New World, the MMORPG developed by Amazon Games, has captivated players with its immersive world, engaging combat, and deep crafting systems. However, like many MMOs, it has faced challenges in ensuring that players receive loot that complements their characters. Enter Loot Biasing, a system designed to improve the quality of drops based on a player's current equipment. In this article, we'll explore what Loot Biasing is, the goals behind its implementation, and the development process as detailed by Lead Seasons Designer Patrick Smedley and Systems Designer Blake Philley.

What is Loot Biasing?

Loot Biasing is a system that provides players with loot that is better tailored to their current character’s equipment. It specifically addresses two major pain points: Attribute Perks and item types, such as the weight class of armor and specific weapons. This system aims to enhance the player experience by reducing the frequency of irrelevant or undesirable loot drops.

In essence, Loot Biasing works by increasing the likelihood of receiving items that are more suited to the player’s current build. For example, a player who primarily uses an Ice Gauntlet and Fire Staff is more likely to buy New World Coins receive drops that enhance these weapons rather than unrelated items like Great Axes or armor pieces with inappropriate attributes.

The Goal of Loot Biasing

The primary goal of Loot Biasing is to minimize the frustration players feel when they receive loot that is not useful for their character. Players often encounter situations where they receive items with attributes or perks that do not align with their current build. For instance, a damage dealer might find a chestpiece with Focus, an attribute primarily beneficial for healers, rendering the item nearly useless for their playstyle.

Patrick Smedley and Blake Philley emphasize that these "bad feeling results" were a significant pain point for players. After enduring challenging content such as Mutators, Arenas, or Outpost Rush, receiving irrelevant loot can be disheartening. Loot Biasing aims to ensure that the rewards from these activities feel more satisfying and meaningful.

Development Process

The development of Loot Biasing involved a thorough examination of the existing loot system and identifying areas for improvement. The team recognized that while the loot system was efficient at generating a high quantity of items, it often failed to deliver the specific types of items players desired.

Initial Steps:

Analyzing Drop Patterns: The first step was to analyze how loot drops were currently being distributed. The team noted that weapons had an equal chance to drop with any Attribute Perk, regardless of whether it was useful for the weapon’s scaling. This often resulted in players receiving items that were not ideal for their builds.

Player Feedback: Feedback from the player community played a crucial role in shaping the direction of Loot Biasing. Players consistently voiced their frustration with receiving items that did not align with their character’s needs. This feedback highlighted the need for a more targeted loot distribution system.

Implementation:

Biasing Attributes and Perks: The implementation of Loot Biasing began with biasing the attributes and perks that appeared on dropped items. This meant increasing the chances of receiving items with attributes and perks that were relevant to the player’s current build. For example, a player using a Fire Staff would have a higher chance of finding items with Intelligence, the primary attribute for that weapon.

Item Type Considerations: Another critical aspect of Loot Biasing was ensuring that players received the appropriate types of items. This included matching the weight class of armor and the types of weapons the player used. The goal was to reduce the occurrence of irrelevant drops, such as a heavy armor piece for a player specializing in light armor.

Iterative Testing: The development team adopted an iterative approach to testing and refining Loot Biasing. This involved multiple rounds of internal testing and adjustments based on the New World Gold results. The team also conducted playtests with a select group of players to gather additional feedback and make further improvements.

Challenges and Solutions:

Balancing Drop Rates: One of the challenges in implementing Loot Biasing was balancing the drop rates to ensure that players still received a diverse range of items without making the system feel too restrictive. The team had to find the right balance between biasing loot towards the player’s current build and maintaining a sense of variety and excitement in loot drops.

Technical Constraints: Another challenge was addressing the technical constraints of the loot system. Implementing Loot Biasing required significant changes to the underlying algorithms that determined loot drops. This involved close collaboration between designers and engineers to ensure that the system functioned as intended without introducing new issues.

Player Perception: The team also had to consider how players would perceive the changes. It was important to communicate the benefits of Loot Biasing clearly and manage player expectations. This involved updating patch notes, creating informative blog posts, and engaging with the community through forums and social media.

Impact on Player Experience

Since its implementation, Loot Biasing has had a noticeable impact on the player experience in New World. Players have reported a higher satisfaction level with the loot they receive, as it is more aligned with their current builds and playstyles. This has made activities like Mutators, Arenas, and Outpost Rush more rewarding and enjoyable.

Positive Feedback:

Enhanced Reward Satisfaction: Players have expressed appreciation for the improved relevance of loot drops. The increased likelihood of receiving items that complement their builds has made the time and effort invested in difficult content feel more worthwhile.

Reduced Frustration: The reduction in irrelevant loot drops has significantly decreased player frustration. Receiving gear that fits their needs allows players to focus more on gameplay and progression rather than sifting through unusable items.

Encouragement to Experiment: With more appropriate loot drops, players are encouraged to experiment with different builds and playstyles. This has added a layer of depth to the game, as players feel more empowered to try out new strategies and combinations.

Ongoing Improvements:

The development team continues to monitor the effectiveness of Loot Biasing and gather feedback from the community. They remain committed to refining the system and making further adjustments as needed. This iterative approach ensures that Loot Biasing evolves alongside the game and continues to meet the needs of the player base.

Conclusion

Loot Biasing represents a significant step forward in improving the loot system in New World. By tailoring drops to better match players’ current equipment and builds, the system addresses longstanding pain points and enhances the overall player experience. The technical overview provided by Patrick Smedley and Blake Philley highlights the thoughtful development process and the team’s dedication to delivering a more satisfying and rewarding loot experience.

As New World continues to evolve, systems like Loot Biasing demonstrate the developers’ commitment to listening to player feedback and making meaningful improvements. With ongoing updates and refinements, players can look forward to an ever-improving journey through the world of Aeternum.