Suggestion: Create your own costume

Jaeysa · January 2016

One of my biggest shallow complaints is that we get all this neat-looking low-level gear, but can't use it at higher levels. Costumes are great, but a neat idea might be customizable costumes.

Basically, you take a piece for each slot and a bit of stitching(maybe another gold-sink like for glass crafting) and create a costume that becomes bound to your account. You can dye the pieces before stitching.

Restrictions:
* Pieces must be laundered before use.
* Pieces are destroyed during the process of making them into a costume.
* The costume is only usable by a character who is high enough level to use every piece used in the making. So a level 5 wouldn't be able to use a costume that is made with an ebonthread shoulder.

What do people think - is this something you'd want/would there be any problems with it?

Jura23 · January 2016

Nice idea. Very nice actually. Too bad nobody relevant will probably read this and there is no way they could figure this out on their own.

Gidorick · January 2016

Hey @Jaeysa ! Search function works great!

http://forums.elderscrollsonline.com/en/search?Search=Custom+Costume

This has been discussed and asked for and everyone generally agrees that yes, we want.

I agree with your restrictions. I think it should be a crown store item you buy. It should be a consumable, so one costume made per "purchase" of this item and it should be bound to your account.

I DO think that you should be able to make a costume for your alt... even if they can't wear all the pieces.

Recremen · January 2016

We would all definitely appreciate more customization! I think your idea is in the right direction, but has a few weaknesses.

First, there would likely need to be a limit on how many costumes you could make. Otherwise people would be making hundreds of them. Limits aren't really fun, so some kind of other system, like a "vanity slot" or "convert to style" option might be better.

Second, locking in dyes is no fun. The system is infinite-use, and a lot of people like keeping that kind of variety!

Third, while we're talking about infinite use, turning it into a gold sink goes against some of the already-established vanity systems. Sure, there's a gold sink for motifs, but that's to other players, and once you learn a motif you know it forever. The dye system, likewise, has a big time sink in that you need to earn the achievements for the dyes, but once unlocked they're open forever, even on different characters! So future vanity systems should probably have a similar feel to them. Some kind of one-time sink, then infinite free reuses.

khele23eb17_ESO · January 2016

This has been suggested many times over (even made a post like this myself over a year ago). It would be such a fantastic addition to the customization options in game. Sadly ZoS didnt even acknowledge the possibility of something like this.

Recremen · January 2016

khele23eb17_ESO wrote: »

This has been suggested many times over (even made a post like this myself over a year ago). It would be such a fantastic addition to the customization options in game. Sadly ZoS didnt even acknowledge the possibility of something like this.

Never give up! Maybe we need to rephrase it. Shield dyes came about (bless their soul) after players started going from "we should get this" to "when are we getting this?" Maybe if we start asking stuff like "when will we get vanity slots/motif conversions" we'll see swifter results!

khele23eb17_ESO · January 2016

Recremen wrote: »

We would all definitely appreciate more customization! I think your idea is in the right direction, but has a few weaknesses.

First, there would likely need to be a limit on how many costumes you could make. Otherwise people would be making hundreds of them. Limits aren't really fun, so some kind of other system, like a "vanity slot" or "convert to style" option might be better.

Second, locking in dyes is no fun. The system is infinite-use, and a lot of people like keeping that kind of variety!

Third, while we're talking about infinite use, turning it into a gold sink goes against some of the already-established vanity systems. Sure, there's a gold sink for motifs, but that's to other players, and once you learn a motif you know it forever. The dye system, likewise, has a big time sink in that you need to earn the achievements for the dyes, but once unlocked they're open forever, even on different characters! So future vanity systems should probably have a similar feel to them. Some kind of one-time sink, then infinite free reuses.

1. So what if you could make hundreds of them. If theyre BoA whats the problem?
2. It is currently technically impossible to dye costumes. Thus if they wanted to give us craftable costumes the dyes would have to be applied to armor pieces before you stitch them into a costume.
3. I wouldnt mind if you had to sacrifice armor pieces to make the costume. Seems fair to me even it would be a gold sink.

Fruitmass · January 2016

It's a shame they never expanded on those clothing pieces you can steal when they introduced the crime feature. Thought it was pretty neat and I wish they'd add more.

Jaeysa · January 2016

@Gidorick - The more people who make threads about this the more likely ZOS is to realize this isn't something only a few want. The more people who -ask- the more likely we are to get it. I looked through the first few pages of General to see if there was anything and there was not.

Recremen · January 2016

khele23eb17_ESO wrote: »

Recremen wrote: »

We would all definitely appreciate more customization! I think your idea is in the right direction, but has a few weaknesses.

First, there would likely need to be a limit on how many costumes you could make. Otherwise people would be making hundreds of them. Limits aren't really fun, so some kind of other system, like a "vanity slot" or "convert to style" option might be better.

Second, locking in dyes is no fun. The system is infinite-use, and a lot of people like keeping that kind of variety!

Third, while we're talking about infinite use, turning it into a gold sink goes against some of the already-established vanity systems. Sure, there's a gold sink for motifs, but that's to other players, and once you learn a motif you know it forever. The dye system, likewise, has a big time sink in that you need to earn the achievements for the dyes, but once unlocked they're open forever, even on different characters! So future vanity systems should probably have a similar feel to them. Some kind of one-time sink, then infinite free reuses.

1. So what if you could make hundreds of them. If theyre BoA whats the problem?
2. It is currently technically impossible to dye costumes. Thus if they wanted to give us craftable costumes the dyes would have to be applied to armor pieces before you stitch them into a costume.
3. I wouldnt mind if you had to sacrifice armor pieces to make the costume. Seems fair to me even it would be a gold sink.

@khele23eb17_ESO

Reserving storage space for hundreds of costumes across the million(s) of players could get very expensive from a data storage perspective, that's all. Thus, a costume-based approach has a severe disadvantage compared to other systems people have suggested, such as vanity slots or "Convert To Style" options.

Yes, I know that we can't (yet) dye costumes, this was another strike against trying to implement it through costumes. A system that is easier to use and allows more freedom is, for most people, more desirable. If you like spending tons of gold on top of what you've already spent to look pretty and using systems that are difficult to navigate and expensive to implement, that's fine, but I think most of us would prefer it the other way.

Aelthwyn · January 2016

This is something I've been wishing for for quite a while now. I have several characters that refuse to upgrade to the correct level of armor because they don't want all the fancy frills and embellishments on higher level styles, but it does make combat more challenging. Another reason I like this idea is that sometimes I prefer how an outfit looks minus certain garments - such as I like the loose-seleved look you get on some robes when not wearing gloves, but... then you have to go without that armor slot. I have a wood elf that insists on going barefoot, but again... lost armor rating. It would be so great to be able to put together a costume with a lower number of items that could be equipped over your full set.

I think your restrictions are good ideas, though it would be nice if any of your characters could wear any costume you've created regardless of the armor level that went into it - given that it's not actually giving you extra armor rating. However I can also understand wanting to keep the fancy stuff for characters that have earned it. In any case I do think in order to create the costume you would have to have the items equipped, meaning that at least one of your characters would have to have reached the appropriate level, (and after creating it the costume would be bound to your account).

It seems like something that could be added in the Inventory UI, in the area where it shows your equipped items, just adding a little button to "create costume" that would use all your currently equipped armor items. A pop up window warning you that the items will be destroyed in the making and asking for confirmation and that it will become bound, would of course be necessary.

Gidorick · January 2016

Jaeysa wrote: »

@Gidorick - The more people who make threads about this the more likely ZOS is to realize this isn't something only a few want. The more people who -ask- the more likely we are to get it. I looked through the first few pages of General to see if there was anything and there was not.

I would hate to think that ZOS can be badgered into making game development decis... oh who am I kidding. They seem to base many of their decisions on the outcries of the outspoken horde.

Carry on. Good luck with the campaign!

Abeille · January 2016

An issue with this kind of idea is the Crown Store's sales. ZOS sells some costumes that are nothing but low level armor. A solution to this, in my opinion, would be to make this system usable by using a consumable that let you create your own costume, selling it in the Crown Store and pricing it at about the same as the low level armor costumes (3 for 700 crowns, for example) or a bit more. Call it "Madam Firilanya's Crystal of Major Fashion" and be done with it :P

But I still prefer the addition of vanity slots.

Gidorick · January 2016

Abeille wrote: »

An issue with this kind of idea is the Crown Store's sales. ZOS sells some costumes that are nothing but low level armor. A solution to this, in my opinion, would be to make this system usable by using a consumable that let you create your own costume, selling it in the Crown Store and pricing it at about the same as the low level armor costumes (3 for 700 crowns, for example) or a bit more. Call it "Madam Firilanya's Crystal of Major Fashion" and be done with it :P

But I still prefer the addition of vanity slots.

I personally think the custom costume should cost more like 1500 Crowns... it should be treated as a polymorph. This is to entice players to still buy the lower costing costumes.

Abeille · January 2016

Gidorick wrote: »

Abeille wrote: »

An issue with this kind of idea is the Crown Store's sales. ZOS sells some costumes that are nothing but low level armor. A solution to this, in my opinion, would be to make this system usable by using a consumable that let you create your own costume, selling it in the Crown Store and pricing it at about the same as the low level armor costumes (3 for 700 crowns, for example) or a bit more. Call it "Madam Firilanya's Crystal of Major Fashion" and be done with it :P

But I still prefer the addition of vanity slots.

I personally think the custom costume should cost more like 1500 Crowns... it should be treated as a polymorph. This is to entice players to still buy the lower costing costumes.

If the resulting costume can be dyed, then I'm fine with that price. If not, I don't think it should cost so much more than the regular costumes already in the Crown Store.

I am aware that ZOS want to let us dye costumes one day (no ETA though).

Aelthwyn · January 2016

Abeille wrote: »

An issue with this kind of idea is the Crown Store's sales. ZOS sells some costumes that are nothing but low level armor.. . . .

Those aren't the majority of costumes they have though, and the point of this is being able to mix&match styles so you probably wouldn't be creating exactly the same thing as the costume packs. The costume packs aren't currently dyeable, but some seem to be colored with dyes you may not have unlocked yet, (such as the white and gold on the elite lion guard costume), so they may still provide something you wouldn't be able to simply replicate yourself at the time you wish to purchase that 'look.' Thus I don't see this as being very much in conflict with reasons to buy the costumes such as the 'stealthy rogues' pack if you like how those look.

To me the idea of selling it as a one time use 'make-costume' crown item sounds.... really annoying because you don't have room for making mistakes or changing your mind without wasting real money, plus all the crown store consumables tend to be ridiculously over-priced (in my opinion) and I don't think this should be that limited of a thing. Lots of people would enjoy making multiple costumes for their various characters, probably changing it up a little as they reach new levels. It's not something I would just want to make a couple of and be content with forever, I might even want to throw away some that I'd made and nolonger used because I'd come up with a better combination. But I would not repeatedly spend the kind of money they'd be likely to charge for something like this.

As for the idea of people going crazy making tons of costumes... if they've got the bank space why not? Most people probably don't have lots of extra space though, and that will be limit enough on their creative ideas in this realm.

Recremen · January 2016

Abeille wrote: »

An issue with this kind of idea is the Crown Store's sales. ZOS sells some costumes that are nothing but low level armor. A solution to this, in my opinion, would be to make this system usable by using a consumable that let you create your own costume, selling it in the Crown Store and pricing it at about the same as the low level armor costumes (3 for 700 crowns, for example) or a bit more. Call it "Madam Firilanya's Crystal of Major Fashion" and be done with it :P

But I still prefer the addition of vanity slots.

@Abeille

100% agree about a system needing to integrate with the Crown Store. I think if it's a vanity slot or "Convert To Style" system, however, it still encourages Crown Store motif purchases, provided you need the motif to convert/slot that style. They already are coming out with Soul Shriven Motif despite that being a costume you can wear, which makes me think this is still within the scope of their aim.

Jaeysa · January 2016

Regarding crown store costumes - there are several that aren't low-level gear arch-types. And I like the idea of spending crowns on more flashing/unique costumes.

Another idea is to make the binder(or style-piece or whatever) something you can both obtain in-game and on the crown store, like malachite. Perhaps have them in writ-bags rarely.

MerkzM8 · January 2016

Only problem is if your alt can wear the costume and say for example he is level 24, you could have the costume customised to wear Molag Kena or something along those lines.

LadyNalcarya · January 2016

MerkzM8 wrote: »

Only problem is if your alt can wear the costume and say for example he is level 24, you could have the costume customised to wear Molag Kena or something along those lines.

Why is that a problem?
I mean, you can hide what monster sets/type of armor you're wearing, you can hide sorcs bound armor with vosh rakh mask trick or soul shriven skin... Its already not possible to judge anyone's build by their looks.

khele23eb17_ESO · January 2016

Recremen wrote: »

khele23eb17_ESO wrote: »

Recremen wrote: »

We would all definitely appreciate more customization! I think your idea is in the right direction, but has a few weaknesses.

First, there would likely need to be a limit on how many costumes you could make. Otherwise people would be making hundreds of them. Limits aren't really fun, so some kind of other system, like a "vanity slot" or "convert to style" option might be better.

Second, locking in dyes is no fun. The system is infinite-use, and a lot of people like keeping that kind of variety!

Third, while we're talking about infinite use, turning it into a gold sink goes against some of the already-established vanity systems. Sure, there's a gold sink for motifs, but that's to other players, and once you learn a motif you know it forever. The dye system, likewise, has a big time sink in that you need to earn the achievements for the dyes, but once unlocked they're open forever, even on different characters! So future vanity systems should probably have a similar feel to them. Some kind of one-time sink, then infinite free reuses.

1. So what if you could make hundreds of them. If theyre BoA whats the problem?
2. It is currently technically impossible to dye costumes. Thus if they wanted to give us craftable costumes the dyes would have to be applied to armor pieces before you stitch them into a costume.
3. I wouldnt mind if you had to sacrifice armor pieces to make the costume. Seems fair to me even it would be a gold sink.

@khele23eb17_ESO

Reserving storage space for hundreds of costumes across the million(s) of players could get very expensive from a data storage perspective, that's all. Thus, a costume-based approach has a severe disadvantage compared to other systems people have suggested, such as vanity slots or "Convert To Style" options.

I dunno. Storing crafted costume data would require about 7 times as much space (1 item consisting of 7 other items) as a normal costume would. That seems a lot... but 7 times almost nothing (motif code+3 dye codes per component) is still almost nothing. One crafted costume would probably not require much more space than a reqular piece of gear with stats, enchants and set bonuses. Not really sure this would be a problem.

Yes, I know that we can't (yet) dye costumes, this was another strike against trying to implement it through costumes.

Costume dyeing has been announced and is being worked on AFAIR.

A system that is easier to use and allows more freedom is, for most people, more desirable. If you like spending tons of gold on top of what you've already spent to look pretty and using systems that are difficult to navigate and expensive to implement, that's fine, but I think most of us would prefer it the other way.

Im pretty sure our convenience is a secondary concern for ZoS. They do seem to like their gold sinks and cash shop monetization of motifs. Also, developing and implementing a completely new vanity system seperate to the one thats already partially in game seems unlikely.

With that being said... I dont care how they decide to implement it. Whether they go for crafted costumes or a vanity tab you unlock in the cash shop. Doesnt matter - a feature like this is a fantastic addition to character customization and should be available in game in one form or another.