Not loving the 3 player model in the arena, opinions?

[kostinen]

Personally, I was a bit reluctant to play with three players. But finally I'm really enjoying it. I must admit that this may also be because my results are good compared to previous seasons

The games are indeed longer for the same number of Arena points (a win against two players counts as a single win, second place counts as half a win and half a loss, and third place counts as a single loss). I think this explains why the top scores are not as high as usual (fewer games played).

I feel like the game is less harsh in the sense that you see on average more cards (in your hand or on the tray), more food and more eggs, so there are no completely awful games where even if you play perfectly you can't win. Skills seem to be more valuable with 3 players, but I understand WingspanGOD's point about the possible 3rd player ruining the game to our disadvantage. This hasn't happened that much in my games (and I'm very fond of social birds, so I may be less exposed).

[FrankJones]

Personally, I was a bit reluctant to play with three players. But finally I'm really enjoying it. I must admit that this may also be because my results are good compared to previous seasons

The games are indeed longer for the same number of Arena points (a win against two players counts as a single win, second place counts as half a win and half a loss, and third place counts as a single loss). I think this explains why the top scores are not as high as usual (fewer games played).

I feel like the game is less harsh in the sense that you see on average more cards (in your hand or on the tray), more food and more eggs, so there are no completely awful games where even if you play perfectly you can't win. Skills seem to be more valuable with 3 players, but I understand WingspanGOD's point about the possible 3rd player ruining the game to our disadvantage. This hasn't happened that much in my games (and I'm very fond of social birds, so I may be less exposed).

agreed.

[Kerrance]

I originally liked the 3-player model, but I've now had several instances in the past week where I'm up on both players by an effectively insurmountable margin in round 4 only to have someone with a barely 100 ELO just abandon the game.

I've always felt there should be a setting that allows you to refuse to be matched up with people rated light years behind you, since your best-case scenario is wasting half an hour to gain like 3 arena points. But now it's really starting to get frustrating.

[kingboyTX]

Not a fan of the 3 player format. Please return to 2 player mode.

[pgmast]

I originally liked the 3-player model, but I've now had several instances in the past week where I'm up on both players by an effectively insurmountable margin in round 4 only to have someone with a barely 100 ELO just abandon the game.

Agree. Happened to me too. But the players had higher ELO and should’ve known better.

I’m all for harsher penalties for purposefully abandoning or quitting a competitive (arena) game. It’s poor sportsmanship and ruins the fun of a 3-player game.

[willbgreene]

I like that with 3 players if you get 2nd place you are at least prevented from plummeting in ELO and arena ranking. I think it's a fun way to mix it up. If I had to pick, I'd probably go back to 2 players bc of the time aspect, otherwise I'd go with 3.

[Jontia]

Personally I'm a big fan of the three player version. It lets certain mechanics actually be effective and keeps the bird feeder and bird row moving along, creating not only churn when you need it, but highlighting opportunity cost when you don't take those immediate picks.

[Shogun_vr]

Guys, it's 2 different aspects. Not sure why even OP has thrown off the conversation:

1. I LOVE 3 player arena - many people posted why
but also
2. I HATE the length of the game.

To me 2. can be addressed by decreasing turn time. It is insane to have 3+ minutes EACH, while you also have the 2 other players' time to think. You end up with people going somewhere else and returning late for their turn as a side effect.

[JohnRM]

...
2. I HATE the length of the game.

To me 2. can be addressed by decreasing turn time. It is insane to have 3+ minutes EACH, while you also have the 2 other players' time to think. You end up with people going somewhere else and returning late for their turn as a side effect.

Agreed, I can do household chores in between turns on the fastest setting. It's way too slow.

It's not 3 players that is slow, it's just the turn speed.

[Madlaine]

Slow players should be matched together, its infuriating. I suspect some people to multitask with wingspan in the background. I can’t play a game during lunch break at work anymore.

We should also be allowed to quit games and be replaced by a bot. When you already lost because of bad cards round 1 and you have to play aaaaaalllll the way watching your slow opponent be extremly lucky with stupid game type, it takes a lot of my nerves not to just quit.