Guild Wars 2

Outfits vs. Armor Skins

Hi, this is just a small survey about Gem Store outfits and armor skins. I thought it would be a cool little experiment (it’s my first survey) and what better topic than this? If you’re not up to completing the survey, feel free to post below about the topic’s…well, topic. I’d also like to hear your opinions about the survey if applicable. Thank you!

UPDATE: Two questions added regarding the method of acquiring Outfits and Armor Skins. Credit to: Just a flesh wound, TheRandomGuy, LanfearShadowflame (if I didn’t put your name here, please let me know via PM).

Outfits in the gem store and armors exclusive to pvp/pve like they did with luminescent and glorious armor

TheRandomGuy.7246:

Outfits in the gem store and armors exclusive to pvp/pve like they did with luminescent and glorious armor

So you’re saying they should release less outfits earned in PvE/General environment and release more armor skins exclusive to being unlocked by playing normally?

TheRandomGuy.7246:

Outfits in the gem store and armors exclusive to pvp/pve like they did with luminescent and glorious armor

This.

TheRandomGuy.7246:

Outfits in the gem store and armors exclusive to pvp/pve like they did with luminescent and glorious armor

^ That’s pretty much my thought on it.

Outfits in the gemstore. Armor in the game. And just more of both in general…

TheRandomGuy.7246:

Outfits in the gem store and armors exclusive to pvp/pve like they did with luminescent and glorious armor

+ 1 here.

I like outfits in the gem store since they’re just a vanity item.

LanfearShadowflame.3189:

Outfits in the gemstore. Armor in the game. And just more of both in general…

This.

I use outfits when i find my self in a situation that it perfectly fits the theme of my specific character.

for example using a hexed outfit on a necromancer…you wont see me using it on a engineer …..

Otherwise i use specific armor pieces with other pieces to make my own “perfect” armor set design.

Good feedback so far. It’s interesting to see both sides of the coin, and I see where you all come from. Outfits are awesome for on-the-fly, free looks, and armor skins (gem store) are great for customization in a hand-crafted outfit. I think the feeling Anet was going for was:

• Outfits for those who don’t want to tweak a look and want something cool to wear

• Armor skins for those who would like to mix and match and customize everything they want

Keep ’em coming!

I would just say open all the armour skins to all the classes. If as a warrior I can run about in silk clothes from an outfit I should be able to wear light armour as a skin. Anet went past the feel of realism in that respect with outfits so just go ahead and make it official with all armours it would at least make it interesting.

Frood.8437:

I would just say open all the armour skins to all the classes. If as a warrior I can run about in silk clothes from an outfit I should be able to wear light armour as a skin. Anet went past the feel of realism in that respect with outfits so just go ahead and make it official with all armours it would at least make it interesting.

Very hard to do, framework on each armor weight is different so clipping issues would be even worse then they are now…

I like both options, outfits are far easier for A-net to release though, only needing 1 for all three weights vs needing 1 for each.

Miku.6297:

Frood.8437:

I would just say open all the armour skins to all the classes. If as a warrior I can run about in silk clothes from an outfit I should be able to wear light armour as a skin. Anet went past the feel of realism in that respect with outfits so just go ahead and make it official with all armours it would at least make it interesting.

Very hard to do, framework on each armor weight is different so clipping issues would be even worse then they are now…

I like both options, outfits are far easier for A-net to release though, only needing 1 for all three weights vs needing 1 for each.

I agree, outfits are far easier and having the option is nice. Perhaps they could make a change, something like outfits can be worn as is currently, or be used as individual skin pieces as well as being an outfit? Like, you buy the outfit but it unlocks the individual pieces as a skin?

MrWubzy.3587:

I agree, outfits are far easier and having the option is nice. Perhaps they could make a change, something like outfits can be worn as is currently, or be used as individual skin pieces as well as being an outfit? Like, you buy the outfit but it unlocks the individual pieces as a skin?

That would require creating 4 individual sets… You would have the outfit,the light skins, the med skins, and they heavy skins… That’s significantly MORE work for each released outfit then just the outfit, or even just armor skins.

Miku.6297:

MrWubzy.3587:

I agree, outfits are far easier and having the option is nice. Perhaps they could make a change, something like outfits can be worn as is currently, or be used as individual skin pieces as well as being an outfit? Like, you buy the outfit but it unlocks the individual pieces as a skin?

That would require creating 4 individual sets… You would have the outfit,the light skins, the med skins, and they heavy skins… That’s significantly MORE work for each released outfit then just the outfit, or even just armor skins.

Then what about a completely new armor class dedicated to allowing the skins to be worn on all armor classes, something of an override armor class that only applies to outfit skins?

Hmm, maybe, it would still require the frame work be addressed for all 3 armors, also are you implying A-net would charge more for these then the current outfits?

Assuming you mean along the lines of letting you wear an outfit hide the helmet and show your armor helmet, that would be nice, but I’m prety sure it would have the issues with armor weights still.

More of both.

With the release of the Balthazar regalia perhaps they are intending to do as they did in OGW, except I hope that it doesn’t take five years for all of the Tyrian gods to be represented.
I mostly would like to see more armor skins as they can be mixed and matched unlike the outfits, namely more cross type looks. Fewer trench coats, skirts and well…plate armor. Okay I will admit it is a bit hard to think of a type of heavy armor that doesn’t ~look~ heavy…but still…maybe something for the Sylvari that isn’t the cultural stuff.

Maybe even some armor that resembles the old town clothes look in some fashion.

MrWubzy that is pretty much what Town Clothes used to be…but clearly they had issues internally with doing that, hence why we have what we have now.

Not so sure. They already do race specific versions of outfits. Add to that gender specific plus the helms are already made as individual pieces you can hide. I don’t think its a massive leap in design and modelling to make more pieces interchangeable. Yes there is the fact that some combinations will look horrid (this already exists) but that’s up to that player.

But race specific version of an out fit, is a bit different than making 3 versions of the same outfit so all three weight classes could wear it. Currently it requires…
male + female human/char/asura/norn/sylvari for one outfit. Turning it into an armor skin set would require…
Light: male + female human/char/asura/norn/sylvari
Medium: male + female human/char/asura/norn/sylvari
Heavy: male + female human/char/asura/norn/sylvari

Some of the earliest outfits (pirate/basic town/winter/chef) were multiple parts that could be mix and matched to a minor extent. With the town clothes turned to tonics I’m not to hopeful of seeing armor skin outfits

Miku.6297:

Hmm, maybe, it would still require the frame work be addressed for all 3 armors, also are you implying A-net would charge more for these then the current outfits?

Assuming you mean along the lines of letting you wear an outfit hide the helmet and show your armor helmet, that would be nice, but I’m prety sure it would have the issues with armor weights still.

Possibly 100 gems more, maybe only 50 gems more if they added that functionality. It would only make sense, as you would be getting the skins and the outfit. Armor weight issues might still occur, but that’s something that would be a ‘wait and see’ thing if it was added.

MrWubzy.3587:

Outfits vs. Armor Skins

Hi, this is just a small survey about Gem Store outfits and armor skins. I thought it would be a cool little experiment (it’s my first survey) and what better topic than this? If you’re not up to completing the survey, feel free to post below about the topic’s…well, topic. I’d also like to hear your opinions about the survey if applicable. Thank you!

What about asking if we’d prefer to get 400 gems for every 500 AP, instead of only every 5,000 AP?

Of course, we all would prefer more armor skins, but they aren’t as easy to make as outfits. So the choice, from ANet’s point of view, is going to be “should we make 5 outfits? or just one full armor set?” The evidence suggests they offer a mix: sometimes we see 3 armor sets (one for each weight) and sometimes we see a couple of outfits in a row.

Now, I’m sure that plenty of people would still choose one armor set over 5 outfits, but not as many as would choose one armor set over one outfit.

Necrotic.7820:

MrWubzy that is pretty much what Town Clothes used to be…but clearly they had issues internally with doing that, hence why we have what we have now.

Town clothes aren’t the question here, though, it’s outfits or armor skins from the Gem Store. While I miss town clothes and I’d like to have them back, I’m more interested in people’s thoughts on the topic at hand.

Illconceived Was Na.9781:

MrWubzy.3587:

Outfits vs. Armor Skins

Hi, this is just a small survey about Gem Store outfits and armor skins. I thought it would be a cool little experiment (it’s my first survey) and what better topic than this? If you’re not up to completing the survey, feel free to post below about the topic’s…well, topic. I’d also like to hear your opinions about the survey if applicable. Thank you!

What about asking if we’d prefer to get 400 gems for every 500 AP, instead of only every 5,000 AP?

Of course, we all would prefer more armor skins, but they aren’t as easy to make as outfits. So the choice, from ANet’s point of view, is going to be “should we make 5 outfits? or just one full armor set?” The evidence suggests they offer a mix: sometimes we see 3 armor sets (one for each weight) and sometimes we see a couple of outfits in a row.

Now, I’m sure that plenty of people would still choose one armor set over 5 outfits, but not as many as would choose one armor set over one outfit.

Interesting thoughts, I definitely see the evidence. Man hours spent have to make a profit, and if their metrics aren’t telling them X is going to do so, they’ll do Y instead. Not to mention player preference…

Also, why add the Gems/AP question? Just curious.

MrWubzy.3587:

Possibly 100 gems more, maybe only 50 gems more if they added that functionality. It would only make sense, as you would be getting the skins and the outfit. Armor weight issues might still occur, but that’s something that would be a ‘wait and see’ thing if it was added.

So you would get the outfit + armor skins for 50-100 gems more? ^^; That probably wouldn’t be a very smart business move.

What I would support/could see happening is if something like that happened have an outfit version at it’s current 700gems and an armor skin version at the normal 800gems.
Outfits do have some perks over armor skins at the min: They can be changed on the fly, for free; no trans charges needed. So they would probably still be a viable sale.

It would also be nice if they would think a bit more about the sets they DO design and release…i.e. the Noble medium outfit: gloves that appear to go all the way up the arms but in fact are just covering the hands. Can we avoid those sorts of inconsistencies in the future?

Also, the cost for anything new that has new features I would expect to be more…but having matching sets for a reduced cost would be good. Say Balthazar and Grenth’s regalia on sale for …maybe 1000 gems?

Miku.6297:

MrWubzy.3587:

Possibly 100 gems more, maybe only 50 gems more if they added that functionality. It would only make sense, as you would be getting the skins and the outfit. Armor weight issues might still occur, but that’s something that would be a ‘wait and see’ thing if it was added.

So you would get the outfit + armor skins for 50-100 gems more? ^^; That probably wouldn’t be a very smart business move.

What I would support/could see happening is if something like that happened have an outfit version at it’s current 700gems and an armor skin version at the normal 800gems.
Outfits do have some perks over armor skins at the min: They can be changed on the fly, for free; no trans charges needed. So they would probably still be a viable sale.

Good point, I hadn’t noticed it when I was replying. It would make more sense to have either/or instead of an all-inclusive. Just spitballing, though!

TheRandomGuy.7246:

Outfits in the gem store and armors exclusive to pvp/pve like they did with luminescent and glorious armor

This. Exactly. Outfits in the gem store and armor earned by doing content. Even if it means its armor that’s inaccessible to me through lack of skill.

Your survey should have had that as an option as both through the gem store is too limiting to see the true options and opinions.

MrWubzy.3587:

Then what about a completely new armor class dedicated to allowing the skins to be worn on all armor classes, something of an override armor class that only applies to outfit skins?

No.

Can’t we really just enjoy outfits for what they are? Stuff that’s, well, an outfit. It’s not supposed to be mixed and matched. It’s an outfit. Like, say, the Balthazar outfit. It’s an outfit to make you look like Balthazar. I imagine it being like Halloween costumes, more or less, rather than armor – it’s just a nice plus to being able to wear them into combat.

Cuddy.6247:

MrWubzy.3587:

Then what about a completely new armor class dedicated to allowing the skins to be worn on all armor classes, something of an override armor class that only applies to outfit skins?

No.

Can’t we really just enjoy outfits for what they are? Stuff that’s, well, an outfit. It’s not supposed to be mixed and matched. It’s an outfit. Like, say, the Balthazar outfit. It’s an outfit to make you look like Balthazar. I imagine it being like Halloween costumes, more or less, rather than armor – it’s just a nice plus to being able to wear them into combat.

I do enjoy some of the outfits. In fact, my main (Biyx) utilizes the Arcane Outfit in every design I’ve come up with thus far, and I plan to use the Crystal Nomad outfit on my ranger once she’s finished. I do understand where you’re coming from, though. Outfits are meant to be just that, but they take a bit away from the options in customization the game has built up thus far.

But that’s the kicker, here: options. Outfits are optional, as are skins, and we can have both if we wanted. I just wanted to hear the opinions of others to better understand the outcry and praise the outfits received versus new armor skins.

Just a flesh wound.3589:

TheRandomGuy.7246:

Outfits in the gem store and armors exclusive to pvp/pve like they did with luminescent and glorious armor

This. Exactly. Outfits in the gem store and armor earned by doing content. Even if it means its armor that’s inaccessible to me through lack of skill.

Your survey should have had that as an option as both through the gem store is too limiting to see the true options and opinions.

Interesting, I’ll add that option. Thanks for suggesting it, full credit to those who suggested/said this!

EDIT: Having trouble phrasing the question in my survey, it may take a second for it to appear. I need more coffee…

Miku.6297:

MrWubzy.3587:

Possibly 100 gems more, maybe only 50 gems more if they added that functionality. It would only make sense, as you would be getting the skins and the outfit. Armor weight issues might still occur, but that’s something that would be a ‘wait and see’ thing if it was added.

So you would get the outfit + armor skins for 50-100 gems more? ^^; That probably wouldn’t be a very smart business move.

What I would support/could see happening is if something like that happened have an outfit version at it’s current 700gems and an armor skin version at the normal 800gems.
Outfits do have some perks over armor skins at the min: They can be changed on the fly, for free; no trans charges needed. So they would probably still be a viable sale.

with such a high price, very few people would buy both, but if you had it for 50 to 100 gems more, most people would buy the package deal.

I think the 100 gem more for both would make more money than the sold separate plan.

Such a high price? Outfits are currently priced at 700 Gems, armor skins are currently priced at 800 gems.

If you want the out fit version you would be paying the same as any current outfit. If you want the armor skin you would be paying the same as any current armor skin. 100 Gems more for both would be selling 1 for normal price and the other for 13% value of any current skin or outfit.

MrWubzy.3587:

Cuddy.6247:

MrWubzy.3587:

Then what about a completely new armor class dedicated to allowing the skins to be worn on all armor classes, something of an override armor class that only applies to outfit skins?

No.

Can’t we really just enjoy outfits for what they are? Stuff that’s, well, an outfit. It’s not supposed to be mixed and matched. It’s an outfit. Like, say, the Balthazar outfit. It’s an outfit to make you look like Balthazar. I imagine it being like Halloween costumes, more or less, rather than armor – it’s just a nice plus to being able to wear them into combat.

I do enjoy some of the outfits. In fact, my main (Biyx) utilizes the Arcane Outfit in every design I’ve come up with thus far, and I plan to use the Crystal Nomad outfit on my ranger once she’s finished. I do understand where you’re coming from, though. Outfits are meant to be just that, but they take a bit away from the options in customization the game has built up thus far.

But that’s the kicker, here: options. Outfits are optional, as are skins, and we can have both if we wanted. I just wanted to hear the opinions of others to better understand the outcry and praise the outfits received versus new armor skins.

Yup, I think mostly the praise is coming from the fact that they seem to be bringing back the stuff we had in OGW. More or less. I still miss the interchangeability of the old clothes.

I also think they should stick with the way the rest of Tyria has karma vendors with one set of armor for easier content and then the exotic gear for main events (Renown hearts vs. Temple gear).

Necrotic.7820:

MrWubzy.3587:

Cuddy.6247:

MrWubzy.3587:

Then what about a completely new armor class dedicated to allowing the skins to be worn on all armor classes, something of an override armor class that only applies to outfit skins?

No.

Can’t we really just enjoy outfits for what they are? Stuff that’s, well, an outfit. It’s not supposed to be mixed and matched. It’s an outfit. Like, say, the Balthazar outfit. It’s an outfit to make you look like Balthazar. I imagine it being like Halloween costumes, more or less, rather than armor – it’s just a nice plus to being able to wear them into combat.

I do enjoy some of the outfits. In fact, my main (Biyx) utilizes the Arcane Outfit in every design I’ve come up with thus far, and I plan to use the Crystal Nomad outfit on my ranger once she’s finished. I do understand where you’re coming from, though. Outfits are meant to be just that, but they take a bit away from the options in customization the game has built up thus far.

But that’s the kicker, here: options. Outfits are optional, as are skins, and we can have both if we wanted. I just wanted to hear the opinions of others to better understand the outcry and praise the outfits received versus new armor skins.

Yup, I think mostly the praise is coming from the fact that they seem to be bringing back the stuff we had in OGW. More or less. I still miss the interchangeability of the old clothes.

I also think they should stick with the way the rest of Tyria has karma vendors with one set of armor for easier content and then the exotic gear for main events (Renown hearts vs. Temple gear).

I rarely played the original game (I only owned and still own Factions) so I don’t remember much about them.

I also agree that they should stick to how the karma vendors work with their armor skins versus the exotic skins dropped from harder events such as the Orrian temples, dungeon bosses and champion bags. Armor skins should definitely, in my opinion, be something earned through play. But as is, I think it’s fine, and they make a hefty profit out of it, too.

Miku.6297:

Such a high price? Outfits are currently priced at 700 Gems, armor skins are currently priced at 800 gems.

If you want the out fit version you would be paying the same as any current outfit. If you want the armor skin you would be paying the same as any current armor skin. 100 Gems more for both would be selling 1 for normal price and the other for 13% value of any current skin or outfit.

Good points all around. It would almost make it feel as if the previous work on the outfits were a bit invalidated, as many wouldn’t use the entirety of the outfit in their custom looks. However, it would make sense to sell them at that price…as a promotional offer. If they did make this proposed change, a promotional would be a good move, to show off to as many players as possible the new changes.

But another question is, how would the outfits unlocked through playing the game fare, such as the Mad King’s Outfit (I forget it’s name exactly, not in-game) from the Halloween event?

My point about the karma vendors really should have been noting how it seems they are abandoning this model, after all where in Dry Top or Silver Wastes can you buy any new looking armor for karma…or any armor for that matter?

I prefer Outfits, since they cost less than Armor Skins. It’s as Miku states; Outfits are 700 gems, and Armor Skins are 800 gems. Outfits are free to apply, off and on the fly. Armor Skins, on the flip side, cost 1 Transmutation Charge per piece. Say you wanted to transmute your armor 12 times. 6 pieces of armor, multiplied by 12 times, equals 72 Transmutation Charges needed for the process.

Promo offers are usually 15-50% discounts at most, I can’t recall seeing a promo offer for a new item at 88% off ever. The biggest issue I see would be outfit sales taking a huge hit, having the option to customize the look would more then make up for the trans charges lost. I would imagine the majority of people would buy the skin and skipping the outfit entirely.

Though those who want multiple looks may be more inclined to buy outfits, as you don’t have to pay each time you change them, and they are useable for literally EVERY character on your account from one purchase.

Hmm I think the Hexed outfit (mad king event one) was the only outfit unlocked by playing. So honestly I don’t really think it would effect much in terms of play unlocked outfits.

I’d love for both to be available in both means (gemstore and basic gameplay), however if such isn’t possible, I’d settle for outfits in the gemstore and armor in gameplay.

However, I do wish that outfits functions like GW1 costumes – helm separated from the rest, and showing armor if either the costume’s body or the costume’s helm were hidden (while also able to hide armor’s helm).

Miku.6297:

Promo offers are usually 15-50% discounts at most, I can’t recall seeing a promo offer for a new item at 88% off ever. The biggest issue I see would be outfit sales taking a huge hit, having the option to customize the look would more then make up for the trans charges lost. I would imagine the majority of people would buy the skin and skipping the outfit entirely.

Though those who want multiple looks may be more inclined to buy outfits, as you don’t have to pay each time you change them, and they are useable for literally EVERY character on your account from one purchase.

Hmm I think the Hexed outfit (mad king event one) was the only outfit unlocked by playing. So honestly I don’t really think it would effect much in terms of play unlocked outfits.

More good points. It’s seeming to me, more and more, that having the Outfits as skins at the same time is a bad idea in general. There may be a way to remedy this, though, but it will require a lot more brainstorming. I’ll add it to the survey as well as a question.

Should I add a question asking if people liked unlocking the Hexed Outfit doing the events rather than buying it from the Gem Store?

Konig Des Todes.2086:

I’d love for both to be available in both means (gemstore and basic gameplay), however if such isn’t possible, I’d settle for outfits in the gemstore and armor in gameplay.

However, I do wish that outfits functions like GW1 costumes – helm separated from the rest, and showing armor if either the costume’s body or the costume’s helm were hidden (while also able to hide armor’s helm).

I didn’t know that used to be a function, huh. Not sure if it’s relevant to the survey at hand, though, but still worth discussing.

You could, but it’s a pretty safe bet people would gladly take in-game atainable over only gem store buy able any day.

That option would be 100% relevant!!!! I would LOVE to be able to wear an outfit and my bunny ears

I really do miss the Guild Wars 1 version where you could hide the costume head piece and then hide or show the helm under as wanted. For example, my necro has the Demon Masque. It’s a big part of her look and one which I would love to show off with certain outfits. But with this system, her face is either bare or has the costume helm.

Picture showing the Demon Masque (someone else’s char)

Miku.6297:

You could, but it’s a pretty safe bet people would gladly take in-game atainable over only gem store buy able any day.

That option would be 100% relevant!!!! I would LOVE to be able to wear an outfit and my bunny ears

I suppose they would, now that I think about it. I usually avoid buying gems unless an item catches my eye, but that’s the point of the Gem Store style choices. I’ll think on adding the question, I’m still unsure if it would be relevant. After all, the survey is about what you prefer over the current functionality, not what you want to see added to each individual option.

Letting us show our current armor helm instead of the outfit helm or no helm would be part of the functionality ^^; And I bet it would sell a-lot of outfits

Quick UPDATE on the answers and comments on the survey thus far:

Q1 (Out of 40)
Outfits: 20%
Armor Skins: 45%
Both: 35%

Q2 (Out of 40 responses)
It seems people like the ease of use for Outfits, especially when leveling characters, as well as the fact that you can wear light-armor looking Outfits (Arcane Outfit) on a heavy armor character. However there are many who state that the lack of customization is an issue, such as being able to mix and match other pieces with it/other armor sets. People also seem to enjoy not having to use Trans Charges when wearing outfits. Little to no clipping is also an applause.

Q3 (Out of 40 responses)
A big dislike for Armor Skins is having to use transmutation charges for each individual piece vs. a single, Trans-free Outfit swap. Another one is that people only want a single piece/two pieces of the Skin set rather than the entire one, and dislike paying for all of it at once. Clipping is also mentioned as an issue several times. However, many are saying that the customization is a huge plus, especially at end-game. Mixing and matching is mentioned a lot.

Q4 (Out of 40)
Ease of use: 12.50%
Customization: 55%
Both: 32.50%

Q5 (Out of 37 responses)
Yes, they need to improve…: 67.57%
No, they are fine as is.: 32.43%

Very mixed bag with the comments on this one. Many mention clipping for Armor skins, lack of customization for Outfits, Trans Charges being used a lot, and a few mention adding more dye slots to Outfits. A good portion suggest making the shoulders and gloves hide-able on Outfits.

The last two questions will be reported upon when they receive a larger percentage of answers, as they were just added. Thanks to all who have answered thus far, it’s getting really interesting!

Miku.6297:

Letting us show our current armor helm instead of the outfit helm or no helm would be part of the functionality ^^; And I bet it would sell a-lot of outfits

or the other way arround… id kill to have the bloody prince facepaint or the samurai hat from the halloween outfit usable with my armor skins…

The last question is poorly worded, it’s a “do you like x, or do you like y” question with the answer “yes” and “no”.

eyestrain.3056:

The last question is poorly worded, it’s a “do you like x, or do you like y” question with the answer “yes” and “no”.

Do you have any suggestions on improving the wording and the answers?

I’d suggest “Do you like x, or do you like y” and the answers being “I prefer x” “I prefer y” “I like both”.