Warlocks rejoice, Kalgan has just officially confirmed that previously mentioned removal of the Lifetap nerf was intentional. While they were originally concerned that Warlocks were still too overly represented in the arenas, he said, a recent downtrend in their numbers convinced them to withdraw the nerfs, at least until the numbers settle down again. He also shared a chart that revealed Blizzard's analysis of the number of a class in each arena type vs. their desired numbers for the 2200+ and 1850 score ranges. The numbers are shown as a percentage by class and team type. A Percentage of 100% means they're at Blizzard's expected representation level. Above that means they outpace it, below means they're below it. We'll show you the charts here after the break.
Here's the numbers for the 2200+ bracket:
He's also posted the numbers for the 1850 bracket:2v2 3v3 5v5
Druid 276.0% 184.0% 80.5%
Hunter 43.0% 50.2% 43.0%
Mage 8.7% 96.0% 96.0%
Paladin 19.7% 29.5% 147.4%
Priest 113.3% 164.8% 185.4%
Shaman 37.8% 50.4% 138.6%
Rogue 144.2% 175.1% 61.8%
Warlock 149.2% 93.2% 111.9%
Warrior 130.4% 90.7% 79.3%
For a veteran of the arenas, these numbers probably aren't overly surprising (Although I do admit that Warriors are a lot lower than I expected at the 2v2 1850 bracket). If you looked at this chart long enough, you could probably find plenty of insights into how Blizzard decides what to balance, and why they've talked about focusing on Hunter, Shaman, and Mage buffs as of late. You might not want to read too much into the numbers quite yet though: They don't tell us which specs are represented for each class in what proportions, and Kalgan said that they try not to be a slave to the charts: I.E., don't expect any 5v5 buffs for Warriors any time soon. He also says that they look for how synergies and class representation come into play. For example, they assume the over-representation of Druids may help drive down the number of Paladins in the 2v2 and 3v3 brackets -- although for me, I'd say one should also say that a druid's wide arsenal of instant cast healing spells helps that too.
Druid 184.0% 138.0% 92.0%
Hunter 50.2% 50.2% 50.2%
Mage 61.1% 87.3% 87.3%
Paladin 68.8% 88.4% 137.6%
Priest 133.9% 133.9% 154.5%
Shaman 75.6% 88.2% 138.6%
Rogue 154.5% 154.5% 82.4%
Warlock 121.2% 102.5% 102.5%
Warrior 90.7% 85.0% 85.0%
On what might be a less happy note for Shamans, Kalgan has confirmed in that same series of posts that the removal of the Flametongue Mortal Strike debuff was intentional as well. He said they felt that they'd gone a bit too far with that change. We'll have to see if they give Shamans anything to replace it.
So what do you think about this chart? Does it match up to your expectations? What do you think about the numbers for your favorite (or least favorite) PvP class?
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
3-05-2008 @ 9:14PM
Erika said...
A new earth shock icon??
Reply
3-07-2008 @ 12:32AM
twl23 said...
I think having a 50% melee healing debuff is going to be a necessity for almost any melee class at this point. The problem is that healing is OP'd compared to damage in arenas. Feral druids are almost useless in arenas due to their inability to deal enough damage and stop healing. Take away the 50% debuff on Warriors and they would drop from the arena population almost instantly. Rogues have poisons and Ret Pallys just don't happen in Arenas usually.
3-05-2008 @ 9:15PM
Wulfhere said...
Is anyone surprised that warlock bitching gets results but Shaman bitching gets nothing? Because if they are, they stopped playing the game a long time ago.
Poor shamans, too stupid to roll another class. Just give up now and roll paladin or druid, you know, the GOOD hybrids.
Reply
3-05-2008 @ 9:20PM
Buuty said...
Sad really...Warlocks would have been fine after the nerf, just like every other class has been in the past after nerfs l2p?
3-05-2008 @ 9:25PM
Calaana said...
I've got both, and still prefer the shammy. Guess I prefer to play with ezmode off :)
3-05-2008 @ 10:02PM
Matthew Rossi said...
Shamans are way more fun than paladins or druids, in my opinion. Everyone's got a preference. I didn't really see the FT changes as good for shamans ultimately, but it kind of sucks that it was just rolled back and nothing new was added in its place.
3-05-2008 @ 10:09PM
Faar said...
Buuty, you obviously have no clue of how the warlock class is designed and how it plays. No, they wouldn't have been "fine" at all, and if you took the time to educate yourself on the particulars of that proposed change you'd understand why.
Since you're just another narrowminded warlock hater I don't expect you to do that though, but I dare you to surprise me...
3-06-2008 @ 12:39AM
Orestes said...
I think the biggest buff to the shaman class would be a mute button for the people too busy whining about shaman flaws to notice the upside. Fantastic healers, nice if somewhat spiky dps, excellent buffs and group utility... hardly the useless stepchild you'd think they were if you listened to the emo-kids going wild on the forums every time there's a patch.
3-06-2008 @ 6:33AM
Lucas said...
We know the flaws, we're just sick of being buttfucked by any class that can stun or CC as any spec other than resto.
3-06-2008 @ 2:43PM
Manatank said...
I just don't get why Shamans think they should have more than one PvP spec? Many other classes don't have more than one. PvP shamans are resto. What's the big deal? Paladins have to be holy, why should Shamans get to DPS?
3-05-2008 @ 9:18PM
jtrain said...
I've never been as happy to be a warlock than right now. Shame on me for doubting your decision to do the right thing, Blizz!!
Reply
3-05-2008 @ 10:50PM
jtrain said...
What, class pride gets voted down? psssh.
3-05-2008 @ 11:01PM
Melenor said...
Seems like everyone reading this hates warlocks.
Is it wrong to find this so funny?
P.S. I love warlocks with all of my corrupted soul.
3-05-2008 @ 11:16PM
kr3wman said...
I think it's more about the fact that alot of people were tired of warlocks crying about changes, canceling their accounts and whatnot, for a nerf that wasn't even on live servers.
Progressive testing people.
3-05-2008 @ 9:21PM
Kieron said...
HELL YEAH, damn i dont know if its the same numbers pre-2.4 ptr but atleast it isnt a % anymore
Reply
3-05-2008 @ 9:22PM
Kieron said...
and to the shammies, sorry but I didnt agree with it to tell you the truth... like the lock thing it was the wrong thing in the wrong place.
3-05-2008 @ 9:26PM
Baluki said...
I'm glad they reverted the Flametongue change. It was a bad change, and we don't need more MS in the game. Though I sure hope they replace it with something else. Something cool. Something sexah!
--Baluki, Shaman since Dec 5, 2004
Reply
3-05-2008 @ 10:00PM
Matthew Rossi said...
Speaking as the shaman columnist here... I doubt they will do much of anything to replace it.
3-05-2008 @ 10:20PM
VSpeck said...
At least the Flametongue change was something. Be prepared Shammies for a lot of disappointment.
3-05-2008 @ 10:46PM
Baluki said...
@VSpeck: We're shammies. We're familiar with disappointment. :|