06-17-2003, 08:31 PM
I've gotten the impression that while they may have plans to flag obviously illegitimate items to prevent trading (possibly a new label color, and 'Can't be traded' messages), they probably will not delete them outright. They recognize that there are way too many casual players that don't know or know but have no way of identifying these items, and don't want the 'Where'd my item go?' flak.
So rather than wipe the closed realms entirely, they've retaken the Ladder concept and will use it to encourage a voluntary wipe, so to speak. The rune formulas (and possibly others) may be a partial nod to the fact that everyone will be starting over, and unable to secure piles of Runes beforehand. The closed realms don't really need it, as runes are plentiful. If (and a big if it is) they recognize and prevent trading of hacked items and prevent trading of hacks in 1.10, then people will be more free to trade for runes they need.
The only other ladder specialty that comes to mind is the World Event, but until more is known about it it's hard to judge if it would be meaningful outside the ladder. A new wild speculation is that it gives the players involved a virtual medal, or puts their name on a different board, or something.
I read at one point (I forget where) that Blizzard hasn't reset the ladder in a while as it's become meaningless, with how fast it's possible to level up to 99. Supposedly the stronger items/abilities we've seen will be required because the monsters will be much, much harder; probably very difficult alone, botting or not.
So rather than wipe the closed realms entirely, they've retaken the Ladder concept and will use it to encourage a voluntary wipe, so to speak. The rune formulas (and possibly others) may be a partial nod to the fact that everyone will be starting over, and unable to secure piles of Runes beforehand. The closed realms don't really need it, as runes are plentiful. If (and a big if it is) they recognize and prevent trading of hacked items and prevent trading of hacks in 1.10, then people will be more free to trade for runes they need.
The only other ladder specialty that comes to mind is the World Event, but until more is known about it it's hard to judge if it would be meaningful outside the ladder. A new wild speculation is that it gives the players involved a virtual medal, or puts their name on a different board, or something.
I read at one point (I forget where) that Blizzard hasn't reset the ladder in a while as it's become meaningless, with how fast it's possible to level up to 99. Supposedly the stronger items/abilities we've seen will be required because the monsters will be much, much harder; probably very difficult alone, botting or not.