If their market research showed that extending the primitive stage would be a good way to win new customers, then I really think all the designers/decision makers should have played a couple 2-3 week long A16 games.
The early game/horde magic was there in A16, it definately isn't in a19.
(And to be succsessful in A16s first weeks -did not- require firearms. Also not saying it was perfect, just a heck of a lot better.)
-- following is what came to mind reading the Q6 crafting & degredation posts --
Just my opinion, but I personally would really like more items in the game, where it makes sense.
Variety is the spice of life as they say.
The upcoming Vehicle Damage system could really open the door for 'needing' different vehicles.
Add a Dirtbike. No damage when offroad, fastest offroad.
Motorcycle fastest on road, but med off road speed and takes damage.
Add normal Car and now 4x4 vs. Car is similar to Dirtbike vs. Motorcycle, but Car/4x4 have more storage & use more gas.
Add a Deuce and a Half. Huge storage, slow like a Minibike, can't climb steep hills but otherwise fine for off road.
(these'd need 10 tires, 3-4x the iron/steel of the 4x4, lowest MPG)
Bigger the vehicle, less damage taken running zeds over.
Bike/Minibike/Dirtbike, really shouldn't hit zeds with these, likely to break something. Etc.
Point being that if you look at "Vehicles" like any of the 'weapon' branches, Vehicles already have a T0, T1, T2 and a T3. And each are well suited in their slot with obvious seperation and benefits.
But the gameplay problem, imo, is that after you've used each one for a while they just become, 'same ole same ole'. And, a biggie, there's very little reason to ever use any vehicle other than your 'favorite'.
Adding variety, if only to the 'top tier' would add a fair bit; more things to find, more choices in what to use, help define RP characters, all of which can extend a playthrough, and incentivize more games.
Yes. I can definately see why TFPs stuck so rigorously to the 'one item per tier' for so long. It facilitated balance, minimized amount of rework, eased metas like what to put into each Class.
But now that they're so close to Gold, and have a set Standard for visuals, hearing that the final weapon items will be pipe guns is incredibly disappointing.