. The argument I’ve seen against this patent is that just because it is patented doesn’t mean it is being used.
Technically true… How often does a company go through the effort to make a patent and not use it? Do you know the exact stats? If you believe most corporations do this without the intent to use the patent, can you source any information? Did you hear a smart looking corporate person say this? Did you learn this in college?
I’m genuinely curious. Is this thought process factually true or is it propaganda to get the population to doubt investigations into it? I’m ignorant of this, and inclined to assume it’s propaganda. Why make the patent if not to use it?
I am Blizzard. I want to put this system in place, but I cannot let the public know. How do I achieve this?
Lack of Transparency:
I must remove as much transparency as possible. In Overwatch 1, I showed everyone’s rank in the form of Skill Rating points. At the start of every ranked match I displayed everyone’s rank and both teams average SR. Profiles were public and could be checked by all players in a game.
I must remove this, I cannot allow players ranks to easily be checked.
I will change the ranked system. Remove SR points and hide it completely with the already hidden MMR. I cannot have the players to know where they are in their rank for as long as possible. Only after 5 wins or 20 games will they learn their own rank, let alone the other players they are matched with.
I don’t want people to see in each game, that they may have a relatively fresh gold player with no skins purchased, being placed against a diamond player veteran who has many skins that we are selling in the shop. I will however, make sure there is a great chance that Diamond player will have play of the game while they wear their fancy new skin!
Promote Solo Queue:
So with my system in place, it would make sense for me to promote solo queue. It is much more difficult to promote skin sales if all of these players are in a group. But how do I promote solo queue?
Ah of course, I must remove promotions for grouping up.
I have to remove LFG. This system is a great utility for the players, even though it is not used by all. It is still a nice utility for the players to have access to. Much like the workshop. I have no reason to remove it other than it hinders my ability to sell skins. I can’t have these players looking for groups. I need to match the players as best as I can to sell my skins! LFG is going to hinder my matchmaker.
Removal of visible groups:
Now I have removed LFG, I have to further remove any promotions of grouping up. If players see that there are others on their team in a group, they may be inclined to want to group up themselves! I can’t have this. I don’t want players wanting to group up.
So I will remove the visual effect that shows when players are in a group.
Control my narrative:
I cannot have people discussing my matchmaker system with no pushback. I must order some moderators on the forums to push back against any claims of such absurdity. To slander anyone and everyone as conspiracy theorists. I only need 2 or 3 individuals to sew doubt in the minds any that speak about it in the forums. That is enough to convert many into conspiracy theorist deniers. And the posts and threads that dare seek to push the boundaries too far, will simply be removed. Those that made the posts will then be monitored closer forever more.
But how do I control the public opinion outside of the forum? Ah yes.
I will have some well known and beloved streamers flown to our headquarters. I will give them many perks, and fly them to Blizzcon too. I will make them feel incredibly special, and included into the inner workings of the company. They will know that they specifically were hand picked for their talents. Of course I will only show them the surface. I will dangle carrots on a stick, and require them to sign my NDA each and every time. I will have my staff butter them up, and gain their trust and affection.
And then by the power of my NDA, I will ensure that the official stream team cannot speak against my narrative. Any mention of McCree from their teammates must be rebuked. Who’s McCree? Oh you mean CASSIDY!
I will ensure they all must deny that 6 v 6 should return. They must either be in favor of 5 v 5, or if they must sit on a fence, then they will spread the propaganda that 6 v 6 will never return. It is impossible to return. Any talk of LFG, or of guilds must cease. And yes, there once was a time where people spoke of wanting a guild system. I will not allow it ever again. I will have my trusting and friendly staff ensure the streamers respect these demands. As they are bound by NDA.
I know this will work, because my friends at Gearbox have done the same thing. And it was very successful.
- I am BK and I serve my shareholders, I care not for the players of this game. These systems will be put in place and my shareholders will realize how powerful this will be. So much so, that even when I am long gone they will make it impossible for the new leader to remove this system.
Okay I’m Slid again. The fever dream is over.
Just some closing thoughts.
Is it weird that it wasn’t until after Bobby left, it was changed so GM’s were allowed to group up fully and look like they’re having fun? Not just a duo but a full group. I.e. Promotion of grouping up to the average player.
If you think ‘I don’t believe there is a system in place, this patent and these changes are not enough proof’. That is fine. Sure skepticism can be warranted. Innocent until proven guilty.
But to say ‘There is without a doubt absolutely and factually no system in use’… Is wrong. There is a possibility, a strong one, that a system like this is in use.
I honestly believe Acti-Blizz has done so much damage to their games under Bobby’s rule, with such little care to their players, that skepticism for their defense should be minimal.
If you are a Blizzard employee in the know and reading this. Maybe you can convince the uppers to be completely transparent about this. Have Aaron bring up the patent, explain it’s not in use. Maybe it was in use under Kotick, maybe it wasn’t. Transparency is key to public trust. Appreciate you.
/essay
Have any experiences at all with ‘rigged’ matchmaking? Put em below!
might be one of those people you mentioned, given his post history, lol. I mean, just look at how fast he went to attempt to discredit everything you wrote. Yikes.
