Lilith wrote: ↑18 Jun 2022 03:27
why not just have an "options see numbers on/off" or something similar, to level the playing field, clear up misconceptions, and make sure that everyone has access to the same information in a sanctioned way?
Let me start by saying this isn't the worst of ideas, and I know -I- would love being able to base my min-maxing on actual facts. That said, currently I rely on information gathered over two and a half decades of researching, fraternizing and testing, and believe it or not - this holds actual value today. I'd actually feel robbed if made.. well, trivial!
Recently many changes have been made to make the game easier and more approachable for new players. While I applaud these initiatives, they come with ill side-effects too, and I want to highlight the devaluation of experience. An example here is the dude in palanthas that enables total re-distribution of stats. A good idea, and certainly a time-saver, but also a quick and dirty way to jump between guilds with previously unknown ease. I mean damn, having died down to extremely pacifistic and really put in the work towards recovery used to be a badge of honour and neccessary cost in order to go from one class to another. Actual work has value too!
I think the game would be poorer If you enable "options see numbers on/off" because it would serve to severely diminish the value of experience. Sure, there's the argument that it would make certain skills obsolete (see also some guilds lose a little value), but I think this is dwarfed compared to the abovementioned.
Quantum wrote: ↑01 Jul 2022 18:05
.. while we're at it, options pvp on/off. Those who want to pvp can still do it and jump each other whenever they want to. And everyone else can just not be part of that.
Make the game more flexible and tailored to what people like?
First of all, Genesis has always had pvp. It had pvp when you started playing, and the moment you fell in love with the game it had pvp too. You're suggesting turning Genesis into a different game altogether. There's a better solution: Find another game to play.
Quantum in the future wrote:
"But Nils, I suggested we make it electable!"
Yes, but it would effectively end pvp. How, you say?
That's a longer answer, but let me give it a go.
I've always loved the fact that not only does pvp exist, it is also really punishing. I'll openly admit that I can take perverse enjoyment from other people's misery in a game. Schadenfreude, baby! This places me firmly in Bartle's "Killer"-category, and since there's an actual name for this gamer personality, I'm certainly not special for being it. Every game has them - deal with it.
That said I don't miss the old days of pre-recovery one bit. A death would be years lost today. Unfair, period.
Moving on. If a player wants to act like a dick, there's nothing stopping him from harassing, being all together obnoxious and really hone the skill of asshattery. With "pvp off" he is completely safe from retribution. And that's just his or her words, what about actions?
Kill the Rider and enjoy the FBB with "pvp off", knowing full well the Mages can't touch you.
Go bare-bones with your scripts. Kill steal from anyone. "pvp off" becomes your bubble of safety! Not a worry in the world.
Join thieves or worse - become a kender, and rob people 24/7. Caught? Pfft, pvp off!
Feeling like raiding a guild? "pvp off" and slay to your hearts' content, free from consequence.
See, the fact that Genesis has pvp is also it's governing attribute. It positively regulates behaviour and distributes consequences/punishment without engaging the developers or administration when someone fails to.. well, human. It keeps (most) people on their best behaviour. Is it perfect? Not even a little. This is where I want to draw on reality (unlike when discussing game mechanics) and say the world has never been fair either. In this sense, genesis is a pretty good real life simulator in its present state.
Something tells me you didn't think this through at all.
No, there are good ideas and there's "pvp off".
Here's a free tip to avoid conflict: "Don't be a dick!"