An explanation of the Level Squish with Behavioral Science

[Spinster-farstriders (Spinster)]

@Todarion-moon-guard

This is a very well-written essay, and I found it very interesting to read. However, the attention span of the average reader on this forum may resemble that of some of your worst students on a bad day. So I do not expect many people to read it, much less respond intelligently. I would love to be proven wrong about that. Thank you for sharing your informed analysis based on your professional expertise.

Too long didn’t read.

Just kidding. I just had to say it.

[Zeropointt-dalaran (Zeropointt)]

Well said OP, take it

[Zeropointt-dalaran (Zeropointt)]

@Jops-zuljin

It’s no wonder they’re so giddy about allied races.

I got my first in Legion and I was never even remotely excited. I have (and had) no desire to switch mains. The armor doesn’t excite me because it’s race-restricted and again…this is my main and I like him.

I guess I’m an outlier on their data-table, but after leveling a Lightforged Pally to 120 I lost all real desire to repeat it on my Velf Shadow Priest.

[Jops-zuljin]

I get that.

I have one of every class at or near 120. I try not to have any duplicate races in my family of characters… so the grind to unlock heirloom armor has zero interest to me.

But I do like having allied races to choose from for the alts I play when content drought has left my main nothing left to do.

[Pärker-wyrmrest-accord (Pärker)]

This is a top-notch thread.

[Brayeda-earthen-ring]

@Snikrot-silver-hand

ve to do with the level squish? If we are under the assumption that the only change is the reduction of overall levels but not overall time played to reach each skill and talent point then the only thing Blizz has done is take away the DING! reinforcer from Player B while doing nothing for Player A. Player A is already experiencing Ratio Strain by needing to play (if we are under the assumption that 15 levels is 7 hours played… feel free to provide a real number if you can) 7 hours before they get a talent point… they still need to play 7 hours to get a talent point. Therefore they still feel the same ratio strain. However, now Player B… who previously received a reinforcer every 45-60 minutes in the form of a DING! has now gone from 45-60 minutes with a reinforcer to 7 hours with a reinforcer and will also be more likely to experience ratio strain.

OMG this way better then i could have ever put it. you hit it right on the head I want to save the content and story. I am Player B but would not have a issue for more reinforcing. " talents, skills, transmogs, etc. (this will depend on the individual but I think I can say that we all like getting new skills and talents)."

I would go as far as to say that why people play classic wow. because ever few lvl you get something to play with new spell,skill, talents. Keeps you going not to say quest reading to find out the story.

that being said what else might help but a big under taking might be voice acting for quest but i do not expect that at all.

thanks for the great read.

[Verdre-silvermoon (Verdre)]

One way they could make levels feel more rewarding is simple.

Break down abilties into multiple ranks automatically learned as you level. They do that already, but they could expand it. This would also create the illusion that your abilities are growing stronger as you level.

Something like …

Force of Nature Rank 1: 20 second cooldown, Summons a treant for 10 seconds that will immediately taunt and attack a single target.

Force of Nature, Rank 2: 40 second cooldown, Summons 2 treants for 10 seconds that will immediately taunt and attack enemies in the targeted area. Threat generated by your Treants is higher than Rank 1.

Force of Nature, Rank 3: 1 minute cooldown, Summons 3 treants for 10 seconds that will immediately taunt and attack enemies in the targeted area. Threat generated by your Treants is higher thank Rank 2. Treants will cast Regrowth on you before they vanish.

Something like that. Where your Force of Nature spell gradually feels stronger as you level.