Hi-Rez To Test Major Changes To SMITE Matchmaking In Next Update

Yesterday, Hi-Rez Studios held its obligatory livestream highlighting some of the the features in the upcoming SMITE 5.5 Update. Of course, there are new skins for players to look forward to, as well as general balance changes. But the biggest change is apparently in the realm of matchmaking adjustments -- big enough that dev team felt them big enough to dedicate a completely separate blog post to them.

Update 5.5 will be a testing ground for these updates. The tests will occur at specific times in selected regions, so players shouldn't worry that the changes are just being dropped on them.

The changes are designed to make SMITE's matchmaking algorithm more efficient. To do this, Hi-Rez is making changes to the system's core code, using "more efficient math" that will more effectively group players of similar skill and experience. In addition to creating more balanced play, they also believe it will help speed up queues.

Since this is a test, the developer is looking for player feedback and ask that players report anything that looks strange. They also note that players may not see changes right away due to the way they're rolling the testing out, but that they'd still like feedback either way.