Guild Wars 2

Several of the crafter backpacks are pretty reasonable. Mainly the lower tier tailor and armorsmith ones also the simple chef’s backpack.

There is always the ‘hide back item’ option. Why must there be one?

Now I understand the comments about the forum page problem.

Ahh – antitoxin injector, yes.

lordkrall.7241:

Liz.1497:

an artistic angle. Balance, silhouette, texture, how well it matches the other items ingame, how much it appeals to certain target groups. The same way comic sans isn’t a nice font and Helvetica is.

And who are you to decide that?

Some people find Picasso’s work to be great, while others consider it absolute rubbish. Why should one opinion be more correct than the other?

Clearly someone who knows a lot about art theory and hangs around waaayyy too many artists (some of them who work in the gaming industry, so not just talking about fine arts here).

You’re not seeing the difference between “personal taste” and “quality”. You can “like” or “dislike” Picasso in the sense that you’d put one of his paintings up in your living room, but if you know a thing or two about art you can’t deny the significance he poses for the development of modern art as well as his very obvious skill in colour composition, composition and his revolutionary attempt to draw 4 dimensional situations. Picasso produced quality art regardless of if you find it decorative or not (I personally don’t but that doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate him as an artist). A lot of the GW2 art (namely armors and backpieces, environments are fine and so are to a large extend weapons) aren’t, from a quality standpoint, well designed and rendered.

There is a ton of resource material on both fine arts as well as video game art out there, the intentions of the artists and the work that goes into simple design decisions. It’s interesting and fascinating, and quite literally a science in and of itself. There is waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay more to it then “well, some people will like it, some won’t”. I encourage you to look up those things if you won’t take my word for it.

So we talking about modern art? I don’t like that either!

Khisanth.2948:

Several of the crafter backpacks are pretty reasonable. Mainly the lower tier tailor and armorsmith ones also the simple chef’s backpack.

There is always the ‘hide back item’ option. Why must there be one?

reasonable in what sense? Because literally no one uses them. I’ve only ever seen one person use a crafting backpack, and that wasn’t a tailoring one (and there’s always a chance that they didnt know how to turn them off).

Why are people defending the notion of pouring art resources into a large number of items literally no one uses, instead of a handful of items people would be excited to use? I’m all for variety and pleasing different tastes, but if you look at the backpieces people actually use it’s pretty evident that there is a strong consensus on what people like and are willing to use.

I agree with the OP’s opinion that the back skins are overall very lacking.

I would prefer some more skins that are simpler in nature. Every time I see these hulking items being hauled around I wonder if ArenaNet has stock in the Tyrian Chiropractors Guild…

Liz.1497:

Khisanth.2948:

Several of the crafter backpacks are pretty reasonable. Mainly the lower tier tailor and armorsmith ones also the simple chef’s backpack.

There is always the ‘hide back item’ option. Why must there be one?

reasonable in what sense? Because literally no one uses them. I’ve only ever seen one person use a crafting backpack, and that wasn’t a tailoring one (and there’s always a chance that they didnt know how to turn them off).

Why are people defending the notion of pouring art resources into a large number of items literally no one uses, instead of a handful of items people would be excited to use? I’m all for variety and pleasing different tastes, but if you look at the backpieces people actually use it’s pretty evident that there is a strong consensus on what people like and are willing to use.

Aww…I’ve just been ‘literally’ deemed no one. =(

Inculpatus cedo.9234:

Liz.1497:

Khisanth.2948:

Several of the crafter backpacks are pretty reasonable. Mainly the lower tier tailor and armorsmith ones also the simple chef’s backpack.

There is always the ‘hide back item’ option. Why must there be one?

reasonable in what sense? Because literally no one uses them. I’ve only ever seen one person use a crafting backpack, and that wasn’t a tailoring one (and there’s always a chance that they didnt know how to turn them off).

Why are people defending the notion of pouring art resources into a large number of items literally no one uses, instead of a handful of items people would be excited to use? I’m all for variety and pleasing different tastes, but if you look at the backpieces people actually use it’s pretty evident that there is a strong consensus on what people like and are willing to use.

Aww…I’ve just been ‘literally’ deemed no one. =(

You’re a unicorn!

Liz.1497:

Galespark.7835:

Liz.1497:

Flatley.1620:

“why not give a reason why there shouldn’t be more esthetically pleasing backpieces in the game?”

Because that’s the nub of it right there; beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

If that were the case that would render the entire profession of an artist redundant. There is such a thing as “well designed” and the current backpieces simply aren’t.

How so? Artists create things in which certain beholders can find beauty. No redundancy there, since most beholders are not capable of creating (or often thinking of) these things themselves.

I can not say I like many of the backpiece skins, but there are some that I like (fractal capacitor, mawdrey, the quivers or books) on certain of my characters. That said, I could probably make use of a cape-like backpiece, if they can make one that does not suffer from horrid clipping issues.

Artists go to school for sometimes decades to learn about perspective, composition, colour theory, lighting, live drawing, ect ect. You’ll find that even modern day abstract artists are very well versed in traditional arts and can draw a very technical image (ie a portrait) very very well. The reason their pieces are considered art is not because some rich dude likes them, but because they represent a certain aspect of their times, criticize something, express an emotion, or try to push the boundaries of what is possible in the medium of their choice.

Going into a debate about what art and beauty are would be too far off topic.

The point here is that there are people who like the current backpieces, which is why some people don’t feel a need for drastically different ones (which does not necessarily mean they are opposed to it). Some people, including you it seems, then start saying that the existing ones are objectively ugly while clearly they are not as opinions are divided. Define art as you please, but this thread is about if they are aesthetically pleasing or not. Or in the terms of your post a bit higher, this is about hanging a Picasso in your room, and not about recognizing his influence on contemporary art.

I don’t mind that people do not like the skins, and hope some get released they can proudly show off. Just don’t enforce your own taste on other people and say it is the only right one.

Inculpatus cedo.9234:

Liz.1497:

Khisanth.2948:

Several of the crafter backpacks are pretty reasonable. Mainly the lower tier tailor and armorsmith ones also the simple chef’s backpack.

There is always the ‘hide back item’ option. Why must there be one?

reasonable in what sense? Because literally no one uses them. I’ve only ever seen one person use a crafting backpack, and that wasn’t a tailoring one (and there’s always a chance that they didnt know how to turn them off).

Why are people defending the notion of pouring art resources into a large number of items literally no one uses, instead of a handful of items people would be excited to use? I’m all for variety and pleasing different tastes, but if you look at the backpieces people actually use it’s pretty evident that there is a strong consensus on what people like and are willing to use.

Aww…I’ve just been ‘literally’ deemed no one. =(

Perhaps we should form a guild Inculpatus. We Are No One! [WANO]

Inculpatus cedo.9234:

Liz.1497:

Khisanth.2948:

Several of the crafter backpacks are pretty reasonable. Mainly the lower tier tailor and armorsmith ones also the simple chef’s backpack.

There is always the ‘hide back item’ option. Why must there be one?

reasonable in what sense? Because literally no one uses them. I’ve only ever seen one person use a crafting backpack, and that wasn’t a tailoring one (and there’s always a chance that they didnt know how to turn them off).

Why are people defending the notion of pouring art resources into a large number of items literally no one uses, instead of a handful of items people would be excited to use? I’m all for variety and pleasing different tastes, but if you look at the backpieces people actually use it’s pretty evident that there is a strong consensus on what people like and are willing to use.

Aww…I’ve just been ‘literally’ deemed no one. =(

Yes, me too. Amazing how many experts use “literally” to make a point though.

Liz.1497:

Why are people defending the notion of pouring art resources into a large number of items literally no one uses, instead of a handful of items people would be excited to use? I’m all for variety and pleasing different tastes, but if you look at the backpieces people actually use it’s pretty evident that there is a strong consensus on what people like and are willing to use.

This right here. It takes time and money to make those pieces that the majority of people will never use. Resources that could have been better directed in other places.

I think it would of been fine having them upon release, when everyone was progressing through the game collecting their shiny armor. At this point though it seems to be a complete waste, if only for China release and their progression.

Galespark.7835:

Liz.1497:

Galespark.7835:

Liz.1497:

Flatley.1620:

“why not give a reason why there shouldn’t be more esthetically pleasing backpieces in the game?”

Because that’s the nub of it right there; beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

If that were the case that would render the entire profession of an artist redundant. There is such a thing as “well designed” and the current backpieces simply aren’t.

How so? Artists create things in which certain beholders can find beauty. No redundancy there, since most beholders are not capable of creating (or often thinking of) these things themselves.

I can not say I like many of the backpiece skins, but there are some that I like (fractal capacitor, mawdrey, the quivers or books) on certain of my characters. That said, I could probably make use of a cape-like backpiece, if they can make one that does not suffer from horrid clipping issues.

Artists go to school for sometimes decades to learn about perspective, composition, colour theory, lighting, live drawing, ect ect. You’ll find that even modern day abstract artists are very well versed in traditional arts and can draw a very technical image (ie a portrait) very very well. The reason their pieces are considered art is not because some rich dude likes them, but because they represent a certain aspect of their times, criticize something, express an emotion, or try to push the boundaries of what is possible in the medium of their choice.

Going into a debate about what art and beauty are would be too far off topic.

The point here is that there are people who like the current backpieces, which is why some people don’t feel a need for drastically different ones (which does not necessarily mean they are opposed to it). Some people, including you it seems, then start saying that the existing ones are objectively ugly while clearly they are not as opinions are divided. Define art as you please, but this thread is about if they are aesthetically pleasing or not. Or in the terms of your post a bit higher, this is about hanging a Picasso in your room, and not about recognizing his influence on contemporary art.

I don’t mind that people do not like the skins, and hope some get released they can proudly show off. Just don’t enforce your own taste on other people and say it is the only right one.

So you’re denying that 90% of the backpiece skins are largely (if not literally) unused? I mean clearly I must have gone and enforced my own taste on (nearly) everyone in the game. I am Abbadon reborn! Bow to me peasant!

Liz.1497:

So you’re denying that 90% of the backpiece skins are largely (if not literally) unused? I mean clearly I must have gone and enforced my own taste on (nearly) everyone in the game. I am Abbadon reborn! Bow to me peasant!

Where do you even get all these numbers from? Or are you just making up a random high number to make it seem bad?

Unless you have actually seen all the potentially 3+ million accounts (and all their characters) in-game you can have a grand total of no idea how many of back pack skins are used or not, so stop shouting about it as facts.

I logged in: I see 30 people and 24 hide their backpack or don’t have one.
Facts…

lordkrall.7241:

Liz.1497:

So you’re denying that 90% of the backpiece skins are largely (if not literally) unused? I mean clearly I must have gone and enforced my own taste on (nearly) everyone in the game. I am Abbadon reborn! Bow to me peasant!

Where do you even get all these numbers from? Or are you just making up a random high number to make it seem bad?

Unless you have actually seen all the potentially 3+ million accounts (and all their characters) in-game you can have a grand total of no idea how many of back pack skins are used or not, so stop shouting about it as facts.

While pulling random numbers out does very little for an argument, replying in semantics does even less. Both of you need to sit in the corner for a minute.

30 people out of several millions. That is a very very very very small sample.

I usually see more people with backpacks than without.

lordkrall.7241:

Liz.1497:

So you’re denying that 90% of the backpiece skins are largely (if not literally) unused? I mean clearly I must have gone and enforced my own taste on (nearly) everyone in the game. I am Abbadon reborn! Bow to me peasant!

Where do you even get all these numbers from? Or are you just making up a random high number to make it seem bad?

Unless you have actually seen all the potentially 3+ million accounts (and all their characters) in-game you can have a grand total of no idea how many of back pack skins are used or not, so stop shouting about it as facts.

Not here to argue for the sake of arguing really. If you’re unaware of the fact that “people” only use a very small % of the backpieces available maybe it’s time to get off the forums and into the game.

Perhaps its just me but I don’t like the tone of your thread title that much. “Ugly” is entirely subjective. While I don’t really like most of the skins, I have noticed a great deal of players running around with them. More power to them.

Now creating a thread with ideas for new back skins is another thing and something I would fully support. Its a more positive spin than saying they’re all pretty much “incredibly ugly”.

Just my two cents.

Some players may have their characters wear backpacks for their status symbols (look how great I am to have gotten/created this) even though they find them aesthetically displeasing or don’t really like them.

The very, very few that I like don’t go with the armor skins I’m using, and armor takes priority over back item for me. So, no back items.

I personally love the one Chef back item. The idea of lugging around what amounts to a barbecue on my back is hilarious and awesome. Hot dog?

The Light of Dwayna, Spinal Blades, Desert Rose, Fervid Censor, and Zephyrite Backpack are also all pretty awesome and/or lulzy.

Azhure.1857:

Perhaps its just me but I don’t like the tone of your thread title that much. “Ugly” is entirely subjective. While I don’t really like most of the skins, I have noticed a great deal of players running around with them. More power to them.

Now creating a thread with ideas for new back skins is another thing and something I would fully support. Its a more positive spin than saying they’re all pretty much “incredibly ugly”.

Just my two cents.

Yes it’s subjective. So? May I?

I agree the ideas for new back skins thread would be more supportive.
But that’s not my point, I wanted to know people’s opinion on back item skins.

cristian.8213:

Yes it’s subjective. So? May I?

I agree the ideas for new back skins thread would be more supportive.
But that’s not my point, I wanted to know people’s opinion on back item skins.

And yet when people came up with other opinions than your own they were wrong. So it sounds more along the lines of you simply wanting to complain a bit rather than wanting an actual constructive discussion.

lordkrall.7241:

cristian.8213:

Yes it’s subjective. So? May I?

I agree the ideas for new back skins thread would be more supportive.
But that’s not my point, I wanted to know people’s opinion on back item skins.

And yet when people came up with other opinions than your own they were wrong. So it sounds more along the lines of you simply wanting to complain a bit rather than wanting an actual constructive discussion.

I never said other people are wrong.
Perhaps my words are minsunderstood since english isn’t my main language.

But then again why are you complaining I complain? What’s the point.

cristian.8213:

I never said other people are wrong.
Perhaps my words are minsunderstood since english isn’t my main language.

But then again why are you complaining I complain? What’s the point.

You posted multiple times and said that you didn’t understand why people didn’t agree with you. That is (at least as far as I understand it) more or less saying that people that don’t agree with you are wrong.

lordkrall.7241:

cristian.8213:

I never said other people are wrong.
Perhaps my words are minsunderstood since english isn’t my main language.

But then again why are you complaining I complain? What’s the point.

You posted multiple times and said that you didn’t understand why people didn’t agree with you. That is (at least as far as I understand it) more or less saying that people that don’t agree with you are wrong.

Then I am sorry, it’s not what I meant.

lordkrall.7241:

You posted multiple times and said that you didn’t understand why people didn’t agree with you. That is (at least as far as I understand it) more or less saying that people that don’t agree with you are wrong.

No, that’s not it at all. Where do you get this stuff?

All it is, is admitting to a lack of understanding.

cristian.8213:

I think the back item skins are incredibly ugly.
Some are decent but they don’t fit the armor.
I’m glad you can hide back item skins…

I would suggest racial specific wings or capes (maybe legendary?).

There are many back item I also find ugly or poorly designed.

For instance, Holographic Shattered Dragon Wings is ugly on most of my characters except for my Asura since at a large scale, I can see the flaws in the animation and at the smaller scale, it’s hardly noticeable.

In addition, the back pieces from the Bazaar are ugly and especially the crafter back pieces — these are the type of item you put on your mounts, not on people’s back.

IMO, the best looking back piece is Rox’s Quiver for Warriors and Rangers and Fervid Censer for any casters. Sclerite Karka Shell with Grenth’s hood on a Thief with black dyed armor looks cool.

Yargesh.4965:

Inculpatus cedo.9234:

Liz.1497:

Khisanth.2948:

Several of the crafter backpacks are pretty reasonable. Mainly the lower tier tailor and armorsmith ones also the simple chef’s backpack.

There is always the ‘hide back item’ option. Why must there be one?

reasonable in what sense? Because literally no one uses them. I’ve only ever seen one person use a crafting backpack, and that wasn’t a tailoring one (and there’s always a chance that they didnt know how to turn them off).

Why are people defending the notion of pouring art resources into a large number of items literally no one uses, instead of a handful of items people would be excited to use? I’m all for variety and pleasing different tastes, but if you look at the backpieces people actually use it’s pretty evident that there is a strong consensus on what people like and are willing to use.

Aww…I’ve just been ‘literally’ deemed no one. =(

Yes, me too. Amazing how many experts use “literally” to make a point though.

I’ve seen people use the crafted ones and there are a couple that I actually like. If they didn’t cost me one of my few (20 something) transmutation points, I might use them occasionally just to change looks.

Liz.1497:

So you’re denying that 90% of the backpiece skins are largely (if not literally) unused? I mean clearly I must have gone and enforced my own taste on (nearly) everyone in the game. I am Abbadon reborn! Bow to me peasant!

You seem to be misunderstanding me. I never made a guess at a figure of backpieces are used, since I do not have access to those numbers. I also never said that new ones should or should not be mate, as I am rather impartial to that. I merely expressed that I personally like some of them, and that people should consider that taste is subjective and realize that their taste is not the only “right” one.

Regarding your godhood, smite me!
/dance

My human warrior looks boss in human T3 and the eligant back banner. Or Mad Memories complet with AC armor.