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I was thinking about the whole offline vs online issue and I wonder if any ARPG has tried the following approach: an offline mode with optional "live world" where you can see chat and players but you can only talk to them (no trading). That is, if you don't have an internet connection you will just play offline, but if you have internet you have the option to add some spice to your game world. Hear me out.
The main issue with online is trading and ladders. And the main issue with offline that I keep seeing is that it can feel lonely and disconnected from other players. LE already offers global chat in offline mode, and will have a true (no internet required) offline mode at launch. I say just go the next step and if you have internet show both chat and players, with limited interactions.
Benefits: You see players around you, which is cool. No internet? It's fine, you can still play. Servers are laggy? Turn off the "live world" option and you're good to go. The only thing you don't have access to is trade, which makes sense. As someone who enjoys SSF but still like seeing people around, I think this mode would be my default if it was implemented.
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