I hope this message finds everyone well. I am writing to express my concerns about the increasing influence of addons on the overall gaming experience in World of Warcraft. While I appreciate the creativity and utility some addons bring, I believe they are adversely affecting the essence of the game.
In my opinion, World of Warcraft was most enjoyable in its earlier years when players had to rely on their instincts, communication skills, and in-game discoveries. Nowadays, it seems that addons have become almost mandatory for both new and experienced players, taking away the thrill of exploring and learning within the game.
I propose that Blizzard takes a bold step to revitalize the game by either integrating essential addon functionalities directly into the game or, at the very least, reevaluating the impact of addons on the overall gaming experience. This way, we can return to the roots of World of Warcraft, where the challenge and enjoyment were derived from the inherent game mechanics rather than external modifications.
Many other successful games have thrived without the need for extensive addons, fostering a more immersive and challenging environment for players. By limiting the prevalence of addons, we can recapture the sense of adventure and camaraderie that made World of Warcraft so special in its early days.
I understand that addons have their place, but their dominance in the current gaming landscape is diminishing the unique qualities that set World of Warcraft apart. I believe a more balanced approach, perhaps incorporating beneficial addon features directly into the game, can strike the right chord between tradition and innovation.
Thank you for considering my perspective, and I hope we can work together to maintain the integrity of World of Warcraft’s core gaming experience.
My father is a Senator and saw your post that addons will be banned, he will be lobbying for addons during the next hearing. Mark my words, we will have addons next patch.
Even back then if people didn’t communicate it was for their reasons. Yes, time has taken a toll on comminucation it’s not just solely based on addons.
Some use addons some don’t. It just as easy to not use them and just do things with the days of no addons and just play with that style instead. Unless of course you raid team requires it.
While “Don’t use addons” is a valid point, the concern is that the current game environment often makes addons feel necessary. This could be overwhelming, especially for new players. Finding a balance that lets players enjoy the game without feeling forced into using addons might be beneficial.
funny… I used Addons back in the very early days. Blizzard has been blocking the functionality they don’t want in Addons since patch 2.3. Over time, many addons have become standard UI elements as well. However, addons aren’t just for raids and mythic+ dungeons. I use them to organize my bags, help with collections, add map locations, and more.
Absolutely, I get it! Addons can be super handy for various aspects of the game, not just raids and dungeons. However, the idea here is not to eliminate them but rather to integrate some of their useful functionalities directly into the game. This way, everyone can enjoy those features without the hassle of external addons.
Imagine the convenience of organized bags, enhanced collections, and map locations—all seamlessly integrated into the game by Blizzard. It could be a win-win, offering players the utility they love without the need for third-party addons.
Except why would Blizzard pay money for this when it already exists and they get free development? Blizzard’s first role is to make money for its shareholder (Microsoft).
I get what you’re saying but Blizzard will offer 20% of the functionality if they do this and call it done. It won’t make the game more fun to play. It will make it worse for many people who rely on addons due to disabilities and illness. It won’t even improve communication because you won’t be able to see the information to communicate about it.
There was wowhead (allakhazam or whatever it was called then) and addons in vanilla, even DBM.
When I hit up a new game, I find out if it allows mods or addons, and which ones are popular, etc. A true newbie also has time to level and learn the ropes, and probably already knows what quality of life options they would like.
This! Addons are part of what makes WoW, WoW. The game was designed around people taking advantage of the lua code to make things more how they like them. In my opinion, the loss of subs if addons were pulled would be catastrophic to their bottom line. They block features they don’t want. We have the choice to use them or not. Write your own as was intended from day 1, if you prefer.
I have an addon that automatically changes back to my previous cloak when I use the Stormwind/Orgrimmar teleport cloak. I also have an addon that tells me additional information about my battle pets. I have an addon that is literally just a shiny thing around my cursor, so I don’t lose track of it during combat. I have an addon that makes an extra button for quest items so that I don’t have to open my bags and click the item 8 times during a quest. I have an addon that allows you to buy higher than 20-stack at the vendor at once.
Game-breaking stuff.
Those aren’t all the addons I use, it’s just a small example.
If Blizzard bans/removes ALL addons, I’m going to stop playing the game. Most of my addons are quality-of-life changes. Blizzard will never pay people to put these quality-of-life changes into the game, because someone else already did it for free via an addon.
If you’re specifically talking about performance enhancing addons such as BigWigs, Hekili, WeakAuras, and other similar addons, that’s a different story. Blizzard would need to block certain functionalities in the API, which they have been doing for a while with WeakAuras to keep it in check. Blizzard is definitely taking steps to reduce the amount of automation addons provide, but they will never ban addons altogether.
Nope. Before that. I remember when they disabled something to do with a decursing addon (did Decursive exist that far back?) and the addon people used for tranq shots on Magmadar. Both times I was annoyed because, not being a big addon user, no one else could get the tranq rotation on Magmadar done or the decursing done on Lucifron done except ME. (I raided with a hunter and a mage in two different teams.)
I have always hated how reliant people are on addons. “Omg! Elvui isn’t working, there’s no way I can play like this!” REALLY??
Mind you, this isn’t to say I use zero addons. But all the ones I use, I can keep running full speed ahead without them. Most of what I have simply makes a few things already shown somewhere in the base UI more visible. I have a weakaura to alert me to when my Baubleworm turns on rainbows so I know to blade dance right then with my demon hunter. Those are fine addons.
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REALLY??
Those are fine addons.