The Real Problem with Parsers

[Sidra]

But isn't that the point, though? If people are going out of their way to download and use something - it obviously is something that a lot of the player base finds value and in wants - should't it be something the base game just includes? For anyone who doesn't want to see it, they can just close the window.

It's just like I literally have no interest in Gold Saucer stuff - Chocobo Racing, Triple Triad, Minion RTS. I will barely play them. But I don't mind them being in the game because some people play and enjoy them even though it's not my cup of tea. Same deal here - put it in the game so the player base has access to it. People who want to see can see, and people who don't can close the window so they can't see.

If they only added things to the game that 100% of the playerbase wanted, they would never add anything to the game. And as is, it's really unfortunate that PS3/4 players who would like feature can't access it. Adding it to the game fixes that.

[Archaell]

But isn't that the point, though? If people are going out of their way to download and use something - it obviously is something that a lot of the player base finds value and in wants - should't it be something the base game just includes?

You see, the problem with parser isn't as much that players would be lazy to close the window, the problem is that the lazy players would show up on parser of their group members and what is even worse - they would be allowed to talk about it.

It is nuts that it is okay to do poor job, but it is not okay for others to see that you do do poor job. *Shrug*

[Aiselia]

If people are going out of their way to download and use something ... should't it be something the base game just includes?

Depends on how it's implemented and how necessary it actually is.

It's definitely not necessary for the vast majority of the game. At most, a parser is only arguably necessary for the high-end raids. But only a small minority of players do those.

But here's the thing: They didn't give TP bars until recently. When they did, they (apparently) had to remove the numbers from the bar and remove the party bonus from the UI in order to reduce system load and allow it. An in-depth parser made to show at all times as part of the UI, which is what a majority of people who want parsers expect, means they'll need to remove probably a good chunk of things to reduce system load for that.

So what are you going to give up for something that's useful enough to be worth it?

People won't accept parsers that only show basic information like a flat number because that's not going to tell you much. People won't accept parsers that only show yourself in order to reduce system load for PS3 players because that doesn't let them call others out. People won't be happy with anything less that what's already downloadable. But that's not going to be implemented without removing something. A lot of somethings, if a TP bar was so taxing that it had to have numbers removed and a part of the UI removed just to add it in.

Adding it to the game fixes that.

At the cost of what?

[Sidra]

SNIP

At the cost of what?

oh cmon. Look at a YouTube video with anyone with ACT. People can place it anywhere, often see it in the bottom right. I'd envision an optional window you can place it anywhere you want or close completely. People fit in ACT's overlays with no problem usually where blank space was prior. This could be the exact same. Frankly, what they implement should be as close to the functionality of ACT as possible - anything less would still have peeps using ACT. And the whole point is to give player who want it the benefit of ACT like info without being forced to utilize a 3rd party tool.

This thread is 79 pages long now. It's clear that some people don't see the benefit and wouldn't use a parser, and some people really enjoy it and enhances their gameplay. The problem is that people who don't personally find it useful also think it shouldn't be in the game, and that's bull. The game is played by a lot of people with diverse interests and opinions. The fact that this thread has become so long is proof that there is some interest, and that's all there needs to be. Because people who don't want it don't need to open it. And the players who do can.

If the Gold Saucer and minions didn't exist. If they never came out with glamour egis, if you couldn't glamour or dye the gear you are wearing - my overall gameplay experience would remain unchanged. I don't care about those things. But that doesn't mean they should not be in the game - because it's obvious some people do enjoy them. Same thing here - whether any one individual feels they would enjoy them is irrelevant. They don't have to use it once it's here. But the length of this thread, popularity of ACT and explosion of fflogs is proof that enough people do enjoy them that SE should probably accommodate.