#315 - Sept. 3, 2014, 12:37 a.m.
09/02/2014 05:14 PMPosted by
Glyff 09/02/2014 05:06 PMPosted by
Zarhym Somewhere between the realms of "Blizzard, we want you to be more open in your communications with us" and "Blizzard, you promised all of these things and are now backing out with filthy lies" is a magical wonderland of happiness and corgi smiles that none of us will ever get to enjoy.
Perhaps if you aren't absolutely sure you can do a feature, even a year down the line or more, do not under any circumstances bring it up. Do not even imply it. That doesn't seem too difficult unless there's some calculation at play that the losses are not as bad as the gains to doing so. To me it seems like miscommunication is worse than no communication, but I don't have the marketing data. It's not like it's the public who just fabricated these notions of Karabor/Bladespire capitals, veteran beta access, dance studio, whatever. These things spun out from the source, Blizzard itself.
I really don't think you want what you seem to be requesting. This game is too big and too complex for us to be in regular communications with the player base, all the while never discussing anything unless we're absolutely sure it'll never change.
That concept also ignores things that do change based on player feedback. Sometimes we introduce concepts and then shape them based on responses. Yes, that sometimes stirs frustration and arguments.
Some people maybe can't handle, or don't want to deal with, the dynamics of the development process and the communications surrounding it. That's fine. I've played many games for many hours without ever having checked their official websites or third-party fansites for the latest info on those games. Oftentimes I'll buy a game that I'm interested in and play it for as long as it remains fun to me. I don't particularly care about the info on their website or what is happening on their forums. I'm among the silent majority as a player.
I'm not judging people either way, especially given that I'm a community manager, hah! But if you're really active in the community and attentive to the statements made by the company, as well as from individuals from the company speaking on social media, you can't always expect a smooth ride with no deviations, mixed signals, or pit stops. There are too many moving pieces on this ship, and a hell of a lot of crew members, flight attendants, and passengers.
...I might be mixing metaphors.