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Concerns About Early-Level Costumes in Ashes of Creation: Immersion and Fulfillment Feedback
Altairis
Member
Greetings, fellow Ashes of Creation enthusiasts,
After closely following Ashes' development for six years and considering others' feedback, there's one recurring concern that I believe deserves our attention: 'Costumes' lacking level restrictions. Before delving into my thoughts, I want to make it clear that I understand the reasoning behind monthly FOMO cosmetics. These cosmetics play a vital role in creating a vibrant in-game world and provide a sensible monetization model. Additionally, the exclusivity of the best-looking gear being attainable only in-game is a feature I wholeheartedly applaud. I'm also aware that Steven and the community have discussed this topic several times now.
However, despite my deep affection for the game and its potential for immersion, the current availability of costumes right from level 1 gives me pause. My primary issue lies in the potential disruption to immersion and progression in the game. It feels somewhat jarring to witness brand-new characters parading around in extravagant outfits from the very beginning. This early introduction of lavish cosmetics could diminish the sense of accomplishment and progression as players level up and strive for more substantial rewards.
While some of these costumes do fit well for us to wear, like NPC allies, what about our enemies? Imagine encountering someone wearing the 'Face of Sorrow' right from the start. It can be a bit perplexing and lore-breaking, giving off the impression that they've already vanquished those sinister and edgy adversaries, and there are a thousand more players like that at the beginning.
With this concern in mind, I'd like to propose one of two suggestions that, in my opinion, could significantly enhance this aspect of the game:
1. Raise the Level Requirement: One potential solution is to consider increasing the level requirement for equipping costumes. By doing so, players would need to invest more time and effort into their characters before gaining access to these flashy cosmetics. This approach prolongs the anticipation and enhances the sense of accomplishment when players eventually unlock these unique looks. While I understand the concern about potential backlash, I believe that open communication from Intrepid Studios about the reasons behind this adjustment would be appreciated by the community. Given that you've already implemented restrictions for Freeholds and Mounts, it's a feasible step.
2. Provide Starting Cosmetic Options: An alternative approach is for Intrepid to offer stylish, lore-friendly starting cosmetics that are accessible to all players right from the beginning. These cosmetics should seamlessly align with the game world's lore, ensuring they make sense within the context of our characters' journey from Sanctus to Verra. This way, players can maintain a sense of personalization without overshadowing the early stages of character progression. It would be helpful if we could compare these starting in-game cosmetics with in-shop costumes for more transparency. So far, I've only seen a few sets of armor above level 10, which aren't exactly starting gear. We need to see more gears that can be achieved early in the game.
I know that balancing personalization and preserving the early-game experience's integrity is pivotal for the success of Ashes of Creation.
I also believe that implementing these adjustments could not only enrich the overall experience but also cater to players who prioritize immersion and progression in the game. While there's always a challenge in finding the right balance, these proposals aim to strike that balance.
What are your thoughts on these ideas? I'm eager to hear your opinions and insights on how we, as a community, can contribute to making Ashes of Creation an even more immersive and enjoyable game for us. Let's engage in this discussion!
Edit: Personally, I think just increasing the level requirement on costumes will do just fine. It's better than having no level restriction at all. Is there any specific reason for it not having any restrictions?
After closely following Ashes' development for six years and considering others' feedback, there's one recurring concern that I believe deserves our attention: 'Costumes' lacking level restrictions. Before delving into my thoughts, I want to make it clear that I understand the reasoning behind monthly FOMO cosmetics. These cosmetics play a vital role in creating a vibrant in-game world and provide a sensible monetization model. Additionally, the exclusivity of the best-looking gear being attainable only in-game is a feature I wholeheartedly applaud. I'm also aware that Steven and the community have discussed this topic several times now.
However, despite my deep affection for the game and its potential for immersion, the current availability of costumes right from level 1 gives me pause. My primary issue lies in the potential disruption to immersion and progression in the game. It feels somewhat jarring to witness brand-new characters parading around in extravagant outfits from the very beginning. This early introduction of lavish cosmetics could diminish the sense of accomplishment and progression as players level up and strive for more substantial rewards.
While some of these costumes do fit well for us to wear, like NPC allies, what about our enemies? Imagine encountering someone wearing the 'Face of Sorrow' right from the start. It can be a bit perplexing and lore-breaking, giving off the impression that they've already vanquished those sinister and edgy adversaries, and there are a thousand more players like that at the beginning.
With this concern in mind, I'd like to propose one of two suggestions that, in my opinion, could significantly enhance this aspect of the game:
1. Raise the Level Requirement: One potential solution is to consider increasing the level requirement for equipping costumes. By doing so, players would need to invest more time and effort into their characters before gaining access to these flashy cosmetics. This approach prolongs the anticipation and enhances the sense of accomplishment when players eventually unlock these unique looks. While I understand the concern about potential backlash, I believe that open communication from Intrepid Studios about the reasons behind this adjustment would be appreciated by the community. Given that you've already implemented restrictions for Freeholds and Mounts, it's a feasible step.
2. Provide Starting Cosmetic Options: An alternative approach is for Intrepid to offer stylish, lore-friendly starting cosmetics that are accessible to all players right from the beginning. These cosmetics should seamlessly align with the game world's lore, ensuring they make sense within the context of our characters' journey from Sanctus to Verra. This way, players can maintain a sense of personalization without overshadowing the early stages of character progression. It would be helpful if we could compare these starting in-game cosmetics with in-shop costumes for more transparency. So far, I've only seen a few sets of armor above level 10, which aren't exactly starting gear. We need to see more gears that can be achieved early in the game.
I know that balancing personalization and preserving the early-game experience's integrity is pivotal for the success of Ashes of Creation.
I also believe that implementing these adjustments could not only enrich the overall experience but also cater to players who prioritize immersion and progression in the game. While there's always a challenge in finding the right balance, these proposals aim to strike that balance.
What are your thoughts on these ideas? I'm eager to hear your opinions and insights on how we, as a community, can contribute to making Ashes of Creation an even more immersive and enjoyable game for us. Let's engage in this discussion!
Edit: Personally, I think just increasing the level requirement on costumes will do just fine. It's better than having no level restriction at all. Is there any specific reason for it not having any restrictions?
2
Comments
They sold them saying we would be able to use with no level restrictions, not a good start for a game developer if they start lying before the game even launches
Yup! Lost track of the number of them.
@Altairis :
1) I paid for it, I should be able to use it, as early as I can obtain the items these cosmetics will "go over".
2) Some of us will have the roleplay of having already lived a life on Sanctus; Not everyone coming through the portal is destitute and lower-class. Some of us may be from Sanctus's middle and upper-classes, and even claim allegiance to some of the groups that have already come before our group - such as the Verdant Keeper organization.
3) The NPCs (particuarily the quest-givers) will already possess armor and weapons and look higher-level than you; Some people of Verra came before you, and some didn't come through the portal with rags for clothes. This doesn't mean that you can't still visually advance *yourself* from rags-to-riches.
4) Some of us planned our cosmetic purchases to already accomodate appearances that will go from low-level to high-level; Not ALL of the cosmetics are glowy, golden-inlaid end-game-lookin' items and outfits.
You really shouldn't concern yourself with what other players will be wearing and look like, early-on; We're NOT the first group through the portal, we're NOT all going to have the same backgrounds, and nothing anyone else wears will diminish your ability to moderate your own toon's visual advancement.
Are you thinking the Portals disintegrate disintegrate clothing??
Steven will tell you that everyone who travels through a Portal from Sanctus to Verra is a hero.
And, cosmetics are designed such that we can visually determine whether they are bought cosmetics or gear acquired in-game.
Maybe the portals WILL have "Terminator" rules; You go through, and you're naked and confused, running around in a past world!
bro just said cosmetics are p2w 💀💀
I look forward to seeing you make a free game for me that has no monetization and i don't need to pay money to play the game lol.
There will be cosmetics that look expensive - but they will still be easily understood to be cosmetics with no stats.
You get to RP as a general from Sanctus if you wish, but everyone will know that your appearance is just cosmetics and you could be a newbie when it comes to Verran magic.
Right?
Can't wait till we get closer to launch ... when the number of forum-goers (with their own personal interpretations of "pay-to-win") multiplies exponentially.
Obviously. And how do you know they don't have high level gear on behind the costume? You don't. That's my point, It can go both ways. You're making the visual progression of the game irrelevant which is a key component of MMORPGs. It's what allows you to distinguish a low level and high level character. They already have limits on cosmetic gear pieces, but not for whole costumes. Why? The higher price point? If they didn't already recognize an issue with this, there wouldn't be those restrictions. Just be consistent with the cosmetic system.
Bikini armour will be back on the menu like in Age of Conan lol.
Hur dur all you like. The only definition of P2W that counts here is Steven's. Enjoy.
And your second point rant shows that you are one of those that came in full of piss and vinegar without actually knowing anything about how the system works. Look to the wiki entry maintained by the excellent Lex for free (May all praise his benficience!) You will be able to tell tier and type of gear at a glance under their plans for threat assessment. You will know character name, class, and level from the nameplate. So your moaning about visual progression is moot. Don't play hard, play smart.
https://ashesofcreation.wiki/Threat_assessment
I suggest you look up the definition of the word.
For you to think cosmetics are arguably pay to win, that means you must see an argument to that effect.
You have not provided one at all.
Appearance is not winning.
costumes are costumes. they dont progress lol
also, we came from another land back to verra, i assume we werent naked back there and we had clothes, not rags
I wouldn't mind some progression criteria for the more extreme cosmetics that hardly belong on a level 1 character that hasn't yet progressed past hunting rabbits and whatnot, but that's coming from someone who hasn't invested any money on cosmetics for a game that doesn't exist, so I don't have any goodies waiting for me when the game launches.
No way dude said cosmetics are P2W 💀
If visual progression is your only reason for playing (I hope it isn't; you'd be missing out on a great MMO), then you should consider whether Ashes is going to be the right game for you.
Did you find that definition of pay-to-win yet? Able to link it for everyone?
Visual progression is irrlevant - especially in a Fantasy setting with High Magic. Illusions are common.
There will be other ways to distinguish a low level character from a high level character.
Why the higher price point for what??