Vortex Gaming

· This video covers various update details, including new rank rewards and the friend replay download feature.
· Discussions will focus particularly on MMR, the rank system, new game modes, and the behavior system.

· The core goal of the competitive experience is to ensure players' ranks accurately reflect their skill level and that the process of ranking up feels fair.
· To achieve this, the matchmaking system is undergoing active testing and adjustments.
· In January 2024, the MMR system was modified to consider individual in-game impact more, which positively reduced game imbalances.
· However, reflecting player feedback about losing more RR than they gain and the system not properly reflecting individual performance, we've adjusted the RR gain and loss calculation.
· Now, good performance will be rewarded more, and poor performance will be penalized more, ensuring wins and losses balance out appropriately over time.
· Furthermore, matchmaking and competitive integrity are top priorities this year, with significant improvements currently underway.
· Ultimately, player ranks should reflect skill, and the process of ranking up should be fair, consistent, and rewarding.

· We are focusing on enhancing the competitive experience for top-ranked players and ensuring the process of reaching those ranks feels legitimate.
· To this end, we are increasing investment in anti-cheat and win-trading detection systems, and serious cases have already been addressed.
· In the long term, we aim to improve the experience of reaching the highest ranks each act, with exclusive rewards being prepared for this.
· Rewards for all ranks will also change. The Sentinel skins for Act 3 and Act 6 of this year will be the last major rewards.
· Starting in 2027, rewards will be available from the first day of the season without needing to wait until Act 3, with continuously evolving rewards provided throughout the year.
· This reward system was planned for release this year, but the team requires additional development time, and more details will be shared in September.

· We've been experimenting with temporary game modes to understand player preferences.
· The 'Flashpoint' mode, in particular, was first introduced in custom games, then had a dedicated queue added and removed, and has now returned as an experimental ranked version.
· Additionally, other modes like 'Elimination', 'All Random One Shot', and the community-favorite 'Replication' are planned to continue rotating.
· A new mode combining 'Replication' and 'All Random One Shot' will be released soon.
· Following this mode, a version with shorter rounds and smaller team sizes is also in development and will be revealed around the start of Act 4.
· Act 5 might feature a surprise mode where KAY/O goes completely haywire, offering a very fun and different experience.

· The balance team implements changes to support various decision-making layers. This includes team composition, attack and defense strategies, and maintaining a robust and mechanically deep combat system.
· Recent patches have included changes to make in-round decision-making easier and emphasize gunplay.
· However, we recognize that these changes have had an excessive impact on round strategy and team play.
· Specifically, the ultimate ability cooldown for Initiators will be reduced from 60 seconds to 50 seconds, facilitating smoother late-round engagements and easier strategic adaptation.
· In terms of weapon balance, shotgun accuracy while moving or jumping will be reduced, and the damage of 'Cookie' and the fire rate of 'Shorty' will be nerfed.
· Additionally, 'Bandit's' performance will be improved to make it a more attractive option beyond pistol rounds.
· For agent balance, we've recently nerfed 'Yoru', 'Viper', and 'Clove', and we believe they are now at a healthy level within their roles.
· Overall agent diversity has increased, and we see maintaining agents' unique identities as crucial for long-term diversity.

· Reflecting community feedback that Neon's mobility is excessive, we are adjusting her 'Sprint' ability (E) so that she no longer receives a speed boost when jumping.
· Furthermore, Neon's fuel will only regenerate passively, and it will only recharge additionally by getting kills while her ultimate is active.
· Visual effects during sliding will be improved to make her easier to track and eliminate.
· We are also exploring changes for Sentinel agents, particularly for 'Beta', with several adjustments planned to enhance their rotation capabilities and ability to block enemy utility.

· The feature to share replays with friends is scheduled for deployment in patch 12.10.
· You will be able to download and watch replays via a new button in your friends' match history.
· This update focuses on improving the overall game experience by incorporating player feedback, including MMR system enhancements, the release of new game modes, and changes to rank rewards.

· The video expresses anticipation for new game modes, especially the one featuring KAY/O, the Flashpoint mode, and the combined Replication and All Random One Shot mode.
· It also mentions weapon and agent balance adjustments, including shotgun nerfs, Neon nerfs, and Bandit buffs.
· The addition of the replay feature, in particular, is expected to be useful for coaching or game analysis.
· Overall, this update is evaluated positively, receiving a score of 8.
· Updates related to Champions will be revealed in September or October.