Ladies and Gentlemen, it's time for another patented @lesotheron Wall O' Text. Don't expect a TL;DR because if you're not willing to read what I write, you're much better off clicking the back button and moving to another topic.
For the past several months, Gaz has been diligently working on some "Super Secret" stuff. We're quickly approaching the beginning of the proposed announcements for these surprises. The first expected Dev Blog is tentatively scheduled for later this week.
This has left me reflecting on the nature of Hype and the detrimental effect it can have. Normally, Hype can be a very good thing. Anticipation and excitement are very important tools in a game company's woodshed, so I can understand the buildup. But Hype can be a double-edged sword.
I've seen a lot of posts around the forums focused on what might be coming down the pipeline for Marvel Heroes. Some of them might be intended to be humorous, but most of them seem to be pretty serious. Normally, this wouldn't be a bad thing and it can be a lot of fun trying to guess what's coming.
However, some of these ideas have gone way past "logical", give only a nod to "possible" and don't seem all that interested in "feasible". Things like switching to a different engine (which would require most of the game's assets to be completely redone), a completely redesigned UI (which might be nice, but would require a LOT of work) and even some speculation that this is all an attempt to Language! the player base right before they announce the game shutting down are all floating around the speculation topics.
I'll admit, even though I try to keep my expectations realistic, I've found myself caught up in the Hype, as well. Personally, I'm hoping for:
1) Some major changes to the fundamental game mechanics that will make Hero Balance a lot easier to maintain (and negate the need for QoLs in the future).
2) A revamped Multispec System that allows for using different Omega Nodes, Gear and, most importantly, Rogue Borrow/Steal Powers for different specs.
3) An infinite Prestige System that will allow people who enjoy leveling to do it as much as they want, without restrictions.
Are those likely to be things that Gaz is going to announce? Probably not. That doesn't mean I quit hoping for them.
And therein lies the problem.
With a bunch of building Hype and no concrete answers yet, people's expectations are completely unchecked. The Hype-Train has left the station; running without brakes and approaching a new land-speed record.
Can Gaz possibly come up with an announcement that won't end up disappointing people?
Don't get me wrong, I'm probably one of Gaz's more ardent supporters. But it's not a matter of "Is Gaz cabable?", it's a matter of "The Hype might be outpacing the possibilities."
Are we, the players, shooting ourselves in the foot by feeding the Hype; letting our expectations get out of control? Is Gaz shooting themselves in the foot; encouraging the Hype by being gleefully vague about what's coming?
Finally, what does everyone think is actually coming to Marvel Heroes? Not "I want this" or "This should happen", but pure "I think this is what Gaz is doing". I'd love to see if Gaz can meet people's realistic expectations, even if they can probably never live up to the Hype we like to build.