Helpers generally go around and collect suggestions and bug reports to be submitted to the devs to fix.
What we don’t have is a player team dedicated to collect, analyze, respond to and submit balance suggestions.
So… Can we have one?
The general criteria for those shall be:
That they’ve played this game for an extended period
That they fully understand the mechanics of the game, including the hidden stats
That they have completely grinded out all the campaigns
That they possess the in-game skill necessary to prove their knowledge and competency
That they are capable of explaining and discussing these mechanics in a concise and formal manner
That they’ve made made several purchases of premium currency or items from the gaijin store
The latter is included because they actually have a financial stake, and are responsible for actually keeping the game running. And no- Premium squads do not magically grant you amazing stats.
Honestly I think this is a good idea, but should be a group of that pull the suggestions and actually discuss them, before then handing them off to the dev team.
Preferably those of us that can organize our thoughts in an intelligent manner rather than just yelling the same thing over and over like a toddler.
------>It can be done right here on the forums, split as another tab like “suggestions, mess room, news, etc”.
Those that have shown they are capable of holding good conversations about balancing, WITHOUT ANY KIND OF TROLLING, would be added to the list and be able to participate in the discussions. MEANWHILE those that are NOT on that list can still READ the discussions, and add “likes” to comments, but cannot post themselves.
I think this would be the most balanced way to have this implemented, allows for players to see proposed changes in a transparent way, and add likes to the ideas they like in a more refined manner. @EdVanSchleck does this sound reasonable to you?
But they’re supposed to release a test branch server, before making big final updates official. Every player (with a pc) will be free to try the test builds and give their feedback.
Hopefully if the feedback is acknowledged by the majority, devs will take notice… I’m hopeful at least. Because the new economy especially must NOT be released WITHOUT extensive testing…
There’s also a very important criteria you forgot for those supposed to give feedback. All the criterion mentioned only take into account us: veterans who bough many premiums and already unlocked everything.
Our feedback, and the feedback of the alphas must not be the only feedback taken into account, because economy is irrelevant for us; many said “meh I unlocked everything, new prices are fine.” When in truth, they are not, if we consider new players, OR f2p players.
I hope new test servers will help create a better game for everyone, newcomers and f2p players included. Not just us, the 5%.
That’s why whenever I make my argument when x or y is expensive, I put it up next to the rates one would acquire currency, and to put things to perspective, how much experience it takes to max a campaign.
I also like to think that anyone with half a mind to discuss economy changes, having maxed everything out, would be well aware of how particularly grindy the game currently is would appreciate differences in how sooner or later players get more competitive gear.
At that point, I’d argue what even would be the point of a dedicated alpha test team if everyone ends up playtesting.
You know as well as I do, that you grossly overestimate the average player’s common sense (or empathy towards newcomers).
As for the alphas, I think they’re here expressly to find out bugs in quick updates. Having a test branch for each of those would greatly delay releases, and we also both know how impatient the community is…
The last thing we need is an elitist entitled group of gamers thinking their opinions on game balance is superior because they play the longest or paid the most money and now they have a small bit of power in decision making.
I’m strongly against this idea, it always goes badly
It’s a fair point you bring into this discussion, but a player is a player. A issue is a issue at the end of the day.
Same as a suggestion. All must be considered if, our objective is to trully make the game better.
Alot over the past has been done over our (as players) suggestions ideas or reports. We are the ones playing the game. And I m sure, all of us want the game to be better, not one sided because I payed a b or c value over any other.
There’s a difference between “recognizing an issue” and “having the practical skill to prove it”.
More than anything, their own statistics prove that their opinions have turned into a commitment- And the ability to recognize how you can game those statistics in practice shows your knowledge as a player.
Even further, the fact that the in-game statcards on weapons do not necessarily reflect their actual performance due to hidden factors muddles balancing discussions between those aware of the issue, and those arguing in good faith using those same misleading numbers- Which distracts from more pressing concerns.
You may think it’s a bad thing, but the reality is that the common player neither knows nor cares about the nitty gritty details that make their game tic, up until it becomes a genuine issue when those with the knowledge start to abuse them en masse.
Take, for example, the flamethrower bug that permitted paratroopers outside of the event reward squad to equip flamethrowers, and the implications it had in the Normandy and the Pacific campaigns.
Maybe it’s just my opinion, but that gold badge changed you fundamentally. You became like a person who turned to politics. A lot of enthusiasm and maximalism - and now only an official pose and correct propaganda. Don’t be afraid to be yourself, they (devs) won’t take this status away from you anyway. You are one of the veterans.
