DiabloFans

I'd also like to echo that these are the initial numbers heading into a PTR. And from my recollection, though there are exceptions, Blizzard intentionally over shoots and then reels back. That has been their maxim historically for better or worse.

By employing extreme changes they generate more interest (if only superficial) to play test the 'thing'. Higher numbers of people play testing, potentially brings in more feedback, which in turn provides them with more data to decide where to go. If the changes were minor out of the gate I believe the interest to play whatever it is they're testing wanes. Philosophically speaking their take on modifying existing content might look egregious but I believe there's intent to get it right by generating buzz. Otherwise, yeah, they are in fact pissing into the wind and I hope they would invest their time more wisely.

This is all specious reasoning on my part. So please take it with a grain of salt.

TL:DR; Just bear in mind these changes are in the PTR precisely because they don't rightly know where the numbers should be. And that they are high most likely on purpose to get more people testing boundaries.

Be warned - this is a soapbox speech. Please feel free to skip to the tldr if you're disinclined to read drudgery. I'm also making an assumption from here on out. Diablo 4 will not be an MMO. May be totally wrong but that's my guess.

When the dust settles around the Necromancer, an apropos sense of finality to Diablo 3 in my mind, what is next for this franchise? A good rest but then Diablo 4 of course. It may seem premature to invest any time speaking about a product that is years away from us. But hear me out. The ideological design behind Diablo 3 was more or less established before any actual coding was done. And most likely rough design documents for D4 are being worked on now. Speculation aside I'd very much like to plant a seed in each of your minds. Moddable content for Diablo 4.

It's undoubtedly an empowering experience to take the wheel. Starting with one set of rules and turning them upside down. It evokes that inner child that craves to build, destroy and rebuild. Too many games allow modding to list off but most clearly it was present in both previous Diablo games. And while it was not endorsed by Blizzard I believe they had no issue with people expressing their creative muscles. Or perhaps they did which is why Diablo 3 is the way it is. Regardless, I believe if Diablo 4 embraced the idea from the outset and supported modding, Blizzard would be doing themselves a great service. I've seen a lot of hopeful content posted here, from very ambitious fleshed out character ideas to pages of overhauled items, new items and new game modes. None of which can be acted upon without the developers help.

Why post this here and not on the official forums?

Hearts and minds. Obviously this is an emotional appeal, and my hope is that it gets reiterated enough that it has some sticking points. I'm not at all bothered by whether or not an official development member of Blizzard comments or sees this.

Don't you need to have an offline mode to mod?

Not necessarily. It would depend on implementation and the robustness of tools. Perhaps you allow for in-game quick mods like the mutators of Unreal Tournament games. Perhaps you can make mods such as they were in the Starsiege Tribes or HalfLife/Counterstrike where custom content was downloaded when attempting to join a game.

What about the cesspool of cheaters that came about from modding?

If integrity is your concern then be aware that seasons are finally coming to consoles. Which I do believe represents a minor show from Blizzard for an offline and a closed online component that stresses fairness. D3 on PC may not ever have that feature, and that is absolutely not what I'm proposing, but certainly if seasons on console go well surely there is room for a return of a similar realm system D4. Lastly, exposing the underlying systems of a game does indeed make it more vulnerable but... it almost needn't be said, Diablo 3 has had more than its fair share of exploitation without that.

TL;DR: Make modding a thing for Diablo 4.

PS: Apart from commenting on the above, the definition of modding varies from person to person. So what does modding mean to you? And if you're not into modding what are your concerns?

Hmm. My rebuttal to your rebuttal Polrayne would be that you need to properly rest the franchise in order for its following to gain a bit of vigor for that next step. Maybe we are in that period? Releasing content for D3 that would keep people entertained all the way to D4 sounds impractical. And announcing D4 will not kill D3 any more than what it is at the moment. Just keep in mind that franchises act like a sort of skinner box and Diablo is not Madden, FIFA or CoD.

As to why I would like a Diablo 4 announcement even if the release is very far off? If it's 2018-2020 that sounds good to me. You allow the juice and hype to rebuild for a product people can get excited about. Blizzard definitely does not want burn outs like me jumping into D4 because it will most definitely color my attitude for the game. Plus, I'd like to know if Diablo wants to be the next SWTOR/LOTRO as early as possible so I can decide whether or not I can kill off my interest in the world of Sanctuary.

Yup. Kind of odd. The ring didn't just benefit Garg but that was the sole reason it died a painful death. Not being a super understanding player but seeing as how this item was initially meant for pets why not preclude Gargs from receiving the bonus. Are fetishes and dogs so utterly feckless that the boost is meaningless to them? I unfortunately didn't get enough time to find an RoE in NS is why I ask.

Quote from simonthetiger»

Im afraid it has been lost. Well for me anyway.

The game i have loved for over 20 years has turned into a dead set bore....im so dissapointed.

All i do is grind....day after day, the same crap....lookin for items that may me go one second faster in a time trial!!! WTF??

Surely someone can make me a diablo style game.....with new bits in it. New adventures,finding stuff that makes you more powerful.

It really is a joy when u are going to parts unknown,beating villains,and becoming more badass!

I havent done this in years.......

I dont know what the answer is, but without any new content,just doin the same thing over and over again for no reward.

Its a shame, but man im done....anyone know anything similar but FUN???

Quote from Madonnalicious»

Guys! The horse is dead! You can stop beating it!

The stash issue has been discussed for so long and truthfully, we're too late in to the game for it to change drastically. It's not gonna change!

Truth be told, I think we are super lucky that we are getting the extra tab each season. And that was after MUCH cry/wish towards Blizzard!

Quote from n3wtonapple»

I would just prefer to let them pay again, put all these thousands of hours in and then ban them before the end of the season. gg

Quote from Psyborg»

Some people must realise that this is f*cking game, not real life

/thread

That is not what is being discussed as true as your statement is.

Quote from aztec91x»

Stop commenting on my builds when you have no idea what you're talking about. "change this, change that" yep.. all great ideas, if I wanted to make a shifty build like the cookie cutter craps you use.

Vent complete

Do you feel the onus of perceiving the merits of a build, or rather the comments you believe stem from a lack of understanding, rest solely on the build's reader? That's a tricky question and one that is both yes and no. I read over your builds and I found the majority of them light on rationale, motive and alternative pros and cons. Terse and succinct. And not being a build aficionado I confess that I know not if that's par for the course. Regardless of that being fact or not, and personally speaking, when I'm sincerely vested in something I like to understand why it is the way it is. Self-analysis, anticipatory thinking, can be time consuming but I feel it will give the reader a better understanding of your aims and goals. Treat me like Jon Snow("I know nothing"):P. For the comments that were made in ignorance even after having an explanation I can only empathize. Don't let that drag you down.

I hope you feel better and keep creating content aztec91x.

It's certainly not a silly idea. Touting freed stash space is a worthwhile pro. Undoubtedly as you guessed, it has been suggested before. Zantar suggested it earlier today in the other thread: leveling the legendary gems. What are your thoughts on Caldesann's recipe in relation to your suggestion though?

Quote from taloncarry2»

diablo 3 ros end sucks as always. Same thing pick a class gear it up and and try to get high on the leaderbored. even with seasons game is still boring. do greater rifts over and over again just for exp since the cube can gear you up easily. end game is always 1dps and 3 support pfft everytime. I reckon there should be more stuff to do for players, cause new maps are not going to help <_<. there should be a reason to grind not only for exp and gear but like new passive/skills you can unlock with paragon points. so you can create more builds and have something to grind for.

Quote from Scorpionsixsix»

total waste of time,no wonder people are bored with this game.

There's this neat website I stumbled on when looking for answers: http://downdetector.com/status/battle-net

Aside from that normally there's a cascade of "unable to connect" topics on the main forums if there is an issue but I don't see it this time.

@chantal7
Warden is the anti-cheating software packaged with Diablo 3. UI stands for user interface. TurboHUD is a overly helpful UI overlay.

*listens to 'You You're Awesome - Two Muffins' while reading*

This is that feel good post of the day. I can... feel it. Thanks for this Thornagol. May you always be kicking that guy on the right || May you always be in the process of receiving that kick.

PS: Rich text editor for replying not so great.

Seeking to scratch that Diablo-esque itch?... How about Van Helsing: Final Cut? I don't believe I've seen that mentioned yet. Admittedly I can't give my personal recommendation for it as I've only ever heard others speak of the game. I hope you find something though TheGaige.

Personally, I've been playing Diablo 3 and The Witcher 3 again on Death March.

Quote from banishedbr»

Problem with me hat ?

Let me think, the patch has come with seasons. The patch is tested with ptr and goes live WITH seasons. So if they say season 5 will start at 15th, at 15th new patch will come.

That isn't the case though... or is it? Sincerely asking. From my experience they normally release the patch prior to seasons opening up.

I'm in agreement with yuhanz. The ocean of vitriolic tears will drown us if they assign a date and misstep. And to my haphazard guess they would only not assign a date for reasons outside forgetting or maliciousness.