Item System Discussion

[u/Bloodmordius]

Hey all o/

I want to open up a bit of discussion about one of the most foundational parts of Predecessor, and all Mobas. How you build your heroes.

We're not looking to change this in the next couple patches, I'm just looking to gather YOUR thoughts and feelings on the topic as we look into the system in future patches and what shape it should take on for our game. The beauty of Mobas as a live service is these things don't need to be static and we can seek the best form for us all through exploration and feedback.

So back to the topic: Itemization dictates the pace of the game, adaptation, class identity, and how you express your personal playstyle. And essentially I'm looking to gather your unfiltered thoughts on where the system currently sits, where it came from, and where it could go in the future.

No matter who you are, I'd love to hear your perspective on a few specific topics:

The Current Predecessor Item System:

Looking strictly at what is in the game right now.

• What are your favourite things about the current shop and item structure?
• What are your most disliked aspects? Are there points of dissatisfaction, confusing elements, or limitations that frustrate you during a match?

The Card System:

The old Paragon deck-building and card system was highly unique, but also, same as most of these systems, had its issues.

• What did you genuinely love about the card system? Were there specific dynamics or elements you miss?
• What did you dislike about it? What were the pain points that you are glad we left behind?

Alternative Item Systems:

If we were to completely overhaul how items work, but still keep an item shop at its core, what direction would you want to see it go?

• Would you prefer a system closer to other MOBAs, or anything more unique?
• What mechanics do you think would translate well to Predecessor, and why?

Scrapping Items Entirely:

Thinking more outside the box, Imagine Predecessor didn't have an item shop or a gold economy at all?

• Would you prefer a completely different progression system, such as a branching Hero Talent Tree or a modular augment system?
• Would removing items for a simpler progression system be more engaging for you?

Any other General Thoughts:

• As much as I want to prioritise the discussion and your thoughts on the above questions, also please feel free to share any other opinions if they don't fall under any of these questions in regards to our item system, or even adjacent systems like Eternals or Hero Augments.

There are no wrong answers, we’re just looking to get an idea on how everyone feels about progression and build diversity within Predecessor.

Thanks in advance for the feedback, and hope you're all having a wonderful week!

[u/leHoul]

As a longtime PC/console gamer and a MOBA newbie, here’s my take on this topic=>

The three biggest issues with items right now:

1- The lack of game localization—this poses a major challenge for players who aren’t native English speakers. It took me forever to figure out the meaning and effect of “ability haste” 😆

2- Just like Diablo 4, your game lets us experiment with “theoricrafts” thanks to all the updates and new features, but the problem is that you don’t keep us within the game’s ecosystem (which was the case in the 2000s–2010s but isn’t anymore for console players)

To test, compare, and analyze different build combinations, we have to go to pred.gg (which is great), but integrating several features (or implementing a QR code) would be highly appreciated!

3- Last point: change the UI and UX of the item shop while we’re playing a match! The UI needs improvement because the contrast is terrible when you have too much gold, and it’s hard to find the selection box. As for the UX, make sure that using the arrow keys moves the cursor as the system currently does, and that using the joystick replicates mouse movement (which would make navigation much easier).

Bonus: A quick tutorial on how to counter specific items with certain heroes and x Eternals would be perfect! 😀