From back in PA times when Mastery was turned on, we were told that resetting Mastery points would be possible if one decided that they had chosen poorly, but: there would be limited number of times it could be done, and it would have a cost that went up substantially each time. VR has not mentioned anything in the recent discussions to suggest this has changed.
I think the reset and respec in general is a brilliant idea from VR. The Mastery system will no doubt need fine tuning but is a good compromise between old school and newer school players in the genre. I believe it will come to gain a foothold into how we approach the game/class/playstyle.
A reset, however much I might wish otherwise, is inevitable for the success and longevity of this game. There are several old-school, die hard, players that will support this game come hell or high water. There are many more (perhaps several thousands) that if they reached all their intended goals while still in Beta, might not continue into a newly released Completed game. I've seen the recent drop in attendance. It is expected. People don't want to invest time into a character that is destined to be wiped. A reset is healthy, almost necessary.
I am looking forward to Spring and the changes that are coming our way. Things are going to get busy.
I've been recently talking the merits of the game up with my daughter. She and her gamer friends have been looking into Pantheon (with excitement). I hope as the game progresses that it remains on their radar as we approach a release date.
Creating an entire fantasy world and multiple races of beings is an enormous undertaking. Making it complex enough to capture and retain the long term attention and involvement of paying customers requires concepts and systems of a deep inter-connection.
As with anything else of such complexity, I avoid making all-or-nothing judgements about the ideas and plans that VR presents to us whenever possible. First, because IMO the real value - positive or negative - of any specific aspect of the Game will be determined largely by multiple details of how it is implemented, moreso than a simple good/bad value judgement of the idea. And second, because the complexity of the whole system means that most any particular part of that system they build in will likely include some influences that many like and some that many dislike. In some cases, a juggling challenge of epic proportions.
Kinda like real life tends to turn out:)
"In some cases, a juggling challenge of epic proportions."
I certainly agree with you there. Almost like juggling hand-grenades.
As a company you have to make some money or the entire thing comes tumbling to a grinding halt.
As a vision of world and gameplay there are many opinions, but someone needs to remain satisfied enough to pay the bills with hopefully some sort of longevity.
It is a juggling challenge to say the least.
I hope that VR keeps it going for a good long while.