Why the Valorant Community Has Mixed Feelings About Odin and Operator: Analysis on r/VALORANT Subreddit
Hello, everyone! Welcome back with another blog. This time I will be doing an analysis on a Valorant subreddit thread. You can also find more information about the Valorant subreddit community here or you can visit my other blog post about them. The discussion that I chose is a conversation about the community’s views on two of the game’s weapons, Odin and Operator. The original poster, likely a player of the game, sparked the discussion to understand why these weapons are disliked by some. They’re seeking perspectives from other community members, possibly to see if there’s a consensus or valid reasoning behind the sentiment.
Content/Author:
The Reddit thread in question centers around the use of the Odin and Operator weapons in the game Valorant. The original poster (OP), u/Material-Homework395, Asks a simple question about why people feel negatively about these guns. The post reads: “I play a lot of machine guns or op because I can’t aim… they are meant to be used right?” This question isn’t really about looking for approval; it’s more about trying to grasp what the community generally thinks. The author’s straightforward admission of their skill level creates an atmosphere of vulnerability and openness, encouraging sincere discussion. The thread highlights a split within the community: some see these weapons as valid options, while others think they reduce the importance of skill. The post connects to a larger conversation about game balance, the significance of aiming abilities, and the perceived fairness of competitive play. It’s a discussion is not just about personal preferences but about what these preferences signify in the larger culture of Valorant. The OP, by raising this topic, is questioning the unspoken rules of the game’s community and challenging the status questioning of gameplay dynamics.
Images/Symbols:
In this particular conversation, what stands out is that there are no pictures or symbols used. The decision to rely solely on text in this Reddit thread is intentional and aligns with how this platform operates. Reddit tends to favor written discussions over visual content, especially when it comes to in-depth conversations. This text-focused approach allows for detailed arguments and explanations, which are crucial for discussing complex topics like game strategy.
In online platforms, especially in gaming communities, written words facilitate a type of interaction that images might not capture as effectively. Given the deep nature of the discussion about the Odin and Operator weapons, I do think it makes sense to provide detailed explanations through text. Participants are delving deep into the game mechanics, sharing their experiences and tactics, which would be less effectively conveyed through images. This choice reflects the community’s emphasis on thoughtful discussion, where the ability to explain ideas and share knowledge holds more sway than relying on visual elements.
Audience/Purpose:
This discussion is intended for the Valorant subreddit community, a diverse group that includes both casual players and serious competitors. The thread serves as an invitation for collective insight, aiming to uncover the reasons behind the general dislike of specific weapons. The question posed by the original poster (OP), “Why does everyone hate Odin or Operator?” goes beyond personal curiosity; it encourages the community to engage in a thoughtful examination of their gameplay values.
The purpose of this post is maybe to seek clarity on a divisive topic, and secondly probably to provide a platform for community members to express and defend their perspectives. It represents the inclusive character of the community, where every voice has the opportunity to be heard, and every argument is taken into consideration. The thread transforms into a dynamic documentation of player opinions, encapsulating a point in the game’s constantly changing meta and providing a snapshot of the current sentiment within the community.
Form/Tone:
The structure of the thread, with a question followed by responses from the community, fosters a dialogue rather than a one-sided conversation. This format is common in online platform, where the aim is to stimulate discussions. The language used is informal, resembling spoken conversation, this shows that the OP’s intention to create a welcoming atmosphere for discussion.
The comments in the thread different a variety of tones, with some users providing serious, strategic advice, while others take a more light-hearted approach. This diversity in tone is typical of online gaming communities, where humor and seriousness often coexist in discussions. The conversational style also makes the conversation more approachable, encouraging contributions from players of all skill levels and perspectives. The use of casual language reflects the culture of the community, which values both expertise and the insights of everyday players.
Appeals:
In this conversation, the predominant elements are credibility (ethos) and logical reasoning (logos). Ethos comes into play as users establish their credibility by sharing their ranks and experiences. For instance, one commenter asserts, I am a full Immortal 3 triangle, and I strongly dislike Odin players (JhsevEn). Meanwhile, there is a strong reliance on logos, as players provide logical arguments and strategic insights on how to effectively use or counter the weapons.
The use of appeals to ethos and logos is strategic; they aim to support the users’ viewpoints by grounding their opinions in personal authority and rational argumentation. This combination of persuasive techniques is effective in a community that values skill and knowledge. The deployment of these rhetorical devices seeks to persuade others, establish credibility among peers, and encourage deeper contemplation about the game’s balance and player behavior.
Synthesis:
After reading the thread and the community’s responses, I’m really curious about how these opinions might affect the actual game. The conversation shows what the Valorant community values, like fairness and respect among players. They don’t just play the game, they talk about it to make the game better for everyone. This discussion also makes me wonder how the game developers might react. Are these guns really balanced, and do the players’ thoughts match what the game developer want? I hope they can make update on this. Overall, this debate shows how much the community cares about the game and wants it to be enjoyable and fair, even when they disagree.
