For some insane reason, they were under the impression that 1v1 is the most important mode in CoH when in reality 90+% of the playerbase doesn't give a single shit about it
This makes me sad. I said early on that 1v1 will probably be good with DevM on staff. Tarnation was mainly 2v2 so I hoped his knowledge would creep in. Marco was before my time.
But I said Relic needs input from players like Aerafield and Sturmpanther so that 4v4 can be successful.
It made sense to focus on 1v1. 4v4 players are usually easier to please. But each mode has such a different play style that you really need people from each.
1V1
This mode has many engagements with a single unit vs a single unit. So unit stats are very important. Healing can be base centered since units are constantly retreating and not clumped together in a blob. Artillery is minimally used. Over tuned units kill this mode.
2v2
Similar to 1v1 where each player tends to face a single player, but the maps are smaller so you have more 2-3 squad fights and less 1 on 1 fights. You also have synergy between the two teams commanders, healing, etc. Artillery can be important, especially late game.
3v3
Similar to 1v1 and 2v2 in that each player usually only faces a single player for much of the match. The maps tend to be either too large of too small. Both support blobbing. Forward healing is more important. Artillery less important than 2v2 if the map is very large.
4v4
Nothing like 1v1. There are always 2 players fighting together as a team. Rarely a 1v1 situation. Commander synergy is very important as is team communication. Forward healing is very important. Artillery is very important and usually decides balanced games.
CASUAL PLAY
Lane maps, MGs, mortars, tanks, and artillery are everything. Unit fights are meaningless. Play is based on Mg suppression and mortar bombardment. Followed by tanks and then artillery destruction. Over tuned units are fan loved qualities.
Casual and 4v4 is most of the player base. 1v1 is the most exciting streaming mode because the other modes are too busy to catch most of the action. But as Aera said above, focusing 1v1 alienates most of the player base.
I think the main fear top players have is that Coh3 released in such a terrible state that everyone fears Relic will mothball it before it gets all of these things balanced out.
COH4 is the answer. Focus solely on 4v4 and push out a new version. Call it COH III Arena following the greatest game ever made Quake III Arena!