Personally I would disagree here. I think the problem more so lies with Fatshark marketing on a lot of levels, and also probably the new player learning experience (In both the tutorial and natural progression towards more advanced concepts).
I think it’s possible, theoretically, that Darktide was able to draw in more people at least on launch under the guise of pve coop fps, with more of a focus on guns than VT 2. In general 1st person shooters have been more popular than 3rd person shooters.
I don’t have all the answers of course. But I do think that it is a good comparison to analyze, and analyze further as time goes on.
Also I believe HD 2 could also be considered a “coop survival shooter.” Limited ammo, resource management, cool downs, limited lives and time. Still perhaps a bit more “casual” than Darktide but I think they both fit that description.
That’s a cop-out, Jakal. People (me being one of them) have been observing DT since there was anything to observe. The beta.
The majority of these people (me included) wanted a good game. The definitions of genre weren’t particularly relevant.
One thing’s for sure - a lot of people hadn’t played VT2 before DT, but I’m left with the impression that it’s not really the core gameplay that riled people up…
On that same note - the majority of people never played HD1, and I guarantee it’s not their expectations that’re keeping them hooked to HD2. It’s simply a well-done game, developed by some dedicated people.
Even having played VT 1 and 2 Dt took things in a very unpleasant direction past a certain point away from those 2 games.
Let’s face it, the game was Warhammer L4D with a melee focus and rats. I think most people had basically that expectation going in and weren’t exactly surprised by that. Even tracing back all the way to the launch many people had a problem with A) not being able to even play the game and B) the vety obvious live service red flags.
I bet most people are expecting to be able to just pick a mission and play with friends but woah, mission board.
That’s something to point out actually.
Sone of these problems we have been pointing out since literally before the game was even released. While crafting and items were the forefront other things like the mission board and the start of class balance problems were also early front runners
I stand by what the first dev said. Should it have been said? Absolutely not. But I believe they are right.
If a Fatshark dev similarly made fun of people for crying over the P Sword nerfs, again it probably shouldn’t have happened but I would agree with them and probably respect that person more.
There are nuanced conversations to be had with balance, but when the response to a balance change you don’t like is screaming at the top of your lungs and saying the game is completely unplayable, I think that type of response is understandable.
Also moderators everwhere seem to always get into drama so I really don’t care what they say or do as long as it isn’t mass censorship or banning.
I can imagine they’re in the thick of it, and sometimes people don’t always respond well under that amount of stress - I know I personally have said something outrageous during challenging times, at least once during my six years at Fatshark.
And when mecs drop and powercreep the players again, none will be complaining about this.
Its only when that “i can solo everything” option gets tweaked a bit that crying starts.
My issue with HD2, is that stratagems take too long to cooldown for how much sh*t the game throws at you. The first game had way shorter cooldown and the ability to reduce them even more.
Weapon balance is also a massive joke. Railgun had to be nerfed, but the reason it was used was also because it was the only true AP weapon with more than a couple shots.
Going against what I said earlier and giving my opinion on balance, in general I think robots are fine. Enough stuff can Mail Slot hulks that they’re not too bad of a problem, and tanks can be destroyed somewhat easily with 2 people or stratagems.
In general I think the problem moreso is bugs, and specifically chargers. While generally I hate meta chasing I would always bring a Railgun to deal with Chargers because I hate them. The Autocannon isn’t a good solution because their leg joint hitboxes are pretty bad, and in general they’re worse to deal with than in HD 1 because their tail has armor on the top half, and is no longer a weak spot, just a “soft spot.”
Here you go. I’ve made it nicer. See the difference. Same message but worded differently. Took me few secs. It would cause more positive reaction to community just by switching words.
When it comes to business I know how it feels - You draft up angry email. I do it all the time, difference is I stop myself, delete it, cool off then come back to it.
Hi all,
Arrowhead developer here. I am so happy the amount of attention this game has gained. Truly wonderful community!
There are some balance changes. I see there are comments on both sides of this patch and very much appreciate feedback.
Please be patient - This is an ongoing balance subject to change and of course reasoning was to make using different guns more viable.
We have only just started and we will look to make more changes based on understanding of how people play.
You are going to love what we have planned for future. Stay tuned
For sure! I think it’s important to put any personal bias and emotion aside when communicating externally, which doesn’t always come naturally when you’re so passionate about what you’re doing. I was much more emotionally-charged when I started out at Fatshark, and quickly learnt what it was like to be humbled by the community. It’s an important lesson to learn.
As a side note, we might as well have a dedicated HD2 section at this point
I play it, occassionally, for social reasons alone. The game is popular for sure, but its core gameplay is shallow like a puddle. I doubt it will last, but then CoD is shallow too, yet popular.
Yea, HD2 does not have it’s own forum. So people using forum of completely different games to discuss. It would probably be too chaotic to moderate with expected registrations.
Lol, metaslaves who are relying on a power creep crutch cries again. Every time in every game. That’s why having OP stuff is a total plague Nurgle could be proud of, once average andy treis it then start acting like a drug addicted.
The patch came with an entire article to speak to the design intent and philosophy behind the changes.
On a quick sidenote - FS have done this once (or twice) and has been received well. Might be something to look into doing again.
About the dev - I don’t see this as an outburst. The article was there. It went over too many people’s heads, or was simply ignored. In that regard, I personally think a dev or two prefacing their statement with “I’m fueling the rage here, FYI.” and stating literally the based truth after is in good tone. Even if there was a 1-on-1 meeting afterwards
The gentle touch, the white glove, the PR stuff - that’s for the CMs and DMs. And the CEO seems well-versed in social media… A dev literally speaking the facts is great, if a bit strong.
Edit: Hell, if a dev from FS came out here and started blasting away about how people need to accept the new Power Sword, and gunners are borked, but they’re working on it, I’d appreciate it more than Catfish having to face the crowd once more and offer PR talk and platitudes.
