0.9.7 Status Update

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Facelicker wrote:

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zriL wrote:

Why would it?

Let me disagree here. If people can use their playtime whenever they want, it's not a race anymore, it's a time trial, you're only playing against the clock.

Ack: it would be not longer a race, it would be a ladder run. You wont compete simultaneously against other chars, but you still would compete against them, by your position in the ladder (as in every longterm ladder system)

The biggest disadvantage on such a league, would be the loss of server stress test by spreading the player base over the time span.

It actually could still be fun. The goal here is no longer beating other player, but beating a highscore. If you're not satisfied with your result, make a new char and try your luck again. (the time limit will limit how much you can try, and of course stash has to be locked in some way). This way, both the unhealthy hardcore can try as much char as they want while a casual can be satisfied with their only first char that got to lvl 25 or so.

The pictures alone have me interested - can't wait!

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FaceLicker wrote:

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zril wrote:

Let me disagree here. If people can use their playtime whenever they want, it's not a race anymore, it's a time trial, you're only playing against the clock. Therefore, we obviously lose the intensity given by a real race, you can't deny that, and it's a big deal in my opinion.

You should be disagreeing with Loaf, not me. Im suggesting the same thing you are, the only difference is you can't fairly award prizes for 'firsts' with the way I suggested on this page.. Take into consideration that Chris said there would be no prizes, then the whole race technically is a time trial anyway. Whether or not there is a prize for top ladder, Is this kind time trial not a race of sorts? You are still competing for top ladder position if only for bragging rights. So yes, I can and will deny that any intensity will be lost. IF this race on particular is any less intense its only because there is no real incentive. The idea in general though with a top ladder prize will, imo, retain the feel.

It looks like you don't understand something. I'm saying the intensity of the current events comes from being simultaneous for everyone. This is the difference between a race and a time trial. The prizes has no influence on that particular point, I've actually never cared for prizes. I like these events because they are true races. If they were time trials like the ones you suggest (using an amount of time whenever you want), I probably wouldn't participate.

Anyway, both ideas are viable, there should be people for both of them, I'm sure many players prefer time trials over races. I just want to raise the fact that they are completely different.

Time trial sounds dull to me, I think really everyone just wants a chance to race. Instead of some drawn out time trial / points thing, I'd rather a series of races.

Say there are 5 races at timeslot A and 5 races at timeslot B, which take place over 2-3 weeks, and are say 12 hours apart. If you want you can partake in all 10 races, but only say your top 3 finishes are counted in the series.

If you have a series of races then that makes every race a bit more meaningful, and if there is the player's option on timing it means everyone can partake without having to be there at a specific time.

I guess a race "season" is what I mean, where your worst runs are thrown out, or runs where you could not make it are not counted.

A similar idea, having a staged series of races where you continue playing with the same character from race to race, sounds interesting but I think anyone not in the top 10 would give up quickly.

I really like the current race style, I think ultimately people just wish they could make the times they are held.

The "problem" with the actual kind of race, is its fixed time schedule for all players - for a community spread over the whole world. Therefor, if you want to participate, you have to make sure you're 'available' at this point, no matter if its deep in the night, working time or anything else....

It would be very good, if they can solve an idea to give the players a bit of control over their participating time.

Beside this, I dont would agree to completely replace the actual race system with any other one, but mabye having alternating options (if they differ by more than the time schedule)

Can't wait for the new patch. Thanks for all the hard work GGG!

Man oh man, can't wait for this patch and do an "elemental bow ranger!"

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Mr_Cee wrote:

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zriL wrote:

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Chris wrote:

what do people think of the idea of a one-week league

It sounds nice at first, but sadly these concerns are completely justified. I can't think of a way to prevent this kind of event from becoming unfair and unhealthy.

This would disqualify any kind of high level based ladder...

Hmm, you seemed to miss my post...

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If the idea is to test late-game content, you could run the same style 3 hour league, but in late-game content with pre-leveled characters.

I just missed the important bit -- receiving free high level characters. I'd say also wipe the characters and stashes, but give prizes on new characters. This would give the same timeframe as the "standard" race.

Here's another idea, combining what you guys have posted and considering folks' real life needs...

What about a league that begins and ends on certain datetimes yet the participants can fill their time allowance as they please. For example, a 10-hour ladder spread over a 10 day period. Some may choose to do all 10 hours in one sitting, others may do it an hour a day.

There are some intricacies that would cause imbalance like the 1-hour-per-day-guy would be penalized for reconnecting and having to go through town... perhaps a short maybe 30s-1min grace period to get back in action could apply here. That would also encourage splitting play for "free" town time.

Timed prizes could still be awarded, although clearly couldn't be echoed in chat to really put on the pressure. I believe that's a price you'd have to pay for a healthy long-term ladder.

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Chris wrote:

Regarding the wipe issue:


On a side note, what do people think of the idea of a one-week league or something like that? Last time it was mentioned, there were concerns that it'd promote unhealthy gaming, but if there are no prizes then there's less reason to stay awake for a week.

Not sure how easy this would be to implement.. but a way to accomplish what you are looking for would be to have a one-week league with an hours played cap.

Give players one week to play 20 hours on a new HC character. They can play 20 consecutive hours from the moment the league starts, or they can play ~3 hours a day.

This allows you to give PRIZES! Lots of prizes! This is not only "as fair" as the current races.. this is "MORE FAIR" since nobody has to be online at an exact time. No matter where you live, what hours you work, or when your Aunt's Boyfriend's birthday party is.. you can participate and have an equal chance of winning!