Help encourage a larger and more diverse community.
So as a new player who plays fairly casually, I can honestly say that this game does not welcome new players in the slightest. It isn't that the game is bad, just that there is a somewhat tricky meta to technique and to perks. This makes starting out a little rough as you kinda need to suck long enough to get good, and struggle long enough to get certain killers and perks. Getting through the bloodwebs to get a teachable perk and again for the perk itself is a rather daunting task when you first start out. Unfortunately, that is not the biggest barrier in the way though. It is no secret that a fairly large quantity of players are less than hospitable to new players and occasionally choose to bully and harass these new players. How do we fix this? We make a way to be able to CHOOSE to avoid these players.
How does one do such a thing? Blocking said players? Change mmr? Create a whole new matchmaking system? No, that's far too complicated and unreasonable. I propose we propose the option to play against and/or with bots with a couple of difficulty levels. Not only would this allow for new players to have a way to practice their favourite killer/builds/techniques, but it would allow them to build the skill needed to get a rather enjoyable game with others while getting the blood points needed to make those builds.
Now this wouldn't just be good for new players, it could work for more casual players looking for a normal round with AI. Perhaps it could be used by a seasoned veteran who just wants to try something new without the chaos of other people so they can get a good grip on an interesting concept. Point being, this could be good for everyone.
Now, in no way do I think this should be treated as the easy mode where people can get the absolute most points possible. Rather the opposite. I do believe that playing with others should give more blood points than a game with AI by about 15-35%. Additionally, ranking and account level shouldn't be increased from these matches either. And players should be limited to the perks/add-ons they have earned in these matches. We don't want people to completely abandoned the community but rather use this as a resource, a tool in our belts.
What would the difficulty look like? Easy mode would act as an introduction to core mechanics and concepts. Often resulting in shorter games with less hooks and less blood points. Normal would act as a more interesting and challenging match where the AI will perform well in chase and in objectives as to make sure a win is well earned. Thu, normal would provide teaching moments while allowing for a generally good time. And last of all but most certainly not least, hard mode. Hard mode would ideally be a challenge for a great portion of players. Utilizing more punishing and ruthless strategies, the AI would do its best to stay somewhat oppressive through the matches. This would act as a final gateway into gaining skill at the game without being harassed along the way.
As far as casual players who just really love the game conceptually, it could provide similar benefits as well as quicker matches. This could entice a lot more people to play the game for the sake of having fun. Therefore, the game would feel far more inclusive without losing its competitive edge.
We all start out somewhere, and weather we're dropping pallets or breaking them, the game can be rough and unforgiving to the uninitiated. It's not just the perks being too strong or too weak, nor is it how the meta is so prevalent in almost every match, and it's not just the bullies or cheaters in the game. Even I can see that there's so much to love about the game, but with everything going on all at once, I've had times where I just wanted to delete the game and sell it. But I see that this game is kinda special in its own weird ways, and I want to see it become the best it can be. Maybe it won't fix every issue, maybe no one will read this, but this is something I feel could help the game and community grow and blossom. I am only one voice though, so I want to know what the community thinks. I want to know YOUR thoughts even if you don't feel your opinion matters. Not a single opinion matters, but when we spark discussion, it is no longer a single opinion.
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