(NOTE: These opinions do not necessarily reflect those of Gearbox).
Before I begin this.
Please look at this endearing and lovely photo of two otters hugging;
THEY’RE SO CUTE. How can anything in the world be bad, when they’re just so god-damn adorable?
Now on to the substance. I’ve counted several threads issuing grievances against Gearbox’s new patch, and made sure to read through them, as well as consider the points being made.
The real question that must be asked is; “Is there really a response that Gearbox can have to any of these issues which doesn’t provoke a guttural response?”
Yes. They removed an exploit which allowed for weapon merging. Which is something they must do. Weapon merging is not a viable aspect of game play. If it were, we’d have the joy of listening to Scooter or Marcus explain the functions of it with the same disdain we have when we do the “Weapon Types” quest for the third consecutive time.
A portion of the community complained at the use of the exploit during online matches. A portion of the community enjoyed having the easy route during many UVHM missions. The GBX staff had the option of either pleasing the portion playing the game collectively and wanting functions to operate properly, or pleasing those benefiting from an aspect which should’ve never been in the game.
Gearbox opted to do more work at their expense.
Yes. Gearbox removed a function which allowed the player to scale the game to 4 player difficulty. This function had many people walking carlessly in to the area in 1 player mode, and facing enemies meant for 4p (known as a nice trip to the Inferno). A portion of the community used it to spawn Verm, and Tubbies. The GBX staff had the option of allowing more people to accidentally walk in to their own deaths, or inversely, remove a function which wasn’t meant to be in the game.
Gearbox opted to do more work at their expense.
I am aware that they could implement a difficulty slider, which in fairness, may make many of these complaints disappear. They should probably do that, I would be all for it. I do not however believe that they’re required to to do so.
It is not “game breakingly bad” to not have a Twister, or certain Pearlescents, or even spawn Verm.
These are all doable aspects to the game. None of which affect your trophy count, your ability to play nearly every aspect, and the general joy of the game.
GBX is not putting in hours of work to grief their fans. They’re a business, and as such are looking to please them, not out of the desire for a higher function, but because they like making money. Veiled threats of; “I’ll take my business elsewhere” are laughable, as they’re seeking to implement a business standard which is far more important than a single gripe.
If there were a special kind of gun that could only be attained in online 4p mode, I would in no way be hurt by the idea. It doesn’t affect my 2p mode, nor does it make me enjoy the game any less, it is an incentive to partake in a particular aspect of the game. That aspect doesn’t need to be obtainable throughout. GBX is fully allowed to create aspects of the game which are strictly available to those playing certain modes. Hundreds, if not thousands of developers do the same thing.
Game design doesn’t mean equal opportunity distribution of all aspects of the game. Even something as basic as UVHM isn’t a granted aspect. If it is too difficult for you to play without exploitation, I’d wager that is your problem. It is not GBX’s duty to ensure you have the ability to get to the next part of the game.
I genuinely sympathize with Gearbox. When they remain inactive and leave the game as is, they’re harassed for being complacent, “stupid” for not knowing the exploit, or having abandoned their fan base. When they make changes, these changes are railed against for being “game breaking”, “unfair”, and 50 other things.
NOTE: I do know some glitches have been occurring, such as those in TPS. These are obviously not acceptable and your frustration is fair. I would say to give GBX time with it. Yes, they may have messed it up. But they are doing their best to fix the issue. You don’t genuinely believe they’re willingly alienating those who pay for their games, do you? This isn’t a small start up, this is a company who has further games they wish to sell.
I too do not agree with the removal of the strength of Zero’s Kunais, and other such aspects. If there is one thing that has been proved here, it is that they do listen to their community. Whether or not you support the changes if completely up to you. There are some which I don’t like, and I hope they change. I will voice these. I’ll do so calmly, as I don’t think that me writing in capslock will help anyone.
At best, it affects a portion of the most difficult part of the game to play. Which isn’t game breaking. It as a select aspect.
Should you hate my post and have nothing to say but that; Please send me the following PM and let the thread continue on to it’s content;
“@Giuvito I hate you. Everything about you is ugly, you’re dumb, and you’re responsible for everything bad. EVER.”
I will like your message and even consider sending you a photo of a cute animal to calm you, as a token of friendship.
If you have anything to say regarding the content of the post, please respond, and I promise to read it through and give you a polite and cordial response.
Thanks for listening.