However, when we are all playing single player, why should it bother you if I can mug some noble to get a quick 10,000 gold or steal some magic item that gives a character all 20 stats? If I can save before doing something and grind out a good result, it might not be realistic, but how does it bother you if you don't do it? Why are you obsessed with everyone else playing the game the exact same way you are playing it?
31, £30k, classical violinist,
A good game design (and balance) should encourage fun playstyles. Choices should have consequences. If I decide to mug someone, and get a major gain from it - that’s cool, but what is the consequence of that? If it was a table-top, I imagine that DM would follow this threat - is someone chasing you? Can you spend this money everywhere? If there is no downside, then it’s 1) boring, 2) it’s the optimal way to play. Why wouldn’t I mug that someone? Same with boosting your characters stats so they stop being distinct.
I don’t care, if you break your own game. Want free 10000 to buy all you want? Use a cheat code. Have unlimited skill points to distribute use a cheat code.
When I play a game I expect it to be well crafted and engaging. If I need to make house rules, ban choices the game gives me, because the game is poorly designed and balance - I will just spend my time with something better crafted. I really don’t have patience or time to play a game, figure out what’s broken, and balance it for myself. It’s designer’s job, not mine. Difficulty options are there to set... well, difficulty and cheat codes, or “Berath’s Blessings” from PoE2 are good ways of implementing those progress boosters some might want. Choices, within a game, however, be it class choice or action choice should be balanced within reason - have impact, absolutely, but not make the game unfairly hard, or break underlying mechanics.
