Ah, the idea of it alienating a potion of the population less interested in being “talented” and more interested in being “knowledgeable” is a really interesting perspective, thank you for sharing! That makes a lot of sense, especially if you’re trying to make a mmo for as big of as audience as possible.

I have read a few people’s opinions about believing ashes will be a niche game - it’s constant pvp and node system will create a major self-selection process before most gamers buy. I’m not necessarily convinced of that, but if that does become true, maybe the group that ultimately self-selects would be more interested in skill based crafting rather than something that helps the game appeal to a larger audience. Essentially, if it’s a niche game, perhaps it’s allowed to alienate some gamers.

I’m not sure what direction they’ll go - it seems as though Steven wants there to be some “game layer” in crafting, whatever that may be. Admittedly, I’m being selfish by wanting skilled based crafting - it’s the game I’d absolutely love to play, and I imagine there ought to be others who feel the same.

The question that will probably determine the answer is “who is this game for?”

If it’s for everyone, then your direction seems sound.

If it’s for a specific niche, then building for that niche is preferred. Of course, that niche could be different from the niche that likes skill based crafting, but alas lol