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Tinder ditches its hidden desirability scores
Tinder has revealed that it no longer relies on its top-secret "Elo" desirability score to create matches. Instead, it apparently uses a new algorithm that sounds very similar to the old one, with the most important parameter being how much you use the app. Despite saying "the case has been solved," Tinder didn't really describe exactly how the new system works, leaving jilted users to (once again) speculate on why they're failing to, well, score.
Hyperspace Beacon: Putting SWTOR PvP on the right track
This past weekend, a friend of mine came up from Texas. Not only did we talk about our families and such, but we also spent some time talking about Star Wars: The Old Republic PvP. We have both been following the game about the same amount of time, and we are now in the same guild. I argued that PvP in SWTOR is broken. A couple of Advanced Classes excel while the others are just filler or fodder. Even if there were balance in the classes, BioWare does little to encourage the competitive player. In July, I gave a mid-term report card for SWTOR based on Dr. Richard Bartle's assessment of the different types of MMO gamers. As you might guess, SWTOR failed miserably in the "killer" category. As I talked to my friend, we came to the conclusion that SWTOR is a PvE game with a side of PvP. However, given some of the additions coming later this year, I think our Star Wars MMO might raise itself above the F grade I gave it a few months ago. Today, marks the start of Season One PvP, and in less than a month Galactic Starfighter launches. Both of these additions mark significant changes to the perception of game through the eyes of a "killer."
Competitive ranking systems go head-to-head
If you're at all interested in competitive gaming and skill rankings such as the ELO system (used by chess players and also by Yahoo! Games) and Microsoft's TrueSkill, this article is well worth a read. It delves into the intricacies of ELO and looks at other ranking systems designed to combat its flaws, such as the eGenesis Ranking System developed for A Tale in the Desert. It also covers tournament ranking systems, such as the well-known double elimination system used in many professional gaming tournaments. As the prize funds and public awareness of these tournaments increase, it's essential to ensure a fair competition for everyone, so don't be too surprised to see mathematics boffins with clipboards observing the next gaming tourney you go to.[via /.]
