With the start of the next ladder season, Blizzard implemented a major change to the ladder dynamic. Demotions will now have to wait until the season is over.
In a Battle.net blog post, Blizzard explained the aims and motivation behind the change that will be set in motion come June 10th. Alongside the seasonal reset comes a hefty change to how the demotion mechanic works. It is stated that you will no longer be able to be sent to a lower league in the middle of a season, but rather after your placement matches in the beginning of each new season. The start dates are June 10th (Season 3), August 26th (Season 4) and November 11th (Season 5). The FAQ expands on some of the concerns and inquiries:
I’ve been losing quite a bit on the ladder lately. Why am I not being demoted?
?
To keep play at each skill level on the ladder competitive, we no longer demote players in the middle of a season. You can only be placed into a lower league when you play your initial placement match(es) in a new season, or by leaving the league.
What happens if I choose the “Leave League” option?
Simply put, it removes you from the ladder. You will no longer belong to any league, as though you never played your placement matches, and your bonus pool will be reset.
This does not affect your hidden skill rating. You can play a placement match and be inserted back into the ladder at any time.
