It seems that the raid “Operation: Dark Hours” is coming without a player search feature. This has driven many fans of The Division 2 to the barricades. Hardly anyone can understand this decision.
The first raid of The Division 2 – Operation: Dark Hours, which came with the Title Update 3, starts soon. Those who have been looking forward to getting started right on time, even if they do not belong to a clan or have a fixed group to play with, could be disappointed. Because there will likely not be a player search function for the raid.
Update: The Creative Director of The Division 2 has commented on this matter. We have updated the article accordingly.
Where does this info come from? This information comes from an official source. Alexandre Guenounou, who is involved in the marketing of The Division 2, announced this on Twitter in response to a fan’s inquiry.
When the Twitter user cheez asked whether matchmaking for the raid was now confirmed, Guenounou replied: “No, there is no matchmaking. You need to find each other through clan lists and their (clan mates) friends lists, or you invite other players to the social spaces before you start the raid.”
How fans are reacting: Many fans are angry and disappointed, hardly anyone can understand this decision – if it actually turns out to be true.
Because most fans probably assumed that the raid of The Division 2, like all other activities, would have a matchmaking feature. After all, it was stated several times by Massive that there would be matchmaking in all areas of the game. This was even documented in an infographic.
Why it should be different for the raid raises confusion.
Many players were looking forward to the raid but have stated that they depend on matchmaking, as even as a group, they do not always have enough players or do not have a fixed group to play with.
Without a player search, it will now be much harder and more cumbersome to join a raid group or to set one up yourself.
In short: Many players on Reddit and other forums consider this decision a major mistake and call for a change or at least an explanation.
Is there already a reaction? Neither the developers of Massive nor Ubisoft have commented on this matter yet. However, after the huge uproar from fans, Alexandre Guenounou has once again spoken up on Twitter. He explained that he would consult with the Ubi-Massive team and that they would provide fans with a complete overview and explanation of this matter.
UPDATE: Recently, the Creative Director of The Division 2, Julian Gerighty, spoke on Twitter. His response suggests that there will likely indeed be no matchmaking in the raid.
When a fan complained about the lack of player search, Gerighty replied: “Hey Pablo. I understand your point of view. But do you really want to be randomly matched with players for a time-consuming challenge that relies on communication and commitment?”
After this statement, many players can hardly imagine that there could still be matchmaking in the raid.
How would you feel if the raid actually launches without a matchmaking feature? An absolute no-go? Or the right decision?
