How much have fans helped against SC2 ?

[Zigurd]

This is something important that we should think about. The fans power to regulate certain aspects of the game is huge. In your opinion, how much has that power worked against SC2 possible development.

An example would be the Carrier. The Tempest got scratched down because the fans wanted the Carrier back. This could very well mean a decrease in the gameplay possibilities of the game, but Blizz gave in to it.

Another example would be the Hydralisks role. Blizz should have the freedom to do whatever they want with the Hydra in terms of gameplay, to change things up and to create a more flexible game. But through fan nostalgia they are giving it a more generalist role again.

In your opinion, how much does fan pleasing deter from originality and creativity ?

[DemolitionSquid]

This is something important that we should think about. The fans power to regulate certain aspects of the game is huge. In your opinion, how much has that power worked against SC2 possible development.

An example would be the Carrier. The Tempest got scratched down because the fans wanted the Carrier back. This could very well mean a decrease in the gameplay possibilities of the game, but Blizz gave in to it.

Another example would be the Hydralisks role. Blizz should have the freedom to do whatever they want with the Hydra in terms of gameplay, to change things up and to create a more flexible game. But through fan nostalgia they are giving it a more generalist role again.

In your opinion, how much does fan pleasing deter from originality and creativity ?

The Hydra is not becoming more generalist due to fan opinion, it is doing so to combat the power of the Roach. A better example is the model change of the Infestor.

Anyway, fan opinion needs to be taken as its given - random "omgwtf thas a fugly n stoopid attack chng it naow plz or else you suxxorz!" should be ignored. Posts that give logical, coherent reasons why something should be changed should be considered.

[areese87]

It's really hard to know how much fan opinion has helped. I mean, generally, Blizzard discovers things for themselves. It may take later than people might wish, but hey, it happens. Now, any really specific fan advice, like a specific unit, is not gonna be taken by Blizz because of copyright problems and the like. Blizz will only respond to the the most general

Example:

1) Here's my drawing of the new Infestor! <Blizz looks at drawing> "We like it!!" Drawing is incorporated. Result: Lawsuit and problems.

2) Infestor is ugly. Blizz makes changes.

It always makes me giggle when people think Blizzard will use their specific ideas. I don't laugh because I may think their idea is shit-like (most are, of course), but because of legality issues people don't know about.

Anywho, it's hard to know if the Tempest would have disappeared sans fans. I mean, we don't really know how long it lasted before we knew about it.

[Pandonetho]

The biggest impact on the game from the fans IMO is the art.

[ArcherofAiur]

It always makes me giggle when people think Blizzard will use their specific ideas. I don't laugh because I may think their idea is shit-like (most are, of course), but because of legality issues people don't know about.

http://forums.battle.net/thread.html...03043&sid=3000


Don't underestimate the power of Theorycraftering. The SCLegacy community has been incredibly influential in the development of SC2.

[Santrega]

http://forums.battle.net/thread.html...03043&sid=3000


Don't underestimate the power of Theorycraftering. The SCLegacy community has been incredibly influential in the development of SC2.

A quote of exactly what you are trying to show in that thread would be nice.

[ArcherofAiur]

The macro mechanics we developed at Blizzforums.

[sandwich_bird]

I want a 4th race but no progamers would want that.

[RamiZ]

I want a 4th race but no progamers would want that.

When SC2 editor comes out, you can make 10 more races if you want them ^^

[MattII]

An example would be the Carrier. The Tempest got scratched down because the fans wanted the Carrier back. This could very well mean a decrease in the gameplay possibilities of the game, but Blizz gave in to it.

I think at this we have to remember that there's a difference between 'fans' as in those of us who are sitting out here on the sidelines, and 'hardcore fans' who have been the ones in playtesting (and were responsible for the "emotional connection with the original unit." that got the Tempest dropped), since I seriously doubt 'all' the playtesting would be done by Blizzard employees.