Disappointment at Blizzard

Isara · November 10, 2014, 08:37:51 AM

Their new announced title is a disappointment. Not in terms of gameplay, story, or the elements that maybe will make it an enjoyable game. Overwatch seems to tackle onto a really specific genre dominated by few games, most particularly by Team Fortess 2, which is the closest thing to the genre of FPS.

The disappointment I am talking about is... That's not Blizzard. Certainly the characters can have fascinating personalities, and maybe they can be meaningful to play as. However, who would have seen Blizzard doing this kind of thing before?

Nobody would have guessed. Blizzard makes epic fantasy or science fiction games. One way or another, they made this kind of thing for almost a decade and have gathered a mixed, loyal player base that went to Blizzcon to witness the announcement of Overwatch...

Which wasn't directly aimed at them. Overwatch isn't aiming to the players of StarCraft 2, it's not aiming to the players of World of Warcraft, but it's aimed exclusively to teenagers. I do get that image just simply by looking at the graphics, the lines, and the presentation.

I am disappointed, that in effect, Blizzard gave the middle finger to fans who may have been over the years, excitedly awaiting for a new epic story, or maybe something from Blizzard and are met with a Team Fortress 2, Dota 2, and Pixar hybrid.

It may not be a bad game, but many loyal players have been excluded, and cast completely aside. All the time of enjoying Blizzard games, buying, reading the books, comics and extended stories that were made thanks to WarCraft, StarCraft, and Diablo... All cast aside for gag humor, and a completely different audience.

Does anyone share a similar feeling, or any kind of thought that agrees or disagrees?

True Turquoise · November 10, 2014, 08:56:59 AM

I've always wanted to play TF2, Diablo and starcraft... Not so much.

Yu · November 10, 2014, 09:04:59 AM

Consider WOW and Starcraft have never tickled my peach I can't say I'm disappointed, this game looks easier to get into.

Girl of Mystery · November 10, 2014, 09:38:10 AM

So you're upset that they're doing something different?
K

Isara · November 10, 2014, 09:55:49 AM

Yes, but I don't hate that. I just feel that they are excluding a lot of people with that, and therefore doing something that different makes me disappointed in the chosen path.

Quote from: BritishLemön on November 10, 2014, 09:38:10 AM

So you're upset that they're doing something different?

Tyger · November 10, 2014, 10:01:07 AM

Quote from: Isara on November 10, 2014, 09:55:49 AM

Yes, but I don't hate that. I just feel that they are excluding a lot of people with that, and therefore doing something that different makes me disappointed in the chosen path.

Quote from: BritishLemön on November 10, 2014, 09:38:10 AM
So you're upset that they're doing something different?

I totally know what you mean Isara. It would be like if Naughty Dog was announcing a new game and it turned out to be a turn based RPG or something rather than a story driven action game. Sure it might be good, but fans love them for something else and we're looking forward to more of that.

gats · November 10, 2014, 11:54:05 AM

It reminds me a lot of their scrapped title titan. I was kind of expecting a game with a whole new universe from them and an in depth story for me to indulge in but it just seems like blizzard are using their reputation to break into a gaming market that is already oversaturated. I can tell from the gameplay trailer that I'm not going to like it, I'm a big believer in the phrase don't judge a book by it's cover but I didn't enjoy TF2 at all and this is very reminiscent of that.

Anonymous (User Deleted) · November 10, 2014, 12:02:23 PM

There's nothing wrong with going in a new direction. But Overwatch does seem derivative of Team Fortress 2 in a lot of ways. I'm hyped at least because I miss when TF2 wasn't a clusterfuck.

Sandtrap · November 10, 2014, 12:02:37 PM

Aha, well, let's sit down and have a talk then. Because I don't think you see the selfishness in your disappointment. And that's not a bad thing. But, you have to look at it from a different angle.

So, let's see here. Blizzard's been doing their job for, fuck, at the least, almost 20 years now no? 20 years of content. 20 years of games for all their fans. And they continue to produce. The trailer for the latest expansion in Starcraft just hit. And, let's face it, Blizzard crafts their games to last a long time. But, there's also the fact that they go big.

So big in fact, that it's against them. Their games embody so much, that how can they really step out and make a new one without seeming like they're copycatting their own works? Warcraft is the king of fantasy, diablo is dark fantasy, starcraft is sci-fi. Those three titles alone are are basically hallmarks and kings of the genre.

But most of all, you have to remember that it's their right. And let me explain.

I'll use myself as an example.

I write stories a fair bit. But I never started with the intention of being well known, or famous. I just wanted to write, for the sake of it.

But, I've attracted a fanbase regardless. Now, this fanbase of mine, enjoys what I write. They've grown accustomed to my style over the years. But every now and then, I challenge myself. I challenge myself to break beyond what I know, and push my limits.

And often, my little following meets these new works with, clashing results. But here's the point. I am the writer. I write for me. Not for them. Their attention and feedback is wonderful. But I write, for myself.

And that's the point. I betcha a fair number of people in Blizzard work the job that they do because they love it.

And the point is, it's their right. They have the right to expand, and try new fronts, and learn something new about themselves. The fans are just there for the ride.

Perhaps you're right. Maybe they could have presented things in a better light. Shown something more than just their new project, something to let the fans know that they'll still be there for them.

But then again, when I put out a new, foreign piece of writing, I just let it rip. I drop it out there. Nothing to soften the blow. Because I myself know where I stand. I know myself, enough to know that I will never abandon all the works I did beforehand. Which means, in the future, the people who are there out of comfort and familiarity will still get to see what they enjoy as well.

And that's what Blizzard is doing. Long, huge, expansive games and expansions, so that the fans will always have a place to call home while they look out there and seek to expand their horizons.

As a fan, you should understand that you are there for the ride. You can show your appreciation, your love. But at the end of the day, you're just there to enjoy the ride for however long it lasts.

Most of all, as a fan, you should have the respect to let the authors and creators of your favorite content have their space. Have their own space to learn and grow beyond their borders, to try something new.

Because the people behind your favorite works are human beings too. They grow tired of the same things after a while. And, as a studio, perhaps that's what they're doing.

They're trying some new writing.

And you should stand by them and respect that. Most of all, understand that they've given you 20 years of good memories. Is that not enough? They aren't cutting all ties. They'll always be around, and their games which you enjoy will as well.

So give them some support, whether it be cheers at their new game, or silent acceptance that as people, they have the right to explore beyond what they are familiar with, and try something new.

Azumarill · November 10, 2014, 12:20:11 PM

I love World of Warcraft, and I was immediately drawn to Overwatch. I signed up for the beta the day it was announced, and I can't wait to get my hands on it. Blizzard has always delivered quality content with great community interaction (Diablo 3 notwithstanding,) so I'm more than willing to give them the benefit of a doubt on this one. So what if it doesn't specifically appeal to Diablo, Starcraft, or Warcraft fans? Blizzard is gonna attract a new crowd with Overwatch, and many current Blizz fans will surely play as well. The more the merrier, I say.

big sponge · November 10, 2014, 12:43:31 PM

Let me know when they un-postpone StarCraft: Ghost.

Jono · November 10, 2014, 02:51:56 PM

Quote from: Lord Commissar on November 10, 2014, 12:43:31 PM

Let me know when they un-postpone StarCraft: Ghost.

This

You know how bad I wanted that game to come out when I was younger? And then BAM! Blizzard cancels it.

Isara · November 11, 2014, 03:22:21 AM

They are not doing something ground-breaking when it comes to Overwatch. Of course, re-inventing a whole genre from the gameplay perspective it's a challenge, and my disappointment doesn't stem from that. However, from their attempt to give hints towards the more traditional Blizzard-style at the same time they are tackling a whole new behemoth.

You can't really compare your stories with video games that have a huge budget, and a big team of people working on. Despite the fact that I like your point philosophically speaking, and perhaps it is also morally correct, it's not simply how it works on a game company which has a legacy, and a huge audience to appeal to, and is torn between who to pick in that audience to give some attention to.

I am also not against supporting Blizzard in this venture; but I am mostly skeptical and disappointed at a new direction that effectively can discard a loyal player base that despite suffering from the different directions that Blizzard has explored with its titles, it has remained there.

There's also some surprise in that. Blizzard is indeed picky when it comes to taking onto new ventures, and it is known to cancel even the most interesting titles and scrapping them altogether. Overwatch made it through that, and maybe it does hold some value beyond what can be perceived besides a few articles online and some teaser and cinematic videos. I am not denying that value, I am not denying the work of the people involved, and I do understand the amount of effort, creativity and time that goes into crafting a video game.

Quote from: Sandtrap on November 10, 2014, 12:02:37 PM

So give them some support, whether it be cheers at their new game, or silent acceptance that as people, they have the right to explore beyond what they are familiar with, and try something new.

Yeah, and effectively the more conservative player base of World of Warcraft was quickly forgotten about, and left to be scattered as the game removed all sort of challenge, and rewards in an addicting manner the most minimal effort. That's the crowd Overwatch will be going for, and it's similar to the crowd Hearthstone went for. It's not necessarily bad, but it's still butchering the fan base.

Also, Diablo III wasn't quality? Are we joking here? Diablo III is an AAA title, and benefits of many things that come with it. Of course, it wasn't perfect, and it had some issues which are a completely different subject to convey, but isn't it too convenient to discard Diablo III and what has happened to it to appeal to the very same crowd that Overwatch is trying to? Why do you think many players jumped ship from Diablo III, and went quickly towards Path of Exile, and in a similar manner many World of Warcraft players left competitive PvP completely or the game?

Blizzard wants to tackle new ideas? That's alright. They can explore whatever ideas they might have, and that's their call, and right to do so. However, doing this at the expense of a fan base which has been loyal to it during the early WarCraft games, StarCraft, and even with early World of Warcraft? That's not fine, it's not simply something that should be acceptable. If they want to wipe their hands off that player base then they should come out and do that instead of subtly hinting some ties with what they have done in the past just for the sake of show and tell.

Quote from: Azumarill on November 10, 2014, 12:20:11 PM

I love World of Warcraft, and I was immediately drawn to Overwatch. I signed up for the beta the day it was announced, and I can't wait to get my hands on it. Blizzard has always delivered quality content with great community interaction (Diablo 3 notwithstanding,) so I'm more than willing to give them the benefit of a doubt on this one. So what if it doesn't specifically appeal to Diablo, Starcraft, or Warcraft fans? Blizzard is gonna attract a new crowd with Overwatch, and many current Blizz fans will surely play as well. The more the merrier, I say.

🂿 · November 11, 2014, 03:24:36 AM

People are running out of innovate ideas.

That's the problem these days. It's hard to create something original when nearly everything is already out there.

Isara · November 11, 2014, 03:28:12 AM

No, you are never out of innovative ideas. The issue is that what is "innovative" doesn't necessarily mean that will have the same amount of people that will play it. Therefore, it's an issue when you are dealing with a couple of millions in production, and need to ship out something that potentially has to sell to a broader market, and that's also a reason as to why some solid indie titles gain attention.

Quote from: Decimator Omega on November 11, 2014, 03:24:36 AM

People are running out of innovate ideas.

That's the problem these days. It's hard to create something original when nearly everything is already out there.

🂿 · November 11, 2014, 03:29:49 AM

Quote from: Isara on November 11, 2014, 03:28:12 AM

No, you are never out of innovative ideas. The issue is that what is "innovative" doesn't necessarily mean that will have the same amount of people that will play it. Therefore, it's an issue when you are dealing with a couple of millions in production, and need to ship out something that potentially has to sell to a broader market, and that's also a reason as to why some solid indie titles gain attention.

Quote from: Decimator Omega on November 11, 2014, 03:24:36 AM
People are running out of innovate ideas.

That's the problem these days. It's hard to create something original when nearly everything is already out there.

That is true. Fair point. I didn't think of that when writing my post.

Isara · November 11, 2014, 03:34:30 AM

Which is what Blizzard has been going on for in the past few years. It's not that I hate that, but at the same time Blizzard could still gain plenty of money, and success by satisfying that crowd rather than trying to gain such a huge crowd that World of Warcraft, Hearthstone, Overwatch, and the much criticized Diablo III attempt to capture.

Quote from: Decimator Omega on November 11, 2014, 03:29:49 AM

That is true. Fair point. I didn't think of that when writing my post.

🂿 · November 11, 2014, 03:37:58 AM

Quote from: Isara on November 11, 2014, 03:34:30 AM

Which is what Blizzard has been going on for in the past few years. It's not that I hate that, but at the same time Blizzard could still gain plenty of money, and success by satisfying that crowd rather than trying to gain such a huge crowd that World of Warcraft, Hearthstone, Overwatch, and the much criticized Diablo III attempt to capture.

Quote from: Decimator Omega on November 11, 2014, 03:29:49 AM
That is true. Fair point. I didn't think of that when writing my post.

Agreed.

UnwornUniform · November 11, 2014, 04:04:11 AM

I've never really been all that into Blizzard games. I mean I enjoy the occasional WoW with friends as I'm a F2P player. I see the appeal I love massive universe with tons of lore and what not it's just I've never really gotten into their games. TF2 on the other hand I've almost spent a thousand hours in. TF2 is so well established at this point I doubt any other game can really match it. Overwatch might be good but I think it's come to late. It's going to have to have a really interesting draw to get me interested.

Azumarill · November 11, 2014, 11:29:02 AM

Quote from: Isara on November 11, 2014, 03:22:21 AM

They are not doing something ground-breaking when it comes to Overwatch. Of course, re-inventing a whole genre from the gameplay perspective it's a challenge, and my disappointment doesn't stem from that. However, from their attempt to give hints towards the more traditional Blizzard-style at the same time they are tackling a whole new behemoth.

You can't really compare your stories with video games that have a huge budget, and a big team of people working on. Despite the fact that I like your point philosophically speaking, and perhaps it is also morally correct, it's not simply how it works on a game company which has a legacy, and a huge audience to appeal to, and is torn between who to pick in that audience to give some attention to.

I am also not against supporting Blizzard in this venture; but I am mostly skeptical and disappointed at a new direction that effectively can discard a loyal player base that despite suffering from the different directions that Blizzard has explored with its titles, it has remained there.

There's also some surprise in that. Blizzard is indeed picky when it comes to taking onto new ventures, and it is known to cancel even the most interesting titles and scrapping them altogether. Overwatch made it through that, and maybe it does hold some value beyond what can be perceived besides a few articles online and some teaser and cinematic videos. I am not denying that value, I am not denying the work of the people involved, and I do understand the amount of effort, creativity and time that goes into crafting a video game.

Quote from: Sandtrap on November 10, 2014, 12:02:37 PM
So give them some support, whether it be cheers at their new game, or silent acceptance that as people, they have the right to explore beyond what they are familiar with, and try something new.

Yeah, and effectively the more conservative player base of World of Warcraft was quickly forgotten about, and left to be scattered as the game removed all sort of challenge, and rewards in an addicting manner the most minimal effort. That's the crowd Overwatch will be going for, and it's similar to the crowd Hearthstone went for. It's not necessarily bad, but it's still butchering the fan base.

Also, Diablo III wasn't quality? Are we joking here? Diablo III is an AAA title, and benefits of many things that come with it. Of course, it wasn't perfect, and it had some issues which are a completely different subject to convey, but isn't it too convenient to discard Diablo III and what has happened to it to appeal to the very same crowd that Overwatch is trying to? Why do you think many players jumped ship from Diablo III, and went quickly towards Path of Exile, and in a similar manner many World of Warcraft players left competitive PvP completely or the game?

Blizzard wants to tackle new ideas? That's alright. They can explore whatever ideas they might have, and that's their call, and right to do so. However, doing this at the expense of a fan base which has been loyal to it during the early WarCraft games, StarCraft, and even with early World of Warcraft? That's not fine, it's not simply something that should be acceptable. If they want to wipe their hands off that player base then they should come out and do that instead of subtly hinting some ties with what they have done in the past just for the sake of show and tell.

Quote from: Azumarill on November 10, 2014, 12:20:11 PM
I love World of Warcraft, and I was immediately drawn to Overwatch. I signed up for the beta the day it was announced, and I can't wait to get my hands on it. Blizzard has always delivered quality content with great community interaction (Diablo 3 notwithstanding,) so I'm more than willing to give them the benefit of a doubt on this one. So what if it doesn't specifically appeal to Diablo, Starcraft, or Warcraft fans? Blizzard is gonna attract a new crowd with Overwatch, and many current Blizz fans will surely play as well. The more the merrier, I say.

I didn't mean to imply that I thought diablo III was bad- the auction house debacle is my only real problem with it, and it was a big issue.

Idk, I think you're overreacting. Just wait for the overwatch beta to develop a strong opinion.

Tyger · November 11, 2014, 01:31:43 PM

What I find funny about this thread is that "I never liked wow/blizzard but I like TF2" has been said many times by people defending Overwatch. That's just the thing, blizzard's longtime loyal fans DO like blizzard and wow and many probably don't like TF2. Their alienating their fanbase.

big sponge · November 11, 2014, 01:36:02 PM

Quote from: Jono on November 10, 2014, 02:51:56 PM

Quote from: Lord Commissar on November 10, 2014, 12:43:31 PM
Let me know when they un-postpone StarCraft: Ghost.
This

You know how bad I wanted that game to come out when I was younger? And then BAM! Blizzard cancels it.

It's not canceled. Blizzard keeps listing it as being postponed which indicates that they eventually want to do something with it.

Jono · November 11, 2014, 02:09:49 PM

Quote from: Lord Commissar on November 11, 2014, 01:36:02 PM

Quote from: Jono on November 10, 2014, 02:51:56 PM
Quote from: Lord Commissar on November 10, 2014, 12:43:31 PM
Let me know when they un-postpone StarCraft: Ghost.
This

You know how bad I wanted that game to come out when I was younger? And then BAM! Blizzard cancels it.

It's not canceled. Blizzard keeps listing it as being postponed which indicates that they eventually want to do something with it.

Its been like 11 years since they were working on it. I think that we can come to the conclusion that it won't ever come out.

big sponge · November 11, 2014, 02:42:00 PM

Quote from: Jono on November 11, 2014, 02:09:49 PM

Quote from: Lord Commissar on November 11, 2014, 01:36:02 PM
Quote from: Jono on November 10, 2014, 02:51:56 PM
Quote from: Lord Commissar on November 10, 2014, 12:43:31 PM
Let me know when they un-postpone StarCraft: Ghost.
This

You know how bad I wanted that game to come out when I was younger? And then BAM! Blizzard cancels it.

It's not canceled. Blizzard keeps listing it as being postponed which indicates that they eventually want to do something with it.
Its been like 11 years since they were working on it. I think that we can come to the conclusion that it won't ever come out.

You shut the fuck up right now.