Am I in the minority? I am EXHAUSTED from this game.
I do not want more to be added that I have to play (and to clarify this - yes, I have the option to not play but because of the rewards attached, because of the regret associated with not playing an event to get those few crystals or gems to be able to get 1 more card or one more orb for one more card… and then there’s the team, etc, etc).
I am in Gold. I play 4 games of TG, 3-4 games of AI. I do not play ToTP (but if I move to platinum… that is another extra few games I would have to play almost daily that I am NOT excited about… sorry), all PvE events, all coalition events, and I join right at the end for non-coalition events (I don’t have the time to play full from start to end for lame prizes).
I play the exact same deck for TG every single day because I want to get it done and over with. It takes me less than 10 minutes usually for 4 games (each game clocks in at about under 2 mins for the fastest games (and it gets longer from there; but, I quit all games that take either too long or have very little chance for success).
Across Ixalan, I don’t know the time factor but anywhere between 15-30 mins, I would say. And once again, I use the same deck every time for the colors. Luckily, Bolas covers 3 colors.
Then depending on the non-coalition PvE event it could take anywhere between 1-2 hours for me. But once again to reduce time in most of these I use my same TG Kiora deck for over 60-70% of them then fill in the gaps (secondary objectives) to meet progression later.
Then you’ve got coalition events that are super-grindy and have no real consideration for my time schedule.
For the record, BoFT, really 5 nodes? Thank GOD, they adjusted the max node charges or refresh timers? I don’t remember. But whatever it was, FANTASTIC JOB seriously. That has greatly increased my quality of life.
Now, RTO, I believe this one also had changes for the better.. but not 100% sure what it was exactly. BUT really 5 nodes AGAIN? But that’s not the biggest problem… the fact that each node can only hold 3 maximum charges?! IT SHOULD BE 5. Well, since RTO only starts with 1 initial charge… maybe 4 at the lowest.
Let me put this into perspective, event starts. I have 16 hours plus the 6 hour window before I lose a charge; therefore, 22 hours. This is good, but since there is a limit of 3 maximum charge - I still feel stressed. It feels as though, I am unable to have an entire day and then some to relax after I play all my charges. Having that looming feeling that at some point in time before the day ends before bed I have to grind out at least 1 round (5 games - 1 game per node) is not healthy. I don’t know which event it is, but there is one where I can play all my charges and then I am free for an entire day and then some before I have to grind out 5 games? maybe more? per node. I mean I want to be able to spend time with my family, friends, girlfriend, or just chill out, maybe cook some food, go to the gym, etc, etc. Then come back and grind it out but the reality is. I go the gym then have to do math to figure out how much time I have before I MUST play. Sometimes, I have to skip eating just to make sure I can get this task done. Really? Other times, I go out with my girlfriend and have to fiddle with my phone in between the time we are spending (assuming its over 24 hours that we are actually spending), telling her… I need to play this game.. I am lucky she is understanding. But, it is SAD. Now, imagine people with wives, children, multiple jobs? This game has a design that causes people addicted like me to adopt absurd habits and accommodations for a game… There is much more to this but it is hard to elaborate, I could go on for days. The point is allow me to spend how many ever hours playing this game straight to finish what needs to be done (i.e. TG, AI, coalition games, etc, etc) for the day and then give me freedom to do other things for the rest of the day, sleep, and then go at it again. I know a lot of this is my choosing, as far as priorities are concerned.
I am TIRED. EXHAUSTED. But still hungry for more cards, at the expense of my quality of life and probably health. My ultimate conclusion is, I am okay with something being created that is completely optional (like that leaderboard) or has non-significant rewards associated (giving slightly more runes that story mode heroic battles for TG or even just a few orbs, like I mean few) so that it does not make me so inclined to grind it.
I am asking you to help people like me out, as we know we have a problem. Otherwise, the only solution is for me to leave this game…
Sorry, this got really long and rambling. Some of it might be incoherent, I am unsure. But here is a piece of my reality.
P.S. for those of you who want more and are bored. I understand. I respect where you are coming from. And I will reiterate, I am not saying no more content. I am saying please balance, moderation, and reason-ability?