before we actually discuss the pros and cons of this, quick disclaimer:
we’re talking about removing backups in the context of the next few updates to the game. i dont have the point of reference that actual moon devs do, but i can at least conclude it means taking the following into account:
- realm-based co-op with up to 4 players
- the rebalanced stat progression, which makes leveling up more fun
- tier 3 areas such as the Marin Woods, which give tier 3 items and extend the game’s length
- enchantment rerolling on weapons, which removes the need to get many duplicates of the same item in order to obtain the enchants you want
with that in mind…
pros of removing backups (& duping):
- players can no longer rollback over and over at a boss to get the best drop RNG, preventing cheating.
- players can no longer perform rollback dupes, so they can’t cheat their way out of the intended progression & then complain the game is too easy.
- because they cannot dupe, your realm-mates can’t ruin the local economy by duping 9999999 of a rare item.
- global trading of items is far more viable without duping.
possible counterarguments:
first off, it’s up to the player to decide what they do with their copy of a game that they own, not to mention people are definitely smart enough to know it’ll ruin the experience.
if they really want to exploit/cheat, they’ll find a way to do it and there isn’t much a developer can do. other ways to dupe will undoubtedly pop up – and we know that because they already have.
patching these dupe strats will only worsen the game for legitimate players, as removing them requires rather invasive measures.
the dev team will have to remove or put arbitrary limits on perfectly fine QOL features, just to prevent a small minority of the playerbase from abusing a loophole.
even then, that small minority of players will get even smaller with the next few updates, since all of the changes such as rebalanced stat progression, enchantment rerolls, etc etc. will lower the incentive to dupe.
about your realm-mates duping/cheating to ruin the realm: YOU are the one who invites these people. it’s your responsibility to decide if you trust someone or not. if they break your trust, you can votekick them, or limit them to the guest role.
on global trading being compromised by duping: as much as i want to support moon’s vision for this game, global trading is one thing i just don’t see happening. wicked is at most designed for realm co-op with up to 4 invited players, each of them trading mildly uncommon items between each other.
it’s unfortunately just not really made to withstand a massive worldwide trading network.
go ahead and ask questions, argue in favor / against, whatever you like