In a patch, Blizzard has restricted the use of the auction house in World of Warcraft. Apparently, this has angered so many players that the developers are already backtracking, just a short time later. There is even praise for this.
What was that patch? Yesterday, on Wednesday, June 18, we reported at MeinMMO, that Blizzard has changed the operation of the auction house. The developers have introduced some restrictions, for example on
- creating,
- scanning,
- or canceling auctions.
The change has resulted in players being able to perform only a limited number of actions in the auction house within a minute before they have to wait. Players who use the auction house “normally” should not be affected.
Players initially thought it was a bug until a blue post from community manager Kaivax explained that it was intentional. This was meant to limit players who gained an advantage in trading with popular WoW addons like TradeSkillMaster (TSM).
This is what has happened now: The decision has sparked a heated discussion. Although some players welcomed the change, a large part of the community has opposed it in the forum.
The players have strongly criticized being restricted in how they play WoW. Forum user Gundai writes: “This is a really poorly thought-out solution to a problem that doesn’t exist. Basically a global cooldown on the auction house.”
Now Kaivax has spoken up again after the developers have observed the forums and the feedback. The changes have been almost entirely rolled back. Only the cooldown on canceling auctions is still in the game.
Players welcome decision, but not all
The players’ reaction has been largely positive. Some players are even astonished that Blizzard listened to the criticism and rolled back the change:
- Brezell writes: “A million times better. Absolutely acceptable, in my opinion.”
- Burninator writes: “I didn’t expect feedback would be responded to. I don’t say this often, but: Well done, Blizzard.”
However, there is still criticism. Forum user Nazstyle writes that since the new auction house system, where the newest auctions are sold first, canceling is more important. Slowing it down is “terrible.”
The mass of players who use addons or frequently use the auction house is said to be only a “small part,” according to Blizzard, but it is still a fairly large group of players. Streamers like the German Goldgoblin mainly showcase content from the WoW economy.
However, it seems that no one has really benefited from the change. Perhaps more players are currently immersed in preparing for the upcoming big timewalking event before Shadowlands, rather than participating in the forums. What do you think on the topic: Should the auction house remain slow or is that unnecessary?
