Let's be very clear on something: casual does not mean unskilled and raider doesn not mean skilled.


That said, it's painfully obvious the majority of players are casual. Between prior debates on the percentage of raiders versus casual players and seeing endgame content, and the influx of new MMO players World of Warcraft brought in, it's a given.


But if you doubt this: http://us.battle.net/wow/en/forum/topic/1531763402?page=1


Read the responses and you'll get the general impression from the more vocal population. Just beware the trolls.


As far as being an elitest?


Sure, I'll roll with that. I've been called worse by better.


And for God's sakes, it's a discussion board. No one should take Internet postings from random strangers seriously. It's not like we actually know each other. Relax.

 

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Good point. We don't know what those numbers are anymore. We don't know what the distribution is among the various playstyles, or even how Blizzard would catagorize/view them; and could be there isn't a clearcut majority... we are only guessing based on non-transparently designed first-cut-out-the-door experiences.


We also don't know if Blizzard knows. They are always in a reaction to the most-lost sales.


I'm not expecting numbers from Blizzard again in the near future. Last time they published PvE-playstyle related numbers (via Jeff Kaplan), there was quite an uproar.


We do know in the past that Blizzard has said that they use a round-robin approach to major patches/expansions to try to eventually provide something for their different players.


We don't even know if they are still following that expressed value anymore.


Hence, wait and see, if you're so inclined, because Blizzard is always playing "catch up"


edits for late night lack of caffeine

 

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As usual, Auenwing is right.


Last time they did, it caused the ugliness between raiders versus nonraiders. Hence, we have a past clue to the population now.


Even so, I'll bet the percentage remains the same.


And let's not forget that whole 'welfare epics' comment. . . .

 

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How do you steal ideas from games that dont even exist yet? WoW is stuck.

 

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The unwritten rule has been, raids are where the challenges are, they are where you have to be on your game. They need to go back to this, leave the 5 mans; regular and heroic; to the casuals. Hell I have seen regular instances give people fits. We have people of different ability in our guild, some are essentially locked out of all instances because of the gimmick fights and the like (like having a good player, but he is autistic, he is shut out - can't do most of them because of some of the mechanics are too complex for his thinking). I watch as a majority of the very good sized guild I am in simply swap to alts at 85. There are few diehards, but that is probably less than 10 which means nearly two to three times that many at prime time no longer want anything to do with Cata instances, let alone heroics. Before then it was possible to have three or more groups out at once, sometimes with an icc 10 going on the side.

Blizzard blew it mightily. The forgot that the bulk of their base plays for fun. There is zero reason for regular instances and even heroic instances to be so over the top with gratuitous damage, mobs that cannot be interrupted, damage that cannot be mitigated (amazing how many mobs now can't be manipulated by the tank because they have near instant aoe - hell bosses are nicer than most trash), and the density and damage ability of the trash in general is just uncalled for.

The guild is nearly level 10 (we lost two days from bugs - damn if Blizzard fixes it - still no reply to gm on both) and that is the only thing keeping many people in, advancing the guild level and unlocking guild features. Too bad there is a good dick move in that too, critter kill achievement done only to find out it requires exalted with your own guild - which is TWELVE weeks making rep cap. LOL.

 

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I think this is my last post on this subject because you seem to be missing the point and putting words in my mouth.


Why would you mention that WoW is the current best system? I know this of corse. Also I did not criticize WoW as a whole, merely the current heroic system. So the fact that the game itself is successful and has been for the last 6 years has nothing to do with the current implementation of the heroic content?


Why make it seem like I'm saying WoW is a bad game? Is this a constructive form of debate?


Second, you seem to be contradicting yourself Arden. First you criticize me for pointing out the flaw in the current heroic system, and then you point out that the majority of the player base wants an easier game.


Sure my idea of 'player skill' may not fit the current player base, but that is a whole other thread. Depending on how it is implimented I think a happy medium could be reached. However the current heroic content does not represent what the player base has shown to want in a game thus far.


Again I am not suggesting this content be dumbed right down to the poiny of face rolling, I merely think that it needs to be tweaked a bit so that it is not so tedious.

 

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First, I'm not contradicting myself. I'm pointing the situation as is. Doesn't mean I have to agree with it or support it.


Second, making a counter point isn't a criticism. It's an observation from a differing point of view.


It is what it is.





Probably the most honest statement in the entire thread. Still shocked I haven't seen 'wings' ala Aion.

 

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Sigh, I've already made general suggestions in ealier posts. If I got paid, like the Blizzard employees to think up actual engaging content I might be more compelled to spell it out for you.


Suffice to say the current system (of heroics) is not fulfilling, nor is it truly challenging, only tedious.


What do I suggest? Plainly, challenge with out tedium. As I have said repeatedly, starting to wonder if my posts are being read, guess I need to keep them short. I'm not trying to be rude here, but I am being asked to repeat myself quite often it seems.


Have you completed the current heroic content?


If you have, and you come out of a heroic dungeon and genuinely feel that it made you a better player, and challenged your skills then I am sincerely happy for you.


For me, I don't feel challgened by the content, I feel annoyed by it. YMMV.

 

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Sorry, I edited out that question, apparently while you responded, because I see you already did, indirectly, so my apologies.


As far as me and heroics?


(laugh) Like I said, I'm as casual as they come. I haven't even seen Onxyia with any character if this tells you anything.


So, no, I believe I never will, but I also believe Heroics weren't aimed at players like me. I believe they were aimed at raiders and those with a similar mindset who want a challenge.


Certain guilds come to mind.


Again, as long as I have the opportunity to see the context, ala storyline, in the basic or normal areas and dungeons, that's enough for me.


Honestly, the changes in Wrath of the Lich King, have spoiled players. The 'new' Vanilla even moreso as it trains the returning player with the ease offered.


It's like night and day the difference between Vanilla and Burning Crusade.


I could only imagine how the players who stayed the whole time feel. So, I understand where you're coming from.


Don't get it twisted.

 

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To be honest I have never been overly critical of the game, I have played contented for the past 6 years and just took the game for what it was worth. A game. I've had a lot of fun.


I could complete this heroic content with out a word of discontentment. The game has never been perfect and if this is the only way 'right now' that Blizzard has found to add a little more 'challenge' to the game so be it.


My problem is that I have recently become disenchanted from video games in general I think. I've not logged onto wow in weeks, I started Mass Effect 2 and only got about 75% through. I just bought Black Ops and have only played a hand full of games.


I've found myself more interest in playing board games, or going bowling lol. Maybe this is just a temporairy burn out or maybe my tastes in entertainment are changing.


I think I am asking too much from the games I play, almost as an excuse not to play them. Might be time to just walk a way for a while.

 

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