I wrote GW2 Balance Manifesto

#29 - July 23, 2013, 12:05 p.m.

leman.7682, thank you for your constructive feedback! The way you analyze AoE/condi/boons is extremely helpful.

As others have already pointed out, we have to be delicate about some of these changes. I know it can be frustrating for you guys, because it feels like changes are coming slowly at times, but please understand that a bad balance patch that is rushed is not a good balance patch. Balance is an extremely important aspect of the game, which is why we can’t just rush changes without allowing the meta to adapt.

There are so many things to consider when balancing a game, so I would like to list out some examples so that you understand the depth here, and why we go at the pace that we go out.

1. Consider the current meta.

• We play the live game for several hours a week on our off time. This means that after 9 hours of work in the office, we go home, and we play the game (which is essentially more work, as we are taking that time to analyze balance and the meta). I know that playing a game sounds fun to those of you not in the industry, but when you’re analyzing it and trying to determine if things need to be changed, it’s not just a casual-fun kind of situation. Please try to consider this, and think about how you would feel if you dedicated most of your time to something that people constantly bash.
• We read your feedback. Be it on the forums, or in the game. Most of our devs will discuss balance with players in the game.

2. Consider the creative mind of the playerbase.

• Sometimes, there are really good builds that are not discovered for months on end. This is affected by our current playerbase, as well as a revolving meta.
• This is not meant as a slight, but the truth is that sometimes things are changing so quickly that you guys just don’t have time to explore new builds and find that one gem that has escaped others.

3. Allow previous changes to settle.

• This ties in to the previous two listed. The balance changes we make are very deliberate and calculated. This means that we need to give you guys time to find the gems that we have put in the game, and then allow the meta to adapt to your creative mind.

edit: hit post reply too soon

4. PvE

• Yes, I know many of you have a gripe with this. However, we have to consider all aspects of the game when balancing. We can’t just suddenly split all the skills in the game. Also, splitting skills can be really jarring, and a huge barrier to entry for new players to join us in PvP land.

5. The game should be fun.

• I know this goes without saying.

I will put this in uber formatting awesomeness for emphasis, because I’m sure some of you will miss it. Please understand that this only scratches the surface, and is not everything we think about when balancing the game.

Ps. this is what happens when you ask for transparency. Allie writes an essay during her lunch hour xD

#33 - July 23, 2013, 12:23 p.m.

We wanted to tease you guys for a little longer.

It’s coming! Soon! In the (near) future! I can’t say too much!

What was the other one?

Seriously though: it’s not far off. We had a little hiccup that was corrected, but it’s on it’s way.

#34 - July 23, 2013, 12:28 p.m.

Arheundel.6451:

2. Consider the creative mind of the playerbase.
Sometimes, there are really good builds that are not discovered for months on end. This is affected by our current playerbase, as well as a revolving meta.
This is not meant as a slight, but the truth is that sometimes things are changing so quickly that you guys just don’t have time to explore new builds and find that one gem that has escaped others.
3. Allow previous changes to settle.
This ties in to the previous two listed. The balance changes we make are very deliberate and calculated. This means that we need to give you guys time to find the gems that we have put in the game, and then allow the meta to adapt to your creative mind.

Sadly the majority of the player-base does not want to adapt, they find a build and that is it, they want to run with that particular build over and over again , as soon as they lose to a counter build..they’ll come to complain on the forum, while maybe using a different set up, runes, utilities they would be perfectly able to beat that counter build.
To put it simply not everybody follow a strategical approach, the majority only wish for “a build to rule them all” .

Aww, that’s not fair! I think a little more credit is due. Consider this though: the players that spend their time arguing on the forums are maybe not the ones spending all their time in the game trying to find that innovative build. Not saying that’s always the case, but it’s yet another thing we have to consider. The amount of active participants on these forums is actually an extremely low percentage of our playerbase. That’s not to say we ignore them.