Having seen a lot of discussion on this topic, with the feature pack landing with a v soft thud and the announcement of CDIs – I thought I try to create a discussion that could show-case to ANET that we’re capable of coming up with solutions to issues.
This is intended as a constructive discussion on a topic that has polarised the community. Let’s give it a shot. (In any case, I’m intrigued to see if we’re actually capable without chopping our noses off to spite our face :p).
As a player interested in PvP rather PvE, the system is difficult to regard as anything but limited, short-sighted and frustrating.
I think a lot of the frustration comes from the fact GW2 prided itself on being accessible in terms of playing with choice. (i.e giving you the tools to create builds and playstyles as entry-level / base-line).
This is a design value that separated it from the rest of the MMO market – giving it an identity. Those values and identity are now missing, potentially lost.
However, what I can understand is the desire from the community to have an experience that rewards or incentives an explorer’s mindset. Mainly due to the fact we’re 2 yrs in and *significant (read how you want :p) new content is thin on the ground.
This, coupled with the design team’s understandable desire to see the world populated with inquisitive players eager to digest mechanics, artwork, immersion etc they’ve spent many thousands of collective man-hours producing – has imo placed us in this rather confused state (regarding the erosion of their choice-based design values).
At this point, it would be wholly un-wise for ANET to back-track on their system. Although we don’t like to admit it, losing face, losing integrity and pandering to the community – will never produce good results.
As such, the only thing left is a compromise. And this is what’s led me to post (I don’t very often). There simply aren’t enough solutions (other than a re-do) being offered by the community.
This is just my line of thinking, add your solutions perhaps? Lets maybe show ANET we can actually offer them a way out.
What I’d like to see:
Instead of traits being unlocked by world content – instead earn a new currency through exploration. (Explorer’s Token – for example). (Somehow this would be different form Karma, perhaps specific content? – no idea exactly – its a design team issue :p).
Then its pretty simple. Vendor the tokens for specific, exclusive rewards. Have an ’Explorer’s Armor Set’ or ’Explorer’s Weapons’ skins. Perhaps exotic or ascended back-pieces?
Then revert the skill based changes to the original method.
In effect, players desiring choice or an alt character friendly lvling system get what they want. Plus the PvE ‘Explore the world – smell the roses’ types players also get exclusive content that rewards the way they play.
Plus, you get an extra dynamic to the game. A system that perhaps gives players looking for a more progressive ‘grindy’ game experience – whilst not losing the design values the game started with.
Add or discuss your creative solutions below…