Well, I find it quite upsetting that players/fan boys have time/energy to code an addon for free, but the guys who, ya know, developed the game couldn't take the necessary time to work in optional UI items. Optional UI items that are clearly very popular...
Because ... that's the whole point of addons? They presented an API and said "if you want to tweek the UI, go for it". Players have the ability to adjust it, why must the game change to fit their preference instead of using the tools given to them for personalization?
Because many of these addons provide much needed support, which should have been included in the base game. Now, we must rely on third-party personnel to provide timely updates when necessary for basic features that one would typically expect in a modern MMORPG.
Since early release I have been playing merrily without any addons, neither do I feel the urge to install any. So I expect no issues for the console.
ESO is a dozen times more of a "spam buttons" game than WoW or SW:TOR are. Nowhere else I repeatedly use the same skill a million times (like Wrecking Blow spam or things like that).
The other part about the addons... there is absolutely no room for more discussion about it, I'm tired to explain it to guys like you again and again.
I didn't mention a cluttering of the screen, so I'm not entirely sure why I was quoted. I'm simply content to use the base game visual cues instead of being told when to cleanse, when to crystal frag, etc.
The expectation of "what should be in a modern MMORPG" is completely opinionated and based on the individual though. One person may expect text to blink mid-screen to "cast X spell now" to take advantage of a proc, others just expect a visual cue on their character. Some expect to be notified when their opponent buffs or heals, others expect the game to hide that information and force the player to rely on player skill/knowledge to time their counter.
The API was given so addons could allow players to shape their UI to their specific expectations. Complaining that they have to do it is really biting the hand that feeds them.
Attorneyatlawl wrote: »
What cues? You mean the tiny purple glow that's about 1/20th of the size of your screen at the middle when 10-20+ other spell effects are covering it that are much larger and all over constantly? Or the non-existent visual cues unless you directly observe someone being hit by a skill you already know is a DOT if it isn't covered by 5 other DOT's already on the target leaving him burning even before you saw him? The truth is that outside of solo questing, without buff-debuff icons and indicators the "cues" just don't cut it in anything moderately demanding in gameplay difficulty.
Attorneyatlawl wrote: »
Except for the fact that the API doesn't allow for most of the important combat info, and the default UI is barely there in the first place. That not only leaves people having no way to get the information to play the game well, but anyone who doesn't know how to go download addons and then hassle keeping them updated every patch, is high and dry right off the bat of even basics like health bar numbers or how hard they have attacked an enemy for.
Then you don't craft
Which is an entirely different issue than the post I was responding to. Stating the API needs more information added != stating addons for the current API should be the base UI for the game.
MercyKilling wrote: »
I craft, and whenever I mosey up to a crafting table, I have no problems finding my crafting materials, motifs, tempers, etc. They're all right there, displayed prominently on my screen.
My inventory or bank? Sure, I have to scroll to find them, but it's really no inconvenience to have to do that. They are, after all found in at least ONE of the tabs. So they don't have their own tab, big deal. I got used to it. Now, I don't even notice it.
Attorneyatlawl wrote: »
It's essentially the same thing if it's in the API, just more of a hassle for players on the essentials. There's absolutely no reason not to simply allow for these options in the settings screen to turn on or off as you like to establish a stable and non-3rd-party dependent baseline of functionality for some of these things. Guild store pricing plots and history calculators, sure, those aren't exactly standard issue, but a minimap or numbers on your health bars... those are no-brainers
.
Because ... that's the whole point of addons? They presented an API and said "if you want to tweek the UI, go for it". Players have the ability to adjust it, why must the game change to fit their preference instead of using the tools given to them for personalization?
Most addons are a crutch for substandard players. There, I said it.
Attorneyatlawl wrote: »
That isn't personalization, it is core RPG info and functionality. Personalization is changing the colors button icons, etc. Basics like how much you hit for, what hit you, and how long the buff you cast has left, are not OK to relegate to be handled only by third party addons which many don't know how to maintain, and gives a very poor first impression of polish and gameplay when their starter quests are to Google how to use addons and their second one is to download and install them so they have a minimap. And many core functions aren't even allowed to be done by addons such as guild and player nameplates, and seeing who hit you with what rather than just you were hit for x damage. Add in no buff debuff info applied by or to you, and it's not a good thing. It's a flaw.
Lacking addons is a crutch for substandard players who want it to be harder for others to figure out how poorly they're performing. Right, then?