Hello everyone,
As we approach the release of Mists of Pandaria, it’s crucial to address several key issues that, if resolved now, could significantly curb subscription decline and enhance the overall player experience. Below, I’ve outlined a series of mandatory changes that a large portion of the community is in dire need of.
1. Enable Cross-Realm LFG
The Looking for Group tool must be cross-realm enabled. This change would improve the game’s overall health by allowing players to connect seamlessly, regardless of their realm’s population, faction imbalance, or type (PvE, PvP, RP-PvP, etc.). Cross-realm LFG would foster a more inclusive and dynamic community, ensuring that players can always find groups for content without being hindered by their server’s limitations.
2. PvP Server Imbalance
Currently, PvP servers are effectively functioning as PvE servers due to severe faction imbalances. With MoP on the horizon, many returning players will find themselves stranded on PvP realms with skewed ratios (e.g., 95:5). This imbalance will have a significant negative impact, especially since MoP’s core design revolves around World PvP in zones like the Isle of Thunder and Timeless Isle.
To resolve this, I propose consolidating PvP servers into a single, balanced PvP server. Alternatively, implementing a faction transfer process that incentivizes balance could work, but only if limited to one PvP server. WPvP is a driving force behind Rated PvP (Arenas and Rated Battlegrounds), and addressing this issue is critical to maintaining a vibrant PvP ecosystem.
3. Extend Each Phase of MoP
The content in MoP is rich and diverse, offering players a wide range of activities to engage with. To maximize player investment, each phase of MoP should be extended beyond what we saw in Cataclysm. For example, the Timeless Isle phase is essentially a massive, dynamic battleground filled with engaging events that never lose their appeal—provided the server has a balanced faction population. Extending these phases will allow players to fully immerse themselves in the content and maintain long-term interest.
4. Introduce the Joyous Journey Buff in Later Phases
During the latter half of each extended MoP phase, the Joyous Journey buff should be permanently reintroduced for the remainder of that phase. This buff would encourage players to level alternate characters quickly and engage in the gearing process, whether for PvE, PvP, or both. It’s a simple yet effective way to keep players invested and active throughout the expansion and it’s longer phases.
5. Penalize Abuse of the Dungeon Kick Feature
The dungeon kick feature is frequently abused, creating a negative experience for many players. Implementing a penalty system for those who misuse this feature would help deter such behavior without discouraging participation in PvE content. There are already numerous discussions on how to implement this safely, and it’s a change that would greatly improve the dungeon experience for everyone.
6. Reintroduce Titles for 2v2 and 5v5 Arena Ladders
Removing titles from the 2v2 and 5v5 arena ladders was a misstep that primarily catered to a small, hardcore audience. Reintroducing these titles would incentivize more players to participate in these brackets, taking them more seriously and adding longevity to the Rated Arena scene. While 3v3 remains the pinnacle of competitive arena play, 2v2 is far more accessible and easier to organize. This change would breathe renewed life into the arena community.
7. Increase Conquest Points for Losing Rated Battlegrounds
RBGs are a cornerstone of competitive PvP, but they can be difficult to organize due to the need for 10 total players and the potential for long queue times. Additionally, low MMR teams often face off against significantly higher MMR teams, leading to discouraging losses. To mitigate this, I suggest increasing only Conquest Points awarded for losing an RBG. This change would make the mode more rewarding and accessible, encouraging more players to participate.
8. Avoid Band-Aid Fixes for Random Battlegrounds
I recall there being some discussion about adding rewards like boxes or bags for queuing in Random Battlegrounds. While this might seem like a quick fix, it would only mask deeper issues that need addressing, such as faction imbalance and queue times. Instead, focus on resolving the root causes of these problems to create a more engaging and balanced PvP experience.
Closing Thoughts
Mists of Pandaria holds a special place in my heart as one of the most enjoyable expansions in WoW history, thanks to its class balance, engaging WPvP zones, fun raids, and vibrant Rated PvP scene. However, the issues outlined above have persisted since MoP and continue to affect the Classic versions of the game today (aside from Nightslayer - Classic Era Refresh). By addressing these concerns, we can ensure that the return to MoP is even more enjoyable and successful than before.
This is an open discussion, and I welcome your thoughts and feedback. Let’s work together to make this era of WoW the best it can be!
Cheers!
Edit: These points, gathered from months of discussions on the Cataclysm forums, reflect key changes that a significant portion of the player base strongly agrees must be implemented.