Customer support about equipment removal

[Zergnaut]

Let me just state the obvious here. If you call CS about something like the OP did and expect them to make any type of changes what so ever or even get you in contact with people that can? Mentally? You are beyond help.

 

Thats like me telling the Hostess at Red Lobster that I really hate their advertising and I want it changed back. What the heck can she do but listen to my QQ then say sorry sir have a good day?

Edited October 24, 2015 by Zergnaut

[Zergnaut]

Removed. Edited October 24, 2015 by Zergnaut

[MrBorsh]

Let me just state the obvious here. If you call CS about something like the OP did and expect them to make any type of changes what so ever or even get you in contact with people that can? Mentally? You are beyond help.

 

Thats like me telling the Hostess at Red Lobster that I really hate their advertising and I want it changed back. What the heck can she do but listen to my QQ then say sorry sir have a good day?

 

Go read the thread before you attempt to make a point?

 

/facedesk

[Bakakiba]

There really is no accounting for taste.

[Deyjarl]

Which vendors are gone or missing? I went to Nar Shadda last night and there were mod vendors, specialty mod vendors, and specialty equipment vendors.

 

Makebs mod vendor was still there, equipment vendor was up on the orbital station.

 

So I wonder if the missing vendors you are looking for have been moved to the orbital stations?

Edited October 25, 2015 by Deyjarl

[hillerbees]

I do agree with Eric that taking a bite out of CS employees is bang out of order but there should be an option to leave a voice mail or speak to someone who does listen to a callers in-game concerns.

 

This game is all about having a varied and involved community - taking away choices from players is not the way to go and its important that proposed changes of this nature should be discussed within the player base first.

 

I'd also like to add that I feel Eric is doing a good job as Community Manager. Its clear to see that he does care passionately about his role and he does champion the player insofar as he can imo.

 

Would be nice if Bioware could indicate where each armor piece could now be found in game - maybe make a codec like tab for armor and equipment.

[joethepain]

Hey folks,

 

For the question at hand about why equipment was removed from various vendors, this is due primarily to stat changes. With the release of Fallen Empire, we essentially made that gear obsolete due to the new stat configurations and formulas. This meant the best option was to remove those items. Obviously, this raises the main concern of the support call which is the appearances of those armor sets.

 

The dev team informs us that virtually all of the core armor appearances previously on those vendors can still be located throughout the game. The majority of the old armor sets can be found via Crafting rewards, Missions, and Heroic Mission rewards. Now, there may be some variants of these core armor sets which are no longer available, but we’ll adjust that over time and slowly re-add pieces. If there are specific armor sets that can no longer be found, send the information to the Community Team and we’ll pass it along.

 

Taking a bite out of the people who can help with getting you back into the game, helping you restore missing items or characters, and addressing any billing issues, really isn’t a good use of your time, or theirs. As a general note, if you guys have feedback or questions about design decisions or development philosophy, come to the forums and raise it here. Going to Customer Support is not the correct place for that (and we will ask CS agents to direct you appropriately).

 

Thank you all for your understanding and hope that clears up any confusion on the issue.

 

-eric

 

Firstly thank you for the new expansion its amazing and worth losing a few things . I can see from fleet and with expansion that obviously space is required for maybe future vendors especially with the future expansions and leveling that we are going to be seeing.

 

I can see the potential after playing the expansion .

No matter what is done to the game ,change wise you will always have the whingers and whiners and the" what its gone omg i want it now " in game .

 

as for me would i ring up and complain for 30 minutes no .One minute even ? no but i have a life outside this game.

 

Keep up the good work hope you and your team feel the respect and love from the majority of the people who play SWTOR that really do appreciate your time and efforts to bring us such a rewarding and enjoyable game .

[KyaniteD]

Pretty much all of those models are on PvP weapon vendor on fleet and quite a few are craftable.

 

ETA: Moddable blaster pistols crafted by armstech.

 

And most of them were pre-4.0 trainer schematics. The new armstech schematics from the trainer don't include any moddables at all.

 

You don't seem to understand the problem that 1) weapons are not part of outfit designer, so only orange models enter into the discussion 2) the colorings cannot be changed and 3) the sounds cannot be changed. Plus pvp weapons vendor has different inventory for each faction.

 

Examples:

http://tor-fashion.com/a-212-projection-x-blaster/ (Removed equipment vendor)

http://tor-fashion.com/k-53-rotary-disruptor/ (PvP vendor)

-> Same base model, different color and different sound.

 

http://tor-fashion.com/e-500-heavy-sonic-needler/ (Removed equipment vendor)

http://tor-fashion.com/underworld-guardian/ (World drop)

-> Same base model, different color and different sound.

 

http://tor-fashion.com/c-305-military-shrieker/ (Removed equipment vendor, available to both factions)

http://tor-fashion.com/h-206-military-striker/ (Smuggler-only one-time mission reward)

-> Same base model, different color and same sound, strictly limited availabilty.

 

http://tor-fashion.com/m-500-elite-stealth-enforcer/ (Removed equipment vendor, available to both factions)

http://tor-fashion.com/l-403-micro-pulse-interceptor/ (PvP vendor, Empire only)

-> Same base model, different color and same sound, limited availability

http://tor-fashion.com/pulse-wave-holdout/ (PvP vendor, Empire only)

-> Same base model, different color and different sound, limited availability

 

Or one particularly painful loss:

http://tor-fashion.com/a-52-rancor-x-carbine/ (Removed equipment vendor, available to both factions)

http://tor-fashion.com/red-reaper-assault-rifle/ (Removed flashpoint drop)

-> Same base model, different color and different sound.

http://tor-fashion.com/dla-13-heavy-blaster-rifle/ (Cartel market)

-> Same base model, different color and different sound.

 

Do you really think we would kick up such a fuss if the vendor items had been mere duplicates from other vendor inventories or mission/crafting rewards?

 

And if the DLA-13 Heavy Blaster Rifle is the way they might be brought back to CM, then thanks but no thanks. If it looks different and sounds different it's no replacement.

Edited October 25, 2015 by KyaniteD

[joethepain]

There are exactly four orange/moddable blasters in the level 1-50 range that armstech can craft.

 

You don't seem to understand the problem that 1) weapons are not part of outfit designer, so only orange models enter into the discussion 2) the colorings cannot be changed and 3) the sounds cannot be changed. Plus pvp weapons vendor has different inventory for each faction.

 

Examples:

http://tor-fashion.com/a-212-projection-x-blaster/ (Removed equipment vendor)

http://tor-fashion.com/k-53-rotary-disruptor/ (PvP vendor)

-> Same base model, different color and different sound.

 

http://tor-fashion.com/e-500-heavy-sonic-needler/ (Removed equipment vendor)

http://tor-fashion.com/underworld-guardian/ (World drop)

-> Same base model, different color and different sound.

 

http://tor-fashion.com/c-305-military-shrieker/ (Removed equipment vendor, available to both factions)

http://tor-fashion.com/h-206-military-striker/ (Smuggler-only one-time mission reward)

-> Same base model, different color and same sound, strictly limited availabilty.

 

http://tor-fashion.com/m-500-elite-stealth-enforcer/ (Removed equipment vendor, available to both factions)

http://tor-fashion.com/l-403-micro-pulse-interceptor/ (PvP vendor, Empire only)

-> Same base model, different color and same sound, limited availability

http://tor-fashion.com/pulse-wave-holdout/ (PvP vendor, Empire only)

-> Same base model, different color and different sound, limited availability

 

Or one particularly painful loss:

http://tor-fashion.com/a-52-rancor-x-carbine/ (Removed equipment vendor, available to both factions)

http://tor-fashion.com/red-reaper-assault-rifle/ (Removed flashpoint drop)

-> Same base model, different color and different sound.

http://tor-fashion.com/dla-13-heavy-blaster-rifle/ (Cartel market)

-> Same base model, different color and different sound.

 

Do you really think we would kick up such a fuss if the vendor items had been mere duplicates from other vendor inventories or mission/crafting rewards?

 

And if the DLA-13 Heavy Blaster Rifle is the way they might be brought back to CM, then thanks but no thanks. If it looks different and sounds different it's no replacement.

 

"The dev team informs us that virtually all of the core armor appearances previously on those vendors can still be located throughout the game. The majority of the old armor sets can be found via Crafting rewards, Missions, and Heroic Mission rewards. Now, there may be some variants of these core armor sets which are no longer available, but we’ll adjust that over time and slowly re-add pieces. If there are specific armor sets that can no longer be found, send the information to the Community Team and we’ll pass it along."

 

says it all .

[KyaniteD]

"The dev team informs us that virtually all of the core armor appearances previously on those vendors can still be located throughout the game. The majority of the old armor sets can be found via Crafting rewards, Missions, and Heroic Mission rewards. Now, there may be some variants of these core armor sets which are no longer available, but we’ll adjust that over time and slowly re-add pieces. If there are specific armor sets that can no longer be found, send the information to the Community Team and we’ll pass it along."

 

says it all .

 

Not sure what your point is. It says armor. Weapons aren't even mentioned, and as we pointed out, the look and sound of weapons cannot be changed, so that's a bit different from "just use the same base model with a dye".

[Mikahrone]

ETA: Moddable blaster pistols crafted by armstech.

 

And most of them were pre-4.0 trainer schematics. The new armstech schematics from the trainer don't include any moddables at all.

 

You don't seem to understand the problem that 1) weapons are not part of outfit designer, so only orange models enter into the discussion 2) the colorings cannot be changed and 3) the sounds cannot be changed. Plus pvp weapons vendor has different inventory for each faction.

 

Examples:

http://tor-fashion.com/a-212-projection-x-blaster/ (Removed equipment vendor)

http://tor-fashion.com/k-53-rotary-disruptor/ (PvP vendor)

-> Same base model, different color and different sound.

 

http://tor-fashion.com/e-500-heavy-sonic-needler/ (Removed equipment vendor)

http://tor-fashion.com/underworld-guardian/ (World drop)

-> Same base model, different color and different sound.

 

http://tor-fashion.com/c-305-military-shrieker/ (Removed equipment vendor, available to both factions)

http://tor-fashion.com/h-206-military-striker/ (Smuggler-only one-time mission reward)

-> Same base model, different color and same sound, strictly limited availabilty.

 

http://tor-fashion.com/m-500-elite-stealth-enforcer/ (Removed equipment vendor, available to both factions)

http://tor-fashion.com/l-403-micro-pulse-interceptor/ (PvP vendor, Empire only)

-> Same base model, different color and same sound, limited availability

http://tor-fashion.com/pulse-wave-holdout/ (PvP vendor, Empire only)

-> Same base model, different color and different sound, limited availability

 

Or one particularly painful loss:

http://tor-fashion.com/a-52-rancor-x-carbine/ (Removed equipment vendor, available to both factions)

http://tor-fashion.com/red-reaper-assault-rifle/ (Removed flashpoint drop)

-> Same base model, different color and different sound.

http://tor-fashion.com/dla-13-heavy-blaster-rifle/ (Cartel market)

-> Same base model, different color and different sound.

 

Do you really think we would kick up such a fuss if the vendor items had been mere duplicates from other vendor inventories or mission/crafting rewards?

 

And if the DLA-13 Heavy Blaster Rifle is the way they might be brought back to CM, then thanks but no thanks. If it looks different and sounds different it's no replacement.

 

Eh? I clearly wrote MODELS. and how do you know other models dont have BETTER sound?

 

Because, as evident, most people dont even have a clue about craftables and PvP weapon vendor.

 

But im not surprised, useage of those sets has been minimalistic.

[joethepain]

Not sure what your point is. It says armor. Weapons aren't even mentioned, and as we pointed out, the look and sound of weapons cannot be changed, so that's a bit different from "just use the same base model with a dye".

 

pretty sure if there gonna be bringing back armor it will include weapons if not then meh .and my point is i really do not care if they bring them back or do not take care .

[MrBorsh]

Why not just bring them back already and remove all the gear inside the custom gear?

[Icestar]

I love the expansion. Time must go on I guess and removing old armour might be one of the steps to clear old content.

 

I am happy we get to keep the shells though even if the tokens changed.

[DarthDak]

Why not just bring them back already and remove all the gear inside the custom gear?

 

Precisely. Bring the shells back, but make them empty (i.e. without pre-fitted modifications.) Adjust the prices accordingly, as needed. Would solve most (all?) concerns.

[Drudenfusz]

Removing things is always bad, especially if it is not said clear enough in advance. Hope BioWare will reconsider and add vendors who sell empty shells again, since there is clearly an interest in it.

[RiVaN_]

Hey folks,

 

For the question at hand about why equipment was removed from various vendors, this is due primarily to stat changes. With the release of Fallen Empire, we essentially made that gear obsolete due to the new stat configurations and formulas. This meant the best option was to remove those items. Obviously, this raises the main concern of the support call which is the appearances of those armor sets.

 

The dev team informs us that virtually all of the core armor appearances previously on those vendors can still be located throughout the game. The majority of the old armor sets can be found via Crafting rewards, Missions, and Heroic Mission rewards. Now, there may be some variants of these core armor sets which are no longer available, but we’ll adjust that over time and slowly re-add pieces. If there are specific armor sets that can no longer be found, send the information to the Community Team and we’ll pass it along.

 

Taking a bite out of the people who can help with getting you back into the game, helping you restore missing items or characters, and addressing any billing issues, really isn’t a good use of your time, or theirs. As a general note, if you guys have feedback or questions about design decisions or development philosophy, come to the forums and raise it here. Going to Customer Support is not the correct place for that (and we will ask CS agents to direct you appropriately).

 

Thank you all for your understanding and hope that clears up any confusion on the issue.

 

-eric

 

With all due respect Eric, it is so seldom that questions and concerns are addressed, when expressed on the forums, that people are resorting to calling CS. I'm sorry to say, but even though you guys have stepped up your presence on the forums, it isn't enough. People are calling CS and "taking a bite out of them" because they don't feel they will get their questions answered in any other way. It obviously worked, people called and you came on the forums and answered.

 

I have to be honest, the SWTOR support and community teams seem to have a reactionary approach to most issues. That doesn't seem to be working out well, I reference the Ravagers Exploit from the beginning of the year. In that situation a proactive message to the community as soon as you knew there was a potential problem would have solved a great many issues and headed off even more.

Perhaps taking a proactive approach would be a welcome change and your CS people wouldn't be getting their heads bitten off by angry callers. I rarely see the SWTOR team take proactive measures, but we see you all reacting once a situation has gone too far or has nearly run its course.

 

I think that in this case the community, the player base, would have appreciated the Dev and Community team being Proactive and getting out in front of this situation. Once you begin removing gear entirely you run the risk of making people angry and I'm sure your team didn't think that the community would become this upset, but they did and that is why a proactive approach would have helped.

Yeah people would have still been angry, but they would have had the info up front and they would have preped for the change.

 

Just my 2 cents.

Edited October 26, 2015 by RiVaN_

[blindxsecrets]

I think empty shells being available somewhere would be a good compromise, or even a list or a few hints on where we can find a lot of that gear now? I always looked forward to buying myself a new set at 50/55/60 (and even lower levels with the orange stuff, especially the offhands!) and now that it's just mods (etc), it's not nearly the same. Definitely makes new players (with the lack of the level 7 (I think?) orange gear sets gone) have to buy orange gear and that's not always cheap, especially if you want an entire set of something. Even if you buy blue gear (or green drops), you end up looking like a clown....and unify colors doesn't always work the way you hope it will, lol. Please bring these vendors back! Edited October 26, 2015 by blindxsecrets

[joethepain]

Imo customer support is there for account issues and problems, i would not personally ring up CS to start having ago about something removed in game i think its bloody stupid tbh not to mention wasting staff time who could be helping someone who is locked out of account or having some other issue other then the fact the blaster that is now available to them does not sound as nice as the one stocked on vendor . I also would not ring up mcdonalds and have ago if they removed the pickle off my big mac.

[Fordbird]

Imo customer support is there for account issues and problems, i would not personally ring up CS to start having ago about something removed in game i think its bloody stupid tbh not to mention wasting staff time who could be helping someone who is locked out of account or having some other issue other then the fact the blaster that is now available to them does not sound as nice as the one stocked on vendor . I also would not ring up mcdonalds and have ago if they removed the pickle off my big mac.

 

And that's why customer service is dead. People just take whatever crap is thrown to them, disregarding the fact that they paid for one item and got another. Know why the lop at McDonalds that removed your pickles still has a job?, because not enough people alerted his supervisors about his incompetence. The same applies here. We bought one product, and are being given something different. They tried to remove the rep vendors in the cartel bizarre too, but when players had a heads up in advance, they COMPLAINED and the decision was reversed. It is our job as a community to let the devs know whether we like changes or don't, as they will affect the product we are paying for. If I paid for pickles, you're damn right I'm tellin someone in charge to put em on my sammich!!

[Warrgames]

Hey folks,

 

For the question at hand about why equipment was removed from various vendors, this is due primarily to stat changes. With the release of Fallen Empire, we essentially made that gear obsolete due to the new stat configurations and formulas. This meant the best option was to remove those items. Obviously, this raises the main concern of the support call which is the appearances of those armor sets.

 

The dev team informs us that virtually all of the core armor appearances previously on those vendors can still be located throughout the game. The majority of the old armor sets can be found via Crafting rewards, Missions, and Heroic Mission rewards. Now, there may be some variants of these core armor sets which are no longer available, but we’ll adjust that over time and slowly re-add pieces. If there are specific armor sets that can no longer be found, send the information to the Community Team and we’ll pass it along.

 

Taking a bite out of the people who can help with getting you back into the game, helping you restore missing items or characters, and addressing any billing issues, really isn’t a good use of your time, or theirs. As a general note, if you guys have feedback or questions about design decisions or development philosophy, come to the forums and raise it here. Going to Customer Support is not the correct place for that (and we will ask CS agents to direct you appropriately).

 

Thank you all for your understanding and hope that clears up any confusion on the issue.

 

-eric

 

People did come to forums. Like always you didn't do you job. You have the Dev on one side and player on the other. The person that suppose to pass information between the two groups dropped the ball again. Lets face it Eric; posting on the forums is pointless. Its just player bricking back and forth. I will call CS because at least there I might get an answer from someone at BW. Instead of player blindly supporting or hating the game trying to claim to have the answer.

[joethepain]

to much time on peoples hands i guess

[Fordbird]

Doublepost Edited October 26, 2015 by Fordbird
Double post

[Machinder]

Nonsense. The real reason these were removed is Bioware's continuing efforts against credit sellers. They are nerfing every method of farming credits while at the same time making getting geared easier. They don't want you to use your coms/crystals to buy gear which can be vendored/sold for credits, they want you to run heroics and flashpoints to get gear. They are doing as much as they can to make Swtor a creditless society. But that will never happen as long as the Cartel Market exists, you can't create nice shinies and expect people not to want them.

[Cylluz]

It obviously worked, people called and you came on the forums and answered.

 

 

But it didn't work. Eric didn't post because someone called CS. He posted because someone called CS and posted a video of the call.

 

As for 'taking a bite...' He's right, CS shouldn't be dealing with this crap. They, likely, don't have the tools or the info do deal with this kind of problem. That's your job, Eric.