JavaScript is required to use Bungie.net

Destiny

Discuss all things Destiny.
9/17/2014 9:02:38 PM
314
462
Cerith

An Open Letter to Bungie: Many of us Understand.

Dear Bungie, With Destiny's launch, there has been a tumultuous storm of opinions and thoughts flying around across the internet. Everybody seems to have an opinion, more often than not a complaint, or an idea of what needs to happen. Arguably poor review scores from many publications feed an ever increasing loop of groupthink and lead to unfair conclusions and accusations about what, from a real perspective, has the potential to turn into a masterpiece. With the forums ablaze with topics lambasting the game you've made, I wouldn't be surprised if, on your part, there is at the least confusion, at most dismay at the exact nature of the friction. I've read the complaints. However, I feel very strongly that everything in Destiny has been meticulously thought out, planned, and implemented. In simpler terms, [b]there is nothing about this game that doesn't feel intentional[/b]. It feels to me that every aspect of Destiny as it exists now aligns with your vision, and that you have made the game exactly as you wanted to make it. Those of us who have long time experience with similar games, and really want to see the industry evolve, recognize that Destiny could very well be the beginning of a masterpiece, a revolution in how games are experienced and how stories are told. We play it religiously, and we trust you to develop its universe into something really special. It already has established itself as one of the most memorable gaming experiences I've had, and I'm sure that rings true for those like me. But the adherence to your vision is the cornerstone of positivity for this experience. Destiny is going to be a long road, and vocal members of the community that don't truly grasp Destiny's scope and potential will continue to complain. Likely, it will be relentless. I've already seen people go from complaining that they had too easy of a time getting to the level cap, to complaining that the raids are too hard over 3 DAYS. In fact, Destiny seems to have had 3 years worth of complaining cycles crammed into the 1 week it has been available. We have our journey over Destiny's lifetime, and you, Bungie, have yours. I urge you, remember this: [b]You must unflinchingly adhere to your vision.[/b] If anything can be said about the game industry, particularly in MMO type games, it's that "The Customer is Usually Wrong". You can't please everyone, and large scale change will rarely please most. But if every game released is going to strive only to please the most customers, we end up with bland and repetitive titles that rarely venture outside of the status quo. To you I say that you will need to heed this forum's tagline more than any of the users: [b]Be Brave[/b]. Don't buckle to the complaints, and don't stray from making what you see because of the outcry of those who don't agree on its beauty. Sincerely, A Fan.
English
#Destiny

Posting in language:

 

Play nice. Take a minute to review our Code of Conduct before submitting your post. Cancel Edit Create Fireteam Post

View Entire Topic
  • I will admit to having been critical on several points. I do not post critical information to simply be critical, nor do I have a deep dislike of the game. if I disliked the game I would have less than the 20-30 hours logged in playing that I do currently. Instead, I post in the forum with the intent of giving Bungie feedback. That is what the forum is for, in one respect. They need to see where their vision has succeeded and where it isn't translating as well. Holding coarse in rough waters is only a good idea so long as it doesn't lead you deeper into the storm. So, let's look at some of my own thoughts on the game; Game mechanics, player characters, and gear - I have no complaints at all with any of this. There is sufficient gear options to give you a lot to work with, and while I can't say everything is inspirational an unique, I also can't say that this is a bad thing. These aspects of the game were very well done, and I totally congratulate Bungie on them. Story and NPC characters - here, the first installment of Destiny is lacking. We meet the Speaker twice, at the beginning and ending of the story, yet he serves no other purpose. Why? He should have been a more involved character in our story (assuming we, as players, are intended to be the focus 'hero' of that story). This was a missed opportunity. The Queen of the Reef, her brother, and the mysterious exo all served their purposes well, and I have no complaints on their writing or their use. Good job! But... in our journey you have 4 background characters? And the story itself, so far, is extremely short. Bungie had a very long time to work on this game, yet the story could have been thrown together in a matter of months. This is sub-par. Yes, I did enjoy what there was of the story, but that story should have been far deeper. I understand that further story arcs will be released (or at least one more story arc. I simply assume there will be more after), and perhaps this will flesh out what was presented originally. PvP/PvE balance - in this area, I feel that the balance is horribly off. Destiny is a game that is 'balanced' (one might even say over-balanced) to favor PvP. If Bungie's intent was to create a PvP game, they have succeeded. If their intent was to attract a broad and varied audience, however, then in my eyes while they have not failed, they also have not succeeded. "The game starts at level 20". This has been said very often. Very well, let us examine. Every single Exotic bounty features a very heavy Crucible requirement. For level 20+ legendary gear, there is only one PvE vendor, but 4 PvP vendors. It is far faster and easier to level up in the Crucible, gaining reputation and marks, than it is for the Vanguard (this is not simply my opinion, other people have said the same). Again, if Bungie wanted to make a PvP game, they have succeeded and they need do nothing more. If, however, they want to attract and keep PvE people, then there needs to be another, less PvP focused way to earn what you need for upgrades. (For those who point to Vanguard Strikes, remember this - a strike takes around 20-30 minutes. At level 20, you can get 2 Vanguard Marks for that 20-30 minute investment. In Crucible you can get 2-3 marks per game. That means a Vanguard player can get 2 marks and a Crucible player can get 4-9 marks in the same time period, depending on the player's level of skill) So yes, I do want to see Destiny succeed. And yes, I do enjoy most of the game. It is, however, not perfect, and if Bungie wishes to retain at the very least me as a player, then some of these things should be addressed in some manner at some point in time. Otherwise there are other games which will be releasing soon (Borderlands) that will draw me away, and it will then be up to Bungie to prove that there is any reason why I should return.

    Posting in language:

     

    Play nice. Take a minute to review our Code of Conduct before submitting your post. Cancel Edit Create Fireteam Post

    14 Replies
    1 2
    You are not allowed to view this content.
    ;
    preload icon
    preload icon
    preload icon