Add ons are still quite functional in this game. It is true that they removed some functionality that was there previously. The two most noticeable are buff/debuff trackers and cast bars.

However, I've seen quite a bit of misinformation beyond that. Some people are under the impression that things like Scrolling Combat Text, DPS meters, HOT meters, and even information about your own resources has been removed. If that were the case, the term "gutted" woud indeed be quite apt. But all of those things, plus a lot more, are still in the game.

The misinformation surrounding the API changes is pretty massive. Even on the closed Beta PTS, a lot of people were confused about what was going on. I believe this is contributing to some of the emotion and high tempers surrounding the issue. Thankfully, a PTS poster by the name of MrDDT showed up to demonstrate that most functions of the Foundry Tactical Combat mod, plus several other mods, are still quite functional.

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e107/MrDDT/Royalty%20Gaming/Screenshot_20140320_210002_zpsc19d55d3.png

Now, personally, with all of that information included and still available through the API, I think its a stretch to call it gutted. But, I fully understand that some people may have a difference of opinion with me on that subject.

My main purpose wtih this thread was to spread information, since most people don't seem to know exactly what was taken out. I don't much want to engage in the debate myself, but with that said, lets remember that we can discuss difference of opinion without resorting to personal insults and flaming. This is a video game. There's no reason to be rude to each other just because we disagree. No one should have to be reminded of that but a moderator asked me to mention it since prior threads were closed due to flaming.

What you can see in the photo:

Yea but it doesn't mean that functionality will be there at launch.

Ya it pretty much does.

The patch we're currently playing is the one that has been updated with the API changes.

Do you really think they'd take out more functionality after the rage over this? If anything they'd add things back after launch (like buff/debuffs on yourself.)

Thumbs up, much appreciated! Now get ready for whining from those who dont want any of it or even be reminded of things like scrolling combat text.

Buff/debuff trackers are the only ones that are overly useful aside from scrolling combat text.

I also have no clue who said these things were removed. Maybe I missed some posts.

I personally miss the ability to view the daily schedule of my opponents or access their bank accounts via the API, but I guess we can live without those features after all.

I think what your saying that is left with the API is what most people actually wanted. It was just the information on other players, especially those in other factions that was the real issue. Im sure there will be more adjustments but not severe ones.

LOL

Good post.

The only thing that really bugs me about the changes is removal of self/party buff/debuff tracking and target tracking of debuffs applied by you. Knowing damage type and such for incoming damage would be nice, but is not critical.

I fully expect buff/debuff tacking to be added. Frankly, if they're concerned about "unfair advantage" showing enemy PC long duration buffs is probably worse than only showing debuffs applied by the player.

This. If a game is going to have buff and debuff mechanics, in a teamplay environment, where counters exist (think cleansing), then they better convey this info in an intuitive and clear way. This is not happening right now. They need to make the default UI better (whether by making tells be much more distinct, or by implementing buff/debuff icon tracking) and allow addons to have the same functionality.

Simple.

this and that

I don't see why people want to ruin the unique parts of ESO by duplicating the wow interface. I love the minimalist ui. I want to watch the fighting and enjoy the effects and animations, not stare at debuffs and dps/healing/threat meters.
Min maxers will, of course create a culture that demands anyone who doesn't want to be ridiculed and kicked from groups to adopt this ui and the playstyle that goes with it.
It happened in Rift and I fear it will happen here.

Few questions about this addon;

Where can i get it, can someone provide a link?

Are certain funtions togglable? Some things i rather not know, while other things are of interest to me.

moar addons? are there?

there are a whole lot of those people that arent so much against it as they are saying with or with out it you can play this game and actually be very good at it just ask Carde.

+1

The game is still good without it though.

Yes, the addons are not required by a long shot, but so much of it is guesswork that it really does feel like being partially blind and I don't care what the enthusiast's say.

But its entirely playable without them, which is all that really matters at the end of the day.

I want them there for options. I'll take all the [censored] talk and bashing from the scrubs that are afraid of their gearscore or whatever because I promote choice at the end of the day.

Thanks for this, NordJitsu.

I'd still love to be able to see my allies magika and stamina to be able to tell when they need a magika refresh or stamina restore passed their way. I don't care about seeing enemy magika/stamina though.

+1

The game is still fun, but sometimes what appears to be randomly dying from unknown causes is not.

However overall great game and good fun pvp and pve.

This doesn't seem that bad to be honest.
Thanks Nordjitsu.

When designing a UI, the first goal of the developers should never be "unique" -- it should be "usable." Allow addons to make the UI unique, but make the base functionality of the UI usable.

On the point of min/maxers, they will exist either way. I suggest you not worry about it. I remember in WoW when I was trying to get into raid that another guild was doing. Of course they advertised "must have 9000+ gear score!" So you know what I did when I knew I didn't meet the requirement? I lied. Yup, I lied. I got into the raid as an Enhancement Shaman, decked out in the best Heroic Dungeon blues, and was second in DPS. If you are good at the game, gear score doesn't matter. Don't ever let that stop you from playing the game.

Oh Nordjitsu, thanks for this info.

I'm so ready for you to put a ring of mara on my fingers, babe. C'mon, do it!

Krypto, you can't lie about it when they can mouse over your toon and get your gear score.
I'm not worried about min maxers really. I used to tank for a prograssion guild and I had a higher gearscore than 75% of other players. Than I would log on to an alt and join a group, or try and a lot of the fimes they would judge my toon on gear score alone even though I was a skilled and e perienced player.
I remember raiding and watching debuffs, healthbars threat meters, cooldowns and buffs and never really enjoying the cool stuff that happens in the fights. I don't want to play that way anymore.

I like that minimap. I NEED that minimap.

Can we please then meet in the middle somewhere?

I say just add the basic info in the options menu to enable like buffs and debuff.

I dont care about anything else. 90% of others who don't like the UI changes agree.

As long as we see those buffs and debuffs, MOST of us will be happy and stop this whole argument!