Earth on Scepter.
I like using two daggers, one to stack 25 Corruption, and one to switch to bursting (which is +6%, not +6). Makes good times.
DR on Karma now too? Interesting. Sounds like DR. I’d wait a while and get back to it. Also, one of the most efficient ways to do karma is by completing fractals at a level lower than your personal level. Assuming of course you’re into fractals
Whether or not the vocal minority exists in the forums or not, the fact remains that the forum is where the feedback comes from. Saying feedback here doesn’t matter because it’s only a small sample of the population is invalid, especially when the development team is literally asking for our feedback here as we speak, in the thread above this one.
1) condition damage/bleed stack
2) RNG based exclusives
3) build viability beyond damage roles
So you don’t think that if a process is accepted as unreasonable that people should give feedback as to why it is unreasonable? I think ANet would like to hear what is not working. I doubt their response would be quite like yours. “Well then don’t do it” is not a good answer. Especially for time restricted content
It’s a complaint because ANet has made it a goal, and one that seems accepted as unreasonable. You seem to be making the case that they designed this bag to prove how irrational it is to work for it. That isn’t the case.
I understand that completely, but as recent developer communication has proved, there is a place for feedback and this is it. Like I said, this is what we have access to, what we have relative power in.
A developer saying “please give constructive feedback in X threads” is a thing that happened recently. If be very surprised and would probably stop coming to the forums if they said “well post here for feedback but since there are so few players posting we won’t really consider it”
When I say most players, I am talking about most that post here. No one can argue that the forums are plagued with negativity.
Obviously the situation is different for content that will remain in the game, but considering you wot always be able to farm candy corn, it’s unreasonable.
I don’t think I’m speaking on behalf of the entire player base, I’m taking examples that are used every day in the forums. And like another poster said, we will either agree or not – all feedback is subjective, but they still ask for it. That’s how collaboration works.
Also, you’re missing the point as Far as the bag is concerned. Rewards should be obtainable by playing the game at a casual pace. Playing the game to get a reward that is specific to this event should be totally possible for people with limited play time without having to go outside of the event and use other methods to acquire it. I don’t think buying candy from the auction house is an acceptable alternative for those that want to gain the rewards by participating in the content, and at current rates, it is unlikely that a casual player will achieve that.
The argument about forums being the vocal minority is not a good one, considering this is where the feedback is. It’s also the feedback that we have access to. We don’t know what data they collect.
As far as using this event as an indicator of collaborative development, you are right -it was a failure on my behalf to recognize time frames.
My argument still stands, though. There are core deficiencies that have been problematic for players from the beginning. Casual friendly is true, and I agree that the most dedicated players should be the most rewarded, but the question is, does accepting the bare minimum in terms of rewards equate to playing the game normally to get what you want?
Aside from rewards, problems such as build effectiveness and viability continue to persist, skill balance is always a topic, time gates are a big issue, and WvW issues pop up often. It’s obvious that any game will have its share of problems but a lot of the ones that fit these categories continuously receive feedback an continuously go unchanged.
Look there’s no reason to get upset, I think I presented my case in a way that provides enough explanation for what I’m trying to convey. Just because you disagree with it doesn’t invalidate it. I understand what you’re saying. Of course the game shouldn’t swing to whatever mood the forums are in.
You also have to realize that there are tons of players who are upset at the direction of the game, an honestly it all goes back to the manifesto – the game’s marketing strategy. People feel cheated because game design that was said to follow through never did.
Now I’m not here to make a case abou the manifesto – take it for what it is. I am however here to point out that there is a lot of similar feedback in the forums about very specific issues that are left unaddressed.
Also, not wanting to farm 10,000 of an item is not being lazy.
Actually this has nothing to do with an individual and the rewards an individual wants. I have everything I was after. What it is, is a critique on the desire for a collaborative process and the talk of certain game design, but the lack of implemented game design reflecting the desire to follow through with collaboration.
I think you’re missing the point.
This is true, and I expect great things from the story, but such a poor reception leaves a bad flavor for the rest of the event.
When posts are made by team members expressing the importance of collaborative design, communication, and constructive feedback, then yes, we are owed something for our feedback.
Has anyone translated the text on the new Halloween shield?
I can’t post right now, but look at the interview with Mattvisual at PAX. Also, the problem isn’t necessarily that cosmetics exist in the gem store, it’s that rewards linked specifically to an ongoing event, especially one as vital as living story, are. My main case is the fact that this year, unless you do insane grind or spend money on Black Lion, you will not have access I hallowed specific rewards. Both methods discourage playing the game traditionally, whereas last year, you could acquire at least three of the skins through playing the game and gathering a reasonable amount of materials.
Also, it is unrealistic to compare GW1 rewards to GW2 rewards.
This is all good. It seems what players want most is the reasoning behind doing what they do, not necessarily for everything to be changed at every disagreement.
I think they add more clutter than normal floaters. The numbers weren’t anywhere near as intrusive as the new colorful graphics.
Does anyone else have a case to make in favor of or against the new Halloween event?
There has been a massive outreach lately by developers in an effort to bring the amount of forum misconduct and abuse to an end. I appreciate the sentiment as I frequent the forums often and try to be helpful when I can, and critical when necessary.
I am not attempting to justify the insanity that takes place here so often, but I think the frustration that evolves into flaming is so evident that current systems in the game need to be looked at. The biggest disappointment as of late is the reward system for the holiday event.
I wrote about this in a post on the Halloween sub, but I want to use it again as it is a great example of current systems not living up to design paradigm.
In a recent interview at PAX, a developer spoke passionately about how they strive to implement anti-grind rewards, and how playing the game at a normal pace should be enough to gain the player the rewards they want.
This halloween event completely shades that line of thought. You cannot receive the new rewards by normally participating in the Halloween event at an even pace, because they are locked in RNG boxes. This is not an attempt to call out the development staff. It is a legitimate question, that, given the tone set in the short segment of the interview, as well as the recent strive for collaborative development, deserves attention so that players can begin to understand the path Guild Wars 2 will continue traveling. -
How do RNG based, gem-store exclusive rewards fit the philosophy of normal play being the most rewarding method of acquisition?
Story
Another issue that players have been speaking on is the fact that the story’s progression is locked behind achievements. This would be understandable if the achievements weren’t so unidentifiable with the story. The Achievements are consistent with normal festive achievements, but now that the Living Story content is making its way into annual festivities, the holiday itself is compromised by content that was controversial from day one. The argument has been made many times that the living story was not received well by many players, and is still receiving negative reception (at least on the forums) and yet every aspect of the game is beginning to have integration into this story (as seen by the addition of a permanent dungeon path). As a fan of Guild Wars lore, it is very confusing to follow the path of the story when holidays are made part of the story arc – obviously a story must be cohesive, and the writers are aware of that (as seen by the Scarlet arc), but I can’t fathom how holiday events can be believably and linearly placed within the current GW2 story setting. It makes for a very awkward story, especially when seemingly random arcs are implemented (Tequatl).
With the addition of holidays into the melting pot of living story, I feel it diminishes the value of the annual events.
Further Thoughts
Lately, there has been a lot of reinforcement of forum etiquette, and not without reason. Although, if design implementation conflicts with design integrity, it is difficult to find the words to express criticism without fear of treading on thin ice. What I mean by this, is that if players are to be held accountable for their feedback, it is only fair that developers are held accountable for their actions. I mentioned earlier the interview with a staff member in which he said that players should feel as if playing the game is enough to get them the rewards they seek. The current Halloween weapons are a perfect example of that process failing. I am not calling out the development team, as I said I personally love the event (story wise) but I am calling out the system which was chosen to deliver rewards for one of Tyria’s most favored events.
I hope that I did not cross any lines, or speak out of place. I don’t mean to speak for an entire community but I think it’s important to have perspective as to where the negativity is coming from.
Halloween by far is my favorite event in the Guild Wars universe. The Mad King is brilliant and the new addition of his son this year is a very welcomed addition. Kudos to the writing team for putting together such a masterpiece. And this is only 2 days in!
That being said, there is a lot of negative response about this years event, particularly in comparison to last years. From the events, to the achievements, to the rewards, it’s certainly tiring and greatly discouraging reading thread upon thread of Halloween hate.
Rewards
I was surprised by the methods of acquisition for the Halloween weapons this year. RNG and fairy tale grinds. It was baffling and honestly I wasn’t mad or upset or stressed out – just confused as to why this method was preferred over Last year’s. I had planned on spending this year’s event building The Crossing, but after seeing the recipe requirements I decided against it and dropped all my gold on the item outright.
I understand this is an option for few, and it is really something I shouldn’t even have done – I was saving that money for the Tailoring ascension. This brings me to my next point.
Lately there has been a pattern of content that forces the player to play one way or another. This current living story is the most prolific example. Many players are anxious for festive events because they bring some of the best skin rewards in the game to a wide variety of people. Many were looking forward this year to achieving one of last year’s skins. What we see now, are significantly less available skins, complete removal (as of yet) of particular popular skins, and other popular skins becoming locked behind an unrealistic materials grind.
As per usual, most feedback is coming from the rewards and the current grind for three particular weapon skins. This year, the recipes are locked behind a grind that essentially requires massive amounts of time and gold, as you are unlikely to farm all of the materials yourself. Last year these skins were quite available if you were willing to put in the effort. Recently, there was an interview (PAX) in which a developer stated that rewards should be acquired through playing the game, and that players should not have to deviate from their fun to acquire rewards – many feel that RNG boxes, especially those containing event-specific items, defeat the entire purpose of this paradigm.
Not only that, but the new skins are not even able to be acquired through playing the new content. They are locked in RNG boxes. A method of acquisition that players regularly speak against.
Just keep in mind that all the naysayers are obviously still playing
To answer OP, yes. GW1 costume skin were wildly popular. Towards the end of the game, you were likely to see costumes more often than actual armor. These were direct purchases, no RNG involved.
It’s likely because the game and forums are more populated, simply. Also people now have a bar to compare this event to. I’m sure if last year was the second Halloween event there would be equal dissatisfaction.
Also, the rewards. The weapon skins last year were quite obtainable if you put the effort in. This year they are locked behind fairy tale grinds and RNG. Along with that, the actual story is locked behind achievements rather than being a fun tag-along drama.
Personally, the content is fine. I’m 11/13 on the meta and enjoy the story thus far. The problem is, however, that rather than being a flowing, festive activity, it feels like you have to make a choice in the content you participate in. Do you spend every hour grinding away for an old weapon? Do you break bank looking to get a new weapon? Do you push through the grind fest achievements to progress the story?
There is a separation between the story and the festivities that didn’t exist last year and that’s the only gripe I have with the new holiday. I wonder if the idea to combine living Story with annual holiday events is a bad idea.
Greetings!
Julie Nathanson is the voice actor for Tassi.
Here’s a reply on behalf of one of our writers about the Halloween content.
John Ryan, WriterI also did write the Dead Stop shield inscription. Well, you could say transcribed it from a certain regent cackling over my shoulder.
What’s the translation?
Trying to Join SoloQ and I keep receiving a message telling me GW2 has been updated, please relaunch. Have done it, I’m all patched up. What gives?
Is it only possible to get the door achievement in the Labyrinth this year?
In regards to obtaining the new converted items needed in the crafting: Sonders the Seller will be available to upgrade your materials until Nov 12th.
Can you address this decision?
(edited by Moderator)
2g a stack and falling for candy corn
They are. Just give people some time to get them. I have the GS skin and it is able to be sold
No way, look at prices.
Yes
Is this for real? 100,000 materials? No grind, huh? Amazing.
This is absurd, I’m beyond disappointed. I was really looking forward to making that staff this year. Oh well.
Oh thank god i have the gift of souls recipe already and the material requirements for it hasnt changed.
I read the description of the “Tyria’s Best Nougat Centers” and got scared when it said “Used in the creation of Gift of Souls”, so i thought i need them to make the gift.
The original recipes are disabled
Thanks again!
Thanks Durdend, I’m planning on trying out all of these builds soon.
Zelyhn, what traits are you using in your 0/30/0/30/10?
Art/Animation
Developmer communication
Random world dialogue
Jumping(not puzzles, just jumping)
Combat
Sylvari
Asura
It may resurface when Rox/Braham are involved in a living story plot.
Thanks everyone, I’m looking forward to this class.
Lornar’s Pass
Thanks guys, very helpful. I’ll probably be unloading tons of questions here throughout the day while I’m at work. It looks like I won’t be in Water Attunement much in D/F. Am I misreading? Also there seemed to be some disagreement on the viability of Lightning Hammer with D/F. Are there any significant circumstances where it will be desired over Lightning Whip?
Funny I was reading that guide actually while waiting for my post to get some attention. Guess I am on the right track
I’m interested in D/F after reading, it seems fun. I’m going from playing exclusively boring Necro to this Ele, and I was considering crafting to level but then as I read some more I figured I should probably play through so I can learn it a bit. I’ll probably still wind up crafting though.
So as far as I understand the D/F guide, I stay in Air unless I’m blasting/defending/cleansing?
What healing skill is recommended for general play?
Also, how is FGS played? is it auto attack and skills on CD or are there skills that are generally avoided?
I’m leveling an elementalist for PvE (after retiring necro to WvW) and am curious as to the direction I should take. I visit these forums and the class forums regularly to learn.
So at this point a lot of the names I try to make for my characters are taken, and it takes me forever to finally find one. Then, as I am trying, I get “character creation limit exceeded”
Can we get rid of that error? Anyone else have this issue?
Because it was done all through GW1