The raid finder in World of Warcraft is a source of trouble and frustration. However, for many players, it is the only way to experience raids from the inside, complete their sets, or obtain titanforged loot. To make the raiding experience a bit more interesting, the difficulty level is being increased.
In a lengthy Q&A with Game Director Ion Hazzikostas and Community Manager Josh Allen, user “Azrathetroll” asked what the reasoning behind the decision to completely remove some mechanics for the raid browser is.
WoW: Fewer abilities, but greater effect – LFR should return to Pandaria level
Hazzikostas’ responses highlight the decisions along with the problems that play a role during development:
- So far, it has typically been the case that mechanics that should serve as a check for communication or movement in real raids have been toned down. Ignoring these mechanics often had no consequences. This was particularly noticeable in the Night Hold.
- However, there were a few abilities that must be played, but then are not considered, because they are “buried” under many things happening simultaneously. This is unsatisfactory.
- The player group that Blizzard focuses on most when developing LFR is the one that only experiences the current raid content in LFR. This group should not face the same difficulties as an organized (guild) group, which can communicate better.
- The abilities that remain in the encounters should have meaning. They should give the sense that they must be played appropriately and cannot be ignored.
- The LFR should no longer feel like a “tourist mode”.
All in all, the team is trying to give the raid browser a bit more character by making the difficulty more akin to that of Mists of Pandaria, not Warlords of Draenor.
The Game Director acknowledges that the trimming of abilities in some places was excessive. However, the team is still working on developing the ideal strategy.
