Unfortunately, that image doesn't capture a "hint" but rather abuse of a system that was put in place at the request of players. Seeing that, and hearing the complaints of players who would like to use the system in its intended fashion, I imagine Support may be forced to start actioning accounts. Either that, or we change, adjust, or remove the trade portion of the entire system and go back to WTS in town.
Please, folks, if you know anyone doing this, tell them to stop -- it's not going to make the slightest difference in the decisions of the designers, and it's extremely antisocial and counterproductive.
About testing: The skill testing will take place everywhere and at the same time as HA testing. We don't want to try to do two sets of testing on two different days. And yes, it's testing, pause, and then finalization. It's is ab it discouraging to read some of the negative comments, as if players feel that they have an entitlement to skill balancing, and within the timeline that they feel it's required. There is a downside to the testing process: It may be a bit longer to get the final skill changes into the game. There is an upside: The skill changes will no doubt be better because of the testing. In any regard, I do believe the finalization would occur in a few weeks or even less than that, so there's no need for heavy concern and please, don't go into this with a negative frame of mind -- it does neither you, us, nor the game a bit of good to do so!
Yes, I'm aware that part of the player approval for 6v6 was because it was "new and exciting." Some of it was probably coloured by the double rewards. But regardless, those facts do not necessarily end us up with 8v8 as the "obvious choice" for HA. It may come; it may not come. But let's wait and see how things progress and not make arguments in advance of evidence, ok?
As you know, I'm always clear on the fact that I am not a designer. I am intrigued by the idea of "ending rank discrimination," but I'm very glad that I do not have to decide on precisely how to do that. Aside from creating "zones" for different ranks or levels of expertise--and I assume (only a personal assumption, not an official statement!) that we do not want to divide the HA community--I wonder if you guys can provide some ideas about how to eliminate that discimination. There are some who like the more exclusive nature of the format; there are those who would like it to be more open. It's fairly easy to see what would support the exclusivity, but share your thoughts on how to achieve the goal of greater openness and a warmer welcome for those who are less experienced.
I do understand that nothing should be turned into a cakewalk, and naturally I agree. Challege, difficulty, and even obsticles to overcome are not negatives! I had an interesting post exchange on that last night, as a matter of fact. So I don't think that players would appreciate a list of suggestions that boils down to "How to turn HA into Bunnyland." (Right, guys?
) But if you have suggestions for broadening HA's appeal while maintaining the delightful challenge that it offers, we're all ears!
Thanks.
