The Daily Blues
by Adam Holisky 
Mar 31st 2010 at 2:00AM
Dubito ergo cogito ergo sum.
Table of Contents
Ghostcrawler
Ghostcrawler -- Revenge changeIn the interest of avoiding the unflattering scent of stealth nerf, allow me to post that we are going to make that change (one Revenge per proc) I suggested above.
Ghostcrawler -- I crit...Ghostcrawler -- Stealth NerfsPretty much. Remember logging on that wonderful Tuesday and all of a sudden Exorcism couldn't be used on players anymore? That was a good stealth nerf.
I guess you are using "stealth nerf" as synonymous with "nerf." My general impression of the use of the term "stealth nerf" is that the developers decide to sneakily change a spell or an ability in a way players won't immediately recognize and have to explore and math out. For example, if we thought Exorcism did too much damage, we might lower its coefficient. Players might notice, but it would take a lot of testing before anyone was convinced. Someone mentioned the Windfury ICD above, which is a good example of what I would call a stealth nerf. It was hard to notice. Making a change so that a spell doesn't work on players doesn't really sound like "stealth" because it's going to be noticed immediately.
There is little point in us making actual "stealth nerfs" with the intent to deceive, because players are going to figure it out anyway. (The WF one wasn't made recently.) What you seem to be calling "stealth nerfs" are hotfixes or mini patch changes that came without a GC or other blue post. But there are many of these made regularly, probably far more than you realize. Many of them will never affect your character, but some will. Some are made late at night when good developers are asleep or at blues bars.
We haven't yet come up with a great way to communicate changes that come in between patches. For patches we have the patch notes. Sometimes I'll make a blue post and we've tried to get better about documenting hotfixes. We've considered trying to use the launcher or login screen for breaking news or maybe even have a place in game where you can check out recent patch notes. Again, we make a lot of these, and some of them are too trivial for most players to care, and we wouldn't want the list to be so long that players just skip through it.
If you're defining "stealth nerf" as any change that comes in between patches or any nerf in general, well then you're just using your own private use of the term, which is a big problem with game jargon (see examples just as "cleave," "WG," "dead zone" etc.)
I guess you are using "stealth nerf" as synonymous with "nerf." My general impression of the use of the term "stealth nerf" is that the developers decide to sneakily change a spell or an ability in a way players won't immediately recognize and have to explore and math out. For example, if we thought Exorcism did too much damage, we might lower its coefficient. Players might notice, but it would take a lot of testing before anyone was convinced. Someone mentioned the Windfury ICD above, which is a good example of what I would call a stealth nerf. It was hard to notice. Making a change so that a spell doesn't work on players doesn't really sound like "stealth" because it's going to be noticed immediately.
There is little point in us making actual "stealth nerfs" with the intent to deceive, because players are going to figure it out anyway. (The WF one wasn't made recently.) What you seem to be calling "stealth nerfs" are hotfixes or mini patch changes that came without a GC or other blue post. But there are many of these made regularly, probably far more than you realize. Many of them will never affect your character, but some will. Some are made late at night when good developers are asleep or at blues bars.
We haven't yet come up with a great way to communicate changes that come in between patches. For patches we have the patch notes. Sometimes I'll make a blue post and we've tried to get better about documenting hotfixes. We've considered trying to use the launcher or login screen for breaking news or maybe even have a place in game where you can check out recent patch notes. Again, we make a lot of these, and some of them are too trivial for most players to care, and we wouldn't want the list to be so long that players just skip through it.
If you're defining "stealth nerf" as any change that comes in between patches or any nerf in general, well then you're just using your own private use of the term, which is a big problem with game jargon (see examples just as "cleave," "WG," "dead zone" etc.)
Ghostcrawler -- Incoming flame war? Yes, sir!It's "champing at the bit". The verb is intransitive
Technically you are correct, but the other version is in such widespread use now that it's pretty acceptable... like using the word "data" when you aren't referring to a plural.
Incoming "could care less" vs "couldn't care less" Internet flame war. :)
Technically you are correct, but the other version is in such widespread use now that it's pretty acceptable... like using the word "data" when you aren't referring to a plural.
Incoming "could care less" vs "couldn't care less" Internet flame war. :)
Other
Ancilorn -- EU Forum WatchForum Watch
Vaneras, Slorkuz, Wryxian & Ancilorn
This week on the WoW Europe Community forums:
This week's Poll is up and running, and we're asking you what class was your very first World of Warcraft character?
http://forums.wow-europe.com/thread.html?topicId=12947349468
It is important for every hero and heroine alike to look their utmost. With that in mind, what hairstyles would you like to see in-game?
http://forums.wow-europe.com/thread.html?topicId=12947126349&sid=1
It's equally important for the NPCs of the world to look their best, so we too ask which NPC has the best taste?
http://forums.wow-europe.com/thread.html?topicId=12947126624&sid=1
With Arthas' Father, King Terenas, resting peacefully in the Ruins of Lordaeron, people wonder where will the late Arthas Menethil be laid to rest? Somewhere honourable or somewhere hidden from civilisation for the atrocities he partook in? Let us know what you think.
http://forums.wow-europe.com/thread.html?topicId=12947236464&sid=1
Roleplaying a Gnome with a penchant for Engineering is quite a task. Help Gearsprocket on her quest to 'Roleplay as a Tinker'!
http://forums.wow-europe.com/thread.html?topicId=12947346641&sid=1
When running heroic instances, some groups prefer to skip optional bosses to get to the end as quickly as possible. But someone has come forward wondering what a good way to convince people to do the extra bosses may be? If you have ideas, then share them with us!
http://forums.wow-europe.com/thread.html?topicId=12947096493&sid=1
The World of Warcraft is littered with many interesting quest chains. Some full of lore, and others full of fun and interesting mechanics. We want to know what your favourite quest line is.
http://forums.wow-europe.com/thread.html?topicId=12947157358&sid=1
When playing the game, do you listen to the in-game music, or perhaps some playlists of your own? Let us know what caresses your ear drums whilst you WoW!
http://forums.wow-europe.com/thread.html?topicId=12947348580&sid=1
So no doubt some of you have had glorious moments in a PvP environment, and no doubt some /facepalm moments, too. This week we want to know more about your epic PvP moments!
http://forums.wow-europe.com/thread.html?topicId=12899951084&sid=1
Guides, Guides and more Guides!
Sythnui of The Sha'tar has come forward with his first guide – 'Battle-Mage RP'. Check it out here.
http://forums.wow-europe.com/thread.html?topicId=12947345464&sid=1
Roleplaying a Blood Elf has never been easier, thanks to Soraya and her guide on the subject.
http://forums.wow-europe.com/thread.html?topicId=12947344622&sid=1
Here's a nice guide for you Battleground folks titled: 'How to: Strand of the Ancients'.
http://forums.wow-europe.com/thread.html?topicId=7120113215
Le??tseddap has written a nice guide for the PvP Twinks of the world and it's a great resource for the XP lockers amongst us - 'Twinking for Dummies'.
http://forums.wow-europe.com/thread.html?topicId=12202980669&sid=1
Plinni has written an awesome guide with some beginners advice on getting into and getting through the regular dungeons found in the world.
http://forums.wow-europe.com/thread.html?topicId=12947277682&sid=1
Vaneras, Slorkuz, Wryxian & Ancilorn
This week on the WoW Europe Community forums:
This week's Poll is up and running, and we're asking you what class was your very first World of Warcraft character?
http://forums.wow-europe.com/thread.html?topicId=12947349468
It is important for every hero and heroine alike to look their utmost. With that in mind, what hairstyles would you like to see in-game?
http://forums.wow-europe.com/thread.html?topicId=12947126349&sid=1
It's equally important for the NPCs of the world to look their best, so we too ask which NPC has the best taste?
http://forums.wow-europe.com/thread.html?topicId=12947126624&sid=1
With Arthas' Father, King Terenas, resting peacefully in the Ruins of Lordaeron, people wonder where will the late Arthas Menethil be laid to rest? Somewhere honourable or somewhere hidden from civilisation for the atrocities he partook in? Let us know what you think.
http://forums.wow-europe.com/thread.html?topicId=12947236464&sid=1
Roleplaying a Gnome with a penchant for Engineering is quite a task. Help Gearsprocket on her quest to 'Roleplay as a Tinker'!
http://forums.wow-europe.com/thread.html?topicId=12947346641&sid=1
When running heroic instances, some groups prefer to skip optional bosses to get to the end as quickly as possible. But someone has come forward wondering what a good way to convince people to do the extra bosses may be? If you have ideas, then share them with us!
http://forums.wow-europe.com/thread.html?topicId=12947096493&sid=1
The World of Warcraft is littered with many interesting quest chains. Some full of lore, and others full of fun and interesting mechanics. We want to know what your favourite quest line is.
http://forums.wow-europe.com/thread.html?topicId=12947157358&sid=1
When playing the game, do you listen to the in-game music, or perhaps some playlists of your own? Let us know what caresses your ear drums whilst you WoW!
http://forums.wow-europe.com/thread.html?topicId=12947348580&sid=1
So no doubt some of you have had glorious moments in a PvP environment, and no doubt some /facepalm moments, too. This week we want to know more about your epic PvP moments!
http://forums.wow-europe.com/thread.html?topicId=12899951084&sid=1
Guides, Guides and more Guides!
Sythnui of The Sha'tar has come forward with his first guide – 'Battle-Mage RP'. Check it out here.
http://forums.wow-europe.com/thread.html?topicId=12947345464&sid=1
Roleplaying a Blood Elf has never been easier, thanks to Soraya and her guide on the subject.
http://forums.wow-europe.com/thread.html?topicId=12947344622&sid=1
Here's a nice guide for you Battleground folks titled: 'How to: Strand of the Ancients'.
http://forums.wow-europe.com/thread.html?topicId=7120113215
Le??tseddap has written a nice guide for the PvP Twinks of the world and it's a great resource for the XP lockers amongst us - 'Twinking for Dummies'.
http://forums.wow-europe.com/thread.html?topicId=12202980669&sid=1
Plinni has written an awesome guide with some beginners advice on getting into and getting through the regular dungeons found in the world.
http://forums.wow-europe.com/thread.html?topicId=12947277682&sid=1
Blizzard
Filed under: The Daily Blues
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Dreyja Mar 31st 2010 2:09AM
I just had another Ghostcrawler swoon. ;)
Noah Mar 31st 2010 2:29AM
It always bugs me when people say, "I could care less."
I just think, "Well, then, why don't you?"
Hivetyrant Mar 31st 2010 3:16AM
Exactly!
I always thought the saying was "I couldn't care less" which makes more sense.
I guess people are lazy and it's somehow become the accepted term.
Mr. Tastix Mar 31st 2010 3:39AM
I agree.
Though the fact that such careless use of a nonsensical idiom went on for so long is even more surprising, in my opinion.
Travieso Mar 31st 2010 4:02AM
What if you're being sarcastic when you say "I could care less"?
Todd Mar 31st 2010 4:32AM
Irregardlessly, it's become idiomatic usage. :(
Chris Mar 31st 2010 5:10AM
lol, irregardlessly (or any other form of irregardless) is not really a word due to its double negative prefix and suffix. Normally I wouldn't say anything but it seemed funny that you used a common incorrect word in a comment about a common incorrect phrase :)
Clydtsdk-Rivendare Mar 31st 2010 6:41AM
I believe that was intentional.
Anyways, I recall reading somewhere that, even though "couldn't care less" makes grammatical sense the saying is in fact "could care less".
Also, use of the word "irregardless" makes me violent. Seriously, where the heck did THAT come from? /cast Power Word: Facepalm
Hëx Mar 31st 2010 10:03AM
@Clydtsdk: Unfortunately they've put the damn thing in the dictionary, although they at least take the time to label it as "nonstandard" and "use regardless instead"
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/irregardless
DeathPaladin Mar 31st 2010 11:27AM
Maybe they are saying that, while they are capable of caring less, they care so little about it that they are not going to bother wasting the energy caring less.
(cutaia) Mar 31st 2010 11:32AM
On the caring continuum and the question of sarcasm in relation to "caring less":
http://incompetech.com/gallimaufry/care_less.html
vazhkatsi Mar 31st 2010 1:08PM
welcome to the vernacular
jasonkidd1234 Mar 31st 2010 4:56PM
I could care less about this huge string of replies.
mykamos Mar 31st 2010 7:05PM
Language is fluid. It changes. I know at least in some dictionaries (perhaps all, it's never been so important to verify) irregardless is present. I in fact used it until for many years.
The point being, change happens. English used to be French, used to be Latin, used to be...
Debesun Mar 31st 2010 2:38AM
I don't understand why people take changes to their class beyond something constructive and turn it into something personal.
ie. Blizzard is changing MY class because Blizzard hates ME / MY class
It's like I'm the only one that actually puts trust in a company who have staff with careers in this kind of stuff.
Last I checked I had zero experience in game balance and design, and I assume that is the same with the vast majority of the playing / forum-going population. I also understand professionals also still make mistakes. If what they did upset me so much that it made me actually want to have a B'aaawww fest on the official forums rather than post something constructive / not go out to cause a (near) pointless debate to grab e-attention, I would have more than likely left the game quietly and looked for something else to do well before I'd consider that...
(Bored at uni = long rambling post)
Jawn Mar 31st 2010 3:17AM
"Last I checked I had zero experience in game balance and design, and I assume that is the same with the vast majority of the playing / forum-going population. "
Well, you have to consider: to most players, balanced game means "i win" vs... pretty well most other players. Or that they have to do the same amount of damage as all other class in ~every~ situation. (But then... why have different class abilities? May as well just have 1 button for all, labeled "Attack")
Anyways....
Hivetyrant Mar 31st 2010 3:21AM
It was a pleasant rant though :)
I tend to feel the same way, though i'll admit at first sight of nerfs coming my way, I do sometimes question why (WHY ME?!?!) but if I put more than 5 seconds thought into it, I realise that I don't know the stats, so I can't properly assume that "x change" is or isn't justified..
Sure, there are going to be times that a change is not needed or done incorrectly, but they usually admit they were wrong and make the corrective changes pretty quickly.
I mean, with over 10 (not sure if thats still valid) million players, it can't be easy to keep everyone happy, simple fact is people like to complain!
nekorion Mar 31st 2010 3:34AM
It's not so much as that everyone wants to shout "blizzard hates me" its that it seems like that in certain cases changes that could be made, aren't, and classes or specs feel neglected. Allow me to tanget completely! :D
Arms warriors, sub rogues, BM hunters, Frost Mages, Enhancement and Elemental shaman are the "worst preforming" dps specs, all things being equal, in raids. While Arms, sub, BM, and frost can respec, to preform better, Enh and Ele are the same class and seem to be "hated". The class also is pretty under represented so it just furthers neglect.
You could make an argument that "these specs have a strong showing in PvP" but only some of them do. Frost is difficult to balance around its pvp, and so is arms. BM and Frost has both been getting small buffs in the past few patches. Sub got some pretty nice buffs recently in pvp and pve, but it still has a ways to go. Enh had a gimmick comp with BM in pvp a while back so thats their lime lights.
All things considered if I claimed "blizzard hates elemental shaman" I don't think many people would disagree with me. I don't even like elemental, and I much prefer enhancement but both of them can use a buff.
Mr. Tastix Mar 31st 2010 3:41AM
http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Kalganism
Balmazer Mar 31st 2010 7:03AM
"Enh and Ele are the same class and seem to be 'hated'."
I've seen enhancement shamans do 10kDPS in progression, that doesn't seem to bad to me. Elemental, while worse I find to often beat out other class of similar (fresh t9) gear level, I know my friend can push out about ~4KDPS with half his gear being restoration and none of it being gemmed or enchanted.