Poster: Caydiem at 3/9/2005 11:46:00 AM PST
Subject: Initial Answers: Patch Issues |
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I'm back, folks. As I said yesterday, the odds were I wouldn't get to it then, but I've discussed some of the main points about the patch changes with the development team; hopefully this gives you a better idea of what's going on and why.
Why were resistances removed from pets?
It was never intended for Hunter pets to retain their innate resistances. The fact that they did was a bug and is being fixed in this patch.
You're removing this unique quality from pets -- will you be removing every bit of variety? What about King Bangalesh or the Spire Spiderling's unique abilities?
The idea behind pets is not to have a few ultimate pets that leave the rest in the dust, but rather to have a variety of often-used pets. We do not plan on removing every unique aspect from pets, and we do plan on adding more variety to the various types of pets out there. This will take time, unfortunately.
Why was the Sandfury Guardian made untameable? What will happen to the ones already tamed?
That particular monster was not meant to be tameable. The ones already tamed will not be removed, but they will not be able to be fed. That said, the developers are considering adding serpents as another tameable family at some point.
What is the role of Hunters in the high-end game? With the new caps, how will we be considered valuable members of a group or raid?
One particular developer, who plays a level 60 Hunter and raids quite a bit, discussed his thoughts on the subject with me. These are the points he made:
* Hunters have minimal overhead and maximal efficiency. They do not require much in the way of healing, buffing, or special care in a fight. The class can put out decent DPS while taking care of themselves.
* Feign Death allows for excellent hate manipulation. There are a variety of situations in the high level game where the Hunter's ability to keep on the bottom of the threat list can substantially help the group, as they can keep up the DPS while others are mitigating their damage to avoid aggro. They are the only class that can manipulate their threat so well, and the ability to do so often paves the way for consistent DPS.
* Hunters can indeed pull in the high-level game. There are fights where traps are effective crowd control (even in places like Molten Core). Traps are situational, but their potential combined with the Hunter's unmatched ability to pull can help immensely. For dangerous pulls, Eye of the Beast can also be used.
---
Now, this isn't everything I'm addressing, folks. I'm going to continue followups -- such as the quiver/ammo bag haste bug vs. hunter DPS issue -- with the team as we progress. I will also eventually be formally soliciting feedback from you for a writeup similar to that which I gave Druids. For now, though, I wanted to clear up what was unclear about many changes in the patch.
- Caydiem -
Assistant Community Manager
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| | http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.aspx?fn=wow-hunter&t=169071&p=#post169071 |
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Poster: Caydiem at 3/9/2005 11:57:20 AM PST
Subject: Re: Initial Answers: Patch Issues |
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Approach speed/attack speed is not being changed in this patch.
I will check on the Run Speed bug on my next followup.
- Caydiem -
Assistant Community Manager
|
| | http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.aspx?fn=wow-hunter&t=169071&p=#post169133 |
Poster: Caydiem at 3/9/2005 12:12:02 PM PST
Subject: Re: Initial Answers: Patch Issues |
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On pet uniqueness...
The developers do want pets to be varied, but in ways for which the game is designed. The resistances on pets as they stood were not something taken into consideration when the content was designed, and as such trivialized certain encounters. They will be looking into other ways of making pets varied and unique.
Regarding the resistances listed on the pet screen -- the pet tab itself is just like the character tab, and as such the resistance display was probably on by default rather than off.[ post edited by Caydiem ]
- Caydiem -
Assistant Community Manager
|
| | http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.aspx?fn=wow-hunter&t=169071&p=#post169182 |
Poster: Caydiem at 3/9/2005 12:14:55 PM PST
Subject: Re: Initial Answers: Patch Issues |
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I did ask about the attack speed/approach speed variations and was not told either way, but he didn't say it was going to be changing.
My answer was phrased that way because, to be honest, had I phrased it differently it would be used against me at some point should plans change. ;)
- Caydiem -
Assistant Community Manager
|
| | http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.aspx?fn=wow-hunter&t=169071&p=#post169193 |
Poster: Caydiem at 3/9/2005 12:38:20 PM PST
Subject: Re: Initial Answers: Patch Issues |
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Folks, folks, please.
I understand that you haven't seen a representative in here for a while, and you're expressing your frustration now that you have me. I know you have many, many issues that you want to see addressed. I know that this post does not answer every concern you have with the class.
However, fighting with us and posting in a hostile fashion will not help your case or this cause.
I want to help you get the answers you're looking for. I am going to be your liaison to the developers on these issues. But in order for this relationship to work, you need to work with me, not against me.
If you have an issue with what I've posted, then please discuss it here -- civilly. If you have another question regarding the patch changes that you'd like to see addressed, discuss it here. I know there are more concerns with the Hunter than what is in the patch, and I know you want to see these things addressed just as much -- but I ask that you wait a little while longer until I begin soliciting feedback about the class as a whole. This thread is meant to discuss the changes in the patch.
Also, please be aware that I cannot get answers instantly. It requires the time and attention of other people who are insanely busy throughout the day. I do my best to catch their attention and get things addressed as the opportunity presents itself, but that may not be in five minutes.
I do want to help you, I do. But in order for me to do that I need you to help me, to discuss the issues with me in a civil and constructive fashion. Attacks and insults will not help you get the answers you desire. You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar, as they say.
- Caydiem -
Assistant Community Manager
|
| | http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.aspx?fn=wow-hunter&t=169071&p=#post169292 |
Poster: Caydiem at 3/9/2005 12:59:18 PM PST
Subject: Re: Initial Answers: Patch Issues |
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Believe me, I understand your frustration and I'm not saying you shouldn't be! You've been waiting a long time for answers and you haven't gotten them for some time. Now that you have our ear, I do not fault you for using that to inform me of how angry and weary you are of the current situation.
All I'm saying is that there have been some rather hostile responses in this thread thus far and I would rather we work together to get the answers you need. I'm championing your cause for you to the developers, and unlike Druids, I do not have a high level Hunter myself (though I do play one, it's not terribly high at this point). I party with Hunters quite often and have a decent understanding of the class, but my first-hand experience does not compare to yours. So with that, help me understand the whys and wherefores on your end, and I will do the same in return.
- Caydiem -
Assistant Community Manager
|
| | http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.aspx?fn=wow-hunter&t=169071&p=#post169362 |
Poster: Caydiem at 3/9/2005 1:19:29 PM PST
Subject: Re: Initial Answers: Patch Issues |
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Q u o t e:
A very simple question.
When they fixed AotH we no longer are able to get +ranged attack from warrior Battle Shout. I had no issue fixing the exploit allowing people to carry the buffs forever. The description on your website says the shout gives both melee and ranged attack, however it no long does so.
Is this a bug or intended change?
With haste nerf and no battleshout I am looking at a 20-30% reduction in DPS between the hotfix and the next patch.
This was intended -- Battle Shout and the Blessing of Might are only meant to increase melee attack power, not ranged.
- Caydiem -
Assistant Community Manager
|
| | http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.aspx?fn=wow-hunter&t=169071&p=#post169456 |
Poster: Caydiem at 3/9/2005 11:46:00 AM PST
Subject: Initial Answers: Patch Issues *edited post* |
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I'm back, folks. As I said yesterday, the odds were I wouldn't get to it then, but I've discussed some of the main points about the patch changes with the development team; hopefully this gives you a better idea of what's going on and why.
Why were resistances removed from pets?
It was never intended for Hunter pets to retain their innate resistances. The fact that they did was a bug and is being fixed in this patch.
You're removing this unique quality from pets -- will you be removing every bit of variety? What about King Bangalesh or the Spire Spiderling's unique abilities?
The idea behind pets is not to have a few ultimate pets that leave the rest in the dust, but rather to have a variety of often-used pets. We do not plan on removing every unique aspect from pets, and we do plan on adding more variety to the various types of pets out there. This will take time, unfortunately.
Why was the Sandfury Guardian made untameable? What will happen to the ones already tamed?
That particular monster was not meant to be tameable. The ones already tamed will not be removed, but they will not be able to be fed. That said, the developers are considering adding serpents as another tameable family at some point.
What is the role of Hunters in the high-end game? With the new caps, how will we be considered valuable members of a group or raid?
One particular developer, who plays a level 60 Hunter and raids quite a bit, discussed his thoughts on the subject with me. These are the points he made:
* Hunters have minimal overhead and maximal efficiency. They do not require much in the way of healing, buffing, or special care in a fight. The class can put out decent DPS while taking care of themselves.
* Feign Death allows for excellent hate manipulation. There are a variety of situations in the high level game where the Hunter's ability to keep on the bottom of the threat list can substantially help the group, as they can keep up the DPS while others are mitigating their damage to avoid aggro. They are the only class that can manipulate their threat so well, and the ability to do so often paves the way for consistent DPS.
* Hunters can indeed pull in the high-level game. There are fights where traps are effective crowd control (even in places like Molten Core). Traps are situational, but their potential combined with the Hunter's unmatched ability to pull can help immensely. For dangerous pulls, Eye of the Beast can also be used.
---
Now, this isn't everything I'm addressing, folks. I'm going to continue followups -- such as the quiver/ammo bag haste bug vs. hunter DPS issue -- with the team as we progress. I will also eventually be formally soliciting feedback from you for a writeup similar to that which I gave Druids. For now, though, I wanted to clear up what was unclear about many changes in the patch.
- Caydiem -
Assistant Community Manager
|
| | http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.aspx?fn=wow-hunter&t=169071&p=#post169071 |
Poster: Caydiem at 3/9/2005 11:57:20 AM PST
Subject: Re: Initial Answers: Patch Issues *edited post* |
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Approach speed/attack speed is not being changed in this patch.
I will check on the Run Speed bug on my next followup.
- Caydiem -
Assistant Community Manager
|
| | http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.aspx?fn=wow-hunter&t=169071&p=#post169133 |
Poster: Caydiem at 3/9/2005 12:12:02 PM PST
Subject: Re: Initial Answers: Patch Issues *edited post* |
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On pet uniqueness...
The developers do want pets to be varied, but in ways for which the game is designed. The resistances on pets as they stood were not something taken into consideration when the content was designed, and as such trivialized certain encounters. They will be looking into other ways of making pets varied and unique.
Regarding the resistances listed on the pet screen -- the pet tab itself is just like the character tab, and as such the resistance display was probably on by default rather than off.[ post edited by Caydiem ]
- Caydiem -
Assistant Community Manager
|
| | http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.aspx?fn=wow-hunter&t=169071&p=#post169182 |
Poster: Caydiem at 3/9/2005 12:14:55 PM PST
Subject: Re: Initial Answers: Patch Issues *edited post* |
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I did ask about the attack speed/approach speed variations and was not told either way, but he didn't say it was going to be changing.
My answer was phrased that way because, to be honest, had I phrased it differently it would be used against me at some point should plans change. ;)
- Caydiem -
Assistant Community Manager
|
| | http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.aspx?fn=wow-hunter&t=169071&p=#post169193 |
Poster: Caydiem at 3/9/2005 12:38:20 PM PST
Subject: Re: Initial Answers: Patch Issues *edited post* |
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Folks, folks, please.
I understand that you haven't seen a representative in here for a while, and you're expressing your frustration now that you have me. I know you have many, many issues that you want to see addressed. I know that this post does not answer every concern you have with the class.
However, fighting with us and posting in a hostile fashion will not help your case or this cause.
I want to help you get the answers you're looking for. I am going to be your liaison to the developers on these issues. But in order for this relationship to work, you need to work with me, not against me.
If you have an issue with what I've posted, then please discuss it here -- civilly. If you have another question regarding the patch changes that you'd like to see addressed, discuss it here. I know there are more concerns with the Hunter than what is in the patch, and I know you want to see these things addressed just as much -- but I ask that you wait a little while longer until I begin soliciting feedback about the class as a whole. This thread is meant to discuss the changes in the patch.
Also, please be aware that I cannot get answers instantly. It requires the time and attention of other people who are insanely busy throughout the day. I do my best to catch their attention and get things addressed as the opportunity presents itself, but that may not be in five minutes.
I do want to help you, I do. But in order for me to do that I need you to help me, to discuss the issues with me in a civil and constructive fashion. Attacks and insults will not help you get the answers you desire. You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar, as they say.
- Caydiem -
Assistant Community Manager
|
| | http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.aspx?fn=wow-hunter&t=169071&p=#post169292 |
Poster: Caydiem at 3/9/2005 12:59:18 PM PST
Subject: Re: Initial Answers: Patch Issues *edited post* |
| |
Believe me, I understand your frustration and I'm not saying you shouldn't be! You've been waiting a long time for answers and you haven't gotten them for some time. Now that you have our ear, I do not fault you for using that to inform me of how angry and weary you are of the current situation.
All I'm saying is that there have been some rather hostile responses in this thread thus far and I would rather we work together to get the answers you need. I'm championing your cause for you to the developers, and unlike Druids, I do not have a high level Hunter myself (though I do play one, it's not terribly high at this point). I party with Hunters quite often and have a decent understanding of the class, but my first-hand experience does not compare to yours. So with that, help me understand the whys and wherefores on your end, and I will do the same in return.
- Caydiem -
Assistant Community Manager
|
| | http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.aspx?fn=wow-hunter&t=169071&p=#post169362 |
Poster: Caydiem at 3/9/2005 1:19:29 PM PST
Subject: Re: Initial Answers: Patch Issues *edited post* |
| |
Q u o t e:
A very simple question.
When they fixed AotH we no longer are able to get +ranged attack from warrior Battle Shout. I had no issue fixing the exploit allowing people to carry the buffs forever. The description on your website says the shout gives both melee and ranged attack, however it no long does so.
Is this a bug or intended change?
With haste nerf and no battleshout I am looking at a 20-30% reduction in DPS between the hotfix and the next patch.
This was intended -- Battle Shout and the Blessing of Might are only meant to increase melee attack power, not ranged.
- Caydiem -
Assistant Community Manager
|
| | http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.aspx?fn=wow-hunter&t=169071&p=#post169456 |
