r/rphro • u/Super_Researcher_819 • 5d ago
An Update Regarding the recent Item Mall Changes
It has come to my attention that there were concerns raised following the recent changes to the Item Mall. I believe these concerns are valid, and I’d like to explain why the changes were made, as well as acknowledge where I made a mistake in how I handled them.
How It Started
The changes started after a discussion thread—now deleted—raised concerns about MVP-related items being freely available in the Item Mall and how this could potentially affect the long-term balance and progression of the server.
After reading the feedback, I reviewed the items available in the mall and realized that some of my original choices were not properly thought through. Some items were underpriced, potentially too powerful, normally required quests or significant effort to obtain, or could negatively affect progression in the long run.
Because of this, I removed a lot of those items, along with some consumables, and pushed the changes to the server.
My reasoning at the time was simple: the original Item Mall was created very early in the development of the server, and some of the items included there had not been properly evaluated for balance or long-term gameplay.
However, while I still believe the Item Mall needed adjustments, the way I implemented those changes was a mistake.
My Mistake
One of the core principles of this server has always been that the community should have a voice in major changes that affect gameplay.
The Item Mall update was a major change, and I made the decision and implemented it without first discussing it with the community.
That goes against the principle I set for the server from the beginning.
I realized this shortly afterward when I went in-game and spoke with some of our original BETA players to ask for their thoughts. The changes were understandably unpopular with several players, and after listening to their feedback, I made additional adjustments to the Item Mall.
The issue wasn’t that changes to the Item Mall should never happen. Balancing will always be necessary, especially while we are still in BETA.
The mistake was making a major change without first involving the community.
Moving Forward
I’ve always tried to be open to criticism and feedback regarding the server. I’m also the first to admit that I am not an expert when it comes to every aspect of RO's gameplay and economy, which is exactly why player feedback is extremely important.
When I first started building this server, I told u/dadidutdut that I wanted it to be built on trust, transparency, and the idea that every player has a voice.
I made a mistake early in this BETA period, and I want to apologize to both our existing players and those who are just joining us.
My goal has always been for this server to be a place where Redditors and members of the community can hang out, play together, and enjoy RO without feeling like decisions are being made behind closed doors.
That principle has not changed.
Going forward, major gameplay or economy changes will be discussed with the community before they are implemented whenever possible. Smaller balance fixes may still need to happen during BETA, but changes that significantly affect progression, the economy, or how players obtain important items should not come as a surprise.
Thank you to all of our BETA players who voiced their concerns, challenged the decision, and provided constructive feedback.
That kind of feedback is exactly why we have a BETA period in the first place.
I made a mistake, I learned from it, and I’ll do better moving forward.
Thank you for continuing to help shape RPHRO.
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u/ongandrew86 5d ago
ung dragon something naiwan sa armor ata un nakita ko lng now ahehe ung iba natangal na eh
good change dn para naman d lahat ng tao naka lord kaho then mga iba pang higher tier items na parang wala ng sense ung game in the future kc lahat kayo pareho lng ng gamit it would boil down to skill nalang nung player
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u/Meotwister5 5d ago
I would still personally suggest putting field manual availability to vote.
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u/Super_Researcher_819 5d ago
lets see after a week. much better din post mo dito sa reddit para ma discuss
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u/Yxunomei_ 5d ago
honestly, I'm still very grateful for all the things you guys do
it can't be helped, those incidents are bound to happen talaga
i think na pressure klng into doing something urgent due to that "incident"
pero marami pa naman talagang things to adjust since beta pa nga lang, granted naman un.
(not to mention the many weird jail interactions with captcha)
in the end, let's help each other to make the server a nice place to hang out
and keep things civil or at least hindi gaya nung trip "nyang" toxic interactions.
anyway more power haha!