What's wrong with LFG system (constructive)

#0 - Feb. 26, 2007, 7:01 p.m.

I'm getting really damn frustrated with the LFG system, so I thought I'd spell out some examples of what's wrong in a nice constructive way so that the developers can get a good idea of problems that occur, an dhopefully fix it. (This probably won't happen, but I'd appreciate good discussion instead of mindless OMG BLIZZ BRING BACK LFG CHANNEL stuff)

*You can only look for 1 thing at a time when looking for more. I'm always grouped with my girlfriend, and we frequently are up for more than 1 instance. But since we're in a group already, we can only look for more, which means only 1 thing at a time. We're usually forced to ping pong back and forth between 2 or more lists, seeing if we can find anyone.

*The classifications are way too narrow. If I'm looking for more, I can't put down qualifiers such as "need healer" or "already have mallet for Ghazrilla" or "only going to enchant trainer"

*Elite quests only look for others with that same quest. if I'm looking for people to run Jintha'Alor, there's at least 5-7 different quests that take place there. Which one am I supposed to LFG for? (not to mention the mallet for ZF isn't even part of a quest)

*You don't know about groups unless you're looking for a group. For the sake of argument, let's say the global LFG channel was still there and you're a prot pally. You're not really trying to do instancing, but you see over the LFG channel "LF Tank for undead Strat" - there's a good chance you'd think "hey, here's a full-formed group that only needs a tank. I think i'll join up." Now, unless that Pally specifically says he's looking for Strat, he'll never get that offer.

*the level restriction for instances. If I'm a level 70, and I want to be charitable and run some people through SM, why can't I advertise for that?

Those are the ones that have irritated me recently - what other parts do you think need to be fixed?

Nethaera

#2 - Feb. 26, 2007, 7:53 p.m.

We're looking into several improvements for the next content patch however there is only one that we can talk about at this point in time as we wait on the go ahead for talking about any others.

The one we CAN talk about is a reimplementation of the Looking For Group channel. Unlike the previous incarnation that was global for everyone, this new channel will only allow those that are a part of the Looking For Group and Looking For More system to use it. This should boost not only the usage of the tool but allow people to discuss the types of groups they are forming and what they are looking for in a group or even in the event they want to take part in.

This is just one example of some feedback that we've taken into account and worked to implement in improving the tool. We'll share more as we can in the future.

Nethaera

#9 - Feb. 26, 2007, 7:58 p.m.

Q u o t e:
Neth, I know you've probably got your hands bound on this one, but will the revamped LFG channel be segregated based upon what you queue up for, or be one unified channel for everyone? Also, do you know if there will be tighter moderation controls upon the content of said channel?

Those are good questions to ask and I'm not sure if there are going to be any additional controls or seperation of channels. I'll do a follow-up question on it and see if there is a bit more on how the team plans this to function.