Grind (Destiny)

by narcogen , Andover, Massachusetts, Wednesday, December 31, 2014, 22:15 (3856 days ago) @ General Vagueness

or, extending the time people play, which is one of the goals of grind, and which can be good for them but also good for the game

I don't think it's that it at all.

Grind is what some people do voluntarily in response to a mechanism that is designed to do something else-- in this case, gating.

I think what Bungie is doing with this mechanic is slowing the flow of legendary items to players who are routinely hitting the mark cap on multiple characters. The commendations add a random element to how often those characters can convert those marks into gear.

Another possibility is that it is another system designed to require players to diversify their play style. You can get marks by doing the daily, weekly, nightfall, strike playlists and public events, without ever touching a bounty.

With the addition of the commendation, you HAVE to check with the bounty bot. You probably don't have to change your playstyle much-- you can do a fair number of the bounties without actually having to play anything in particular, if you choose the non-mission specific ones, and doing those alone will generate commendations.

I have 3-4 vanguard commendations and 2 crucible commendations sitting in storage right now because I haven't decided what to buy with them yet, and my play style is more centered around clearing bounties than strike playlists.