Originally posted by xpiher

Originally posted by Anaba77

Well, this guy is talking about no treadmill and that new gear will be available from more content (new and old) so it doesn't feel a grind.

For me that's an answer and tbh I hate it when ppl whine before content is released.

 

/my 2 cents

I don't care about the content. I care if there will be new gear after ascended that will be required to do future content. And it doesn't answer anything because 

 

" We are also working on other reward and progression systems for the game that tie into current and new content and features." 

This could mean anything! It could mean more gear, it could be Ascended armor with future upgrades that can placed into that slot. I want to know what they exactly plan! 

And like my edit says. ITS NOT ABOUT THE CONTENT.  I care about direction!

What would make any new gear "required " in order to complete new content? Your own mind? I don't believe there's a game mechanic that checks your armor to see if it's top end before letting you in to play that content... I think this is more of a need to keep up with the joneses, which is a personal flaw, and not a game flaw.

If you think others won't let you group with them because of your gear, then group with like minded players that already have the same gear as you, there are apparently enough of you out there. Play the contents as if that armor/weapon doesn't exist and take as long is it would have taken you to kill those stronger mobs, and take as much damage as you would have IF that other gear didn't exist.

Originally posted by Vorthanion

Originally posted by Gaia_Hunter

And who exactly are the type of people to do betas?  That's why ou do the polls at the release of a game in order to get a wider cross section of the player base which would give developers a better way to determine the game's future direction and verify if your audience likes the current direction or choose a new one based on broad consensus with development filters of course.

In this case people that pre-purchased the game.

Originally posted by Emeraq

Originally posted by xpiher

Originally posted by Anaba77

Well, this guy is talking about no treadmill and that new gear will be available from more content (new and old) so it doesn't feel a grind.

For me that's an answer and tbh I hate it when ppl whine before content is released.

 

/my 2 cents

I don't care about the content. I care if there will be new gear after ascended that will be required to do future content. And it doesn't answer anything because 

 

" We are also working on other reward and progression systems for the game that tie into current and new content and features." 

This could mean anything! It could mean more gear, it could be Ascended armor with future upgrades that can placed into that slot. I want to know what they exactly plan! 

And like my edit says. ITS NOT ABOUT THE CONTENT.  I care about direction!

What would make any new gear "required " in order to complete new content? Your own mind? I don't believe there's a game mechanic that checks your armor to see if it's top end before letting you in to play that content... I think this is more of a need to keep up with the joneses, which is a personal flaw, and not a game flaw.

If you think others won't let you group with them because of your gear, then group with like minded players that already have the same gear as you, there are apparently enough of you out there. Play the contents as if that armor/weapon doesn't exist and take as long is it would have taken you to kill those stronger mobs, and take as much damage as you would have IF that other gear didn't exist.

Originally posted by Gaia_Hunter

Originally posted by Emeraq

Originally posted by xpiher

Originally posted by Anaba77

Well, this guy is talking about no treadmill and that new gear will be available from more content (new and old) so it doesn't feel a grind.

For me that's an answer and tbh I hate it when ppl whine before content is released.

 

/my 2 cents

I don't care about the content. I care if there will be new gear after ascended that will be required to do future content. And it doesn't answer anything because 

 

" We are also working on other reward and progression systems for the game that tie into current and new content and features." 

This could mean anything! It could mean more gear, it could be Ascended armor with future upgrades that can placed into that slot. I want to know what they exactly plan! 

And like my edit says. ITS NOT ABOUT THE CONTENT.  I care about direction!

What would make any new gear "required " in order to complete new content? Your own mind? I don't believe there's a game mechanic that checks your armor to see if it's top end before letting you in to play that content... I think this is more of a need to keep up with the joneses, which is a personal flaw, and not a game flaw.

If you think others won't let you group with them because of your gear, then group with like minded players that already have the same gear as you, there are apparently enough of you out there. Play the contents as if that armor/weapon doesn't exist and take as long is it would have taken you to kill those stronger mobs, and take as much damage as you would have IF that other gear didn't exist.

 

"New Condition: Agony

In the upcoming Fractals of the Mists dungeon, we’ll introduce a new monster condition called Agony.

This extremely dangerous condition ticks percentages of player health away and can’t be cleansed by normal means. Players who wish to delve deep into the Fractals will find that Agony makes progress increasingly difficult, until they reach the point where some defense against this condition is a must. The only way to mitigate Agony damage is by building up resistance through Infusions, a new type of upgrade component that can be acquired in the Mystic Forge."  I stand corrected, and will agree that if they do not add infusion slots to exotic gear, that they are in fact making new content that is not playable without acquiring the new gear... I wonder though did they indicate the content absolutely, positively could NOT be completed without this gear?; perhaps they anticipate a group of good players can get through the content fast enough to survive?

We can discuss what is optional content, what isn't, whatever.

But lets not pretend that:

a) Not using max stats is gimping yourself. Anet also knows that, that is why in sPvP everyone starts with everything available (actually an improvement over GW1); I am currently in gear 6 levels below my character level, so I completley understand that I'm gimped, but I'm not crying about it, I'll do something about it but on my own terms. If new gear didn't exist in PVE and the mobs grew stronger with new content naturally you'd be weaker compared to the new mobs (even in current top end gear), so  isn't it completely normal to want an edge? If new gear didn't exist would these same players that like their current exotic gear being top end start crying for changes? Would they be crying for them to either gimp the new mobs because they are too powerful, or would they cry for an improvement in gear (either their current gear or a new tier)? Agony aside, It seems to me that the issue remains in the players mind and the need to have the best.... Armor/weapon progression exists from character level 1-80, if 80 is to remain max level for us but mobs continue to grow stronger say level 100+ comparitively, won't we want something to offset that?

b) That they didn't say that they will be introducing mechanisms that will hamper progression once you inside the content.  From what you linked above, yes I gather your progress would be hampered but many players are saying MMO's now-a-days are too easy, so this hampering could be an added degree of difficulty... but my question about whether they indicated it absolutely could NOT be completed without the gear stands.. I didn't read that in the above text, and I'm searching the web for answers.

 

Love the first comment. If what they are added is an 'expansion  pack worth of content' then holy crap, those are tiny expansion packs. XD

Anet Redrick asside, I really don't see where they are getting how it really dispells what everyone isn't happy about. I'm one for earning loot mind you, but taking a stance from a person who isn't about working to earn something (aka a sense of accomplishment) it just feels a bit lack luster and more so a "We are adding it no matter if you like it or not, and its going to involve grinding" which to be fair, is what keeps people involved. Its going to be the same farming you have been doing (grinding for cash) but just involving more specific and new content. 

Again, I'm the type that feels like working for gear helps build a sense of achievement, so I'm for that change (granted I'll admit I have 0 plans of playing the game ever again) but as for an answer, while its nice to hear from them, it seemed to mostly push redrick and just push them off in a 'its not going to make you that much better' argument that people will likely just not like considering how bipolar it can be where it 'exists fully or exists not at all' (which btw, it EXISTS RIGHT NOW). I get people like to get all of the gear and be done, but really then what? My only issue is the WvW advantage it could give for having it, outside that it at least has something to work for in pve

Originally posted by Emeraq

Originally posted by Gaia_Hunter

Originally posted by Emeraq

Originally posted by xpiher

Originally posted by Anaba77

Well, this guy is talking about no treadmill and that new gear will be available from more content (new and old) so it doesn't feel a grind.

For me that's an answer and tbh I hate it when ppl whine before content is released.

 

/my 2 cents

I don't care about the content. I care if there will be new gear after ascended that will be required to do future content. And it doesn't answer anything because 

 

" We are also working on other reward and progression systems for the game that tie into current and new content and features." 

This could mean anything! It could mean more gear, it could be Ascended armor with future upgrades that can placed into that slot. I want to know what they exactly plan! 

And like my edit says. ITS NOT ABOUT THE CONTENT.  I care about direction!

What would make any new gear "required " in order to complete new content? Your own mind? I don't believe there's a game mechanic that checks your armor to see if it's top end before letting you in to play that content... I think this is more of a need to keep up with the joneses, which is a personal flaw, and not a game flaw.

If you think others won't let you group with them because of your gear, then group with like minded players that already have the same gear as you, there are apparently enough of you out there. Play the contents as if that armor/weapon doesn't exist and take as long is it would have taken you to kill those stronger mobs, and take as much damage as you would have IF that other gear didn't exist.

 

"New Condition: Agony

In the upcoming Fractals of the Mists dungeon, we’ll introduce a new monster condition called Agony.

This extremely dangerous condition ticks percentages of player health away and can’t be cleansed by normal means. Players who wish to delve deep into the Fractals will find that Agony makes progress increasingly difficult, until they reach the point where some defense against this condition is a must. The only way to mitigate Agony damage is by building up resistance through Infusions, a new type of upgrade component that can be acquired in the Mystic Forge."  I stand corrected, and will agree that if they do not add infusion slots to exotic gear, that they are in fact making new content that is not playable without acquiring the new gear... I wonder though did they indicate the content absolutely, positively could NOT be completed without this gear?; perhaps they anticipate a group of good players can get through the content fast enough to survive?7

We can discuss what is optional content, what isn't, whatever.

But lets not pretend that:

a) Not using max stats is gimping yourself. Anet also knows that, that is why in sPvP everyone starts with everything available (actually an improvement over GW1); I am currently in gear 6 levels below my character level, so I completley understand that I'm gimped, but I'm not crying about it, I'll do something about it but on my own terms. If new gear didn't exist in PVE and the mobs grew stronger with new content naturally you'd be weaker compared to the new mobs (even in current top end gear), so  isn't it completely normal to want an edge? If new gear didn't exist would these same players that like their current exotic gear being top end start crying for changes? Would they be crying for them to either gimp the new mobs because they are too powerful, or would they cry for an improvement in gear (either their current gear or a new tier)? Agony aside, It seems to me that the issue remains in the players mind and the need to have the best.... Armor/weapon progression exists from character level 1-80, if 80 is to remain max level for us but mobs continue to grow stronger say level 100+ comparitively, won't we want something to offset that?

b) That they didn't say that they will be introducing mechanisms that will hamper progression once you inside the content.  From what you linked above, yes I gather your progress would be hampered but many players are saying MMO's now-a-days are too easy, so this hampering could be an added degree of difficulty... but my question about whether they indicated it absolutely could NOT be completed without the gear stands.. I didn't read that in the above text, and I'm searching the web for answers.

 

 

There is no denying gear progression already existed.

The content, aside explorer dungeons, is fairly easy and clearly not built to punish a player not fine tuned.

Still, a player with gear around his level will have an easier time, especially against mobs 5 level higher. After levelling alts I can see the difference.

The offset to the gear progression present is that maxing stats wasn't that hard and you only had to do it once per character.

Difficulty based on stat buffs to mobs offset by player gear stats is basically a zero sum.

I would rather see better team coordination and combos as a requirement to defeat higher dificulty content.

Originally posted by Gaia_Hunter

Originally posted by Vorthanion

Originally posted by Gaia_Hunter

And who exactly are the type of people to do betas?  That's why ou do the polls at the release of a game in order to get a wider cross section of the player base which would give developers a better way to determine the game's future direction and verify if your audience likes the current direction or choose a new one based on broad consensus with development filters of course.

In this case people that pre-purchased the game.

 

You are being wilfully obtuse.  Hardcore gamers are the primary beta testers and not representative at all of the majority of MMO gamers and certainly not representative of the casual gamers GW2 is suppose to be targeting.

I havn't read this whole thread but thought I'd put my 2 cents in.

From Anet's reply it just seems they consider smaller progression to be less of a treadmill than larger progression.. which doesn't really help their position here. Just because the reward bonuses are smaller doesn't it make it any less of a treadmill.. now it's becoming the same old treadmill we are used to but we get even less out of it compared to what we already had. ANet's approach here is actually worse than what we had before... because at least we get substantial rewards the old way. Very, very poor system design imo.

The carrot is still there.. we will all seek out any and all minor gear improvements.. just like we will seek out any and all major gear improvements. We can't help ourselves.. it's not optional, human nature goes against ignoring self improvement. Since it was concieved, the whole RPG genre goes against ignoring better gear, even pen and paper RPG's. If better gear is there, it is not optional to go seek it out. You are doing it wrong if you don't.

Doesn't matter how they wrap it up.. this is a carrot on a treadmill just like everything else, but being on this treadmill offers you less.

Raid gear in other RPG's isn't required if you don't raid.. GW2's gear isn't required if you don't do their new dungeons. There is no difference.

Originally posted by xpiher

Originally posted by Skymourne

i'm sorry but that is a great answer.  I'm not sure how much more you want from them without them spoiling the entire event.  You guys aren't happy about ascended gear.  it's not that big of a deal.

 

Umm I want to know if Ascended gear is the final tier or not. I want to know if I'll need Ascended gear and the agony resistence to even have a chance at completing the next content. I want to know if my gear will be outdated in the future.

Its not a real answer since they don't address the communities concern about gating content, gear grind treadmill, or gear orrinatated character progression. IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE EVENT

They will tell you..... when they feel like it.

There you go answer recieved.

lock thread

Looks like our fears were justified. From reports:

Ring get awared after you complete level 10 fractal, in the bouns chest

Condensed essence is a random number generated drop throughout the entire dungeon that is account bound. If you want the back piece (which will be needed for future content updates) then prepare to mindlessly run fractals all day. 

So not only is there treadmill and its grindy, its the worst kind of grind: Random drops :/

Originally posted by xpiher

Looks like our fears were justified. From reports:

Ring get awared after you complete level 10 fractal, in the bouns chest

Condensed essence is a random number generated drop throughout the entire dungeon that is account bound. If you want the back piece (which will be needed for future content updates) then prepare to mindlessly run fractals all day. 

So not only is there treadmill and its grindy, its the worst kind of grind: Random drops :/

I believe you only need one condensed essence to make the acended back piece and its probably the easiest material you need to get. 

http://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Vial_of_Condensed_Mists_Essence

I got it just after completing level 1 fractal.

I don't think you need to be worried about them adding multiple tiers of gear. There was definately something missing between exotic and legendary and they're trying to bridge that gap. Exotic is too easy to get. Just get to 80 and buy full exotic off tp. Bam. Best gear. There should be more to aquiring the gear with the best stats than just that and that's what I think they realized after they launched the game.

So if they every announce a tier beyond ascended, then ok you can start complaining again, but until then I think your fears are unjustified. I definately felt like there was something missing and now I'm very happy they are adding the ascended gear.

Originally posted by fayknaym

Originally posted by xpiher

Looks like our fears were justified. From reports:

Ring get awared after you complete level 10 fractal, in the bouns chest

Condensed essence is a random number generated drop throughout the entire dungeon that is account bound. If you want the back piece (which will be needed for future content updates) then prepare to mindlessly run fractals all day. 

So not only is there treadmill and its grindy, its the worst kind of grind: Random drops :/

I believe you only need one condensed essence to make the acended back piece and its probably the easiest material you need to get. 

http://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Vial_of_Condensed_Mists_Essence

I got it just after completing level 1 fractal.

I don't think you need to be worried about them adding multiple tiers of gear. There was definately something missing between exotic and legendary and they're trying to bridge that gap. Exotic is too easy to get. Just get to 80 and buy full exotic off tp. Bam. Best gear. There should be more to aquiring the gear with the best stats than just that and that's what I think they realized after they launched the game.

So if they every announce a tier beyond ascended, then ok you can start complaining again, but until then I think your fears are unjustified. I definately felt like there was something missing and now I'm very happy they are adding the ascended gear.

Yeah but that would make more sense if Legendary had higher stats than exotics which caused a huge gap of missing stats. But that was not the case now is it? Legendary were only different because they were more flashy. That was the only difference.

So why try to fill the gap which never existed in terms of stats?

Originally posted by fayknaym

Originally posted by xpiher

Looks like our fears were justified. From reports:

Ring get awared after you complete level 10 fractal, in the bouns chest

Condensed essence is a random number generated drop throughout the entire dungeon that is account bound. If you want the back piece (which will be needed for future content updates) then prepare to mindlessly run fractals all day. 

So not only is there treadmill and its grindy, its the worst kind of grind: Random drops :/

I believe you only need one condensed essence to make the acended back piece and its probably the easiest material you need to get. 

http://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Vial_of_Condensed_Mists_Essence

I got it just after completing level 1 fractal.

 

Execpt essence is a random drop. I've spent a little under 10hrs in fractals already. I have yet to get one. Apparently they increase in dropping chance once you hit level 10 and at level 10 you get an ascended ring after completing the daily. Assuming your group is godly, you can get to level 10 in 10hrs. I'm level 6. 

Originally posted by Whitebeards

Originally posted by fayknaym

Originally posted by xpiher

Looks like our fears were justified. From reports:

Ring get awared after you complete level 10 fractal, in the bouns chest

Condensed essence is a random number generated drop throughout the entire dungeon that is account bound. If you want the back piece (which will be needed for future content updates) then prepare to mindlessly run fractals all day. 

So not only is there treadmill and its grindy, its the worst kind of grind: Random drops :/

I believe you only need one condensed essence to make the acended back piece and its probably the easiest material you need to get. 

http://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Vial_of_Condensed_Mists_Essence

I got it just after completing level 1 fractal.

I don't think you need to be worried about them adding multiple tiers of gear. There was definately something missing between exotic and legendary and they're trying to bridge that gap. Exotic is too easy to get. Just get to 80 and buy full exotic off tp. Bam. Best gear. There should be more to aquiring the gear with the best stats than just that and that's what I think they realized after they launched the game.

So if they every announce a tier beyond ascended, then ok you can start complaining again, but until then I think your fears are unjustified. I definately felt like there was something missing and now I'm very happy they are adding the ascended gear.

Yeah but that would make more sense if Legendary had higher stats than exotics which caused a huge gap of missing stats. But that was not the case now is it? Legendary were only different because they were more flashy. That was the only difference.

So why try to fill the gap which never existed in terms of stats?

Maybe there didn't exist a gap in terms of stats, but there was definately a huge gap in terms of player satisfaction. It was too easy to get the best in slot. I think arena net realized that and that is why legendaries weapons will also become of ascended quality once ascended weapons are released. There will be a higher sense of satisfaction from obtaining one because of 1) the unique model and 2) best stats that can't be obtained by buying a weapon off the tp for 3 gold. You now get two things for all that hard work instead of one. There is more of a reward so it is more satisfying.

In other words, if the way to obtain exotics at 80 had been what getting ascended gear is right now, they wouldn't need to add another tier of gear.

It makes the game feel more meaty, ya know?

Originally posted by fayknaym

Originally posted by Whitebeards

Originally posted by fayknaym

Originally posted by xpiher

Looks like our fears were justified. From reports:

Ring get awared after you complete level 10 fractal, in the bouns chest

Condensed essence is a random number generated drop throughout the entire dungeon that is account bound. If you want the back piece (which will be needed for future content updates) then prepare to mindlessly run fractals all day. 

So not only is there treadmill and its grindy, its the worst kind of grind: Random drops :/

I believe you only need one condensed essence to make the acended back piece and its probably the easiest material you need to get. 

http://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Vial_of_Condensed_Mists_Essence

I got it just after completing level 1 fractal.

I don't think you need to be worried about them adding multiple tiers of gear. There was definately something missing between exotic and legendary and they're trying to bridge that gap. Exotic is too easy to get. Just get to 80 and buy full exotic off tp. Bam. Best gear. There should be more to aquiring the gear with the best stats than just that and that's what I think they realized after they launched the game.

So if they every announce a tier beyond ascended, then ok you can start complaining again, but until then I think your fears are unjustified. I definately felt like there was something missing and now I'm very happy they are adding the ascended gear.

Yeah but that would make more sense if Legendary had higher stats than exotics which caused a huge gap of missing stats. But that was not the case now is it? Legendary were only different because they were more flashy. That was the only difference.

So why try to fill the gap which never existed in terms of stats?

Maybe there didn't exist a gap in terms of stats, but there was definately a huge gap in terms of player satisfaction. It was too easy to get the best in slot. I think arena net realized that and that is why legendaries weapons will also become of ascended quality once ascended weapons are released. There will be a higher sense of satisfaction from obtaining one because of 1) the unique model and 2) best stats that can't be obtained by buying a weapon off the tp for 3 gold. You now get two things for all that hard work instead of one. There is more of a reward so it is more satisfying.

And that is where majority of unrest comes from. Change in pholosphy. I have no idea who were these people that led to these changes. Not that GW2 was bleeding players and servers were going empty.

They could have easily kept the end game focused on mere looks and keep the stats cap at exotics like originally planned. So yeah in terms of stats there was no gap. And it wasn't even necessary to begin with based on over all population which was same as itw as on release so surely things were working fine.

Such fumbling decisions are usually made when too many players leave and companies make last ditch effort to keep the players from quitting.

This gap of 'looks' could have been also be filled by making ascended same as exotics in stats but better looking and unique.

Originally posted by fayknaym

Originally posted by Whitebeards

Originally posted by fayknaym

Originally posted by xpiher

Looks like our fears were justified. From reports:

Ring get awared after you complete level 10 fractal, in the bouns chest

Condensed essence is a random number generated drop throughout the entire dungeon that is account bound. If you want the back piece (which will be needed for future content updates) then prepare to mindlessly run fractals all day. 

So not only is there treadmill and its grindy, its the worst kind of grind: Random drops :/

I believe you only need one condensed essence to make the acended back piece and its probably the easiest material you need to get. 

http://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Vial_of_Condensed_Mists_Essence

I got it just after completing level 1 fractal.

I don't think you need to be worried about them adding multiple tiers of gear. There was definately something missing between exotic and legendary and they're trying to bridge that gap. Exotic is too easy to get. Just get to 80 and buy full exotic off tp. Bam. Best gear. There should be more to aquiring the gear with the best stats than just that and that's what I think they realized after they launched the game.

So if they every announce a tier beyond ascended, then ok you can start complaining again, but until then I think your fears are unjustified. I definately felt like there was something missing and now I'm very happy they are adding the ascended gear.

Yeah but that would make more sense if Legendary had higher stats than exotics which caused a huge gap of missing stats. But that was not the case now is it? Legendary were only different because they were more flashy. That was the only difference.

So why try to fill the gap which never existed in terms of stats?

Maybe there didn't exist a gap in terms of stats, but there was definately a huge gap in terms of player satisfaction. It was too easy to get the best in slot. I think arena net realized that and that is why legendaries weapons will also become of ascended quality once ascended weapons are released. There will be a higher sense of satisfaction from obtaining one because of 1) the unique model and 2) best stats that can't be obtained by buying a weapon off the tp for 3 gold. You now get two things for all that hard work instead of one. There is more of a reward so it is more satisfying.

In other words, if the way to obtain exotics at 80 had been what getting ascended gear is right now, they wouldn't need to add another tier of gear.

It makes the game feel more meaty, ya know?

You sir are wasting your time, humans will be humans, you cannot satisfy everyone. The game is b2p they give people content  and you hear well WHY ISN'T IT CONTENT THAT I WANTED. btw 12 condensed essence in 2 hour there were 3 parties 15 of us, only 3 didnt get it. 

Originally posted by Whitebeards

Originally posted by fayknaym

Originally posted by Whitebeards

Originally posted by fayknaym

Originally posted by xpiher

Looks like our fears were justified. From reports:

Ring get awared after you complete level 10 fractal, in the bouns chest

Condensed essence is a random number generated drop throughout the entire dungeon that is account bound. If you want the back piece (which will be needed for future content updates) then prepare to mindlessly run fractals all day. 

So not only is there treadmill and its grindy, its the worst kind of grind: Random drops :/

I believe you only need one condensed essence to make the acended back piece and its probably the easiest material you need to get. 

http://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Vial_of_Condensed_Mists_Essence

I got it just after completing level 1 fractal.

I don't think you need to be worried about them adding multiple tiers of gear. There was definately something missing between exotic and legendary and they're trying to bridge that gap. Exotic is too easy to get. Just get to 80 and buy full exotic off tp. Bam. Best gear. There should be more to aquiring the gear with the best stats than just that and that's what I think they realized after they launched the game.

So if they every announce a tier beyond ascended, then ok you can start complaining again, but until then I think your fears are unjustified. I definately felt like there was something missing and now I'm very happy they are adding the ascended gear.

Yeah but that would make more sense if Legendary had higher stats than exotics which caused a huge gap of missing stats. But that was not the case now is it? Legendary were only different because they were more flashy. That was the only difference.

So why try to fill the gap which never existed in terms of stats?

Maybe there didn't exist a gap in terms of stats, but there was definately a huge gap in terms of player satisfaction. It was too easy to get the best in slot. I think arena net realized that and that is why legendaries weapons will also become of ascended quality once ascended weapons are released. There will be a higher sense of satisfaction from obtaining one because of 1) the unique model and 2) best stats that can't be obtained by buying a weapon off the tp for 3 gold. You now get two things for all that hard work instead of one. There is more of a reward so it is more satisfying.

And that is where majority of unrest comes from. Change in pholosphy. I have no idea who were these people that led to these changes. Not that GW2 was bleeding players and servers were going empty.

They could have easily kept the end game focused on mere looks and keep the stats cap at exotics like originally planned. So yeah in terms of stats there was no gap. And it wasn't even necessary to begin with based on over all population which was same as itw as on release so surely things were working fine.

Such fumbling decisions are usually made when too many players leave and companies make last ditch effort to keep the players from quitting.

This gap of 'looks' could have been also be filled by making ascended same as exotics in stats but better looking and unique.

Not bleeding players?  I don't know about everyone else, but for me playing on Tarnished Coast, the sub 80 zones have become nearly barren of players.  It's *stark* difference to where it was a month or more ago.

Originally posted by grimal

Not bleeding players?  I don't know about everyone else, but for me playing on Tarnished Coast, the sub 80 zones have become nearly barren of players.  It's *stark* difference to where it was a month or more ago.

My guess is based on serrver status. All EU servers full/high after two months same as release. Same on US majority of servers on full and others on High which is amazing after 2 months.

So i doubt that players were quitting in droves that such decisions had to be made.