Okay, It's Two-Way Communication Time

[Stormfur]

I think they just look at the data and not the issues behind it.

*institutes PVP chat ban*
*institutes GARO around the same time*
*Data shows more players PVPing*
"Ah! It must be the chat ban!"

*Make PVP give XP*
*Data shows an increase in players playing shatter*
"Ah, people must like hitting objectives more than hitting other players!"
*Releases Rival Wings*

I do a LOT of data analysis on a daily basis. So I can't really fault them from looking at it and drawing conclusions based on it. But using that SOLELY as an influence in the direction the game heads is neglecting all of the other things that contribute to it.

We have to realize too, the playerbase that actively participates in PVP *and* in the forums is probably a fraction of a percentage -- albeit a very vocal one. After years and years of top 1% players wanting something more hardcore - FINALLY they get it with Ultimate Coil.

I guess all we can do is keep trudging on? The night is darkest just before dawn, and all that stuff....

[Krolja]

*Make PVP give XP*
*Data shows an increase in players playing shatter*

I would guess a LOT of the early data come from Early Access where the instance servers were on fire from everyone trying to do the MSQ and couldn't. I ended up leveling my Drg to nearly 67 before I was able to get the MSQ stuff out of the way, and it was strictly through PvP because that was my only option. In any case, Shatter is now a festering pool of bots and afkers because the exp is free and we all know that SE doesn't ban PvP offenders. It's a win/win for anyone looking to level without actually playing the game.

Shatter is also the only PvP Frontline that pops regularly. I would LOVE to play anything but Shatter at this point. Seize and Secure are soooo much more fun, in my opinion.