I think there are problems with the new mount skins system, but I believe it is a balancing act. It is a matter of balancing in-game rewards with gem store rewards. If people have a few in-game options to unlock a few mount skins, they'll be less inclined to complain about gem-store acquisition methods. I also think RNG is a slippery slope and when implemented it should be done so in moderation. In the case of these mount stables, if we are going to take the lootbox approach, we should at least be able to select which mount we are rolling for. I do think there is value in having "prestige mounts" such as the new Warhound skin. I also believe the gem store is a healthy thing for Anet & the game as a whole. Arenanet should be able to monetize cosmetics, but they need to do it in a way that doesn't resort to exploitative gambling. In all honesty, my main concern with the mount skins is the massive spike in visual clutter. This game already filled with sparkle and particle effects and it just got a whole lot worse. The new mounts are way too flashy and create eye sores when dyed brightly. At the very least, this need to be taken into account more moving forward. Ideally some new options could be introduced to hide mount skins or custom dye jobs on other mounts.
I think there are problems with the new mount skins system, but I believe it is a balancing act. It is a matter of balancing in-game rewards with gem store rewards. If people have a few in-game options to unlock a few mount skins, they'll be less inclined to complain about gem-store acquisition methods. I also think RNG is a slippery slope and when implemented it should be done so in moderation. In the case of these mount stables, if we are going to take the lootbox approach, we should at least be able to select which mount we are rolling for. I do think there is value in having "prestige mounts" such as the new Warhound skin. I also believe the gem store is a healthy thing for Anet & the game as a whole. Arenanet should be able to monetize cosmetics, but they need to do it in a way that doesn't resort to exploitative gambling. In all honesty, my main concern with the mount skins is the massive spike in visual clutter. This game already filled with sparkle and particle effects and it just got a whole lot worse. The new mounts are way too flashy and create eye sores when dyed brightly. At the very least, this need to be taken into account more moving forward. Ideally some new options could be introduced to hide mount skins or custom dye jobs on other mounts.
