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I have always wondered why almost all Starcraft casts I see, whether it be GSL, MLG, any Starcraft event, it almost always seems like they don't display the health bars of all units and buildings at all times. It only shows the selected unit's health bar.
Personally when I play, I always have health bars on. I find this very useful for being able to see a upgrade's progress, whether my opponents marines are injured from stim, if they have pre-injured workers when harassing, etc.
I am always slightly annoyed while watching these casts by the fact I cant see how low someone's units are, because it definitely is a factor in some battles. Also if they do not have the production tab up at the moment I have occasionally wondered how far along the upgrade was. The only possible reason I can think of is that many bars would lag the cast, which doesn't really seem like a good excuse considering the computers most casters are using. Just wondering if anyone can give me a good reason they don't use them. Thanks - And if anyone involved in casting reads this please just turn on the health bars.
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The health bars detract from the visual experience of the game for people that are watching. Also, not having it gives the casters something more to talk about that the audience doesn't already know.
It creates a more cinematic experience, much like removing the entire UI, as many casts are now doing in big battles.
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This has been discussed since the beta. But have you ever seen a 200/200 battle with health bars on? I think there is a reason why they turn it to Selected. Its a giant cluster f*ck of health bars. It takes away from seeing the battle for itself. Sure, it would be nice to know which unit is close to dying and whatnot. However, that's the casters job to tell us.
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I guess that makes sense if you are aiming towards a casual audience. I always figured these casts were aimed toward people who actually care about starcraft and I was going to mention how I hated how they removed the UI because I couldnt see mini map for reinforcements. I guess the casual audience is where the money is?
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I agree. I wish they'd turn them on. It's so annoying when the casters hide information. Incontrol says it increases suspense or something, but I don't get anything out it personally.
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Yes they're good from an analytic standpoint, but for the spectators, it just makes the game look worse, and so therefore they keep them off.
Anyway, most good casters are good at mousing over injured units or holding alt to show the health bars of important injured units or after fights.
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Gotta agree, that would be really annoying to see in casts. The bars are great to do things like see which stalker needs blinked back, but you couldn't see half the shit that goes on if there were air units in the way. No bars is better.
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ugly and confusing during deathball battles
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200 zerglings with healthbars on is the ugliest thing in existence
most casters select units and you can see their health bars then. thats all thats needed.
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Good observers/casters know when it's important to show health bars, and then they do. Otherwise I'd rather see the units when I'm watching a game. Of course I play with health bars always on. Although I'm starting to think even that's not a good idea.
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Health bars during casts just make the big, game deciding battles an eyesore. They really only need to show them when it's important, otherwise, its just a bunch of green, yellow, orange, and red lines during a 200/200 vs. 200/200.
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On April 06 2011 10:39 Hikko wrote:
The health bars detract from the visual experience of the game for people that are watching. Also, not having it gives the casters something more to talk about that the audience doesn't already know.
It creates a more cinematic experience, much like removing the entire UI, as many casts are now doing in big battles.
I find it VERY bothering that the health bars arent on. It vastly improves my viewing experience if I can see the health of all units so I can better gage a situation. It really bothers me when I want to know some units health and the observer doesnt click on the unit. Leaving it up to the casters is a big mistake imo because casters very often miss a lot of what is going on that I do not miss and it is frustrating sometimes.
On April 06 2011 12:59 NoisyNinja wrote:
Health bars during casts just make the big, game deciding battles an eyesore. They really only need to show them when it's important, otherwise, its just a bunch of green, yellow, orange, and red lines during a 200/200 vs. 200/200.
They can just hold alt during a big battle.
What would eb better is if Blizz has a way so you could toggle it on and off.
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Some people like them while others do not.
I remember a lot of casters used to mention this last year.
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On April 06 2011 10:43 emrick wrote:
I guess that makes sense if you are aiming towards a casual audience. I always figured these casts were aimed toward people who actually care about starcraft and I was going to mention how I hated how they removed the UI because I couldnt see mini map for reinforcements. I guess the casual audience is where the money is?
It's where support for the esport comes from. There are lots of casual players or people who don't even play who like watching the pros. Just like sports. 
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We are watching the games, not playing them though. Watching a cluster fuck of health bars in a 200/200 battle is not very nice looking. I support not showing them. Casters do a fine job of highlighting key units to show their health.
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Absolutely necessary for playing, and they dont annoy me while watching a cast, but I can see how some people would be bothered by it. The caster/observer needs to do a good job selecting the units for and optimal viewing experience in my opinion.
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Ok so, the only reason not to have them is because in 200/200 battles you would see everyones health.
Personally, I really like being able to see how much health all the collosus, and other massive units have in a big fight. I also like to see how much stim has effected an army. If someone stimmed their whole army as miss-micro- I want to be able to see it. I don't really find it detracting visually at all.
Aside from big fights, as someone mentioned before- blink stalker micro is so much more amazing if u can see their health. Also units with energy- I really like to be able to see if they have enough energy to cast another fungal, etc. EMP's are so much better when u can actually see the shield removed or the energy drained.
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Well I personally try to in my casts keep the health bars off when a 200/200 battle is occuring by holding alt. Holding alt hide/shows health bars so when it gets really clunky to see the health on units I hold down alt so I am thinking of doing it the other way just because it's easier...
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EPT
