New World Devs Talk About Loot Biasing, A System Designed To Increase The Likelihood Of Desirable Equipment

The developers of New World took a deep dive to discuss the implementation and purpose of a system called Loot Biasing.

In the MMORPG, this system is designed to enhance the player experience by increasing the likelihood of obtaining loot that aligns with the player's current equipment, focusing on attributes and item types. The developers said the primary goal is to reduce frustration for players who often receive loot that doesn't complement their playstyle or character build.

The development process involved identifying and addressing issues in the existing loot system, particularly the existence of less desirable options. Loot biasing works by adjusting the odds of certain item types dropping based on the player's equipped gear. It especially matters in competitive content like Mutators or Arenas, said the team from Amazon Games — where obtaining relevant loot is more important compared to in other areas of the game.

They said Loot Biasing has shown positive results, but challenges persist…particularly with named items and artifacts. These unique items do not fully integrate into the biasing system due to their distinctive nature. Also, the impact of Loot Biasing is expected to be more significant for returning and current players than newer ones, as it helps streamline the gearing process.