Grats ESO on what is turning out to be a great addition to the MMORPG realm! Being a recent fan of ES I was very happy to hear of the game taking the natural next step in going MMORPG! Your decision on the monthly subscription model shows your serious commitment to a sustainable and terrific game.

My concerns about end game specifically revolve around raids and gear progression. Following are my opinion on three MMORPG's that I have extensive end game experience with including world rated WoW and Rift raiding. If you have other examples for or against my view point please point them out for further discussion.

Failed end game model:

GW2 "raids" are extremely easy and no progressive rewards given.

Successful end game model:

WoW raids vary in challenge and give great progressive rewards.

Semi successful end game model:

Rift raids vary in challenge and give decent progressive rewards.

One problem with raids in MMORPG's is that it often involves so much complexity that only a few people could be considered raid worthy. There may be a middle ground that allows for some success with random pick up groups I am hoping that GW2 will find that happy ground.

I am perfectly happy with waiting a few months after release to get these raids but I feel for the longevity of the game they are essential.

Thanks!

Hard raids please.

That is all.

Pretty biased poll, but I still agree that raids should be challenging.

Hard raids, very very limited vertical progression, almost purely horizontal progression. I've had enough of gear treadmills.

Hard challenging raids BUT with everyone rewarded for their roles

i would vote for challenging one but i think wow and rift not so good games so i cannot vote. remove the game examples.

Yeahhh

I am fine with horizontal v vertical progression. Vertical gear based progression is only fun for the first dozen tiers, then you start asking yourself whats the point in killing yourself to climb a ladder when a new rung comes out in a few months. I would want it to be structured and difficult, but not overly so that its inhibits or excludes players, but still rewarding to players and groups that do choose or enjoy organizing overly huge groups.

Discussion is compromised by OP's obvious bias.

I don't care if raids are 'easy' or 'hard' so long as they are interesting.

This means that their encounters should be varied and different with unique mechanics which must be addressed.

I mean, I don't think anyone wants 'hard' in the sense that each encounter simply requires substantially more numbers than the one before it.

I am pretty sure that they have a loot system in place that rewards each individual according to their class if that is what you mean?

If progression is to severely horizontal, I believe it will severely cut into desirability to do the raids, 45 degrees is too much I agree but how about 25-30 degree progression?

I tried to be as unbiased as possible, I apologize. Suggestions are welcome.

^ this is pretty much my desire on the topic lol.

I disagree. As long as the content is challenging and fun and gives unique rewards, you do not have to have vertical progression.

WoW is the most sucessful MMORPG to date. Many vocal proponents against WoW are clearly emotionally biased and not practical. In fact WoW is still the most successful MMORPG to date. I would most likely still be playing it if not for the graphics. Regardless of how you feel about them they are more than valid examples.

You are not forced to climb any ladders, the gear being there is for those who choose to take the challenge. If you do not wish to do the challenge that is fine.

Agreed. To me good gear progression as well as the things you described are interesting.

Nothing "has" to be, the progression is there for those who wish to accept the challenge, you are not forced to do it.

I like raids but dislike missing the story associated with them because I'm not serious enough for the time commitment for top tier raiding.

There can be progression without vertical progression.

WoW did raiding perfect, I loved raiding in WoW. Having a challenge is more fun and gives a feeling of satisfaction and triumph when you succeed.

Did GW2 have raids? I thought they only had events and world bosses?? Unless something's changed since I last played.

I remember fighting some dragon amongst some lag and not being able to see what's happening properly and then it's all over. Found that very boring and left me thinking is that it??