I found the Pet Shops pretty neat, although I most likely would never take enough time to look through the mass that I saw in town, I would just use the auction house. I can see why people would want them in though, as it gives the feel of a real player based economy, and since people are both FOR and AGAINST it, it should just be a toggle option. I myself would keep them on, visually, but again, would never spend time searching through several seperate shops.
This was my favourite non-combat feature in TERA, was disappointed when I heard it was removed. I enjoyed searching around the stores while waiting for friends/groups, like window shopping.
I love the system as it was, but even if its modified to better suit community tastes I would love to see this re-added into the game after revision.
And lastly, I'll see you in game good sir cause you ain't goin anywhere. :)
For the record, I never threatened to quit over this. However, people are kidding themselves if they believe debacles like this one don't contribute to a player's reasons for eventually departing.
Nobody stays with one MMO forever; we all have a proverbial gaming coffin that only has room for so many nails, and situations like this add another nail to that coffin. Eventually the things we like about a game become difficult to see as they are overshadowed by the things we dislike. For a game that hopes to have a long and successful life, it's discouraging that eventually even the pettiest concerns eventually wear heavily on players. Therefore, it's just dumb to speed that process along by making whimsical and unnecessary changes that leave players with bad impressions.
I was very excited about Tera for a long time, but now I'm considerably less excited because the developers have discouraged me with the way they have handled (and continue to handle) some recent decisions (player shops, mischief boxes, and a few others). Honestly, a game can have a lot of problems, but if I believe in the developers behind the wheel then I don't mind the flaws nearly as much. Unfortunately, the decisions the developers at EME have made lately has seriously eroded away at some players confidence, myself included. And that just makes the other flaws in Tera start to stand out quite a bit more.
In my opinion you either need to have player shops, or an auction house. not both. PLayer shops let those who want to play the market and make money lets them do that. It's time and dedication on their part, to set up shops, itemize everything and deal with it. For example, lineage II had the best player controlled market I can think of. Those that were interested in making money played it, and it wasnt easy, but it was rewarding. But auction houses people just go throw their items down and say I want X money. It's too easy. Trading in the markey should be hard not an instant $$ sign when you see or get an item.
i want player shops back!!!! i loved this in aion and was excited that it was in this game. Why did they have to remove them? No one I knew or heard in the game itself ever complained about it....
I especailly loved being out questing and going to get lunch, and setting up a shop with random items for sale while i afked.