WOW LFG Comments : World of Warcraft General Discussions

Nethaera from Blizzard replies with some thoughts for those concerned with the LFG system, have a listen...

The problem with people saying they are just going to use /lookingforgroup is pretty simple to see. First off, it diminishes the use of the new tool and makes it harder for us to refine it in a way that makes it more useful for players.

Second off, it makes it hard on the people learning how to use it and enjoying it to be able to continue to do so. By default you are the ones making the system not work because it only works if people use it. Now, to add to that, there are other things to consider.

The new Honor system just went in. That means most people are spending time playing in the Battlegrounds and some even are forgoing honor to try out the new Arena System. If you look at the number of BGs that were running since we started the new system, you'd see a large increase in their use. That means there is a smaller pool of players actually looking for PvE groups let alone, smaller dungeon groups.

Aside from that, there are many players doing things such as finishing off quests, gathering resources, working faction as well in preparation for the launch of the expansion.

It is also coming up on the holidays so many people are doing things such as preparations for their holidays, holiday parties, holiday shopping, vacations, traveling and whatever else. It's a very busy time of year.

I have a feeling we'll see a slightly different result in the use of the LFG interface once the expansion launches, but that will largely have to do with the players deciding to use it and doing so. It's a good tool. Are there refinements people want? Yes. Will the tool get some more refinements? Most likely so since we want it to be something that people use and enjoy using. Will it be useful if people don't use it? No. It takes people using it to make it useful. The fault isn't as much in the tool as it is people's willingness to learn how to use it and try to use it on a regular basis.

I'm not saying 'don't use' a /lookingforgroup channel by any means. If that's your choice then great. But perhaps people that aren't liking the system haven't given it a fair shake and at current there are other factors involved in why it isn't being as successful as people would like for them to be.

Thanks