Wowhead Economy Weekly Roundup 319

Hello! Welcome to the 319th edition of the WoW Economy Weekly Wrap-up! In this blog post we will be discussing potential developments in bot technology and the impact that bots have on the economy in WoW. We will also explore the best uses for the TradeSkillMaster (TSM) addon in both Retail and Classic versions of the game. Additionally, we will dive into some Classic fishing locations in Wrath of the Lich King (WotLK) while preparing for the release of Cataclysm Classic.

Is Botting Ruining the Economy?

An interesting thread recently appeared on the r/worldpvp forums discussing the use of AI in bot technology. The thread highlighted the potential impact of AI-powered bots on the game's economy, and how it could change the landscape of gaming. One user shared a research paper from Google on their new AI agent called SIMA, which can interact with any virtual environment using only the images on the screen and simple, natural-language instructions from the user.

The concern raised is that as this technology becomes more advanced and undetectable, it could ruin competitive games like WoW PvP. Bots have always been a presence in WoW, but with the advancements in AI, they could become even more intelligent and harder to detect. The presence of bots has implications for the economy, as they were developed to farm gold and items to sell to other players, but the game has evolved over time to address this issue. Vendor prices have decreased, auction house prices have dropped, and new gold sinks have been introduced.

• How Does Botting Affect the Economy?

As an economy-focused blog, it is important to consider how botting affects the in-game economy. Initially, bots were created to farm gold and items that players needed, such as herbs, ore, and dungeon drops. However, over time, the game has implemented measures to reduce the ease of obtaining gold through repetitive methods. Vendor prices have decreased, and the introduction of expensive vendor reagents and a region-wide auction house has lowered the prices of commodities. These changes have balanced the flow of money in and out of the game.

In today's economy, players still have a need for gold to pay for game time, buy BoEs (Bind on Equip items), pay for carries, and purchase expensive mounts like the Brutosaur. While bots continue to exist, the impact on the economy is not as significant as it once was. The game has evolved to provide alternative methods for players to acquire gold, and the presence of bots has shifted the focus to other areas of the game, such as PvP.

• Player Perspectives on Botting

Players have varying opinions on the impact of bots on their gameplay and the future implications of AI development. Some players express frustration, highlighting the presence of bots as a constant reminder that farming and grinding can feel futile. They raise concerns about the lack of resources and attention given by game developers to combat botting. Others argue that the economy has already been disrupted, not just by bots, but also by changes in game design and the devaluation of certain items.

While there is no definitive solution to the issue of botting, it is important to consider player perspectives and the potential consequences for the game's economy. As AI technology continues to advance, it remains to be seen how it will impact the gaming landscape and the experiences of players.

Don't Forget Disenchant Searches

On a different note, TheLazyGoldmaker reminds us about the usefulness of using TSM disenchant searches as an easy method to start making gold, particularly in Classic WoW. By leveling up your enchanting skill, you can perform disenchantments and potentially obtain valuable materials. It's important to remember that the profits shown may not always be exact, but they will average out over time.

TSM in Retail & Classic

For returning players who are familiar with gold making, you might be wondering where TradeSkillMaster (TSM) fits into the current gold making process and what other addons are now available. The short answer is that TSM is still alive and well! However, there have been some changes in the gold making landscape.

In Retail WoW, the gold-making model has shifted more towards a customer service-based approach, with Work Orders replacing the previous focus on professions. TSM is still essential for creating crafting lists and posting large amounts of items on the Auction House, particularly for transmog and non-commodity items.

In Classic WoW, TSM reigns supreme as the go-to addon for gold making. It is particularly useful for managing inventory, intercharacter mailings, and pricing items based on profit margins. Classic WoW maintains a gold-making model that revolves around hoarding low-priced commodities in guild banks and basing gathering and pricing decisions on profit margins.

Fishing for WotLK Classic

One often overlooked profession is Fishing, which can be a relaxing way to make gold in both Retail and Classic WoW. In Wrath of the Lich King Classic, there are several great fishing spots that offer the opportunity to catch valuable fish. Additionally, Fishing and Cooking are useful secondary professions in Classic WoW, providing daily quests and rewards like the Weather-Beaten Fishing Hat and Chef's Hat.

For more information, these topics were originally discussed in the r/woweconomy subreddit and its accompanying Discord server.

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