Saber's Customization Releases
Despite rumors floating around about Saber potentially leaning more towards a "Live Service" style of game in the future (example here) - I wanted to discuss the customization schedule and options.
I am largely fine with the speed at which Saber has been able to address new functionality and gameplay updates (ie. maps, new weapons, etc). I wouldn't be upset if they sped that up, but I'm not upset at the speed or quality.
However, I find the customization release schedule and content to be lackluster. I expected more from each point in the season - and have largely been left feeling underwhelmed.
Let me pick it apart:
- Season Champion Skin
This season skin has been gorgeous, no doubt, but it is a static skin. I have a hard time being excited about a customization option that is exactly the same as everyone else's. I might be more impressed if on each Champion release they also added:
* voice lines for that chapter (that we could swap out on our wheel)
* one or two new animations for that class
* add one new customization option (ie. change the flag for bulwark, change the cape option for sniper, new decal attachment options, ability to recolor weapons, etc)
To account for all that - I would be 100% okay if they reduced the rate of Champion Skins being released to 1 per 4-6 months rather than 1-2 every 3.
Because, without those changes, the Champion Skin just a nice looking standard skin I look at once or twice - and never return to. (and based on how often I see them when grouping with randoms, it feels that I'm not alone) And that is disappointing.
- Cosmetic Packs
This is the largest issue point for me. Each pack has felt largely empty. Sure, the items in the drop are intricate and gorgeous - but they are largely devoid of content. Plus, locking it to a single chapter feels really bad when your chapter of choice isn't there. It feels like the amount of customization options that drop in the Cosmetic Pack is what I would expect to drop in a single month - much less 3.
Worse, outside of the actual lack of 3d assets, is the lack of iconography that is released. It takes little effort to make a decal - and there is no excuse for these packs not to be filled to the brim with them. From official options to custom Saber-made decals - I feel like we should be drowning in options.
For me, I don't think it is outrageous to think each Cosmetic Pack should have double the 3d asset content. Focus on a specific chapter like currently doing - but have a few items/trinkets/charms/etc for some other chapters.
Then when it comes to decals - these should be released in droves. We should be bombarded by decal options every month. We should truly be able to look at each other and feel unique.
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Now, how would I love for Saber to address it?
Whether we want to accept it or not - people want more. The ratings on the DLC so far is atrocious and we know why. I know people hate the word - but I think them leaning towards a "Helldivers 2"-style Live Service model wouldn't be the end of the world. Fans can stamp their feet, downvote this and yell that this wasn't designed as a Live Service game - but a large portion of the fanbase want more. The way to provide more is to find more ways to monetize it.
Live Service doesn't necessarily need to equate to greed and awful practices. It all depends on the implementation. If they don't do FOMO. If they don't hide content behind paywalls (akin to HD2). If they price things fairly. It can work and make this game thrive.