I wanted to take a moment to suggest some changes going forward to the gear stylization system and cosmetics, both from the item shop and beyond. Traditionally in games, we pick up and unlock visuals for items. I think this system can be streamlined while providing a unique benefit to a specific set of players out there without too much effort (passively) by the rest of the player base. Let me explain.
In games, there is a decent-sized crowd that loves achievement hunting. It’s a fun and exciting form of gameplay for those individuals. I was considering how we could streamline this based on other games, and I had some concerns about the game’s monetization and its ability to support itself. So, I figured we could address two (actually three) problems in one shot.
Here’s the suggestion: Let’s designate certain sets of gear (like Ancestral or Greatwood Garb) as transmog sets. Then, we’ll lock these sets behind one of two conditions (you can choose as you play). By default, you unlock them for completing achievements directly tied to the main story questline (MSQ). Alternatively, players can pay with gold or item shop currency to unlock them.
Next, the development team can make all transmogs in the game modifiable through a dye system (ideally with a color picker for each piece). Players could choose primary, secondary, and tertiary colors for each section of an item. For example, a chest piece might have three sections, and you could pick the colors for each part. Imagine a black background with a white trim and a gold emblem.
This approach would provide some free transmogs (the main items in the game) unlocked by the conditions mentioned above. Going forward, the primary transmog option would be from the item shop, and perhaps seasonal gear could add flavor each season.