Elitist Jerks - View Single Post - WoW: The RNG (Random Number Generator) eSport?

heemo · 07/30/08, 6:32 PM

I think the sole reason that Blizzard's design philosophy has been to maintain random elements even in the competitive aspects of the game is marketability. Everyone but the elite is content with a slightly random playing field if it means that the little guy can occasionally beat the big guy. I think most(all) unbiased watchers were pleased to see GGE knock off SK in MLG SD. People love to cheer for the underdog, especially if they are the underdog. The biggest difference between WoW and RL sports is in WoW, the fans are the players.

I do find it somewhat objectionable that Blizzard clearly (at least to this point) has strongly encouraged the luck element - through resist talents and other random game mechanics. Hopefully over time we see these things moderated to some degree as random elements are moderated in pro sports. Ultimately, I think that's the key to this whole debacle - balance and moderation, not extremes. No, I don't think anyone wants to do away with every single resist, miss and crit, but I do think some of those things need to see some adjustments.

On the topic of the randomizing of "powerful" abilities - if they are too powerful, tone them down. Don't make them uncontrollable and/or unreliable - that just frustrates everyone on both sides. I'd be much happier with a 4 second spell lock on an RMP mage 100% of the time rather than a 5 second spell lock 80% of the time - if spell lock being overpowered is even really up for debate. It's more likely that spell resistance's effect on a crucial pet ability was initially overlooked and simply isn't on the developers' shortlist of things to address - like a lot of the game's similar flaws and imbalances.

As to the comment about pro players not complaining about RNG: seriously? Have you ever read or watched a single interview with one of them where the interviewer asked what they would change about WoW if the could change one thing? If someone took the time, they could post a pretty convincing montage of pro quotes on the subject to disqualify that statement.

07/30/08, 6:32 PM	#135 (permalink)
heemo Glass Joe Grunge Gnome Warlock <nerd craft> Magtheridon	I think the sole reason that Blizzard's design philosophy has been to maintain random elements even in the competitive aspects of the game is marketability. Everyone but the elite is content with a slightly random playing field if it means that the little guy can occasionally beat the big guy. I think most(all) unbiased watchers were pleased to see GGE knock off SK in MLG SD. People love to cheer for the underdog, especially if they are the underdog. The biggest difference between WoW and RL sports is in WoW, the fans are the players. I do find it somewhat objectionable that Blizzard clearly (at least to this point) has strongly encouraged the luck element - through resist talents and other random game mechanics. Hopefully over time we see these things moderated to some degree as random elements are moderated in pro sports. Ultimately, I think that's the key to this whole debacle - balance and moderation, not extremes. No, I don't think anyone wants to do away with every single resist, miss and crit, but I do think some of those things need to see some adjustments. On the topic of the randomizing of "powerful" abilities - if they are too powerful, tone them down. Don't make them uncontrollable and/or unreliable - that just frustrates everyone on both sides. I'd be much happier with a 4 second spell lock on an RMP mage 100% of the time rather than a 5 second spell lock 80% of the time - if spell lock being overpowered is even really up for debate. It's more likely that spell resistance's effect on a crucial pet ability was initially overlooked and simply isn't on the developers' shortlist of things to address - like a lot of the game's similar flaws and imbalances. As to the comment about pro players not complaining about RNG: seriously? Have you ever read or watched a single interview with one of them where the interviewer asked what they would change about WoW if the could change one thing? If someone took the time, they could post a pretty convincing montage of pro quotes on the subject to disqualify that statement.