ZOS ability to ignore their playerbase

Mrtoobyy · November 2022

Someone who is lurking around the forum pretty much can't have missed the threads about the game being worse since update35 due to alot of reasons.

I don't hate on everything that update 35 changed, some things are for the better. HOWEVER the usual thing is ZOS admins are here on the forum blocking, moving and replying in threads. So some people over there is guaranteed to see these posts.

ZOS what happened? Back at launch and the first years you guys listened to your playerbase? I understand that you can't cater to everyone but there was atleast communication with us. We felt heard and cherished as players/customers. What and when did this change? Why not just be real with us?
Don't you guys see the potential this game has? So many things that you just change or leave as it is that is YEARS old, many of us players report or give suggestions about that stuff but it's like talking to a wall?

Aardappelboom · November 2022

Mrtoobyy wrote: »

Someone What and when did this change? Why not just be real with us?

I agree with this part. Let's take U35. The communication during PTS was "real" enough but it'd be nice if the team just shared what they're thinking before even changing things around so drastically.

There's no shame in bringing hardcore fans together and sharing the challenges the Devs are facing, getting feedback first hand, paving the road towards change.

Much like Microsoft does inside previews and allows insiders to give feedback.

I'm always very interested in what the devs are cooking up. I get the marketing value of keeping content a secret but there is definitely a middle ground where info and thoughts on topics (like accessibility or the Awa changes) can be shared and discussed openly, preferably before developping time is spent.

Because let's be honest, it's always a shame for the hard working team to create features that aren't welcomed by the community, even if these features are often well meant.

Destai · November 2022

Aardappelboom wrote: »

Mrtoobyy wrote: »

Someone What and when did this change? Why not just be real with us?

I agree with this part. Let's take U35. The communication during PTS was "real" enough but it'd be nice if the team just shared what they're thinking before even changing things around so drastically.

There's no shame in bringing hardcore fans together and sharing the challenges the Devs are facing, getting feedback first hand, paving the road towards change.

Much like Microsoft does inside previews and allows insiders to give feedback.

I'm always very interested in what the devs are cooking up. I get the marketing value of keeping content a secret but there is definitely a middle ground where info and thoughts on topics (like accessibility or the Awa changes) can be shared and discussed openly, preferably before developping time is spent.

Because let's be honest, it's always a shame for the hard working team to create features that aren't welcomed by the community, even if these features are often well meant.

I agree with your point about sharing the vision before development. I think if they had taken the time to elaborate more on why U35 was needed, some of the uproar would've been abated. Instead we got the tweet along with the initially bizarre changes, and here we are.

It is a shame that many features are maligned or fail to meet expectations. I'll take another example, since AWA and U35 have been discussed ad nauseum - the skyshard changes. IMO, all they had to do was put the skyshards on the map, but instead we got what we got. Like you're saying - no middle-ground, just here's our vision, take it.

There are some feature that are masterfully implemented - like antiquities or stickerbook/curated drops. Both are beautiful.

I get the impression that the Devs talk mostly on discord to stream teamers and other high-profile community members. I get it, but it ultimately ensures decisions are made in a vacuum.

Mrtoobyy · November 2022

I agree with both of you. In the end it's their game and of course but why have the PTS and put things out for us to discuss, that is the major disappointment for me.

I can surely say that I miss somethings Pre-One tamriel but I love the way things were handled back then. Same thing during test days regarding 1st person camera etc.
Even if ZOS doesn't care what we think of new or changed features in the game they SHOULD listen to us when we report bugs. Maybe I don't understand things fully but it's called bugs since it's meant to be there right?

Kesstryl · November 2022

Aardappelboom wrote: »

Mrtoobyy wrote: »

Someone What and when did this change? Why not just be real with us?

I agree with this part. Let's take U35. The communication during PTS was "real" enough but it'd be nice if the team just shared what they're thinking before even changing things around so drastically.

There's no shame in bringing hardcore fans together and sharing the challenges the Devs are facing, getting feedback first hand, paving the road towards change.

Much like Microsoft does inside previews and allows insiders to give feedback.

I'm always very interested in what the devs are cooking up. I get the marketing value of keeping content a secret but there is definitely a middle ground where info and thoughts on topics (like accessibility or the Awa changes) can be shared and discussed openly, preferably before developping time is spent.

Because let's be honest, it's always a shame for the hard working team to create features that aren't welcomed by the community, even if these features are often well meant.

^^This expresses everything I feel