Dear DrmDestryr,
LoL and Dota 2 are always updating with new stuff. Why is HotS taking so long with content?
-PlayTim
Dear PlayTim,
Let me first redirect you to a popular study done by John Hayes of Carnegie Mellon back in the good ol’ days of 1990. This document, otherwise titled Cognitive Processes in Creativity, is most famously cited for its “10 years of silence” theory. While that is certainly great, the whole document in and of itself is important to answering this question - the reason being making content requires the act of creating.
Creation Takes Time
Assuming Blizzard is staffed by creators that are talented and successful (I know this is a stretch for the imagination, but just go with me on this one), they have a far better idea of what will work and what won’t. Because of this, I can guarantee they have hard drives bursting with scrapped ideas thrown out during meetings, scrapped in favor of something else. A good, solid creative process never, ever takes the first idea presented.
It’s Still in Alpha
Secondly, let’s take the game for the stage it is in. It is in ALPHA. I don’t know why this is so hard for people to grasp. This undoubtedly means there is a limited team working to test out specific ideas before the game can hit beta. Once it does, the team will grow and there will be an increase in creative output.
Content does not equal Quality
The last point that needs to be made is that just because the other games release a lot of content per week does not mean all of it is high quality. In fact, the majority of it is mediocre. Like movies, music and all other forms of art, we are absolutely overrun with subpar stimuli. Only when truly inventive or original idea emerge do we take notice. And if Blizzard is known for one thing, it is taking its time. In this case, taking the time to make sure what it releases is not another Dota 2 rip-off.
-DrmDestryr
DrmDestryr,
Don’t you think an automatic surrender button would be sweet?
-PattyCake
PattyCake,
While I see your reasoning, don’t be so harsh. There are so many games where the losing team comes back from the brink of extinction. Having a give up button would completely take away any and all desperation to hold on to what few towers you have left. Many memorable end battles would never happen.
No
My simple answer is that, no, an automatic surrender button would not be sweet. Look at the MOBA world for what it is: it is simulated warfare on a very small scale. In your history readings, did you ever come across a losing army that merely hit an “I surrender” button? Sure, armies have surrendered, but the vast majority of civilizations prefer fighting to bowing. Remember the lesson taught to us by 300?
The Ego must be Sated
Let’s face it, giving up is akin to tucking your tail between your legs and meekly walking away. Gamers feel a rush when they have to fight against overwhelming odds, hence the popularity of the story of every video game ever. And it’s not as if you can surrender, be taken hostage and then perform a miraculous escape. No! The game would end, leaving you questioning what would have happened if cowardice had not gotten the best of you.
-DrmDestryr
Ask DrmDestryr is your weekly Q&A/advice column for Heroes of the Storm. Have a question for DrmDestryr? E-mail her your mental musings at drmdestryr@gmail.com or send happy twoughts her way @DrmDestryr.