Confessions of a Casual

ShedsHisTail · June 2016

Hello,

My name is Sheds-His-Tail, but you might know me as Lies-With-Steel, Spoken-In-Whispers, Eckankar the Inscrutable or one of my other four alts lower than level ten whose names I can’t actually remember. You might also recognize me as “that orc with no chest armor because he wants to make sure everyone can see his rad tats.” I am a casual.

My life is a demanding one. I’m nearly 40 years old. I have a wife whom I love and like spending time with. I have a full time job with a lengthy commute which, while sometimes stressful, provides me with income which allows me to maintain a subscription to this game despite being limited to only playing on weekends. It’s true.

See, though I participated in the beta test and have subscribed to this game since release, I reached VR16 with my first character just about a month ago. I haven’t completed all the group dungeons. I love the quests. I love the story. I love the characters and personalities and I read the in-game books.

I’ve never participated in a trial. I’ve only spent about ten minutes in Craglorn. The Maelstrom Arena destroys me in the first round.

I rarely engage in PvP and when I do, I’m the guy who isn’t hitting the right objective, or keep, or wall or whatever… I’m the guy who doesn’t even know the terminology necessary to describe how bad he is.

I run what you might call a less-than-optimal dual-wield stamblade build on my main bar, I run a different less-than-optimal dual-wield stamblade build on my secondary bar; it’s been that way (with little variation) since release. I gear for looks. I craft for fun. I’m a member of two separate guilds and rarely talk to any of them. I was invited to become a guild officer, but turned it down because I don’t have time. I don’t RP because I can’t commit to it; but it looks like fun.

In your 4-Man dungeon, I’m the guy listening to quest dialogue. When you’re fighting the boss, I’m fighting the lock on a treasure chest in the corner which I’ve been working on since before the pull. I don’t know what my sustained DPS is. I’ve never used a DPS meter… or an add-on of any kind. I’m the guy standing in the red, probably. Not because I don’t understand the mechanics, but because the real world intervened and distracted me for a moment. I’m the one who sticks with it until the end, even if things are going badly. I’m the one who says, “Hey guys!” every time I join a group, even though you never talk back. I die, a lot, but I don’t complain because it’s just a game. I am experienced, adequate and competent in all three roles, depending on character, but I’m definitely not up to your standards.

See, I felt like posting this because it’s recently been brought to my attention that I, and those like me, are the problem. That instead of fixing Cyrodiil lag, or balancing classes, or stopping people from leaping over walls, or fixing bugged trials, @ZOS is out there developing content for the other 90% of the game world which people, like myself, enjoy at a more leisurely pace. I’ve been told that I, and those like me, who participate in the game sporadically; not logging on every single day but rather playing a little here and there when new content comes out despite maintaining a monthly subscription, have sounded the death-knell for this game which the rest of you more regularly enjoy complaining about.

I wanted you to know that, while I doubt the veracity of that claim, I recognize that I’m part of the problem; and I’m not the least bit sorry.

Regards,

Sheds-His-Tail
Part of the Problem

Osteos · June 2016

A toast to you!

I listen to dialogue as well even if I'm the healer and it means the rest of my group is going to die

FortheloveofKrist · June 2016

Drink every time the OP uses the first person singular.

(Warning: Participants play this drinking game at their own risk)

ComboBreaker88 · June 2016

Casual players are definitely not the issue. If people want to min max a build, let them. People should be able to play the way the want to. It's supposed to be fun. That being said if people want to run champion 160 dungeon and then complain about group finder because their personality is so abrasive that no one in 1 of their 5 guilds want to join a group with them, those people are the problem. This game has so much potential. But until we as a community start making our voice heard, it will die. Because @ZOS clearly doesn't know what they are doing. I personally like the whole concept of maximizing my bud to its best possible potential. But I play to be competitive. That shouldn't mean that only people like me should be allowed to play.

ShedsHisTail · June 2016

FortheloveofKrist wrote: »

Drink every time the OP uses the first person singular.

(Warning: Participants play this drinking game at their own risk)

Hence why it's titled "Confessions of a Casual" not many or all.
Just me. I only speak for me.

LadyNalcarya · June 2016

ComboBreaker88 wrote: »

Casual players are definitely not the issue. If people want to min max a build, let them. People should be able to play the way the want to. It's supposed to be fun. That being said if people want to run champion 160 dungeon and then complain about group finder because their personality is so abrasive that no one in 1 of their 5 guilds want to join a group with them, those people are the problem. This game has so much potential. But until we as a community start making our voice heard, it will die. Because @ZOS clearly doesn't know what they are doing. I personally like the whole concept of maximizing my bud to its best possible potential. But I play to be competitive. That shouldn't mean that only people like me should be allowed to play.

Well said!
TES games are famous for the freedom they provide for players - people still make mods for Morrowind, for example. Obviously, this degree of total gameplay customization is not possible in multiplayer games, but that means there should be something for everyone. Yes, even for 10%.

Slurg · June 2016

OP, you get an awesome from me.

Signed,
A player who has been here since the beginning that still hasn't managed to hit 501 champion points yet.

P.S.

FortheloveofKrist wrote: »

Drink every time the OP uses the first person singular.

(Warning: Participants play this drinking game at their own risk)

This is a fun game.

Volkodav · June 2016

ShedsHisTail wrote: »

Hello,

My name is Sheds-His-Tail, but you might know me as Lies-With-Steel, Spoken-In-Whispers, Eckankar the Inscrutable or one of my other four alts lower than level ten whose names I can’t actually remember. You might also recognize me as “that orc with no chest armor because he wants to make sure everyone can see his rad tats.” I am a casual.

My life is a demanding one. I’m nearly 40 years old. I have a wife whom I love and like spending time with. I have a full time job with a lengthy commute which, while sometimes stressful, provides me with income which allows me to maintain a subscription to this game despite being limited to only playing on weekends. It’s true.

See, though I participated in the beta test and have subscribed to this game since release, I reached VR16 with my first character just about a month ago. I haven’t completed all the group dungeons. I love the quests. I love the story. I love the characters and personalities and I read the in-game books.

I’ve never participated in a trial. I’ve only spent about ten minutes in Craglorn. The Maelstrom Arena destroys me in the first round.

I rarely engage in PvP and when I do, I’m the guy who isn’t hitting the right objective, or keep, or wall or whatever… I’m the guy who doesn’t even know the terminology necessary to describe how bad he is.

I run what you might call a less-than-optimal dual-wield stamblade build on my main bar, I run a different less-than-optimal dual-wield stamblade build on my secondary bar; it’s been that way (with little variation) since release. I gear for looks. I craft for fun. I’m a member of two separate guilds and rarely talk to any of them. I was invited to become a guild officer, but turned it down because I don’t have time. I don’t RP because I can’t commit to it; but it looks like fun.

In your 4-Man dungeon, I’m the guy listening to quest dialogue. When you’re fighting the boss, I’m fighting the lock on a treasure chest in the corner which I’ve been working on since before the pull. I don’t know what my sustained DPS is. I’ve never used a DPS meter… or an add-on of any kind. I’m the guy standing in the red, probably. Not because I don’t understand the mechanics, but because the real world intervened and distracted me for a moment. I’m the one who sticks with it until the end, even if things are going badly. I’m the one who says, “Hey guys!” every time I join a group, even though you never talk back. I die, a lot, but I don’t complain because it’s just a game. I am experienced, adequate and competent in all three roles, depending on character, but I’m definitely not up to your standards.

See, I felt like posting this because it’s recently been brought to my attention that I, and those like me, are the problem. That instead of fixing Cyrodiil lag, or balancing classes, or stopping people from leaping over walls, or fixing bugged trials, @ZOS is out there developing content for the other 90% of the game world which people, like myself, enjoy at a more leisurely pace. I’ve been told that I, and those like me, who participate in the game sporadically; not logging on every single day but rather playing a little here and there when new content comes out despite maintaining a monthly subscription, have sounded the death-knell for this game which the rest of you more regularly enjoy complaining about.

I wanted you to know that, while I doubt the veracity of that claim, I recognize that I’m part of the problem; and I’m not the least bit sorry.

Regards,

Sheds-His-Tail
Part of the Problem

You just burst my heart with pride,my friend!
I am labeled as casual too,though I play every day many hours.I usually bridle at being called thus,because it indicates to me that I am not committed enough,which I am.
Perhaps though,with the likes of you in the ranks as "casual",I might not mind being called one,after all.

Volkodav · June 2016

FortheloveofKrist wrote: »

Drink every time the OP uses the first person singular.

(Warning: Participants play this drinking game at their own risk)

Drink every time the OP isnt ashamed to be non-elite.
Cheers to the OP!!

Morimizo · June 2016

Cheers, @ShedsHisTail , if you ever run into a fellow Argonian named Skink-in-Shroom's-Glow, know you are in like-minded company.

Happy gaming to you!

Averya_Teira · June 2016

The lockpicking part while the group is killing a boss is straight disrecpecful if you ask me... you are wasting three other people's time,remember that next time...

The rest I don't really mind/care.

AmberLaTerra · June 2016

Honestly no you are not the problem. All you have said shows that clearly. You are a causal yes, but you have stated how you do not mind taking your time to gain what your goals are or taking things slow. No one should have an issue at all with you or your play style because that is your style.

The problem is the ones who want everything handed to them instantly. There is a big difference between your slow work to get there over time, and being able to do everything you have done in less then an hour which seems to be the direction things are going and what is objected too.

I don't care if someone is not as good at their role as another due to limited play time as long as they try and do the best they can with what they do know, if they die a lot no big deal at least they are learning and improving slowly. They changes that have me upset is they want to give everything to the ones who do not want to bother to take their time and learn slowly bit by bit.

They want to reward not those with limited play time but those who are to lazy to bother. Someone like you who is behind the curve due to limited play time but still has a v16 and is at least competent in all 3 roles is someone worthy of respect.

Someone who wants to just skip all the content and jump right into end game content without learning a thing or putting in an ounce of effort to level is a bane to all of us hardcore or casual. They make a mockery of the effort you have put in with your limited play time, and cause a false divide between hardcore players and the good casuals like yourself.

These are the types who stand around in a starter zone for hours begging for money for a horse in zone chat when in the time they spend begging they could have farmed enough resources to sell for 3 horses. The ones who want max gear for no effort or work.

Players like that are the problem. You are as far from the problem as could be.

ShedsHisTail · June 2016

Slurg wrote: »

OP, you get an awesome from me.

Signed,
A player who has been here since the beginning that still hasn't managed to hit 501 champion points yet.

Oh, man, don't even get me started on Champion points... Think I've got like 315 or something.
Achievements sitting around 8000.

Volkodav · June 2016

Averya_Teira wrote: »

The lockpicking part while the group is killing a boss is straight disrecpecful if you ask me... you are wasting three other people's time,remember that next time...

The rest I don't really mind/care.

I think the OP was just making the point that they arent the most dedicated to grouping.Saying that he would probably be the one to pick flowers in a cattle stampede.
Hehe.

ShedsHisTail · June 2016

Averya_Teira wrote: »

The lockpicking part while the group is killing a boss is straight disrecpecful if you ask me... you are wasting three other people's time,remember that next time...

The rest I don't really mind/care.

You'll note it says I started before they pulled.
I make an effort to not be obstructive in a group setting.

Shunravi · June 2016

Right on man! Keep having fun.

LegacyDM · June 2016

Your not the problem. It's zos inability to balance the needs of the pvper vs the needs of the pver. A lot of Problems would go away if zos could fix the lag in cyrodil and give pvpers purpose like arenas or battlegrounds. Many pvpers feel that zos is putting all their priorities in pve because that's a cash cow while ignoring the pvp bugs and lag .

bareheiny · June 2016

ShedsHisTail wrote: »

Hello,

My name is Sheds-His-Tail, but you might know me as Lies-With-Steel, Spoken-In-Whispers, Eckankar the Inscrutable or one of my other four alts lower than level ten whose names I can’t actually remember. You might also recognize me as “that orc with no chest armor because he wants to make sure everyone can see his rad tats.” I am a casual.

My life is a demanding one. I’m nearly 40 years old. I have a wife whom I love and like spending time with. I have a full time job with a lengthy commute which, while sometimes stressful, provides me with income which allows me to maintain a subscription to this game despite being limited to only playing on weekends. It’s true.

See, though I participated in the beta test and have subscribed to this game since release, I reached VR16 with my first character just about a month ago. I haven’t completed all the group dungeons. I love the quests. I love the story. I love the characters and personalities and I read the in-game books.

I’ve never participated in a trial. I’ve only spent about ten minutes in Craglorn. The Maelstrom Arena destroys me in the first round.

I rarely engage in PvP and when I do, I’m the guy who isn’t hitting the right objective, or keep, or wall or whatever… I’m the guy who doesn’t even know the terminology necessary to describe how bad he is.

I run what you might call a less-than-optimal dual-wield stamblade build on my main bar, I run a different less-than-optimal dual-wield stamblade build on my secondary bar; it’s been that way (with little variation) since release. I gear for looks. I craft for fun. I’m a member of two separate guilds and rarely talk to any of them. I was invited to become a guild officer, but turned it down because I don’t have time. I don’t RP because I can’t commit to it; but it looks like fun.

In your 4-Man dungeon, I’m the guy listening to quest dialogue. When you’re fighting the boss, I’m fighting the lock on a treasure chest in the corner which I’ve been working on since before the pull. I don’t know what my sustained DPS is. I’ve never used a DPS meter… or an add-on of any kind. I’m the guy standing in the red, probably. Not because I don’t understand the mechanics, but because the real world intervened and distracted me for a moment. I’m the one who sticks with it until the end, even if things are going badly. I’m the one who says, “Hey guys!” every time I join a group, even though you never talk back. I die, a lot, but I don’t complain because it’s just a game. I am experienced, adequate and competent in all three roles, depending on character, but I’m definitely not up to your standards.

See, I felt like posting this because it’s recently been brought to my attention that I, and those like me, are the problem. That instead of fixing Cyrodiil lag, or balancing classes, or stopping people from leaping over walls, or fixing bugged trials, @ZOS is out there developing content for the other 90% of the game world which people, like myself, enjoy at a more leisurely pace. I’ve been told that I, and those like me, who participate in the game sporadically; not logging on every single day but rather playing a little here and there when new content comes out despite maintaining a monthly subscription, have sounded the death-knell for this game which the rest of you more regularly enjoy complaining about.

I wanted you to know that, while I doubt the veracity of that claim, I recognize that I’m part of the problem; and I’m not the least bit sorry.

Regards,

Sheds-His-Tail
Part of the Problem

A friend from another forum has a signature that asks "Are you made of awesome?". You sir, are most definitely made of awesome. And if more players had your attitude, there would be no "problem".

ShedsHisTail · June 2016

Volkodav wrote: »

Averya_Teira wrote: »

The lockpicking part while the group is killing a boss is straight disrecpecful if you ask me... you are wasting three other people's time,remember that next time...

The rest I don't really mind/care.

I think the OP was just making the point that they arent the most dedicated to grouping.Saying that he would probably be the one to pick flowers in a cattle stampede.
Hehe.

Actually, I love grouping. Dungeons are one of my favorite parts of this game. When they finally fixed the grouping tool (which appears to be broken again) it completely renewed my love for this game.

I'm just saying that even in a dungeon, I'm gonna look around a bit; at least my first an second time through.

Runefang · June 2016

While yes you can play however you like, at least when you're grouping you should be helping the group achieve it's goal rather than just your own.

Also if you're so under-geared or under-leveled for the content you're attempting then again you should consider the group as a whole and wait until you're ready. Being inexperienced is fine as long as you learn.

Volkodav · June 2016

ShedsHisTail wrote: »

Volkodav wrote: »

Averya_Teira wrote: »

The lockpicking part while the group is killing a boss is straight disrecpecful if you ask me... you are wasting three other people's time,remember that next time...

The rest I don't really mind/care.

I think the OP was just making the point that they arent the most dedicated to grouping.Saying that he would probably be the one to pick flowers in a cattle stampede.
Hehe.

Actually, I love grouping. Dungeons are one of my favorite parts of this game. When they finally fixed the grouping tool (which appears to be broken again) it completely renewed my love for this game.

I'm just saying that even in a dungeon, I'm gonna look around a bit; at least my first an second time through.

I do it too.Whenever I am running pug,once I am done,I go back and check out each container,or mat available. XD

Lysette · June 2016

ShedsHisTail wrote: »

FortheloveofKrist wrote: »

Drink every time the OP uses the first person singular.

(Warning: Participants play this drinking game at their own risk)

Hence why it's titled "Confessions of a Casual" not many or all.
Just me. I only speak for me.

But it is kind of how I play as well - and I love my RL partner as well and want to spend time with her - so gaming is there, but it is not the main thing in my life. It is entertainment, just like it is for you. You described it rather well - and we are certainly not alone, but most likely the majority even.

Slurg · June 2016

ShedsHisTail wrote: »

Averya_Teira wrote: »

The lockpicking part while the group is killing a boss is straight disrecpecful if you ask me... you are wasting three other people's time,remember that next time...

The rest I don't really mind/care.

You'll note it says I started before they pulled.
I make an effort to not be obstructive in a group setting.

It sucks when the rest of the group rushes in and goes after the boss before you're ready. Especially when tanking.

ShedsHisTail wrote: »

Oh, man, don't even get me started on Champion points... Think I've got like 315 or something.
Achievements sitting around 8000.

Wow with 400-something I feel almost hardcore now! Maybe you are the player ZOS is pegging the average number of CPs to (to justify not raising the cap) and not me!

I'll drink to that!

bikerangelo · June 2016

It's not your fault that ZOS refuses to tailor their production towards the long-term, "hardcore" gamers or whatever. "The Elder Scrolls" name attracts casuals and fans of the franchise, along with 1,000+ hours of story driven content, and that's where the majority of their business comes from. Nobody ever said that the casual gamer was holding this game back. This isn't about your play style, it's purely a business decision.

ZOS keeps focusing on getting more players. Their biggest announcement at E3 was the fact that they've had 7m gamers buy ESO and log in. They don't care about how many have left, they only care about pushing that number to 8m, then 9m, and ideally to 10m. They can afford to lose subs as long as they keep selling boxes. They don't care about players spending $15 a month when they can put a friggin cat in the crown store for 3x that amount. Any fool could take one look at the state of the game and realize where the money is coming from and where their time should be spent developing new content.

But seriously, have fun doing what you're doing, and don't let anyone tell you that you're part of a problem. It's a game, games are supposed to be fun, and while some have fun by competing, other just like to enjoy the game at a pleasant pace.

mike_de · June 2016

Very good post, my friend. I agree with you.

I have an other problem, so I am a "pseudo" casual or newbie here, too. I am a hardcore gamer at heart. But I spread my attention over so many games I play, I am barely a casual in this game.

Due playing so many games over the years, I get a very fast grip on every game I am eager to play, because of my general experience with games. The truth is, that I don't have the determination of the full time ESO players to min/max my builds. I have fun in playing a new game with a good storyline.

So I have basicly the same problem as you have, only because of other reason. I am the person, who can answer the question: "If I like this game, what should I play next" But I cannot answer where to find the mats in this game. Or what the "best" build is.

I wander through the world, picking every flower, loot every chest I see, doing good or bad, depending on the character I roleplay on the way. I am crafting seriously, using one of my alts as crafter. I am used to that from other MMO, so why change my modus operandi, that worked good in other games. I have no clue how the guild trading works, and I don't care any longer,because I can't find anything there. I think an central auction house would be far better that this, buuuut I am only casual not able to find anything I want in any of the guild shops. What do I know?

I am used to modding, too, written countless mods for my games, so it is not surprising I am already using mods without end for a better UI. If you don't use mods usually, get at least the potion maker mod. That simplifies your life immense. It's potion making for casuals, who can't remember the the attributes of the plants, even if their life depends on it. This was made for you.

In short, I play games for fun and replayability. And i think this game is fun. I am only missing a serious challenge, but that is nothing new in vanilla Bethesda games.

FortheloveofKrist · June 2016

ShedsHisTail wrote: »

FortheloveofKrist wrote: »

Drink every time the OP uses the first person singular.

(Warning: Participants play this drinking game at their own risk)

Hence why it's titled "Confessions of a Casual" not many or all.
Just me. I only speak for me.

Hey, you were the first person to make a snide comment on my recent thread when I was simply making an observation. I, too, am a casual and play much the way you do. But if you want to be shown respect, perhaps you should treat others the way you want to be treated.

waterfairy · June 2016

I hear your brother. I too have a life with responsibilities and such so I'm deemed a "casual" even though I'm a competent casual who's been gaming for years...I just can't put in the time and effort any more. I was once a PC playing gamer with hours of uninterrupted game time each session, now my "session" is an hour or 2 late at night when the house goes quiet, before I pass out on the couch from exhaustion.

ShedsHisTail · June 2016

FortheloveofKrist wrote: »

ShedsHisTail wrote: »

FortheloveofKrist wrote: »

Drink every time the OP uses the first person singular.

(Warning: Participants play this drinking game at their own risk)

Hence why it's titled "Confessions of a Casual" not many or all.
Just me. I only speak for me.

Hey, you were the first person to make a snide comment on my recent thread when I was simply making an observation. I, too, am a casual and play much the way you do. But if you want to be shown respect, perhaps you should treat others the way you want to be treated.

I am snide... often. That happens, so that's possible.
If I offended, apologies. Rest assured it's all in fun.

disintegr8 · June 2016

Keep on having fun at your own pace and cheers to you.

bedlom · June 2016

You are definitely NOT part of eso's problems (quite the opposite).
Enjoy your well earned gaming time and **** the players who think they are elite but in reality just don't have a life to live and therefore have much more time to accomplish what we can all accomplish.
And FYI I am... elite!

Loralai_907 · June 2016

I am a middle of the road player. I have work and kids, I can't play for long stretches most of the time. Before the removal of vet ranks, I had 2 VR16's and a VR 11 as my highest characters. I have a master crafter, and am fully at 9 traits. I have been playing since Beta. For the very longest of times, I loved this game. I felt like there was so much to do that I would never get it all done. I still have things to do. I want to do more group content, but I am not currently with any players that I feel comfortable with, so all of that is on hold.

It took me forever to get my first maxed character, because I listened to every quest and took my time. I also would work on other characters a lot, and then change my mind and delete them. But I also knew I couldn't do it on every single remaining character or I would never get them done. And I wanted them done so I could do more advanced things in the game that I felt I couldn't do at the time due to lack of really knowing what the heck I was doing. And being a person with anxiety, I cannot just throw myself out there if I felt I would be holding a group back.

I personally don't have anything against any player that plays less, or more, or whatever. My complaints have nothing to do with the players. My complaints lie elsewhere. And I'm not going to bring them up here, a couple threads I was commenting on in regards to my complaints are already locked, leading me to believe any further discussion about said issues, will do the same to every other thread they touch. But they absolutely have nothing to do with how much other people play.