Describe The Aspects of the Game

It's commonly held that there are three or four main segments of the game: Ranged/Melee DPS, Tanking and Healing. What does that mean to you and what defines each role in your mind? If you had to break down each class, and section it into its most appropriate area, where would you place them? After hashing that out, which segment do you fall into and why do you enjoy playing in that segment?

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Wut?

This isn't a single question, it's a series of questions. I'm interested in the player point of view on some core aspects of the game.

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What does that mean to you

Expanded: What does each role or segment(Ranged/Melee DPS Tanking and Healing.) mean to you when you think on it?

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and what defines each role in your mind?

Expanded: To you, what is the quintessential definition of each of the three or four aspects. Ranged/Melee DPS Tanking and Healing?

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If you had to break down each class, and section it into its most appropriate area, where would you place them?

Expanded: Try to categorize each of the different classes into one area where you feel it fits best.

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After hashing that out, which segment do you fall into and why do you enjoy playing in that segment?

Expanded: After you figure out where your class falls in your mind, explain why you placed it there and what it is about your class that you like, in that segment.

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This isn't the clearest question in the world.

Do you want to hear what it "feels" like to be a paladin tank vs a druid tank?

I want to hear what it feels like to be a Paladin Tank from your perspective.

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Discussion about what, exactly? Everyone already knows the roles each class can play, Blizzard certainly does and I'm sure they can mathematically prove what role each class is best at so I don't see why they need input from the community. This honestly just seems like a superficial "let's get involved!" post that really can't serve any practical purpose.

Your point of view isn't the only one and even though math is empirical, it lacks a specific human factor. People do not play all classes at their absolute peak and there are far more variables in the mix than that. We cannot simply "know" how the game feels to you, unless you tell us.

That being said, these questions are mine because I want to have a greater understanding of the diversity of points of view that exist here on these forums.

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I made a very long and imformative post that was auto deleted when I (failed) tried to post and I wasn't signed in.. can you add some sort of OMG YOUR ABOUT TO LOSE EVERYTHING warning, or maybe change the forums so I cant draft while not signed in. I'm sad now, you would have liked it i swear.

Ah, that sucks. It happens to me a lot, as well. I've learned to write all of my posts up in Notepad in case I take too long and am booted. I hope you still plan to post your answer though. I'd like to read it.

Well so far, these are some very well thought-out and insightful answers. I'm on page 4 (still reading) but keep writing and I'll read every post.

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My old mage, warlock and hunter are saddened that you neglected crowd control.

My prot warrior and holy priest both often suffer for that neglect. Remember it? Crowd control? Remember that? That thing many dps classes used to justify their presence with? Not just button-mashing, zombie-like dps? Remember that?

Crowd control is on its way back. Just FYI.