Off topic, I wonder if ZOS ever regrets putting up a public PTS where you basically get to go through all the new content for free and so many that do seem to make a purchase decision based on it. This also goes for PTS players releasing content on other mediums such YouTube, Twitch, Social, etc where the public might do the same. I wonder how many would still be buying vs not if they hadn't played or seen PTS content and features before release. Surely seems this environment would be more volatile for their profit margins due to it, not to mention the availability of "spoiling" the entire chapter before it's even live. Completely get why and what PTS is about and it is appreciated, I've used it myself in the past to test upcoming features, etc, but It just seems a bit odd to me that a AAA company does this to the extent ZOS does with their main product.

scorpius2k1 wrote: »

Off topic, I wonder if ZOS ever regrets putting up a public PTS where you basically get to go through all the new content for free and so many that do seem to make a purchase decision based on it. This also goes for PTS players releasing content on other mediums such YouTube, Twitch, Social, etc where the public might do the same. I wonder how many would still be buying vs not if they hadn't played or seen PTS content and features before release. Surely seems this environment would be more volatile for their profit margins due to it, not to mention the availability of "spoiling" the entire chapter before it's even live. Completely get why and what PTS is about and it is appreciated, I've used it myself in the past to test upcoming features, etc, but It just seems a bit odd to me that a AAA company does this to the extent ZOS does with their main product.

Given that the alternative is not putting up a PTS and then having to make all their balance and bug testing changes based on what a relatively small group of playtesters can do in a limited amount of time, it probably looks like a fair exchange.

I mean, they basically get the free labor of theorycrafters, PVPers, and endgame PVE trial groups to help them fine tune the balance of new sets, content, and classes. They don't take every recommendation - they do have their own vision - but that feedback is considered and sometimes it's implemented three months down the line.

It's not a perfect system for ZOS. Obviously, they have some bugs go Live and bad reviews on the PTS might result in some lower sales on the Chapter.

But ultimately, I think you overestimate the impact of bad PTS reviews. The vast majority of the playerbase never reads the forums. Every major update we have players who show up with no clue of what was in the patch notes - they basically read the official ESO posts on the website, if even that.

I fully expect a wave of posts and comments saying "Wow, Companions suck! Their gear is hard to find, their rapport is too slow, and they can't wear hats. If I had known, I wouldn't have pre-ordered," after Blackwood launches. This despite the PTS warnings.

And if the group size stays at 12 for PVE, judging by past major updates, the first time a lot of people learn that's the case is going to be from their guild, zone chat, or when they try to add a thirteenth person.

GrumpyDuckling wrote: »

Jeremy wrote: »

GrumpyDuckling wrote: »

What I most desired with the Companion System was 1) to equip companions with any of the hundreds of fun/unique gear sets that already exist in the game, and 2) the ability to FULLY customize my Companion's appearance. Instead, the Companion system forces us to equip our followers with bland gear, and we don't even have the OPTION to let our companion wear a helmet or hood.

These decisions are a major blow to the two areas I appreciate most in ESO -- build variety and customizable appearance. I assume it's too late for this feedback to matter (maybe the helmet/hood thing could still be changed), but seeing how lackluster our companion gearing options are has almost entirely deflated my interest in this system and the chapter. Does anyone else feel this way?

So if they wanted companions to be a realistic alternative to grouping, so far I have to say that ain't happening, at least not early on. They are going to have to get significantly better as they level up if they are to have any hope of doing that.

ZOS bought into the narrative espoused by players who were vocal with their fears about companions replacing other players. On their streams, ZOS made it a point to say that companions are not meant to replace players, and even directly referenced the fears that some players had.

I think there are two reasons companions are so weak and bland:
1) Players being scared of being replaced
2) ZOS being scared of performance issues

It's too bad -- this feature could have been a ton of fun if it wasn't so build-restrictive with dull gear.

I think it's more then Zos giving into fears. I think they just didn't put a lot of effort or thought into them. When you play with them they don't have much in the way of interactive voicing. Mirri has times where she says I've been looking for this place but there's no reasons given why. I would love to know about her feelings with boats, goblins and snakes in backstory but I haven't found anything that triggers it.

I could go on but the main take away I have from them is a feeling of being unfinished. Lots of good ideals that weren't really thought through and fleshed out. Which is a shame. I suspect there is going to be a lot of disappointment on launch as they stand now.

Jeremy wrote: »

GrumpyDuckling wrote: »

What I most desired with the Companion System was 1) to equip companions with any of the hundreds of fun/unique gear sets that already exist in the game, and 2) the ability to FULLY customize my Companion's appearance. Instead, the Companion system forces us to equip our followers with bland gear, and we don't even have the OPTION to let our companion wear a helmet or hood.

These decisions are a major blow to the two areas I appreciate most in ESO -- build variety and customizable appearance. I assume it's too late for this feedback to matter (maybe the helmet/hood thing could still be changed), but seeing how lackluster our companion gearing options are has almost entirely deflated my interest in this system and the chapter. Does anyone else feel this way?

They can wear costumes at least.

My issue with companions is less about their appearance and more about their functionality. So far mine are incredible weaklings who go splat every time I do any content that isn't brain dead easy. So if they wanted companions to be a realistic alternative to grouping, so far I have to say that ain't happening, at least not early on. They are going to have to get significantly better as they level up if they are to have any hope of doing that.

So for those who were expecting a SWTOR-like companion, I'm just going to warn you now to temper your expectations.

Brain dead...so, you mean companions are good against zombies?

Elsonso wrote: »

Regarding how they are in combat, I am already seeing that "forum wisdom" is lacking on this point. That is fine. People can learn from the many "companion build" videos that will come out.

I'm sure there are going to be ways to make companions useful for some content.

My main gripe is how bland and boring companion gear is -- and that we can't equip them with any of the hundreds of sets that are already in the game. That would have been fun and actually had me excited enough to buy the chapter.

NettleCarrier wrote: »

With a head piece style I could use one of the MANY monster set styles I've consumed. I'm not much into RP but I'd love to dress one up as a Pirate Skeleton so they can travel along with my pirate character.

Yes! And it's sad that ZOS decided to restrict that. There are so many fun/thematic builds we could make with companions if they would just allow head gear and access to the hundred of item sets that exist in the game.

It's like they forget what it's like to be a player who creates fun and creative themes that alter the way we approach combat.

ive pre purchased all previous content but will be skipping this one until it is eventually discounted and cheap.
unless companions as well as the new cp system need a huge rework, I dont see myself playing much this year. might have to finally switch to a new game this year and hope next year is better. but by that time ES6 should hopefully be out and take up all my time

As a roleplayer, i was rather intrigued thinking about the possibilities that Companions could help add to RP through visual presence, when it was first announced. Like lending visual aid to RP'ing NPC undead minions, bodyguards, other characters the person controls or just as stand-in figures during conversations instead of looking at empty space.. RP is admittedly about imagination, but immersion can be helped immensely if you can find an in-game proxy to serve your needs. Hence people running RP for others often spend a lot of time looking around in-game for good locations. Because if you suspend disbelief a little more via. visual aid, you'll have a much easier time putting your creativity into imagining other details of the RP.
I imagine a fair amount of people outside the RP community felt similarly excited about the idea of maybe being able to live out certain fantasies of their own. Like approximating the appearance of another one of their characters and effectively partner them up with another of their characters (visually), or approximating the appearance of an NPC they admire or as a figure they think of as being with their character in their personal narrative.

As much as i can sympathize with what's been said in livestreams about why the companion's faces can't be hidden. That is, so as to let the companions retain their characters, and maybe, to value the work being put into their personal stories. As much sense as it makes sense, i feel like players should have the opportunity to do the same kind of personalizing for their companions.

That's why i feel that the "no helmets" mechanic should be revoked and that maybe, it should even be possible to apply collectibles like hair and adornments to these characters (possibly even skins and polymorphs).. Might not happen, but heck, maybe someone will listen and at least consider the option.

Czeri wrote: »

The real question is: are companions going to be blocking crafting stations in towns?

No, they go somewhere else.

Are the players who complain that companions don't serve any real purpose in combat the same players who would complain that companions were over-powered if they did, I wonder?

Tandor wrote: »

Are the players who complain that companions don't serve any real purpose in combat the same players who would complain that companions were over-powered if they did, I wonder?

It can be both, you know, thanks to how ZOS balances ESO. ZOS originally intended for Companions to be effective partners in group dungeons. An effective dungeon DD is almost always "overpowered" in comparison to overland NPC mobs.

The result is that ZOS made Companions underpowered in Dungeons and World Boss fights (they lack survivability in mechanics and AOEs) AND made them effective in overland mob fights, which is exactly the content designed for brand new players with no CP and mismatched gear. In other words, Companions add the most power precisely to the content that is already the easiest the game has to offer.

ZOS could've worked around this if they wanted to, perhaps adding scaling to companion health/damage in group content...but no, ZOS didn't want companions to threaten to replace players. And so we got companions who can't even do the most basic thing a new dungeon runner learns: "don't stand in stupid."