The Crown Store has reached critical levels of immersion breakage

tomofhyrule · August 7

Let's just compare some pics then.

Here's one of my characters, using (appalling!) Crown Store cosmetics.

I guess she's look a lore more lore-friendly if I got rid of that costume and left everything as it is by default, right?

Yes, those sets are not from basegame. So let's try another of my characters as he looks now, and then I'll specifically swap all of his cosmetics to things that are only available in vanilla ESO so we can be sure it's as lore-friendly as possible.

Point is: not everyone who uses Crown Store stuff is doing it to annoy people specifically. Some people actually have something in mind.

Also, people tend to find what they're looking for in general. If you're going into ESO mad that other people may not match your personal lore, then you're just gonna see all the people who are being 'wrong.' But if it doesn't bother you, you really won't hit too many too often.
Case in point: this is Vivec right now:

Ok, there's one dude in a shiny jester costume and someone with a funny hat in the back and someone else way over there with a really colorful dye job, but that's really it. I don't see any Molag Bals dancing on mammoths here.
Let's try by the bank:

Ok, there's a mini Bal pet that I wouldn't have noticed unless I was specifically looking for it, a couple of pet bears and a pet scamp, and a glowy mount that ran by so I barely had time to register it. But what do I mostly see? Reasonable dresses on the ladies by the bank, muted colors on the rider, and fairly unremarkable things save the one woman way in the back who seems to have lost her shirt. But nothing to really get annoyed about, and if I did, I could just go back to my house.

Again, if the mere existence of other people who prefer to wear the flashiest things and are obnoxious as possible is a problem, then you do have the option of playing exclusively on the PTS. You won't really have to see any other people there outside of the testing weeks.

SilverBride · August 8

It's not costumes that I am concerned about. The only costume that I find really out of place is the Carnival one that looks like a giant flower on the player's back. But when I see it I just think "yuk" and move on.

It's not that simple with dancing Molag Bals, and loud exploding mounts and portals, and dark anchors in the middle of town. These things effect everyone around the player using them, and often in a very negative manner. The very least that should be done is removing these effects in town limits.

JemadarofCaerSalis · August 8

I would also like the ability to turn off sound effects and visual effects from some of the in game mounts and actions.

It isn't too bad when you can be far away from them, but when they go off right next to your ear, after a quiet stretch, it can be a jumpscare, because you arent' expecting it. And since it is in close proximity to you, it is of course much louder.

Unfortunately, just turning down the volume doesn't work, because it turns down *all* the volume, and so now I can't hear what people are saying, or the environmental tells that something is going to attack me.

While I would far prefer an individual 'shut this action up', I would understand if it had t obe a blanket 'hear all actions or none'. There are some musical instruments that I would love to shut up, though I don't know which ones they are (just heard them at a WB during an event, but couldn't find the person playing them to identify them)

katanagirl1 · August 9

ZOS_Kevin wrote: »

Hi all,

Wanted to follow up here. The goal is always to provided a balance of more grounded yet cool items and more fun/ fantastical items as well.

We have taken note and shared feedback when some items may push that balance a bit far, like our 4-sword horse friend. (I find this mount fun, but totally understand it can be super jarring.)

However, the item selections are meant to give you the player tools to be creative and have fun. Sometimes player choice will lead to a dancing Molag Bal, as jarring as that can be. But between the Crown Store items, in-game items and in-game event items, there are plenty of choices to make a more grounded experience for yourself and for others if they so choose. Some may go down the route of Sheogorath for a more maddening experience, but they should have the option to do so as well.

All that being said, happy to take any additional feedback to the team for their consideration. Is there a style or kind of cosmetic we have made in the past that you would like us to lean more into?

Thanks for any feedback give here. And please be mindful when submitting feedback that you remember community guidelines.

Kevin,

I agree with many here who posted that the mount-up animations for many of these flashy mounts is the greater part of the problem. The Voidmother Welwa and I think it is the Accursed Recall (the one that looks like a big pink bubble gum bubble) and the Legionnaire’s Recall can completely blind other players. There should never be a time when another player’s action makes it impossible for me to see. Also, one of the new Mount-up animations makes my PS5 controller vibrate. I can’t remember which one it is, one of the newer ones. Controller vibration should be only for something relevant to my own character.

Personally. I think the anchor recall is great, but that’s my opinion. The volume of the recall has been turned down and it does not bother me. I stop to watch it whenever someone uses it. I wish I could have it but crown crates and gambling aren’t for me.

Another thing lately is a pet with lightning type flashy light animation. I can’t believe no one has complained about this already. That nearly causes seizures for me and I am not susceptible to that sort of thing. I don’t know its name but It looks like a small cat with wings. The frequency of the flashing is quick and erratic, very disturbing.

Some players ask for things like a switch to turn off these things not because it is against their personal preference for seeing things in the game, but because it actually interferes with their ability to play the game. Don’t we all deserve to be able to play without discomfort?

LunaFlora · August 9

katanagirl1 wrote: »

ZOS_Kevin wrote: »

Hi all,

Wanted to follow up here. The goal is always to provided a balance of more grounded yet cool items and more fun/ fantastical items as well.

We have taken note and shared feedback when some items may push that balance a bit far, like our 4-sword horse friend. (I find this mount fun, but totally understand it can be super jarring.)

However, the item selections are meant to give you the player tools to be creative and have fun. Sometimes player choice will lead to a dancing Molag Bal, as jarring as that can be. But between the Crown Store items, in-game items and in-game event items, there are plenty of choices to make a more grounded experience for yourself and for others if they so choose. Some may go down the route of Sheogorath for a more maddening experience, but they should have the option to do so as well.

All that being said, happy to take any additional feedback to the team for their consideration. Is there a style or kind of cosmetic we have made in the past that you would like us to lean more into?

Thanks for any feedback give here. And please be mindful when submitting feedback that you remember community guidelines.

Kevin,

I agree with many here who posted that the mount-up animations for many of these flashy mounts is the greater part of the problem. The Voidmother Welwa and I think it is the Accursed Recall (the one that looks like a big pink bubble gum bubble) and the Legionnaire’s Recall can completely blind other players. There should never be a time when another player’s action makes it impossible for me to see. Also, one of the new Mount-up animations makes my PS5 controller vibrate. I can’t remember which one it is, one of the newer ones. Controller vibration should be only for something relevant to my own character.

Personally. I think the anchor recall is great, but that’s my opinion. The volume of the recall has been turned down and it does not bother me. I stop to watch it whenever someone uses it. I wish I could have it but crown crates and gambling aren’t for me.

Another thing lately is a pet with lightning type flashy light animation. I can’t believe no one has complained about this already. That nearly causes seizures for me and I am not susceptible to that sort of thing. I don’t know its name but It looks like a small cat with wings. The frequency of the flashing is quick and erratic, very disturbing.

Some players ask for things like a switch to turn off these things not because it is against their personal preference for seeing things in the game, but because it actually interferes with their ability to play the game. Don’t we all deserve to be able to play without discomfort?

the vibration you mentioned is likely from the Glass Atronach dwarven spider mount from Mirrormoor crates, the Mirrormoor skin has the same vibration.

i have also criticised the lightning effects numerous times and i believe the pet you are referring to is the Kynareth's Fledgeling Gryphon, the Kynareth's Quasigriff mount has the same effects both from Carnaval Crates.

i made a list for items with strobing/flashing effects in the pain point thread but now i think i may be useful to create a separate post for it

here's the link to my pain point thread comment:
https://forums.elderscrollsonline.com/en/discussion/comment/8260693#Comment_8260693

edited to add that i made the post i just mentioned:
https://forums.elderscrollsonline.com/en/discussion/681702/accessibility-request-a-list-of-strobing-flashing-effects-occurrences#latest

BagOfBadgers · August 9

SilverBride wrote: »

BagOfBadgers wrote: »

SilverBride wrote: »

Molag Bol was the first big bad guy. Now he is reduced to dancing in town like some kind of clown, and having his dark anchors used by his enemies as ways to port around the world.

Things like this should never happen. It is completely immersion and lore breaking.

I've gotten my Soul back 30+ times from kicking his backside (EU/NA PC).

Not on the same Character.

You're right. Sorry should have said All MY TOONS have gotten their Soul back (30+ times) from kicking his backside (EU/NA PC). So having him as an “Pet” ON SOME OF THEM seems reasonable to me, as it's my Toons and their own lore. If that makes sense?

spartaxoxo · August 9

BagOfBadgers wrote: »

SilverBride wrote: »

BagOfBadgers wrote: »

SilverBride wrote: »

Molag Bol was the first big bad guy. Now he is reduced to dancing in town like some kind of clown, and having his dark anchors used by his enemies as ways to port around the world.

Things like this should never happen. It is completely immersion and lore breaking.

I've gotten my Soul back 30+ times from kicking his backside (EU/NA PC).

Not on the same Character.

You're right. Sorry should have said All MY TOONS have gotten their Soul back (30+ times) from kicking his backside (EU/NA PC). So having him as an “Pet” ON SOME OF THEM seems reasonable to me, as it's my Toons and their own lore. If that makes sense?

He also has his facsimile at the center of the sewers. So there are players who have kicked his butt multiple times. FYI

SilverBride · August 9

BagOfBadgers wrote: »

You're right. Sorry should have said All MY TOONS have gotten their Soul back (30+ times) from kicking his backside (EU/NA PC). So having him as an “Pet” ON SOME OF THEM seems reasonable to me, as it's my Toons and their own lore. If that makes sense?

Every boss we defeat should not then become our "pet". That just diminishes our accomplishment if the boss we once beat is now nothing more than a dancing court jester.

francesinhalover · August 10

Chili_Pepper wrote: »

2018...Tamriel Hero looks like

2025...

We got what we deserve...

What are the gold special light effects?

katanagirl1 · August 10

LunaFlora wrote: »

katanagirl1 wrote: »

ZOS_Kevin wrote: »

Hi all,

Wanted to follow up here. The goal is always to provided a balance of more grounded yet cool items and more fun/ fantastical items as well.

We have taken note and shared feedback when some items may push that balance a bit far, like our 4-sword horse friend. (I find this mount fun, but totally understand it can be super jarring.)

However, the item selections are meant to give you the player tools to be creative and have fun. Sometimes player choice will lead to a dancing Molag Bal, as jarring as that can be. But between the Crown Store items, in-game items and in-game event items, there are plenty of choices to make a more grounded experience for yourself and for others if they so choose. Some may go down the route of Sheogorath for a more maddening experience, but they should have the option to do so as well.

All that being said, happy to take any additional feedback to the team for their consideration. Is there a style or kind of cosmetic we have made in the past that you would like us to lean more into?

Thanks for any feedback give here. And please be mindful when submitting feedback that you remember community guidelines.

Kevin,

I agree with many here who posted that the mount-up animations for many of these flashy mounts is the greater part of the problem. The Voidmother Welwa and I think it is the Accursed Recall (the one that looks like a big pink bubble gum bubble) and the Legionnaire’s Recall can completely blind other players. There should never be a time when another player’s action makes it impossible for me to see. Also, one of the new Mount-up animations makes my PS5 controller vibrate. I can’t remember which one it is, one of the newer ones. Controller vibration should be only for something relevant to my own character.

Personally. I think the anchor recall is great, but that’s my opinion. The volume of the recall has been turned down and it does not bother me. I stop to watch it whenever someone uses it. I wish I could have it but crown crates and gambling aren’t for me.

Another thing lately is a pet with lightning type flashy light animation. I can’t believe no one has complained about this already. That nearly causes seizures for me and I am not susceptible to that sort of thing. I don’t know its name but It looks like a small cat with wings. The frequency of the flashing is quick and erratic, very disturbing.

Some players ask for things like a switch to turn off these things not because it is against their personal preference for seeing things in the game, but because it actually interferes with their ability to play the game. Don’t we all deserve to be able to play without discomfort?

the vibration you mentioned is likely from the Glass Atronach dwarven spider mount from Mirrormoor crates, the Mirrormoor skin has the same vibration.

i have also criticised the lightning effects numerous times and i believe the pet you are referring to is the Kynareth's Fledgeling Gryphon, the Kynareth's Quasigriff mount has the same effects both from Carnaval Crates.

i made a list for items with strobing/flashing effects in the pain point thread but now i think i may be useful to create a separate post for it

here's the link to my pain point thread comment:
https://forums.elderscrollsonline.com/en/discussion/comment/8260693#Comment_8260693

edited to add that i made the post i just mentioned:
https://forums.elderscrollsonline.com/en/discussion/681702/accessibility-request-a-list-of-strobing-flashing-effects-occurrences#latest

I don’t know how other companies handle these concerns, it might be mentioned previously here or elsewhere I don’t recall, but the devs may feel that since the warnings about health effects are baked into consoles and gaming software that is all that needs to be done. I would hope that they would want to go further than that. People who enjoy playing video games but have these health concerns should not have to avoid playing games completely. Adding options to turn off certain visual effects would allow more players to enjoy the game and would increase sales of games. It would also allow those who prefer not to see these effects just for preference sake to enjoy the game more as well. Seems like a win-win to me from their perspective.

JemadarofCaerSalis · August 10

francesinhalover wrote: »

Chili_Pepper wrote: »

2018...Tamriel Hero looks like

2025...

We got what we deserve...

What are the gold special light effects?

What style/outfit/costume is this?

spartaxoxo · August 10

katanagirl1 wrote: »

LunaFlora wrote: »

katanagirl1 wrote: »

ZOS_Kevin wrote: »

Hi all,

Wanted to follow up here. The goal is always to provided a balance of more grounded yet cool items and more fun/ fantastical items as well.

We have taken note and shared feedback when some items may push that balance a bit far, like our 4-sword horse friend. (I find this mount fun, but totally understand it can be super jarring.)

However, the item selections are meant to give you the player tools to be creative and have fun. Sometimes player choice will lead to a dancing Molag Bal, as jarring as that can be. But between the Crown Store items, in-game items and in-game event items, there are plenty of choices to make a more grounded experience for yourself and for others if they so choose. Some may go down the route of Sheogorath for a more maddening experience, but they should have the option to do so as well.

All that being said, happy to take any additional feedback to the team for their consideration. Is there a style or kind of cosmetic we have made in the past that you would like us to lean more into?

Thanks for any feedback give here. And please be mindful when submitting feedback that you remember community guidelines.

Kevin,

I agree with many here who posted that the mount-up animations for many of these flashy mounts is the greater part of the problem. The Voidmother Welwa and I think it is the Accursed Recall (the one that looks like a big pink bubble gum bubble) and the Legionnaire’s Recall can completely blind other players. There should never be a time when another player’s action makes it impossible for me to see. Also, one of the new Mount-up animations makes my PS5 controller vibrate. I can’t remember which one it is, one of the newer ones. Controller vibration should be only for something relevant to my own character.

Personally. I think the anchor recall is great, but that’s my opinion. The volume of the recall has been turned down and it does not bother me. I stop to watch it whenever someone uses it. I wish I could have it but crown crates and gambling aren’t for me.

Another thing lately is a pet with lightning type flashy light animation. I can’t believe no one has complained about this already. That nearly causes seizures for me and I am not susceptible to that sort of thing. I don’t know its name but It looks like a small cat with wings. The frequency of the flashing is quick and erratic, very disturbing.

Some players ask for things like a switch to turn off these things not because it is against their personal preference for seeing things in the game, but because it actually interferes with their ability to play the game. Don’t we all deserve to be able to play without discomfort?

the vibration you mentioned is likely from the Glass Atronach dwarven spider mount from Mirrormoor crates, the Mirrormoor skin has the same vibration.

i have also criticised the lightning effects numerous times and i believe the pet you are referring to is the Kynareth's Fledgeling Gryphon, the Kynareth's Quasigriff mount has the same effects both from Carnaval Crates.

i made a list for items with strobing/flashing effects in the pain point thread but now i think i may be useful to create a separate post for it

here's the link to my pain point thread comment:
https://forums.elderscrollsonline.com/en/discussion/comment/8260693#Comment_8260693

edited to add that i made the post i just mentioned:
https://forums.elderscrollsonline.com/en/discussion/681702/accessibility-request-a-list-of-strobing-flashing-effects-occurrences#latest

I don’t know how other companies handle these concerns, it might be mentioned previously here or elsewhere I don’t recall, but the devs may feel that since the warnings about health effects are baked into consoles and gaming software that is all that needs to be done. I would hope that they would want to go further than that. People who enjoy playing video games but have these health concerns should not have to avoid playing games completely. Adding options to turn off certain visual effects would allow more players to enjoy the game and would increase sales of games. It would also allow those who prefer not to see these effects just for preference sake to enjoy the game more as well. Seems like a win-win to me from their perspective.

A performance mode that turned off cosmetics and other extreme lights would also help people who experience things like a lot of lag.

Warhawke_80 · August 10

A simple toggle to hide fantastical creatures which would hide all dancing Aardvarks and sparkle ponies would be most appreciated.

Warhawke_80 · August 10

Chili_Pepper wrote: »

2018...Tamriel Hero looks like

2025...

We got what we deserve...

Yeah we did...

Quackery · August 10

ZOS_Kevin wrote: »

Hi all,

Wanted to follow up here. The goal is always to provided a balance of more grounded yet cool items and more fun/ fantastical items as well.

We have taken note and shared feedback when some items may push that balance a bit far, like our 4-sword horse friend. (I find this mount fun, but totally understand it can be super jarring.)

However, the item selections are meant to give you the player tools to be creative and have fun. Sometimes player choice will lead to a dancing Molag Bal, as jarring as that can be. But between the Crown Store items, in-game items and in-game event items, there are plenty of choices to make a more grounded experience for yourself and for others if they so choose. Some may go down the route of Sheogorath for a more maddening experience, but they should have the option to do so as well.

All that being said, happy to take any additional feedback to the team for their consideration. Is there a style or kind of cosmetic we have made in the past that you would like us to lean more into?

Thanks for any feedback give here. And please be mindful when submitting feedback that you remember community guidelines.

No, no, no, PLEASE don't change your trajection! Ignore the gloomers, and keep bringing us the FUN! I LOVE my 4-swordie mount, so don't you dare think of it as an obstacle. I've had enough of seeing so many plain horses and other similar mounts, and I love the fantastical, crazy ones. I keep finding myself rotating over and over again with my 4-sword Auroran.

IT'S FUN!! Keep the craziness going!

Quackery · August 10

Eclipse318 wrote: »

If I could pick just one thing to get rid of, it's the winged twilight FLAPFLAP pets always in my face everywhere I go. I got so excited when I heard they were going to let us turn off other peoples' pets in crowded areas -- but apparently inside a bank or wayshrine is not a "crowded area." They're still everywhere.

I have a visual processing disorder that makes it literally impossible for me to read text when I've got a bunch of animation going on, such as ads on a web page -- FLAPFLAPFLAPFLAP behind a text box definitely falls into this category. Sometimes the wings are right up against my face and I can't see anything but FLAPFLAPFLAP. For the love of the Eight, please fix this!

Oh, you sweet innocent soul, ZOS will ignore you like it has the rest of us for 10 years and ongoing. I have NO IDEA why they haven't changed the skins, and the obstinance is really disturbing.

I DO NOT WANT FLAPPING, SEIZURE-INDUCING WINGS COVERING MY ENTIRE TV SCREEN!!!

Vonnegut2506 · August 11

The same reason they haven't reverted the Jabs and Flurry animation -- they are right, and the rest of us are wrong.

BlueViolet · August 11

God I hate that limp ass jabs and flailing flurry 🤮

I also cannot stand the flashing mounts, sparkle ponies and other things that use a lot of particle effects. The effects just seem to be getting more overly dramatic and flashy. It's really annoying when three or four people in the vicinity do it almost all at once.
I like the idea of the little dark anchor recall but again, three of four folks doing it almost at the same time and the area just seems to be cluttered with .. stuff. I like the Gold Road leaf recall. Its interesting and cool but its understated and doesn't feel like it is about to trigger a seizure whenever I see it.

I am all for having fun and cool stuff in the store, that isn't shoved into a predatory crate, but must they have such massive overdone effects?

IndigoDreams · August 11

so when are we gonna be allowed to customize our outfit, meaning, remove parts of a style if we prefer?
like the deadwater style looks awesome but i hate the pads that it forces on my character....

with all the wild stuff out there, this sounds about as vanilla as it gets.....

NotaDaedraWorshipper · August 11

Quackery wrote: »

ZOS_Kevin wrote: »

Hi all,

Wanted to follow up here. The goal is always to provided a balance of more grounded yet cool items and more fun/ fantastical items as well.

We have taken note and shared feedback when some items may push that balance a bit far, like our 4-sword horse friend. (I find this mount fun, but totally understand it can be super jarring.)

However, the item selections are meant to give you the player tools to be creative and have fun. Sometimes player choice will lead to a dancing Molag Bal, as jarring as that can be. But between the Crown Store items, in-game items and in-game event items, there are plenty of choices to make a more grounded experience for yourself and for others if they so choose. Some may go down the route of Sheogorath for a more maddening experience, but they should have the option to do so as well.

All that being said, happy to take any additional feedback to the team for their consideration. Is there a style or kind of cosmetic we have made in the past that you would like us to lean more into?

Thanks for any feedback give here. And please be mindful when submitting feedback that you remember community guidelines.

No, no, no, PLEASE don't change your trajection! Ignore the gloomers, and keep bringing us the FUN! I LOVE my 4-swordie mount, so don't you dare think of it as an obstacle. I've had enough of seeing so many plain horses and other similar mounts, and I love the fantastical, crazy ones. I keep finding myself rotating over and over again with my 4-sword Auroran.

IT'S FUN!! Keep the craziness going!

I don't find pain, nauesa, and headaches fun. Think few does.

tomofhyrule · August 11

While I would nominally support a "hide other people and their effects" toggle, there's probably a really, really good reason that it's not in ZOS's best interest to do so: $$$$

Seeing other people with pretty/unique/flashy/noisy/etc. Crown Store stuff is absolutely advertising. And yes, ZOS definitely wants people to not only see others around with flashy stuff, but for those people who see the flashy stuff to also want to buy said flashy stuff. And yes, flashy stuff totally sells, whether it fits in your personal lore or not.

Let's do a quick example: How many people were going on about how excited they were for July 24th so they could get the thing they really wanted from the Crown Store? Do you even know what did release on that day? (Spoiler: the very grounded and realistic War Veteran's Hunting Dog)
Now how many people were excited about August 5th for their mammoth? The one that doesn't even fart rainbow sparkles.
Which of those releases do you think was better for ZOS's profits? Of course it's in the team's best interest to go flashy. And - for anyone who doesn't want daddy Microsoft to pull the plug on ESO - it's in the players' best interest to see flashy stuff that people are willing to pay money for.

Just think: how wonderful would it be if we all could go onto Youtube and just watch a video from our favorite creator? We can log on, click their video, and watch it. Instead, we go in, get a pre-roll ad, watch for a minute and then get another ad that interrupts them in the middle of a sentence, and then when we rewind a bit to hear what they said Youtube decides it's a great time to play another 30s unskippable since we essentially are interacting with the screen.
We say "Hey Youtube, please calm down with your ads!" and they say "Hey, buy our ad-free sub! Also we finally managed to block adblockers so deal with it!"

And this would be a likely solution here: a (paid!) sub that allows you to hide other people and their effects. The kind of "How important is not seeing other people to you?" solution. And if they added this as an ESO+ option and then increased the price of ESO+... well, then all of the people who are playing ESO+ and don't mind seeing other people will riot since they don't want to see their fee increase because of something being added that they absolutely don't want.

Now there's another wrinkle - ESO is already struggling under its own weight to the extent that they're trying to conserve space with things like the edits to the Harborage and the animation changes (those were removed from U46, but they're probably not gone for good). We know that space restrictions to allow the game to be playable on older PC hardware and last-gen consoles are a factor. And server requirements probably aren't going to allow 'private servers' to be a thing, at least not without a massive cost associated with it.

BagOfBadgers · August 11

spartaxoxo wrote: »

BagOfBadgers wrote: »

SilverBride wrote: »

BagOfBadgers wrote: »

SilverBride wrote: »

Molag Bol was the first big bad guy. Now he is reduced to dancing in town like some kind of clown, and having his dark anchors used by his enemies as ways to port around the world.

Things like this should never happen. It is completely immersion and lore breaking.

I've gotten my Soul back 30+ times from kicking his backside (EU/NA PC).

Not on the same Character.

You're right. Sorry should have said All MY TOONS have gotten their Soul back (30+ times) from kicking his backside (EU/NA PC). So having him as an “Pet” ON SOME OF THEM seems reasonable to me, as it's my Toons and their own lore. If that makes sense?

He also has his facsimile at the center of the sewers. So there are players who have kicked his butt multiple times. FYI

Thanks, I forgot about the many, many times I have wrecked him and his crew down there. Ta muchly.

BagOfBadgers · August 11

SilverBride wrote: »

BagOfBadgers wrote: »

You're right. Sorry should have said All MY TOONS have gotten their Soul back (30+ times) from kicking his backside (EU/NA PC). So having him as an “Pet” ON SOME OF THEM seems reasonable to me, as it's my Toons and their own lore. If that makes sense?

Every boss we defeat should not then become our "pet". That just diminishes our accomplishment if the boss we once beat is now nothing more than a dancing court jester.

When/If ZOS sales them and they take my fancy I would. My toons, their personal lore. Also see it as RP'ing. As some of my Toons are shy and others are opposite and showy.

PS I'm not a fan of the more flashy and loud things ZOS have sold of late BUT I don't have or want the right to tell others how their toons should look or what mounts they use.

Edit. Using your "Every boss we defeat should not then become our "pet" " statement. How many is enough runs (Tri's, HM and the alike) to use the Skins/Mounts/Personalties/Colours, etc etc, from achievements. 1,2,3 or more?

SilverBride · August 12

BagOfBadgers wrote: »

PS I'm not a fan of the more flashy and loud things ZOS have sold of late BUT I don't have or want the right to tell others how their toons should look or what mounts they use.

Those that do not like the loud flashy mounts should not be forced to experience the bright flashes of light and loud explosions of other players' choices. Let those players use what they want but let those of us that are negatively impacted prevent these effects on our characters.

katanagirl1 · August 12

Another benefit:

The game is really struggling while trying to render all these flashy mounts and costumes. Many times I go to guild traders and they don’t have their books, brooms, or whatever. The wayshrines sometime don’t have the blue flame. Sometimes the daedric portal to Volundrung is not visible in Cyrodiil. Large cities have black silhouettes of players for several seconds before their costumes and styles are visible. I bet if I could turn off all of the flashy cosmetics, this problem would go away.

spartaxoxo · August 12

katanagirl1 wrote: »

Another benefit:

The game is really struggling while trying to render all these flashy mounts and costumes. Many times I go to guild traders and they don’t have their books, brooms, or whatever. The wayshrines sometime don’t have the blue flame. Sometimes the daedric portal to Volundrung is not visible in Cyrodiil. Large cities have black silhouettes of players for several seconds before their costumes and styles are visible. I bet if I could turn off all of the flashy cosmetics, this problem would go away.

It would also help with all the low end machines like PS4 still kicking around.

Honestly, a performance mode that, in part, disabled other players cosmetics would benefit players in Cyrodiil too

katanagirl1 · August 12

spartaxoxo wrote: »

katanagirl1 wrote: »

Another benefit:

The game is really struggling while trying to render all these flashy mounts and costumes. Many times I go to guild traders and they don’t have their books, brooms, or whatever. The wayshrines sometime don’t have the blue flame. Sometimes the daedric portal to Volundrung is not visible in Cyrodiil. Large cities have black silhouettes of players for several seconds before their costumes and styles are visible. I bet if I could turn off all of the flashy cosmetics, this problem would go away.

It would also help with all the low end machines like PS4 still kicking around.

Honestly, a performance mode that, in part, disabled other players cosmetics would benefit players in Cyrodiil too

I don’t see how people can even play on PS4 anymore. These conditions on PS5 were what I saw on PS4 when I switched. It has to be 100 times worse on PS4 now.

Malyore · August 12

ZOS_Kevin wrote: »

The question isn't meant to mean we have lost our way. It is only to signal this: Some have expressed frustration with cosmetic direction and saying years prior have been better and more grounded. It is helpful to have examples to specifically point to the team and say, "some folks are frustrated with some of the flashier cosmetics and would want something like (Insert Example). In future planning, can we have more thought into some less flashy, more grounded content?"

It's the info I need to do my job effectively. The team has a plan and is carrying it forth. Everyone in this thread I think wants player feedback to have an impact in decision making. So getting that info as early as possible is the only way to make that happen.

@ZOS_Kevin I'd say a good and very comprehensible starting point is using what the team simply uses on its own game-- specifically NPCs. Would you have a town or even an army of NPCs in ESO be hordes of people with neon purple black hole skin, with glowing blue eyes and pink flames coming out of their shoulders while they wear their green wig and glowingly gold shiny robe... having a mini skeleton dragon hovering in front of them while they sit atop a red flaming vampire robot dog (that last one was hyperbole, don't get any ideas) as you talk to them about a story quest?
Or would you have them look... Like an elder scrolls character?

I'd say give the players what you give yourself. Or, on the flip side, use what you give the players and see how well that goes for the games health. I think there would be a radical population shift if you made story NPCs starting to look like the actual player designs I described above.

In my opinion, it is possible for players' creativity to still be colorful without being painful. Here are some photos of my Dunmer, using entirely Dunmer gear/styles, and I think achieving both being "colorful and flashy" as one might expect from an important and powerful character in the world, while importantly also looking like a composite of its Elder Scrolls surroundings.

I also tried a similar approach with my Argonian, and Zerith-Var. Using entirely Argonian motifs and Khajiit motifs accordingly, while still experimenting with being colorful.

Malyore · August 12

Malyore wrote: »

ZOS_Kevin wrote: »

The question isn't meant to mean we have lost our way. It is only to signal this: Some have expressed frustration with cosmetic direction and saying years prior have been better and more grounded. It is helpful to have examples to specifically point to the team and say, "some folks are frustrated with some of the flashier cosmetics and would want something like (Insert Example). In future planning, can we have more thought into some less flashy, more grounded content?"

It's the info I need to do my job effectively. The team has a plan and is carrying it forth. Everyone in this thread I think wants player feedback to have an impact in decision making. So getting that info as early as possible is the only way to make that happen.

@ZOS_Kevin I'd say a good and very comprehensible starting point is using what the team simply uses on its own game-- specifically NPCs. Would you have a town or even an army of NPCs in ESO be hordes of people with neon purple black hole skin, with glowing blue eyes and pink flames coming out of their shoulders while they wear their green wig and glowingly gold shiny robe... having a mini skeleton dragon hovering in front of them while they sit atop a red flaming vampire robot dog (that last one was hyperbole, don't get any ideas) as you talk to them about a story quest?
Or would you have them look... Like an elder scrolls character?

I'd say give the players what you give yourself. Or, on the flip side, use what you give the players and see how well that goes for the games health. I think there would be a radical population shift if you made story NPCs starting to look like the actual player designs I described above.

In my opinion, it is possible for players' creativity to still be colorful without being painful. Here are some photos of my Dunmer, using entirely Dunmer gear/styles, and I think achieving both being "colorful and flashy" as one might expect from an important and powerful character in the world, while importantly also looking like a composite of its Elder Scrolls surroundings.

I also tried a similar approach with my Argonian, and Zerith-Var. Using entirely Argonian motifs and Khajiit motifs accordingly, while still experimenting with being colorful.

I wanted to note, since I mentioned glowing blue eyes, that I believe Zerith is a well done extent of using colorful/flashy cosmetics in a sensible way which can be wedged in TES and providing a unique look to him. However, I think it's important that when those cosmetics are used on NPCs, that it be rare, mild, and unique, with only one aspect about them. I don't want every Khajiit I meet to have glowing eyes now. And I would dislike Zerith's look if he had more than just his eyes going on in that regard. Take Tanlorin for example. Deep purple tattoos AND purple striped hair? To me that is starting to become too obnoxious (not to mention odd for a character that is part of a secret rebellion), especially with their purple clothes to boot.
These two NPCs have introduced the slippery slope of NPC design.

(Also a side note, I'm trying to find better boots for my Argonian. I feel like the blue gems and bright bones, which cannot be dyed, clash with the rest of the outfit. If anyone knows any Argonian motifs from crates, which aren't normally listed in the outfit station to preview, let me know)

xylena_lazarow · August 12

Chili_Pepper wrote: »

2018...Tamriel Hero looks like

The 2018 "hero" I saw most was fat male orcs in Nord bath towels.

Before that, it was fat male orcs in wedding dresses.

Launch was full of permanent goblin costumes named Ragnar.

It's fine to me as long as it stays in-universe, though I'd like to turn off the gaudy mount-up animations.

2018 was also around when entire towns were glowing with "Dro Mathra armor motif + Amberplasm skin" clowns.