For EA Dice and their criticized offspring Star Wars Battlefront 2, executive producer John Wasilczyk, associate design director Dennis Brannvall, and producer Paul Keslin faced the “Ask me Anything” on Reddit yesterday. The outcome is a good example of how not to do it.
While hundreds of questions were asked, only about 30 were answered – and not always thoroughly, but rather vaguely and disappointingly for the questioner. Many downvotes and sarcastic comments reflect this on one hand, but on the other hand, they also show how entrenched many Reddit users are in their antipathy.
The developers’ responses often follow a pattern: Listen to the complaints, evaluate them, and improve deficiencies if necessary. However, no specifics can be said yet. This type of response is not very satisfying and did not necessitate an AMA in this form.
The Lootbox Problem
When it comes to the now definitely discredited loot boxes, the developers show understanding. However, there are no new insights. In response to the remark that loot boxes should generally be removed, that Battlefront 2 currently feels more like a free mobile game than a AAA title, and that microtransactions are neither fair nor desirable, Brannvall responded briefly:
“I believe that loot boxes are a fun addition. As long as players do not feel that they are essential for game progress, it’s fine. I think that is currently the problem for us. We will change it as soon as possible. We are looking into whether we can find other ways for you to upgrade your favorite hero or class. Without dropping the loot boxes because some players enjoy them.”
Questions about the cosmetic content in loot boxes and whether one will find such in Battlefront 2 unfortunately remained unanswered.
The Eternal Path to Completing the Game…
Of course, it was also asked whether the developers are aware that the average player would need about six years to “complete” the game as it stands now. For many, 4,500 hours of grinding is simply too much. It was rightly pointed out that these values are based only on the initial estimates and figures. EA will indeed conduct evaluations once a larger mass of players is involved.
Ultimately, however, they again defer to later and state that the developers will stay on top of it and evaluate. In the end, a solution that is satisfactory for as many players as possible should be achieved. For the individual player – whether casual or professional – nothing should appear unreachable.
An answer to the question of how long it should actually take according to the developers’ estimates, without spending money, remains absent.
Developers Ask for Patience
Most answers remain vague. A lot is promised, but to what extent everything will be implemented remains to be seen. Much is, according to Brannvall, “on the list of things we look at daily and therefore constantly on our radar. Stay tuned!”
Ultimately, the AMA fell short of expectations. Most aspects had already been discussed in advance, and new insights remain owed to us by the developers. Accordingly, the responsible parties also appeared regretful at the end of the “Ask me Anything”. After the polite “thank you,” they leave us with a friendly greeting fittingly from the Star Wars universe and the promise that further changes and corresponding announcements will follow.
