Runescape polling - how much should devs compromise on their vision to cater to players?

[Val the Moofia Boss]

On the one hand, you have dictators who say "this is what the game will be, there will be no discussions about it."

On the other hand, you have devs trying to answer audience requests for changes by removing or adding features that fundamentally compromise the vision of their game. Ingame polls in Runescape to say YES/NO to new changes is the ultimate form of this democratization.

Which way do you prefer and how? Which way is too far? Is there a better implementation of democratization of game design?

[rusty_shackleford]

basically nothing ever gets voted in beyond pvm bosses dropping even more skilling materials, so the game is effectively in stasis
it's the best system available when the people who would be in power are worse than status quo

On the other hand, you have devs trying to answer audience requests for changes by removing or adding features that fundamentally compromise the vision of their game. Ingame polls in Runescape to say YES/NO to new changes is the ultimate form of this democratization.

Nothing forces them to ask questions that compromise their vision to begin with

[Oyster Sauce]

I don't trust players. Just let me make the calls.

[Stack of Turtles]

Nobody has visions of games anymore anyway.

[J1M]

Nobody has visions of games anymore anyway.

Exactly, and what good is a vision when the average stint on the team is under 2 years.

[sheet]

"Votes" would work better if given more power to people with older and/or more active accounts.

[rusty_shackleford]

"Votes" would work better if given more power to people with older and/or more active accounts.

It would just result in even more drops from bosses

[Val the Moofia Boss]

"Votes" would work better if given more power to people with older and/or more active accounts.

How are the voices of players who have become dissatisfied with the game and are staying away until their desires are redressed supposed to be heard in this model?

[J1M]

"Votes" would work better if given more power to people with older and/or more active accounts.

How are the voices of players who have become dissatisfied with the game and are staying away until their desires are redressed supposed to be heard in this model?

By keeping their account active and playtime low.

[Stack of Turtles]

"Votes" would work better if given more power to people with older and/or more active accounts.

How are the voices of players who have become dissatisfied with the game and are staying away until their desires are redressed supposed to be heard in this model?

They aren't. Why would anyone want to hear the opinions of people who don't like the game and quit playing it?