Recent statistics about the rank distribution in Marvel Rivals on PC, which have circulated on social media, provide both fascinating and concerning insights. One critical aspect to focus on is the distribution of players in the Bronze ranks. Specifically, Bronze 3 is automatically assigned to players upon reaching level 10 in Marvel Rivals, requiring them to engage in ranked matches to progress further.
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In most competitive games, the transition from Bronze 3 to Bronze 2 is typically straightforward. Developers often design rank distribution to follow a Gaussian curve, or bell curve, where the majority of players cluster around the middle ranks, such as Gold. This design ensures that players at the lower end, like Bronze, are gradually "pulled" towards the center, with each win granting more points than a loss.
However, the data for Marvel Rivals deviates significantly from this model. There are four times as many players in Bronze 3 compared to Bronze 2, indicating a non-Gaussian distribution. This unusual pattern suggests a lack of engagement with the ranking system among players. The reasons for this disinterest can vary, but it's a potentially alarming sign for NetEase, the game's developer. It may indicate that players are not motivated to progress through the ranks, which could impact the game's long-term success and player retention.