A few years ago, Riot Games opted to remove the option for high-ranked League of Legends players to queue together, citing reasons related to fairness and the expeditious nature of matchmaking.
However, there seems to be a potential shift in this decision in the current year, with indications that duo queue might be making a return.
Ranked duo queue to make a return for high-tier players
In an Ask Me Anything (AMA) session held on the League subreddit, August “Iksar” Dean Ayala, the design director, disclosed that the developers are contemplating reintroducing duo queue for players in the Masters rank and those in Diamond and below.
“Duo queue in high-tier play. Considering opening up duo-queue for masters tier in addition to diamond and below. Consulting with different regions who tend to have different opinions on this topic. We’re open to different regions having different rules if necessary.”
Nevertheless, the decision-making process encounters some complexities due to divergent viewpoints from various regions globally.
Iksar mentioned that Riot is actively engaging with different regions that hold distinct opinions on the matter. They are open to tailoring ranked queue rules to suit the preferences of individual regions, reflecting a commitment to adaptability based on regional player dynamics.
The ongoing discourse surrounding the viability of duo queue at higher elos has elicited a spectrum of opinions from pro players, solo queue players, and analysts. Some argue that the duo queue in higher ranks presents a challenge for solo players, who lack the advantage of communication and synergy with a teammate.
Conversely, proponents of high-level duo queuing assert that it enhances the competitive experience, offering additional entertainment value. Furthermore, it is seen as a beneficial avenue for professional players seeking to practice with a teammate.
In 2021, Riot acknowledged that the initial allowance of duo play in high-ranked lobbies was influenced, in part, by the professional gaming scene. Despite this, they opted to remove the system to make general improvements to the overall ranked environment.
The ultimate takeaway is that the ranked experience remains subjective, contingent upon the specific context. It is a dynamic situation that will necessitate extensive experimentation and input from the player community to refine and tailor the system effectively.