4 hours ago, Yasai.3549 said:
The real complaint here seems to be the destruction of Server culture, bonds and unity and Server tribalism. This has nothing to do with roaming at all.
Has roamers stopped adapting? Heck no. Roamers have been adapting, and always have been adapting. But at some point, roamers roam in such a large group, it's basically smallscale/havoc sized "roaming" and I think that's the angle that Anet has wanted to push the players all along. By repeatedly nerfing solo capabilities, you push players to play together in larger groups.
Now that the current roaming culture is basically group based ganking, Roaming is dead. Roaming has been dead. Anet did not kill it, players simply moved in that direction as the balance dictated.
I ask you OP: why have you not then taken the initiative to gather and rally your friendlies to yourself, making your own havoc guild and then continuing with each new shuffle to participate with friendly faces and even gather up new ones? This is you lacking the initiative or being reluctant to keep your treasured bonds in tact. This is on you.
First of all, thank you for your engagement, but let's clear up a few points.
You claim that the destruction of server culture, bonds, and unity has nothing to do with roaming. However, you're missing the deep connection between these elements. Roaming is not just about wandering around; it's about the spontaneous, organic interactions that occur when players are part of a cohesive server community. These interactions strengthen bonds and create a sense of belonging. When the fundamental structure of server communities is disrupted, it naturally affects roaming as well.
You argue that roamers have always adapted, and you're right. But there's a stark difference between adapting to thrive and being forced to change due to repeated nerfs and arbitrary alterations. Forcing players into larger groups by diminishing solo capabilities strips away the freedom and individuality that many roamers cherish. It transforms a diverse and vibrant playstyle into a monotonous, one-size-fits-all approach.
The current state of group-based ganking is not a natural evolution; it is a forced adaptation due to the imposed changes by Anet. Roaming, as it was known, is indeed dead, not because players wanted it this way, but because the game's design changes left them no choice. Balance changes should enhance diversity in playstyles, not pigeonhole everyone into the same mold.
You suggest that I should take the initiative to rally friends and create a havoc guild. While forming groups and communities is important, it's naive to think that underlying issues will be resolved by simply adapting to an increasingly constrained environment. The problem is not a lack of initiative; it’s the systematic erosion of the server culture that once made this game so engaging. Constant, unnecessary tinkering with core mechanics disrupts established communities and forces players to repeatedly start from scratch.
Pointing fingers and claiming it's up to the players to maintain their bonds ignores the reality that the foundation of these bonds has been undermined. Your argument conveniently overlooks the detrimental impact of Anet’s decisions, placing the blame on the players instead.
So, instead of dismissing the concerns of those who have invested years into building and nurturing these communities, perhaps it’s time to recognize the value of what has been lost and advocate for changes that restore and preserve the rich tapestry of server culture and individual playstyles.
59 minutes ago, TheGrimm.5624 said:
Server pride myself so I get where you are coming from. Others will not depending on a score of reasons on why they were less server orientated. Different players will see it differently. I play various scales of play, including roaming. There is still a lot of action out there for roamers. There are new peeps that will need a hand in a fight. It sucks not being able to back up familiar faces but there are options. Right now I am on vacation personally in WvW so seeing the sights. And seeing even more faces I didn't see during linking so that's interesting on it's own. But if you want to get back to that server feeling versus float on the wind, then I would say find a community guild and link up with like minded players. They won't be rolling back the WR so its up to each of the server pride side players to float or find new homes. Till you find one, good hunting! And might catch you on the crossroads for a dance off.
Thanks for your perspective. I understand where you're coming from, and it's clear that different players have different experiences and priorities in WvW. Server pride is something that resonates deeply with many of us who have invested years into building and maintaining our communities.
While it's true that there's still action out there for roamers, the essence of what made roaming special has been eroded. The thrill of backing up familiar faces, the spontaneous teamwork, and the organic community bonds are what made roaming more than just a playstyle—it was a way of life in the game. These elements have been undermined by the changes, making it challenging to maintain that same level of connection and excitement.
Your suggestion to find a community guild and link up with like-minded players is valid, but it misses the larger issue. The forced fragmentation of server communities and the dilution of server identity are not things that can be easily patched up by joining a new guild. The unique server cultures that developed over the years were organic, built on shared experiences and mutual support. They can't simply be replicated or replaced by a new grouping.
Vacationing in WvW and exploring new faces can be interesting, but for those of us who cherish server pride, it's not just about meeting new people—it's about preserving the legacy and spirit of our servers. The "float on the wind" approach might work for some, but it feels like a loss for those who valued the deeper connections and history within their original communities.
The WR rollback might not be happening, but that doesn't mean we should accept the dissolution of what made our servers unique. It's up to players who care about server pride to voice their concerns and advocate for changes that respect and preserve our server identities. Until then, we continue to adapt and make the best of the situation, but let's not lose sight of what we're fighting for.
Good hunting to you too, and maybe we'll cross paths for a dance-off. But remember, it's not just about the dance; it's about the community that makes it meaningful.
