Those 2 phrases ^ in bold sort of make the whole "story mode" thing redundant, no?VaranisArano wrote: »Since this is Part 1, I'd be very curious to hear how the Devs feel about the possibility of "Story Mode" versions of the dungeons so that players can experience the dungeon portions of the Year Long Story at their own pace without needing to team up with other cooperative players or do a 4-player dungeon as just them and a companion.
How so? What "complexity" would be added? In fact, it would be just the opposite, no? Since i mean, there's really nothing complex about 1 single player strolling along content just to click & read quest npc dialogs they could just as simply watch on YouTube walk-throughs. That type of "layer" would only serve to splinter an already dwindling group queue.VaranisArano wrote: »like that would add another layer of complexity to what's already a multi-team process.
Exactly, and again: What is preventing someone from running easy normal-mode , either with a human buddy or ai companion (or both) , slowly methodically to absorb the STORY more (or again) ?VaranisArano wrote: »On the other hand, they already do Normal, Vet, and Hard Mode difficulty,
I don't know much about ESO code nor infrastructure, but having been a 'Dev' on another MMO for a few years i can tell you that anytime things need to be adjusted for "difficulty" it's a real chore lol . Not to mention, nearly impossible to ever get things perfectly right for ALL types of players of all ages, shapes, sizes, skills, etc. etc.VaranisArano wrote: »and I would think (not being a designer myself) that it would be easier to scale down the difficulty rather than up.
Agreed, THANKS and i always appreciate reading behind-the-code-curtain type design intel from @ZOS_ team. Cheers!VaranisArano wrote: »Anyways, thanks for sharing some insights into how the process for creating these dungeons works!
NeeScrolls wrote: »@VaranisArano , i always enjoy reading your posts (and guides ) but since no one else has replied, i'd like to offer a somewhat opposing view here (respectfully of course) ...Those 2 phrases ^ in bold sort of make the whole "story mode" thing redundant, no?VaranisArano wrote: »Since this is Part 1, I'd be very curious to hear how the Devs feel about the possibility of "Story Mode" versions of the dungeons so that players can experience the dungeon portions of the Year Long Story at their own pace without needing to team up with other cooperative players or do a 4-player dungeon as just them and a companion.
If casual players can already bring the ai (non-player) companion into typically easy-mode normal dungeon, then why bother with an even EASIER version? Seems totally unnecessary to me, especially in a MMO.How so? What "complexity" would be added? In fact, it would be just the opposite, no? Since i mean, there's really nothing complex about 1 single player strolling along content just to click & read quest npc dialogs they could just as simply watch on YouTube walk-throughs. That type of "layer" would only serve to splinter an already dwindling group queue.VaranisArano wrote: »like that would add another layer of complexity to what's already a multi-team process.Exactly, and again: What is preventing someone from running easy normal-mode , either with a human buddy or ai companion (or both) , slowly methodically to absorb the STORY more (or again) ?VaranisArano wrote: »On the other hand, they already do Normal, Vet, and Hard Mode difficulty,I don't know much about ESO code nor infrastructure, but having been a 'Dev' on another MMO for a few years i can tell you that anytime things need to be adjusted for "difficulty" it's a real chore lol . Not to mention, nearly impossible to ever get things perfectly right for ALL types of players of all ages, shapes, sizes, skills, etc. etc.VaranisArano wrote: »and I would think (not being a designer myself) that it would be easier to scale down the difficulty rather than up.
This is one of the reasons why MMO Dev Teams constantly switch around and seek new personel so often, along with a near infinite loop of nerf/buff/tweak/revamp x infinity. (hence the whole "game systems & content is subject to change" we all sign-up for in Terms-of-Service)
But it's a moot point regardless, because the last thing ESO needs is for content to be scaled further down.Agreed, THANKS and i always appreciate reading behind-the-code-curtain type design intel from @ZOS_ team. Cheers!VaranisArano wrote: »Anyways, thanks for sharing some insights into how the process for creating these dungeons works!
Yep i'm aware, since i been here from even before 2013 beta....and would consider myself one of those "lot of players" who play (partially) for Elder Scrolls atmosphere + STORY & lore.VaranisArano wrote: »ESO is a story-driven MMORPG based out of the Elder Scrolls franchise of single player RPGs. There's a lot of players who play for the story.
And i would wholeheartedly disagree with your point and use of the term "accessible" . In my opinion, that word is an inaccurate over-statement in this case.VaranisArano wrote: »I think it's worth pointing out that the whole story is not accessible to all players.
There's plenty (almost limitless amounts of quests) of story in overland. But i believe we're talkin' about dungeons, no?VaranisArano wrote: »There's a segment of players who only do overland content.
I understand and that's totally fine of course.VaranisArano wrote: »1. Not every MMO player is willing to group up with others. Grouping up with other players requires interactions that some players are not comfortable with.
That's a fair point, however....well...2 things: First , this is by design in a MMO , to encourage human-to-human group play.VaranisArano wrote: »2. Not every dungeon is soloable even on normal, with or without Companions. Sometimes it's mechanics that require group coordination.
Again, i take issue with your use of the word "accessible" , since it doesn't really apply.VaranisArano wrote: »3. Companions require the player to buy Blackwood, High Isle, or likely future expansions. So while it's great for the marketing department that players have to buy the tool to allow them to do dungeons without grouping up, it's not exactly accessible for every player.
Sorry but i just simply disagree with your premise.VaranisArano wrote: »4. Adding a "story mode" would be another layer of complexity to the design and construction process.
Well, you wouldn't know the impact until it was too late to turn back lol. But yes i agree, there shouldn't be ANY rewards at all for such a mode....imo. (the "reward" would be the instance itself anyway)VaranisArano wrote: »6. I do not expect that Story Mode would have much of an impact on the Group finder queue. For one, I expect it to have little to zero rewards,
Players can already do the story in proper order though. And once again, that level "gate" is by Dev design and for good reason. Otherwise the already daunting free-for-all of ESO would become even more daunting to a new player.VaranisArano wrote: »One of the oddities of the year-long storyline is that new players cannot play the normal dungeons until level 45. An accessible story mode would let them experience the story in the proper order.
Tell that to @ZOS_ influencers lol . But anyways, yes i agree and i was just using that as an example to reinforce my point.VaranisArano wrote: »I don't know about you, but for me, YouTube and Streamers are a poor substitute for actually playing the game.
I just think you're reaching for something that isn't needed. And i don't believe ESO should waste precious coding time & effort, just to cater to some solo fringe few players who either refuse to group or refuse to join a guild, so that they might re-run a dungeon once or twice for reading quest dialogs slower.VaranisArano wrote: »3. For ZOS' pocketbook, it gives all players a reason to purchase the dungeon DLC for the story, even if that player only does story mode and chooses not to run the dungeons for the normal/veteran difficulty rewards.
i think we probably won't ever agree, philosophically, on this particular topic. But it sure does make for a healthy debate.VaranisArano wrote: »Thoughts?