Built-in Parsers

[KisaiTenshi]

On a different note, please change the combat messages in chat. "X is dealt Y damage" is useless...Change it to "X's Broil dealt Y damage to Z." What is the point of even HAVING a combat log that doesn't log the darned combat?! I mean, due to PING and/or the way the system works, I often have messages out of whack. It shows that I used an attack (instant!) then it shows to me damage made by someone else, then it shows me damage done by my instant attack...It's ridiculous...

I'd rather they delete the combat log or make it less parseable, so it only logs damage you make, and only logs crit damage and healing from anyone else. As it is, the combat log is useless because it blows by too fast to actually read it in a party of 8.

If you would rather people get really mean about it, this data is always going to be sent over the wire, so instead of sending numbers send %'s. That way nobody knows the exact damage they are doing except relative to other players attacking the same target as a floating point value that has no intrisic meaning outside combat with that monster/boss.

[Dualgunner]

I'd rather they delete the combat log or make it less parseable, so it only logs damage you make, and only logs crit damage and healing from anyone else. As it is, the combat log is useless because it blows by too fast to actually read it in a party of 8.

If you would rather people get really mean about it, this data is always going to be sent over the wire, so instead of sending numbers send %'s. That way nobody knows the exact damage they are doing except relative to other players attacking the same target as a floating point value that has no intrisic meaning outside combat with that monster/boss.

Character Config -> Log Window Settings -> Scroll down to "Battle" -> Tab to "Battle" -> Uncheck everything that isn't under the "You" tab

Nothing to do with parsers, they said they weren't clear on it so I told them why that was as a WoW player (off and on) myself. And yep, WoW is infamous for unbalanced gear design. Gearsets and trinkets can easily shift the balance of a spec from one end of the spectrum to another without any direct buffs/nerfs to those specs

Thank you very much for the clarification there ^u^

She was answering an off-topic question by Dualgunner.

Well, to be fair it was closer to clarifying a point I made.

Unfortunately, I have nothing but anecdotal evidence. You know, things former WoW players have told me. To make things a bit clearer, most people I've talked to are not hardcore raiders.

That's fair enough: I'm in much the same boat, save most of my friends coming over from WoW are raiders so it would make sense.

Raiders have different reasons for leaving than casuals. Casual players have told me they left WoW because of the bad community. They have blamed both the cross-server party finder and the misuse of Recount for ruining the community.

Fair enough, but I think that every community can be declared "horrible" and "toxic" if you asked the right people. IE, "toxic raiders" from the casual and "filthy casuals" from the elitist.

Raiders tell me they left because of bad class balance, mandatory gear, and a loot system which makes it pure luck to get the needed gear.

This was the point I made earlier, which I would argue is on-topic because it was me providing a possible explanation aside from parsers as to why people would leave WoW.

The only thing relevant to this discussion is the belief parsers turn good gaming communities into bad gaming communities.

Actually it's relevant in this discussion as a counterpoint to that belief. If people are leaving due to bad gear design and not parser overlays, then it follows that their problem was not that parsers had affected the community in any way.

Since I am not an employee of Blizzard, I do not have access to the data needed to support this claim.

Fair enough once more. I do not have any data needed to detract from it, however the positive claim does still rest on your end.

All I have is my eight years of experience with the game, and based upon that experience, I have concluded parsers, and their frequent misuse, hurt the game more than they improve it.

That's an impressive streak but as I'm sure you know, can't really pass as evidence that parsers are a net negative to a game.

I do, however, respect your opinion and how you came to possess it. I merely disagree with it.

[Kacho_Nacho]

I do, however, respect your opinion and how you came to possess it. I merely disagree with it.

And I respect your opinion too! /big lalafell hug

Now, I've been thinking... I know, I know. That's dangerous.

But I wonder if Square Enix would be willing to introduce an in game parser, similar in design to what the OP suggested, for a three month trial period?

That way the devs can discern its impact on the game, both positively and negatively.
Afterwards, SE can either implement the parser permanently or disable it depending on what they discover.

Such a move on the part of Square Enix would certainly lay this frequent argument to rest.

[Miste]

But I wonder if Square Enix would be willing to introduce an in game parser, similar in design to what the OP suggested, for a three month trial period?

That way the devs can discern its impact on the game, both positively and negatively.
Afterwards, SE can either implement the parser permanently or disable it depending on what they discover.

Such a move on the part of Square Enix would certainly lay this frequent argument to rest.

This is a very good idea and I've also mentioned it before in past threads like this.

Simple fact is none of us knows if an official parser would make the game's community better, worse, or simply the exact same as it is now. The only way to see what will happen is for SE to try it and analyze the difference.

[Kacho_Nacho]

This is a very good idea and I've also mentioned it before in past threads like this.

Simple fact is none of us knows if an official parser would make the game's community better, worse, or simply the exact same as it is now. The only way to see what will happen is for SE to try it and analyze the difference.

*nods*

It's apparent both sides hold their beliefs strongly and even polite discussions regarding parsers degenerate into heated arguments along with some trolling. So, that's why a 90 day trial period would be a good thing.

Personally, I would love to see this whole topic laid to rest, once and for all. What say you, S.E.?

[SDaemon]

*nods*

It's apparent both sides hold their beliefs strongly and even polite discussions regarding parsers degenerate into heated arguments along with some trolling. So, that's why a 90 day trial period would be a good thing.

Personally, I would love to see this whole topic laid to rest, once and for all. What say you, S.E.?

Not sure a 90-day trial would lay the topic to rest. Even if SE were to change their stance on the issue after 90 days, people have formed their opinion of parsers based on their prior experiences with them, that isn't something easily changed.

[akaneakki]

Not sure a 90-day trial would lay the topic to rest. Even if SE were to change their stance on the issue after 90 days, people have formed their opinion of parsers based on their prior experiences with them, that isn't something easily changed.

So let them? Nobody is forced to like them, like good/great players shouldn't be forced to carry people.

[Kacho_Nacho]

Not sure a 90-day trial would lay the topic to rest. Even if SE were to change their stance on the issue after 90 days, people have formed their opinion of parsers based on their prior experiences with them, that isn't something easily changed.

I know; but, at least we would all some common ground to base our opinions on. The thing is, my opinion is based on what I observed in WoW, not totally based on that game because I've observed bad behavior here too. It's entirely possible parsers will not poison nor divide the community of FFXIV as it did WoW. It's just unlikely since people are people no matter where you go.

And... Oh, Akaneakki. Your signature gif beautifully encapsulates the conflicting views of a hardcore gamer and a casual gamer.

[Dualgunner]

And I respect your opinion too! /big lalafell hug

Now, I've been thinking... I know, I know. That's dangerous.

But I wonder if Square Enix would be willing to introduce an in game parser, similar in design to what the OP suggested, for a three month trial period?

That way the devs can discern its impact on the game, both positively and negatively.
Afterwards, SE can either implement the parser permanently or disable it depending on what they discover.

Such a move on the part of Square Enix would certainly lay this frequent argument to rest.

I think that would be a great idea as well.