So I just read ESO is adding a feature called Companions, that will allow solo players or smaller groups to do group or larger group content, by filling the gaps with companions. You will apparently unlock them, and then be able to gear and spec them for the role you want them to fill and even set their rotation in combat.
The interview with the designer specifically mentioned this as being designed for those who prefer to play solo, or with smaller more intimate groups.
What do you think? Would a similar system benefit WoW, allowing solo players to do dungeons and smaller groups to do raids?
Edit: a couple of clarifications
I believe the designer says it will allow someone to solo a regular dungeon (not sure about vet [their version of heroic] and to allow smaller groups to do trials [their version of raids, also not sure about if it will let people do vet, their heroic version]). But people will still need to group for trials and may still need groups for the vet content. It won’t eliminate grouping entirely. [I assume it would be like allowing people to solo normal dungeons in WoW, or do normal raids with 2-3 friends and their companions].
You will unlock the companions, level them up, gear them up, and give them skills and rotations based on the role you want them to fill (DPS, Healer, Tank).
In ESO at least the system will eventually lead to relationships, like the marriages players could form with NPCs in other Elder Scrolls games, and the combat companions they could be, just fleshed out more for MMO setting.
I don’t know if they’ll be allowed in PVP but my assumption is no.
EDIT 4.1.31 Added some more info in the latest comment.
In order for the AI to be competent enough to actually be helpful… they’d have to nerf the dungeons significantly. They’d be great in normal mode and heroic mode. Past that and I fear they’d be useless.
Here’s the thing: MMOs - used to be a game where grouping up and playing with others offered a unique gaming experience that you could not find in any other type of game. That was back in 1997-2008. Fast-forward to 2021 where almost every Multiplayer game now has an online capability that is either similar, or superior to MMORPGs.
It’s not that the game is becoming more solo-friendly. It’s that the game play and what the game offers is becoming less unique and as a result the market is reacting by allowing players to play content with less requirements because they’re either too stringent, or they don’t meet the time requirements.
This doesn’t mean players want to play solo, but it’s actually the opposite. It’s that the content is not worth the player investment as it once was because the market has evolved past MMORPGs. Trying to defend a system that adamantly defends a formula that was made from 3rd generation internet games when we’re now up to like 9th generation is kinda dumb.
i wouldnt want it for any group content past normal dungeons and lfr. but i think this could be very interesting. plus it could also help ease people into endgame a bit better.
in a way wouldnt this make multiplayer better? like i could play most of the game with 1 or 2 friends without having to get together a bunch of other random people
