#please no one tag it

[madeby-meru]

I have always seen the argument of "If you don't like it then stop playing" flying around since I have been in gaming communities and I have been thinking on writing a more detailed post on why I personally think that this statement doesn't truly fit in many of the complains about MCL NG.

Just as a heads up, I am not directing this to anyone in specific, honestly I can't even remember who has said this cause I have seen this comment across multiple social medias and various forums. So, to make things clear: I am only discussing the concept behind the argument, that's it.

Leaving it under the cut.

Now,

why do I think this response doesn't apply to (many of) New Gen critiques?

Lets use another free game with microtransactions as an example that I think will make things pretty obvious: the new Nikki game

If I came into that fandom and began complaining about the concept of style battles, of how focused it is on dressup, the storyline being about fashion... That is a me problem, that is my issue alone. I am complaining about the core of the game, about the purpose of it and about what makes the game what it is. I am not the target audience. I should, therefore, simply stop playing cause the game does not align with my taste and I am not gonna enjoy it.

I believe this is not what is happening with New Gen.

The most common critiques I have seen about it are: - The AP system (merging AP and Gold, expensive dialogue choices) - The style contest (unfair competition) - The price of packs (they are not simply cosmetics, they are means of earning more in-game currency, so they create an imbalance in the playerbase between those that can afford them and those that cannot) - The lack of transparency and communication with the company (announcements coming too late, not letting the players know what they will need to spend in events) - The timing of events (the pack event timings, overlapping) - The quality of the writing (inconsistencies, lack of a linear storyline, characters feeling OOC, nonsensical plots)

These complains are not a matter of taste, these complains are a matter of unfair treatment and poor quality (despite the cost of the game).

In this specific case, those of us that complain about these things are the target audience. We have a history of nostalgia, we like the personalization and dressup aspect, we like the adult setting and characters, we like the style of otome, we like the free option to play. And most importantly, I feel like most of us that complain so vehemently want to keep playing. We are still here for a reason, there is still something that keeps us logging in every day. We don't want the bad things to overpower the good ones.

"Don't play the game" feels like a dismissive argument here, it casts aside complains that should be made. You should complain about the poor quality of a product (specially if you have invested money and time in it), you should complain about the poor treatment you are receiving (feeling pushed to make purchases, feeling unlistened, feeling like you are not treated the same as other plaeyers, etc). These types of comments are necessary and beneficial. A critique that is well worded and based helps the game be better, a company should hope to receive those and not simply compliments. A company should what to fix what is wrong.

I think that the negative sentiment many players share its completely understandable and it should not be labelled as simply being hateful for no reason.

Of course I am not including hate for the sake of hate here. That may help vent when you're frustrated (valid) but it does not add anything or help in any way. Obviously, it's very easy to get wrapped up in the negative mindset and not allow yourself to enjoy the parts of the game that you do like and that you can find fun and engaging. It is important to take a step back every now and then and see when you may be being unfair (specially to other players, its unfortunately easy to get heated in a discussion and hurt someone else). And if you feel like the critiques towards the game and company are affecting you in any way, please step away from them. Mute, block, silence, keep your peace in your online experience and cater it to yourself <3

[noelledeltarune]

EVERY SINGLE DAY there are MILLIONS of characters in their late 20s who get falsely accused of being father figures to teenagers when in reality the description of "weird older cousin" or "step-sibling that moved out before you were born" is 1000000x more apt

[aluminumneedles]

I'm knitting in the corner at a party

and guys my age stop by to tell me I remind them of their aunt, of their grandmother. This is a compliment and I take it as such. They confess to having tried crochet once, and I smile. They get back in line for the bathroom.

I'm knitting in the corner at a party and a queer woman sits on the floor next to me, arranges her skirt, and smiles up at me. (I try not to blush.) She asks me all the questions on her mind about my craft and I answer them, hands still moving. We swap yarn sources. She doesn't stay, but she knows where to find me.

I'm knitting in the corner at a party and everyone knows where to find me when they need a minute, when socializing is too much and the music is too loud and they need to catch their breath. They pretend to be checking in on me, which is sweet, but I can see the relief in their eyes the moment they stop performing for a house full of people. They sit down and tell me things and all the while they never take their eyes off my hands.

The party has wound down and I'm still knitting and the hosts, two guys in their twenties, thank me for "helping to curate the vibe." I had no idea that's what I was doing. I leave the party having forgotten to drink anything and without that woman's number but with many rows added to my top-down raglan sweater. I call it a night, and a good one.

[himulrai]

previous one went stratospheric so this came about lmao??

[0wldn0]

I miss drawing my Earthspark AU but I wanted to redraw this hug first 🥺💕

[whalesharkstho]

jazz ur gonna give him a spark attack

bit of a follow up to this post X]

[spaceheatie]

Sassyjack

[chimaeraonwards]

John Cusack, the voice actor for Dimitri in Anatasia (1997), shared his statement on Palestine 🇵🇸 🇵🇸 🇵🇸 🇵🇸

P.S. He has been a Palestinian supporter for years

[syrupbitee]

sanji's first days in the crew

[deadbaguette]

Dear children of Priam, were you doomed all along?

[toboldlymuppet]

VICTORY FEAST !!!

my piece for the @opfoodzine

[magicicephoenix]

Sun you wont believe it something crazy just happen wait crazy i was crazy once-

driving sun crazy insane!! ft. everyone’s lovely reactions 💕

(context)

[raticalshoez]

Was thinking of my post about dream teams and got really invested in whatever Unrequited Hate has going on

[maskofnova]

⚡Sparring Partners🔥

[hellspawnmotel]

gravity falls x the night of the hunter (1955)

[valeriapryanikova]

This season, on Hermitcraft...

(speedpaint)