Guild Wars 2

Since the previous massive thread on this topic was locked for being “inflammatory” in tone, let’s all make an effort to be non-inflammatory as we discuss this topic. To kick things off, I’ll reiterate the facts:

1) The watchwork mining pick is a best in slot item, as it produces more material when it mines than any other pick.
2) The watchwork mining pick is available only in the gem store.

Is this an appropriate addition to the gem store? My personal opinion is no; best in slot items do not belong in the gem store under any circumstances. As you reply, to add your opinions, please make an effort to keep the discussion calm and non-inflammatory.

It became inflammatory because after 12 hours and thousands of reactions, not one dev cared to react. It didn’t help, in any event.

Here’s Vol’s post on it, saved it the moment I saw what happened.

[i] If you haven’t noticed, a new infinite mining pick has been released which also provides a 20% chance of sprockets.

I have absolutely no problem with infinite tools. They are convenience.

But a chance to get a material that cannot be gathered by other tools? This is P2W.

When scarlet is gone, we more than likely will not be able to get sprockets anymore outside of two sources – the node in your instance and these picks.

It doesn’t matter that sprockets may not have as high value, and that 20% is still low. It sets a dangerous precedent, however, of introducing unique, non-vanity features to future items to generate sales.

Seriously Anet, take this from your no.1 fanboy – this is not cool.

The ‘best’ compromise is to provide older unlimited tools with a similar bonus ore. But personally I would prefer if there were no bonuses at all. Just leave the animation there and sell it for 1000 gems.

edit1: as another mentioned, the other best compromise is to include other temporary picks with the 20% chance, i.e. orichalcum pick with 20% chance at watchwork [/i]

[b]An important note to anyone that responds to the thread:

The sprockets don’t matter. Nobody who has a problem with this has a problem with the sprockets. The sprockets could be “X” “Y” or “Z”

That’s where the problem lies. In the precedent an item like this sets. [/b]

The eternal struggle at getting italic and bold to work continues…

XacTactX summarized it as follows:

These are the main reasons why people dislike the new pick:

1. P2W giving out free crafting materials, this is more than the 0c cost per gather on infinite tools.
2. Gear treadmill for infinite gathering items that cost real $$$.
3. No prior warning about having old gathering tools made obsolete.

Not much more to add. Eagerly awaiting Anet reply on this situation.

I didn’t agree with a lot of posters in the thread that was closed, but I do understand the concerns. Since I don’t really care about the extra sprockets (I have the home node), I thought this might work as an alternative:

Modify all ore nodes to include sprockets as a “jewel”. Include it in the list and leave the jewel chances the same.
— everyone, new, old, indifferent, will have chances at getting them. The home node should still drive enough supply to keep the prices reasonable and a fair amount of supply continually in game. I would imagine the prices staying less than most lower tier gemstones, which, to me, is reasonable.

Modify the new watchwork pick to be instead, a 20% increase in extra resources, which stacks with the gathering booster, or not, depending on how the gathering booster works with guild banners.
— this still provides 1. the “extra” incentive that most think might have been the point of the new pick’s properties, and 2. an incentive that already exists through other means and is consistent with other items in the gem store and in the game. It also shouldn’t unduly affect players that choose not to buy it.

Sptockets are useless and only needed for new stat items Zealot – Pow, Prec, Heal – which is also useless. We also lose sources to gather some materials fro 1 year but no one cares because those mats can be bought on TP for extremely cheap price – so will be these Sprockets. Its not a P2W you are not overpowered through it. One can say that Infinite mining picks are P2W because you don’t have to pay for buying them every 100 mining times.

Again, to everyone: The sprockets aren’t what’s important. The importance is the precedent this sets.

@ g e o: Please don’t confuse opinion for fact (“sprockets are useless”) and please don’t think this gemstone strategy will stop at “just” sprockets. Hence the word “precedent”.

Buttercup.5871:

Please don’t confuse opinion for fact (“sprockets are useless”) and please don’t think this gemstone strategy will stop at “just” sprockets. Hence the word “precedent”.

Exactly…

I expect a scythe that harvests pristine spores next…

Before people start arguing whether the pick is pay to win or not, you should probably define what “win” means. If “winning” gw2 means getting to max level, having best gear, and having the rarest items, then gw2 is already pay to win. Enter credit card, buy tons of gems, convert to gold, and buy legendary, buy materials to craft to lvl 80 in a few hours, buy full exotic armor, buy ascended mats to make ascended armor, buy all the super rare expensive skins to make your character look cool. These are the things most people are trying to accomplish as they spend countless hours playing the game, and you can accomplish them all easily by simply spending money.

The precedent that future scavenge items will offer additional bonuses to getting items that are already available (and will remain so) to players in-game? Yep. A very dangerous precedent indeed.

Waffler.1257:

Before people start arguing whether the pick is pay to win or not, you should probably define what “win” means. If “winning” gw2 means getting to max level, having best gear, and having the rarest items, then gw2 is already pay to win. Enter credit card, buy tons of gems, convert to gold, and buy legendary, buy materials to craft to lvl 80 in a few hours, buy full exotic armor, buy ascended mats to make ascended armor, buy all the super rare expensive skins to make your character look cool. These are the things most people are trying to accomplish as they spend countless hours playing the game, and you can accomplish them all easily by simply spending money.

You’re missing a key part of the definition on how that phrase originated. It was based on players spending real money to get items that put them at a significant advantage over other players who had no access to those items without spending real money as well.

Ayrilana.1396:

The precedent that future scavenge items will offer additional bonuses to getting items that are already available (and will remain so) to players in-game? Yep. A very dangerous precedent indeed.

And where else in the game, aside from the gem store, can you get a pick that gives a bonus chance to get “specific item x” ?

Gene Archer.8560:

Again, to everyone: The sprockets aren’t what’s important. The importance is the precedent this sets.

This seems to be true. I also think it is also important to consider why it was introduced with an added bonus. While I agree that the point of most of the detractors on the item is due to the bonus, and not specifically the sprockets, there was a reason it was added and why future ones would continue in this vein.

My guess is two fold, and incorporates the same ideas as others:
1. To make it more “buyable” to players that already have the unlimited gathering items or those that have always been on the fence.
2. To make a limited item more available to players in the game once the content has been removed.

Others have mentioned it, and some only jokingly, about a sickle that gives chances at the pristine spore. I actually can see this happening and if people are upset over this tool, it is because a tool like that might be made available next. Again, I am not concerned over them, but I am concerned about the anger generated by the items.

As concerned players, we need to voice our concerns like adults, and offer suggestions on what to do to handle the situation.

Edit: this poor thread is now just an argument on what “pay” and “win” mean. For such simple words, there seems to be a lot of disagreement.

It’s not P2W since you can buy with Gold – yes with TOO MUCH gold but you still can.

Last one broke 500 replies and neared 10k views.

Hopefully we don’t have to do the same here before we get a dev response.

Most likely the reskinned picks didn’t sell all that well so they decided to up the ante. Just another bad decision.

I also wouldn’t expect a reply as there really is no winning for them here. They know what they’ve done and they have the choice of either going with it or undoing it and right now undoing it would be very complicated.

I dont mind that the new pick gives an extra chance for sprockets because i dont think its gamebreaking.

But as someone, who got an older pick, i feel a little kitteneated because i thought that i wouldnt have to upgrade that one anymore. If I want a chance at extra sprockets, i have to spend another 1000 gems, making my old pick obsolete.

I think i gonna wait and see, if Anet reacts on this issue and changes anything.
Otherwise i might buy the new pick on the last day of sale and ask Support for a refund for my old one.

Another thread’s poll, currently standing at 110 people surveyed and 73% against the new pik: https://forum-en.gw2archive.eu/forum/game/gw2/POLL-Do-you-like-the-new-Watchwork-Pick/first#post3568313

Ayrilana.1396:

Waffler.1257:

Before people start arguing whether the pick is pay to win or not, you should probably define what “win” means. If “winning” gw2 means getting to max level, having best gear, and having the rarest items, then gw2 is already pay to win. Enter credit card, buy tons of gems, convert to gold, and buy legendary, buy materials to craft to lvl 80 in a few hours, buy full exotic armor, buy ascended mats to make ascended armor, buy all the super rare expensive skins to make your character look cool. These are the things most people are trying to accomplish as they spend countless hours playing the game, and you can accomplish them all easily by simply spending money.

You’re missing a key part of the definition on how that phrase originated. It was based on players spending real money to get items that put them at a significant advantage over other players who had no access to those items without spending real money as well.

The word I bolded in your definition is subjective. I don’t find it a significant advantage.

Shakkara.2641:

Buttercup.5871:

Please don’t confuse opinion for fact (“sprockets are useless”) and please don’t think this gemstone strategy will stop at “just” sprockets. Hence the word “precedent”.

Exactly…

I expect a scythe that harvests pristine spores next…

I expect a rare quality “pristine ice pick” that gives unique snowflakes. The exotic quality ice pick, however, that one gives pristine snowflakes. An absolute must-have! But let’s not forget the ascended ice pick: this one will give 2 random snowflakes, guaranteed! You can buy this during the course of one weekend for the reduced price of 1500 gems only!

brittitude.1983:

-snip for sake of space since my reply is short-

The solutions being suggested in this thread are no different than the last thread. The thread didn’t start to devolve (and I don’t think it devolved bad enough to warrant the closing to begin with) until a number of posters showed up and continued to either, willingly or otherwise, miss the point of the thread and continue to claim that the argument had to do just with sprockets, which they view as worthless.

TChalla.7146:

Ayrilana.1396:

Waffler.1257:

Before people start arguing whether the pick is pay to win or not, you should probably define what “win” means. If “winning” gw2 means getting to max level, having best gear, and having the rarest items, then gw2 is already pay to win. Enter credit card, buy tons of gems, convert to gold, and buy legendary, buy materials to craft to lvl 80 in a few hours, buy full exotic armor, buy ascended mats to make ascended armor, buy all the super rare expensive skins to make your character look cool. These are the things most people are trying to accomplish as they spend countless hours playing the game, and you can accomplish them all easily by simply spending money.

You’re missing a key part of the definition on how that phrase originated. It was based on players spending real money to get items that put them at a significant advantage over other players who had no access to those items without spending real money as well.

The word I bolded in your definition is subjective. I don’t find it a significant advantage.

Here’s the question though. Does it give them a single advantage at all, no matter how big or small it is?

g e o.2589:

It’s not P2W since you can buy with Gold – yes with TOO MUCH gold but you still can.

Isnt acceptable cause its an open door for all they can imagine P2W related for force us to pay with real money cause totaly stupid price in gold and no content related way.

Gene Archer.8560:

Ayrilana.1396:

The precedent that future scavenge items will offer additional bonuses to getting items that are already available (and will remain so) to players in-game? Yep. A very dangerous precedent indeed.

And where else in the game, aside from the gem store, can you get a pick that gives a bonus chance to get “specific item x” ?

Gold to gems and voila. You don’t have to spend real life money.

Chrispy.5641:

TChalla.7146:

Ayrilana.1396:

Waffler.1257:

Before people start arguing whether the pick is pay to win or not, you should probably define what “win” means. If “winning” gw2 means getting to max level, having best gear, and having the rarest items, then gw2 is already pay to win. Enter credit card, buy tons of gems, convert to gold, and buy legendary, buy materials to craft to lvl 80 in a few hours, buy full exotic armor, buy ascended mats to make ascended armor, buy all the super rare expensive skins to make your character look cool. These are the things most people are trying to accomplish as they spend countless hours playing the game, and you can accomplish them all easily by simply spending money.

You’re missing a key part of the definition on how that phrase originated. It was based on players spending real money to get items that put them at a significant advantage over other players who had no access to those items without spending real money as well.

The word I bolded in your definition is subjective. I don’t find it a significant advantage.

Here’s the question though. Does it give them a single advantage at all, no matter how big or small it is?

According to the supposed definition of Pay to Win, your question doesn’t mater. If you use that argument, simply having an unlimited use pick is Pay to Win, since you cannot buy one in game and must buy it with gems. Nobody can argue that any unlimited use pick axe (new or old) gives an advantage. The key word to the typically used definition of Pay to Win is “significant.”

Editied for clarity of thought.

Unlimited axe is P2W too.
Its accepted only cause they have no adventage with the efficience.

Ayrilana.1396:

Gold to gems and voila. You don’t have to spend real life money.

No, not voila.

I’ll ask again: Where in the game, aside from the gemstore, can you get a pick with that kind of bonus?

Please pay attention to the question.

Shasha.2548:

Unlimited axe is P2W too.
Its accepted only cause they have no adventage with the efficience.

That can be argued by the fact that I have been out gathering before and forgot to check my tools. Eventually mine broke and I had to stop what I was doing to go buy a new one. The unlimited use tools are more efficient.

No, its convenience : you dont have to worry about that.
You have the same amount for the same nod, that is efficience.

Chrispy.5641:

TChalla.7146:

Ayrilana.1396:

Waffler.1257:

Before people start arguing whether the pick is pay to win or not, you should probably define what “win” means. If “winning” gw2 means getting to max level, having best gear, and having the rarest items, then gw2 is already pay to win. Enter credit card, buy tons of gems, convert to gold, and buy legendary, buy materials to craft to lvl 80 in a few hours, buy full exotic armor, buy ascended mats to make ascended armor, buy all the super rare expensive skins to make your character look cool. These are the things most people are trying to accomplish as they spend countless hours playing the game, and you can accomplish them all easily by simply spending money.

You’re missing a key part of the definition on how that phrase originated. It was based on players spending real money to get items that put them at a significant advantage over other players who had no access to those items without spending real money as well.

The word I bolded in your definition is subjective. I don’t find it a significant advantage.

Here’s the question though. Does it give them a single advantage at all, no matter how big or small it is?

People are discounting Zealot armor way to quickly.

As it stands it currently is the 3rd highest dps set in game with the added viability of giving up very little dps and gaining a ton of support ability for those classes that have it.

I speculate this set after the large changing coming will make an even bigger mark.

It’s itemized amazingly well and the gear itself for certain classes or roles will become the go to gear set.

Mark my words on this….

Shasha.2548:

No, its convenience : you dont have to worry about that.

That is your opinion, which is where the “Pay to Win” definition is flawed. It is too open to opinion.

Gene Archer.8560:

brittitude.1983:

-snip for sake of space since my reply is short-

The solutions being suggested in this thread are no different than the last thread. The thread didn’t start to devolve (and I don’t think it devolved bad enough to warrant the closing to begin with) until a number of posters showed up and continued to either, willingly or otherwise, miss the point of the thread and continue to claim that the argument had to do just with sprockets, which they view as worthless.

Well, I modified my post. It seems this thread is being derailed from a discussion on the pick. I would like to see a thread with solutions rather than players raging against each other, but I doubt anything with “watchwork pick” in the subject will be constructive at this point.

Its P2W cause you dont have to spend money in other pickaxe, not cause you dont have to worry about that.
But you gain the same amount for the same nod, so its acceptable. Efficience is the same.

They try to expend the P2W content, and here we say no, its all. Convenience and cosmetic is the limit, Efficience is baned cause you can include to much thing in that, no open door.

Shasha.2548:

No, its convenience : you dont have to worry about that.
You have the same amount for the same nod, that is efficience.

Not if I have to stop what I’m doing and buy a new pick. The unlimited use pick has an OPS (ore per second) advantage, since I’d never have to stop to buy new picks. And there is also the fact that I never have to spend in game money to buy new tools. So it is more efficient over time.

So my point still stands. If this new pick is considered Pay to Win, then any unlimited use pick axe is Pay to Win.

As I mentioned in the previous thread:

To Moderators,
It has happened in the past that people who disagree with the stance of the topic creator on a subject will intentionally make comments specifically calling out employees and will attempt to derail the thread and make inflammatory comments for the sole purpose of getting the thread closed. This is quite evident in the previous thread to where it was closed instead of being moderated.

Instead of closing the thread, Moderators, please remove these individual posts (and infract where applicable) to allow the thread and the spirit of its discussion to continue.

As I mentioned, with a topic such as the one discussed in that now-closed thread, closing it will not end the discussion as many players have an interest in the outcome of this matter, thus many more threads are now springing up as a result of its closing.

Again, with this in mind, if a Moderator is scanning this thread, please judge and take action on individual posts based on their content and do not slam the doors on the entire thread due to these inappropriate few.

VincentDW.9376:

Since the previous massive thread on this topic was locked for being “inflammatory” in tone, let’s all make an effort to be non-inflammatory as we discuss this topic. To kick things off, I’ll reiterate the facts:

1) The watchwork mining pick is a best in slot item, as it produces more material when it mines than any other pick.
2) The watchwork mining pick is available only in the gem store.

Is this an appropriate addition to the gem store? My personal opinion is no; best in slot items do not belong in the gem store under any circumstances. As you reply, to add your opinions, please make an effort to keep the discussion calm and non-inflammatory.

Please note that we’re still waiting for confirmation on whether or not the new pick is, in fact, better than the previous. Because we don’t fully understand the mechanics of mining, be careful not to pass “assumptions” as “facts”.

TChalla.7146:

Shasha.2548:

No, its convenience : you dont have to worry about that.

That is your opinion, which is where the “Pay to Win” definition is flawed. It is too open to opinion.

I will go one step beyond the P2W argument.

With their current gem store practices they are loosing faith with their consumers and thus over the course of the game will cost them sales.

First the Berserker nerf which many people bought gems to convert to gold to make their ascended sets it now being changed. Good or bad – they still are no longer getting what they thought they purchased.

Now we are moving to mining nodes. Why bother buying infinite ones if you have no clue how much better or worse they may change them in the future.

Obviously – With this current change people who already spent money feel taken advantage.

I myself think I’m taking a long break spending anything with Anet for awhile as my trust in them is not exactly high atm due to the above reasons.

I edit at the same time you post, TChalla.

Gene Archer.8560:

Ayrilana.1396:

Gold to gems and voila. You don’t have to spend real life money.

No, not voila.

I’ll ask again: Where in the game, aside from the gemstore, can you get a pick with that kind of bonus?

Please pay attention to the question.

The gem store is in game. Whether you can get gems with gold or real money is irrelevant. Please pay attention to that fact.

StinVec.3621:

As I mentioned in the previous thread:

To Moderators,
It has happened in the past that people who disagree with the stance of the topic creator on a subject will intentionally make comments specifically calling out employees and will attempt to derail the thread and make inflammatory comments for the sole purpose of getting the thread closed. This is quite evident in the previous thread to where it was closed instead of being moderated.

Instead of closing the thread, Moderators, please remove these individual posts (and infract where applicable) to allow the thread and the spirit of its discussion to continue.

As I mentioned, with a topic such as the one discussed in that now-closed thread, closing it will not end the discussion as many players have an interest in the outcome of this matter, thus many more threads are now springing up as a result of its closing.

Again, with this in mind, if a Moderator is scanning this thread, please judge and take action on individual posts based on their content and do not slam the doors on the entire thread due to these inappropriate few.

This, and beware of the trolls. I was jumped upon by a few people that kept asking the same question repeatedly, even though it was not related to anything I said but only aimed at derailing the tread and causing intense frustration.

Ayrilana.1396:

The gem store is in game. Whether you can get gems with gold or real money is irrelevant. Please pay attention to that fact.

No, the gem store is auxiliary to the game. It’s a part of the game, but it’s not -in- the game.

Aside from that, you still have not told me where else in the game, aside from the gem store, which is a cash shop, I can get a pick that gives a specific bonus.

This is my reasoning.

“We need to get some more gem store sales because [reasons]. What do we do?”

“Well, what’s sold a lot of gems?”

“Unlimited gathering tools, maybe. But players basically only need to buy them once since we made them account bound.”

“Is there more potential here?”

“There could have been if they were still soulbound. We could always make them more attractive, but we’ve already done new skins.”

“If new skins aren’t enough, how can we sell more?”

“What about giving them a new use? Add an effect like swiftness, aegis, might. Or we could take one of those crafting materials we just introduced and incorporate them somehow.”

“Add sprockets. We haven’t used those in awhile.”

“Makes sense. Those could definitely sell some additional tools. But what about the unfair advantage to people without gems?”

“We could give the tool a small chance of actually harvesting the sprockets. Player’s get so little advantage they can’t possibly complain. Plus most people have their new node anyway.”

“Okay. Sounds good. Now, which tool should we use?”

“I think the pick makes the most sense…”

…

Yeah. I’m sure ArenaNet did this with the best of intentions, but I can’t imagine that they gave the playerbase’s reaction much thought. Maybe they were betting the 20% would limit the new tool enough? I don’t know. Seems a little weak to me.

Unless…unless their reason was further hampered because of some plans us players are still unaware of. Maybe they were working on incorporating a more universal method of gathering sprockets at the time? Perhaps that’s why they threw things together seemingly haphazardly. ArenaNet didn’t think it was an advantage in the first place because they plan on making new ways to get sprockets.

I’m not sure if giving players more opportunities to get sprockets (without spending gems or finishing achievements) would help the core issue of this matter, but it might temper some frustrations.

Honestly, my faith has been slightly jostled after this. For the meantime, I’ve replaced those bits of lost faith with hope, but developer clarification would not go unappreciated. I’d like to know their reasoning.

Edit:

“I’m not sure” = I can’t tell the future

“core issue” = advantage the tool gives

“temper frustrations” = compromise that doesn’t make everyone happy but sympathizes with ArenaNet’s reasons.

Just to avoid confusion.

It’s part of the game and accessed within the game. You can try to ignore that fact all that you want but it won’t change it. All gem store items are accessible by converting gold to gems. I know many people that do just that.

Azreell.1568:

TChalla.7146:

Shasha.2548:

No, its convenience : you dont have to worry about that.

That is your opinion, which is where the “Pay to Win” definition is flawed. It is too open to opinion.

I will go one step beyond the P2W argument.

With their current gem store practices they are loosing faith with their consumers and thus over the course of the game will cost them sales.

First the Berserker nerf which many people bought gems to convert to gold to make their ascended sets it now being changed. Good or bad – they still are no longer getting what they thought they purchased.

Now we are moving to mining nodes. Why bother buying infinite ones if you have no clue how much better or worse they may change them in the future.

Obviously – With this current change people who already spent money feel taken advantage.

I myself think I’m taking a long break spending anything with Anet for awhile as my trust in them is not exactly high atm due to the above reasons.

So either Anet is making customer relations mistakes one after another that will affect them in the long term

or

could it be that they don’t anticipate a long term, that they themselves have given up on the game and are making as many cash grabs as possible before everything goes poof?

I completely agree with StinVec.
Don’t close threads, moderate them instead.
Closing threads just gives people the wrong idea about your intentions.

That said.
My opinion is still the same as in the last thread.
The Watchwork Pick is a very bad idea.

1. It is a form of power creep which is not desireable since it makes players question if they really should buy things from the gem store or wait for the better item.
2. It can be considered as a form of Pay 2 Win since it adds a feature for gaining limited items that is only available through the gem store. (Currently worthless, sure, but the actual value is irrelevant. The point still exists.)
3. It goes against ANet’s initial idea about the game not having power creep or pay 2 win options.
4. It sets the foundation for a new generation of more of this kind of item. If this item is accepted, more will come.

I say either remove the bonus feature on the watchwork pick. Take it down, remove the bonus, put it up and let people request their money back if they don’t like the new basic version of it.
Or include this as a standard permanent feature in the game on a new set of gathering tools that you can buy from merchants and then include the feature in the already existing infinite tools. All new such features should be added to existing infinite tools in that case.

No powercreep and no advantages bought in the gem store, thank you.

Fungalfoot.7213:

Most likely the reskinned picks didn’t sell all that well so they decided to up the ante. Just another bad decision.

I also wouldn’t expect a reply as there really is no winning for them here. They know what they’ve done and they have the choice of either going with it or undoing it and right now undoing it would be very complicated.

I might have considered purchasing previous ones had they been made available as sets; i.e. molten pick, axe and scythe/sickle. I don’t want random ones that are all different, I want a themed set and not a molten pick, a steam axe and a jack-in-the-box clown sickle. A molten 3-pack I would have bought, but now I would not even buy that with this new direction of new editions making previous versions obsolete in functionality.

I think a good fix to all this is for them to
1. apply this same feature to all unlimited picks, which gives them a small chance at sprocket, quartz crystal, or candy cane, and any other thing they decided to introduce in the future…
2. create a new in game pick “Ancient Orichalcum Infused Pick” for a couple more silver or an option to purchase with laurels or karma.

Done. We’ve fixed it! How easy…

Lord Kuru.3685:

Azreell.1568:

TChalla.7146:

Shasha.2548:

No, its convenience : you dont have to worry about that.

That is your opinion, which is where the “Pay to Win” definition is flawed. It is too open to opinion.

I will go one step beyond the P2W argument.

With their current gem store practices they are loosing faith with their consumers and thus over the course of the game will cost them sales.

First the Berserker nerf which many people bought gems to convert to gold to make their ascended sets it now being changed. Good or bad – they still are no longer getting what they thought they purchased.

Now we are moving to mining nodes. Why bother buying infinite ones if you have no clue how much better or worse they may change them in the future.

Obviously – With this current change people who already spent money feel taken advantage.

I myself think I’m taking a long break spending anything with Anet for awhile as my trust in them is not exactly high atm due to the above reasons.

So either Anet is making customer relations mistakes one after another that will affect them in the long term

or

could it be that they don’t anticipate a long term, that they themselves have given up on the game and are making as many cash grabs as possible before everything goes poof?

2013 Q3 box sales and Gem store sales were down 25% according to many financial reports which all of you can easily look up.

That could explain a lot.

In my eyes the pick is simply p2w giving someone a advantage over others is not ok. I agree the sprockets are meaningless. What happens in a few months when they decided to add something meaningful thats p2w into the Cash Shop. Maybe a precursor drop modifier or a modified salvage-o-matic that gives a increase ecto return rates. Maybe at that point people will finally understand the purpose of this thread and its overall outrage.

I will say it again that I am getting really disheartened by Arena.net as a company. I have heard some people say the true problem is NCSoft. I am sorry but I don’t buy that. I feel everyone’s is responsibly for there own actions.