The only argument I could think of agreeing with is the progress (achievements). But if you're into that sort of thing, I would say that the argument of account wide achievements is more appealing.

And it's not hard to roll a new char, so I would say no

This would ultimately break the game. And make balancing impossible.

So you want another game then?

If you were creating a new game from scratch, yes it is an interesting idea....I'll assume it's not been done before in another game.

Example: I have a level 50 magicka sorcerer and I want to play a stamina night blade...So I buy the nightblade skills and how do i change from magicka to stamina? Do i have to buy a race change token aswell?

How about if im in the mood to play something different? I have to pay again to buy other skills if i dont want to go back to being a magicka sorcerer...mind you the magicka bit depends on race and attribute points

Then i need to go farm gear but as soon as i change my character again because that particular class skill got nerfed its more cost to me.

I think it would take a lot of balancing to get this idea working so that it's not exploited in some way. Im also concerned as to what could potentially happen if most people decided to play the meta build ...would eso end up being a one class game?

Maybe Im missing some details here...please feel free to add explanations.

I used to be pro class change tokens (I'm not anti either) but I think a better solution would be to be able to merge characters of the same class.

18 total potential characters, 6 classes. 3 characters per class. One for each role.

I have a Nord DK Tank and a Cat DK mDPS. My Tank is not set to be uber tanky because he is my main and it is a pain in the ass to reconfigure him to do zone content.

What I'd like to be able to do is merge my Cat and Nord into one character. The lore behind it would be a Soul Merge of sorts, where Azura gives 1 of those characters their soul back, and dies properly, the essence of that character that died gets added to the one you want to keep.

What it results in is my Nord DK will receive all shards and quest progress and achievements my Cat had and now have the option to use Cat racial passives (not at the same time as Nord though), and the option of two profiles, two sets of Attributes, two sets of skill loadouts, two gear loadouts, two CP load outs. They get 300 inventory slots (assuming both had horse maxed) an extra 10 bank space, an extra 10 on all house banks. Total of 190 inventory slots get added, but given you lose a character you lose 200. This also costs you a character slot.

The end result would be 6 characters each with a different class, with 3 loadouts each. At that point, you really would not need to change your class because you can reach maximal potential on the one character. If you do not like the class, you can make another of the class you want and reach that classes maximal potential.

sounds awesome
do it

Dusk_Coven wrote: »

Vandril wrote: »

I like the end result, but this idea is like a "Rube Goldberg machine" of a solution.

Just...let us change classes. On one character. Problem solved.

True, but you know how the grass looks greener on the other side... until you are there?
I'd rather not pay again to change back to my original class in such a case. :P

Who said it should cost anything? :P

Or heck, just make it a one-time unlock for each class or something, then allow players to freely change.

But really, classes being tied to character creation is an antiquated feature I always oppose nowadays. Class changing should be a base feature.

There isn't a need to implement this, it's only a want. Some classes still need work to be brought up to competing levels, thats a fact.

MisterBigglesworth wrote: »

No. The classes need to all be more unique from each other and be good at certain roles while mediocre at others.This leads to us being dependent on others, the cornerstone of the MMORPG.

I agree with you, but where way past that point lol. These people don't care about balance and meaningful choices. Everyone should be able to play as anything with whatever set-up they want and have no drawbacks. That's why they love CP so much. Free stats without having to make a choice.

Dusk_Coven wrote: »

It's not about "cooperation" or "being dependent on others". Otherwise PvP wouldn't be a thing. Otherwise people wouldn't solo dungeons or vet dungeons and brag about it. Otherwise there wouldn't be such a scramble to buy and furnish your house. To pay money for pet fashion, mount fashion, personal toon fashion.

While I agree with you that these are the primary motivations of the players, I do not think game designers are taking full advantage of the unique opportunities afforded by the MMO genre. It's my personal belief that developers should not be adapting the game to the desires of the playerbase, but should instead be asking the players to adapt to the challenges of the world, including the limitations of their class (with of course to hard-to-define caveat of: is it still fun?)

Dusk_Coven wrote: »

a straight class change if they are at all going to offer the product, would probably make them more money -- which is why it is important to propose a more flexible product solution up front before we are locked into that option

I don't think that's a realistic concern even from the most cynical perspective of maximizing profit above all else. I'm sure they've run the numbers prefer to have all the various repeatable micro transactions over multiple characters.

But never say never, I guess.

In any case, you should wait until that's actually announced then before offering up the Compromise Position. Assuming the worst and telegraphing ahead of time the additional BS you're willing to put up with doesn't help.

Dusk_Coven wrote: »

Of course we would disallow skills from more than one class to be on your Skill Bars. DUH.

But it is superior to simply a Class Change Token because:
(1) Unlike class change, you do not lose your class progress so you could revert if you feel you made a bad decision. Simply use your old skills.
(2) Unlike making a new toon, you do not lose quest progress and unlocks.
(3) It keeps the game fresh because on the same toon you can play in a completely different way.
(4) ZOS can put a cap on Extra Character Slot inflation. Too many character slots = materials farming from crafting = upsetting the intended materials availability rate

It should come with some kind of Wardrobe option where you have extra space to set a skill loadout and stash a full set of gear.

ADDENDUM: It would be similar to how FFXIV lets you play all classes on one toon. You have to switch your state from one class to another when not in combat or not in a duty (i.e., dungeon / trial / group finder stuff)

I've always liked the idea of treating classes like regular skill lines and allowing players to essentially build their own class by taking the abilities from each that they like. Usually the argument that it would create balance issues and everyone would just slot the strongest skills from each class wins the day. But I'm still intrigued by the idea and would love to see it put into development. This game's system is one I believe could make it work. I honestly think it would be awesome.

Your idea - which does sound basically like how Final Fantasy does it - is also one I would support. But I seriously doubt ZoS will ever implement it. I imagine they make too much money selling perks to help alts level up and obtain skills faster to give up those profits.