The Importance of Visual Progression in MMORPGs and the Case for Cosmetic Toggles

I know its been discussions before, and before anyone says yes i used ChatGPT to help with spelling and formating.

**The Importance of Visual Progression in MMORPGs and the Case for Cosmetic Toggles**

In MMORPGs, visual progression is a crucial element that enhances player immersion and satisfaction. This progression, which manifests through the gradual acquisition of increasingly impressive gear, allows players to visually showcase their in-game achievements. However, the introduction of purchasable cosmetics can disrupt this experience by enabling new or lower-level players to don high-end appearances, which can diminish the sense of accomplishment tied to actual gameplay progression.

**Why Visual Progression Matters**

Visual progression is integral to the MMORPG experience because it provides a clear and satisfying sense of advancement. When players see their characters evolve from basic starter gear to intricate, high-tier equipment, it reinforces the journey they've undertaken in the game world. This transformation is not just aesthetic but also symbolic of the player's growth, dedication, and mastery.

**The Issue with Paid Cosmetics**

While cosmetic items offer a way for games to generate revenue, they can also blur the lines between actual progression and appearance. Players who invest time and effort into earning gear may feel overshadowed by those who purchase similar-looking items through a cash shop. This issue is particularly acute when these items do not have any level or achievement restrictions, allowing anyone to bypass the visual journey traditionally associated with character development.

**The Proposal: Cosmetic Toggles**

To address these concerns, I propose the introduction of a toggle option that allows players to disable the visibility of cosmetic items purchased through the game's cash shop. This feature would enable players to see only in-game earned gear, preserving the integrity of visual progression and allowing them to enjoy a more immersive experience. Additionally, this toggle could be offered as a premium feature, providing an optional revenue stream for the developers while respecting player choice.

**Conclusion**

Incorporating a toggle for cosmetic visibility respects both the player's journey and the game's economic model. By offering this as an additional paid feature, developers can cater to players who prioritize immersion and authentic progression, while still benefiting from cosmetic sales. This approach could strike a balance between maintaining game integrity and supporting a sustainable business model.

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Otr

Blip wrote: »

**The Proposal: Cosmetic Toggles**

To address these concerns, I propose the introduction of a toggle option that allows players to disable the visibility of cosmetic items purchased through the game's cash shop

I would even pay a monthly subscription to get such a toggle option.

Blip

Otr wrote: »

Blip wrote: »

**The Proposal: Cosmetic Toggles**

To address these concerns, I propose the introduction of a toggle option that allows players to disable the visibility of cosmetic items purchased through the game's cash shop

I would even pay a monthly subscription to get such a toggle option.

Same here!

Saabynator

The idea is interesting. But for the sake of Intrepid, I would probably not. Some people buy cosmetics for themselves, some buy them to look cool infron of others. I think there is an argument to be made, that the sales would be lower, if people could turn it off. I want Intrepid to earn big money doing this. I said in another thread earlier. AoC, is the last big, old school mentality MMO, that is made with love, for players. If this becomes a success, this will get seen and copied. Other studies might get money to make good MMOs again, because the business world is able to see a profit in it. It might just be me blowing it up, but I really do belive this. I have played MMOs consistently since UO beta, and I have seen the decline in quality.

Hinotori

A cosmetic toggle lowers the value of cosmetics as a whole and harms the games monetization model.

A large segment of who buys skins are the collectors or RP players who generally snatch up every one they see. If people potentially no longer see those skins and they're no longer buying a mount/costume/pet/freehold skin every month (along with other potential cosmetic offerings such as racial skins, dyes, spell vfx and weapon skins) then that means you'd now have to charge at least an extra $100USD a month for just the potential loss of having a cosmetic off toggle to make up for the lost revenue and that doesnt include the cost of possible other future cosmetics i outlined.

Are people willing to pay that for a toggle every month? No.

Zahie

I say no to this, it's an MMORPG. For me, character looks is an important part of the RP part. It doesn't matter if it's paid cosmetics or earned the hard way in game (transmoged ot not), it's still a way to express my character and get immersed. Your suggestion takes away the fun with that and the feeling of everyone playing in the same world and seeing the same things.
Why not a toggle to hide all other players while we're at it? Or just play a single player game?
You could just choose to not buy the paid cosmetics in order to not harm your visual progression. How does other players choices affect your own visual progression?
I personally usually think it's more fun and rewarding to earn my gear, it gives me reasons to do specific content but I'm not bothered at all by seeing people wearing paid cosmetics.

Veeshan

Personaly would have cosmetic toggle off for everyone when they exit town/freeholds. since gear recognition is important when it comes to pvp

arkileo

Blip wrote: »

they can also blur the lines between actual progression and appearance. Players who invest time and effort into earning gear may feel overshadowed by those who purchase similar-looking items through a cash shop. This issue is particularly acute when these items do not have any level or achievement restrictions, allowing anyone to bypass the visual journey traditionally associated with character development

I know for me personally, this is not the case at all. Hell, I might actually look down on players wearing cash shop cosmetics. I certainly wouldn't feel overshadowed, I would feel like I'm overshadowing them.

This reminds me of WoW Classic Burning Crusade, where Blizzard decided they needed to taint the original experience by adding a cash shop mount. A lot of people bought it. But a lot of people hated the idea of a paid mount infringing on their nostalgia so much that they'd /spit on anyone they saw riding that mount. Soon after, Blizzard made it so you can't /spit on other players. Totally unrelated, I'm sure.

Veeshan wrote: »

Personaly would have cosmetic toggle off for everyone when they exit town/freeholds. since gear recognition is important when it comes to pvp

I'm not sure this is the kind of game Intrepid wants to make currently. Steven has expressed a desire for imperfect information in PvP, exhibit A being the segmented health bars. Not knowing someone's gear fits a similar style.

Otr

Saabynator wrote: »

Some people buy cosmetics for themselves, some buy them to look cool infron of others.

If they would look cool...
But in other threads people complain that cosmetics on this store are ugly.

Saabynator wrote: »

I want Intrepid to earn big money doing this.

Me too. That's why I offer to pay to hide them than not paying anything.
Free money, to replace the ugly cosmetics with default cosmetics!
This alone is worth $375

Saabynator

Otr wrote: »

Saabynator wrote: »

Some people buy cosmetics for themselves, some buy them to look cool infron of others.

If they would look cool...
But in other threads people complain that cosmetics on this store are ugly.

Saabynator wrote: »

I want Intrepid to earn big money doing this.

Me too. That's why I offer to pay to hide them than not paying anything.
Free money, to replace the ugly cosmetics with default cosmetics!
This alone is worth $375

Ugly cosmetics is subjective. Some like, some dont. Point still stand.

I got no idea what your talking about there hehe.

Vospha

Blip wrote: »

I know its been discussions before, and before anyone says yes i used ChatGPT to help with spelling and formating.

**The Importance of Visual Progression in MMORPGs and the Case for Cosmetic Toggles**

In MMORPGs, visual progression is a crucial element that enhances player immersion and satisfaction. This progression, which manifests through the gradual acquisition of increasingly impressive gear, allows players to visually showcase their in-game achievements. However, the introduction of purchasable cosmetics can disrupt this experience by enabling new or lower-level players to don high-end appearances, which can diminish the sense of accomplishment tied to actual gameplay progression.

**Why Visual Progression Matters**

Visual progression is integral to the MMORPG experience because it provides a clear and satisfying sense of advancement. When players see their characters evolve from basic starter gear to intricate, high-tier equipment, it reinforces the journey they've undertaken in the game world. This transformation is not just aesthetic but also symbolic of the player's growth, dedication, and mastery.

**The Issue with Paid Cosmetics**

While cosmetic items offer a way for games to generate revenue, they can also blur the lines between actual progression and appearance. Players who invest time and effort into earning gear may feel overshadowed by those who purchase similar-looking items through a cash shop. This issue is particularly acute when these items do not have any level or achievement restrictions, allowing anyone to bypass the visual journey traditionally associated with character development.

**The Proposal: Cosmetic Toggles**

To address these concerns, I propose the introduction of a toggle option that allows players to disable the visibility of cosmetic items purchased through the game's cash shop. This feature would enable players to see only in-game earned gear, preserving the integrity of visual progression and allowing them to enjoy a more immersive experience. Additionally, this toggle could be offered as a premium feature, providing an optional revenue stream for the developers while respecting player choice.

**Conclusion**

Incorporating a toggle for cosmetic visibility respects both the player's journey and the game's economic model. By offering this as an additional paid feature, developers can cater to players who prioritize immersion and authentic progression, while still benefiting from cosmetic sales. This approach could strike a balance between maintaining game integrity and supporting a sustainable business model.

I agree with the fact that I would much rather see people in towns and be like "oh, looks at that guys gear. He most have done something awesome to get that!" rather than "ah that guys got a fat wallet". I disagree that my immersion should be locked behind a pay wall tho, I feel that this kind of toggle should be mandatory in game.

You buy cosmetics because you want to look at your character with a certain look, not because other people are going to see it. I mean you literally are buying something tones of other people are buying, no ones gonna see it and go "WOW that cash shop cosmetic is amazing" or in my opinion that's what I think.

There is a LOT more feeling behind seeing someone with hard to obtain gear than seeing someone with a £30 skin that I saw 15 times in the town in the last hour 😂

Otr

Saabynator wrote: »

Otr wrote: »

Saabynator wrote: »

Some people buy cosmetics for themselves, some buy them to look cool infron of others.

If they would look cool...
But in other threads people complain that cosmetics on this store are ugly.

Saabynator wrote: »

I want Intrepid to earn big money doing this.

Me too. That's why I offer to pay to hide them than not paying anything.
Free money, to replace the ugly cosmetics with default cosmetics!
This alone is worth $375

Ugly cosmetics is subjective. Some like, some dont. Point still stand.

I got no idea what your talking about there hehe.

Considering that "Ugly is subjective", if I want to avoid being punished with some visuals and I also want to pay, then you agree it should be possible?

( that screenshot was from this stream
https://youtube.com/watch?v=-oSBNQ8VjTo&t=550s - I was not serious ofc, just a side joke )

Lamperoug

Once I played Revelation Online. There was an abundance of cosmetics. But I remember the cloak they awarded for completing all the storyline quests. I just coveted it, for some reason. I was progressing through the storyline, and all I could think about was that cloak. I'll never forget the moment I received it. Though it may seem strange.

It all depends on the developers. But I really think the toggle function is unnecessary.

Maschinengeist

Vospha wrote: »

I agree with the fact that I would much rather see people in towns and be like "oh, looks at that guys gear. He most have done something awesome to get that!" rather than "ah that guys got a fat wallet".

That's an interesting perspective. When I walk past other players, I usually think about how well they combined different items and dyes to create an interesting style or theme (or failed doing so). It's not really that important to me where and how someone spent a chunk of their life to get access to those items.

And as long as AoC does not end up like GW2, I really do not care about toggles personally.

TheDarkSorcerer

Omg another thread...

iccer

I kind of agree with the post.

In my opinion it should work like this:

Costumes would basically overlay your gear, either as one costume overlaying all items, or like costume that comes in 2-3 parts, that overlay certain parts of your character. These would be obtained via cash shop.

There should also be transmog, where each individual piece of gear can be changed, but you can't really toggle that on or off (other than there being a setting to only see default player appearance).
This stuff should be obtainable in-game only.

Basically, default appearance and transmog are shown under the costume. You can choose to wear a costume over it to mask appearance of your gear.

Now whether there should be a toggle to display costumes, idk. If you ask me, I would like it, but some people maybe wouldn't (I don't care that you spent money on cash shop costume, I'd care more if it was earned in game).

Noaani

While I would personally like to see a cosmetics toggle, I fully understand Intrepids reason for not having one (they have said they will not have one).

People pay money for cosmetics, and in doing so expect their character to be displayed to others in the manner in which they intend. It would be kind of wrong for Intrepid to have this deal with players on one end, and then kind of backhandedly take money from other players to go against that first deal.

If nothing else, it would be a massive loss in trust in Intrepid if they did this, even if it is something I would personally want.

Blip

Noaani wrote: »

While I would personally like to see a cosmetics toggle, I fully understand Intrepids reason for not having one (they have said they will not have one).

People pay money for cosmetics, and in doing so expect their character to be displayed to others in the manner in which they intend. It would be kind of wrong for Intrepid to have this deal with players on one end, and then kind of backhandedly take money from other players to go against that first deal.

If nothing else, it would be a massive loss in trust in Intrepid if they did this, even if it is something I would personally want.

I agree with that, but on the other side of the coin, it respects the integrity of the in-game achievable stuff. Nice to see we can be so civil here and discuss this.

And I'd be inclined to retract the paid toggle option, but instead have the devs state that cosmetics can be toggled off by other players. Then you can make a choice if you want that skin or not.

But hey, they can't please everyone, and we don't want them to try either.

Aszkalon

TheDarkSorcerer wrote: »

Omg another thread...

And even worse : another Thread i think i understand about Thirty to Fourty Percent out of Hundred and the whole rest of of me is just Y~OOL~OO ... ... * yodeling in People don't have enough to talk about between the monthly Presentations * .

Someone beg on their Knee's for Sir Steven to announce the Character Creator Feature around the next Life-Stream. (AARG.

)

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