Almost all free MMORPGs struggle with bots. The most prominent example is Lost Ark, where hundreds of thousands of them were running around after the release. However, the new Blue Protocol could circumvent the entire issue without installing special protections. The reason for this is a general game mechanic.
Why are bots such a problem? Free2Play MMORPGs make it very easy to get started. You create an account and then immediately dive into the adventure. There are no initial costs like purchasing a game version or a subscription that would prevent you from playing.
But that’s exactly what continuously attracts bots. These are then used in their hundreds to farm materials or currencies automatically and sell them for real money. Gold sellers exist for almost every MMORPG – even large titles like WoW, Guild Wars 2, and ESO are affected.
However, Blue Protocol has a peculiarity that could thwart the bots’ plans. The new game from Bandai Namco doesn’t offer direct trading between players or an auction house.
Blue Protocol renounces trading, relies on strong grinding
How does farming for materials and equipment work? Generally, Blue Protocol takes unusual approaches to equipment. Most mobs don’t drop any weapons upon death, only materials. You can then use these to craft and upgrade your equipment at crafting stations, thereby achieving a higher gear score.
In addition to the classic equipment, there are the so-called Imajinn, small pets that assist you in battle. You acquire these through the Adventure Board, but they are also sometimes dropped by specific boss enemies. For the upgrades, you need to repeatedly kill the same mob to gather the corresponding material.
In addition, general materials for the upgrading process are required, which you can collect in the world.
What are the players criticizing? Since there is no trading between players, you have to grind a lot yourself to achieve a higher gear score. This may prevent bots from influencing the economy in the future, but it also leads to criticism because upgrading takes time and constantly requires repetitive tasks. You have to kill the same world boss over and over or run the same dungeon.
However, Bandai Namco has responded and already announced some changes. The drop rates for items are supposed to be significantly increased, and in certain spots of the game world, there should now be guaranteed rarer materials to reduce frustration (via Blue Protocol DB).
A aspect of monetization is also criticized:
- In Japan, you can purchase an item for real money to increase the chance of having more gem slots when crafting weapons. Weapons randomly have between 2 and 4 slots.
- Additionally, there is an item for real money that allows you to remove gems from weapons to use them in new ones. Here too, some players see a pay-to-win aspect.
Publishing in the West is being handled by Amazon, who have already announced that there will be some adjustments here. However, it is not known exactly what these will look like. It is possible that these contents may not even be available in our shop.
What do you think about Blue Protocol completely renouncing trading between players? Do you find it good or bad? Write it in the comments.
For more information about new MMORPGs that are supposed to be released this year, you can find it here: 6 new MMORPGs that are definitely set to be released in 2023
