End of Ladder Season

[Nicator]

Okay, it's a competition then. A competition that measures what, though?

Experience points earned by defeating monsters in game.

Not skill. When I think of the most skillful players I know, I realize they won't ever be on the ladder. What then? Mostly hours of playtime. Luck with item drops. And a willingness to improve gear by paying cash or other means.

Skill isn't measured if cheating is allowed. Using more time is allowed, magic find is allowed... buying on ebay... well... allowed I think although somewhat cheap IMHO.

In any competition time is required, and a willingness to prevail amongst others. I can't see how anyone can succeed, or expect any reward, in a contest if he has no time to compete. I agree there are several skillful gamers that just don't compete, but for those that choose to the rules should be the same; in our case, those rules known as legit gaming.

Given the nature of the game (and the preferred fan base), you know what to expect in the ladder competition. Just like someone who gets into competitive body building has to expect to come up against steroids, and someone who wants to make it in Hollywood has to expect to compromise whatever morals they have. It's up to you if you want to play that game.

Aye, we all know what to expect but it doesn't mean we have to accept it. There are cheaters in every area where a competition takes place but, at least, in most of them when they're caught they're severely penalized. About Hollywood, well, I have no personal experience as to adventure an opinion but, that's more a career than a competition, isn't it?

Now, leaving ethics and phylosophy apart and getting back into the thread, I see that cheaters need some time to make their efforts noticeable in D2's economy and party gaming. The longer the season the better they're rewarded. Making it last for 2 or 3 months will reduce their farming and merchandizing time.

Also, longer seasons benefit items above skillfulness. Lets take an extreme example: An Ironman like contest will reward those that achieve the goals in less time but, if no time limit, then it's better to farm a boss, get better/uber items, and have a nice time. Shorter times just make a gamble to go magic finding because the season may be over by the time the player gets the uber items he must have to make his char defeat the game.

Now, even those that never tried, or wanted, to achieve a top standing in the Ladder agree that the better weeks were the first ones. Almost all had lousy items and had to rely on their skills and party gaming to advance. It was cool to be in a hell party with top 100s and see someone writting: "Ok guys, at the count of 3, we enter the Throne, and gl 2 yall... 1... 2... 3 go!!". The game was fun :)