I’m not sure what the future of Gears Esports will look like but this is my take on how to make escalation better.
/
`
Way things are now
We can all agree that the current status of the game is quite dull and that “variation” that was initially promised never happened. This is mainly due to the current weapon tree/loadout pick system.
You immediately put your team at a disadvantage when placing centerline, and there is no incentive to do so.
Teams will default to copy cat placements of Incendiaries and Shock grenades coupled with double Boltok pistols. This current “meta” makes for very dry competitive matches with both teams in a stalemate waiting for a pick. Additionally, you have teams triple capping homehills to achieve a tick in their favor, further slowing down the gametype.
(Icebound, Exhibit, Asylum)
/
Prescription (It’s what the doctor ordered.)
I suggest removing the player loadout system entirely. TC got it 100% right when they decided to limit the utility to the back two spawns. Creating roles during pushes and engagements. Tracking utility and locations of those players will be key.
-
Boltok
Theres no reason to spawn with a HAND CANNON that has so much DPS and Headshot capability. -
Talon Pistol
Now that I know that this weapon is the God’s gift to Sera, It could remain as a placement weapon. -
Additional Flashes
I know a nerf/fix is on the way to make the grenade into a stun only. But I think limiting it to a placement will be the trade off for a weapon pick. -
Additional Smokes
Along the same lines as flashes. But I definitely believe the potentness of smoke grenades would create for a hectic environments if more that 4 smokes are throw during an engagement.
With the Lancer now being a support rifle, the additional rifles will stand out even more so in matches.
These extra 4 weapon picks will used on the map. And teams will develop a new meta, or even an identity.
Additional Remedies (100% of doctors say this the correct way to alleviate pain)
- Remove Half Timer picks on secondaries weapon spawns
- The option to upgrade to the next level on the weapon tree should remain
(By doing this, you are forcing picks to be used on weapon upgrades or centerline placements.)
Teams will have to use their picks to either cut off opponent weapon trees, or find themselves on the other end of a longshot, torque bow, etc.
By removing the Half Timer weapon picks (Secondaries Only), the current timers will be way to long to be viable.
-
120s for all Tier 3 weapons. (Torque Bow, Claw, Grenades, Longshot, Embar, Overkill).
-
90s for all Tier 2 weapons. (Markza, Hammerburst, Incendiaries, Retro, Shock, Enforcer)
-
60s for smokes/flash(stuns)
-
Pistols will be created into their own (Tier 2) weapon trees.
Smoke -> Boltok, 12 bullets
Flash -> Talon, 2 Clips
I hope that these changes are achievable and I would love to hear what you all think.