Edit2: No, I am not trolling guys. This thread is NOT a suggestion to change the artwork of the Swarm Host, it is an investigation out of personal interest on the number of people here that suffer from this and how many of them experience the Swarm Host as disturbing due to the holes. I find the numbers and serious responses pretty intriguing actually. Please stop with the "let's remove x too!" reactions. They have been made many times by now and don't contribute to this topic. Start your own topic to see if players have blue-flame-phobia or whatever. See my reaction elsewhere in this topic for a more detailed explanation about this thread, it's on page 8.
Edit: README, I'm quite amazed at some of the reactions in this topic. So far, the polls point out that over 1 out of 10 players is actually disgusted by the Swarm Host artwork. I would say that is a pretty high percentage. Also, please refrain from trolling with all kinds of phobias. This thing is REAL and people do suffer from it. If that upsets you, then I'm sorry. But please don't waste your time by trolling this thread. -------------------------------------- Original post:
It seems a few people on TL mentioned that they can't bear to watch the Swarm Host. It triggers a fear called "Trypophobia". After a search on TL there seem to be more people who suffer from this. It made me wonder, is the Swarm Host a case of unfortunate artwork?
What is Trypophobia?
The irrational fear of clusters of holes, pods, circles, cracks, and/or other asymmestrical shapes which results in an all-over itchy feeling and a general uneasiness.
First, do the test and see if you can make it till the end of the video:
Poll: Did you make it till the end of the video?
Yes, no problem (1776)
66%
Yes, but it was kinda uncomfortable (609)
23%
No, I had to stop watching at some point/had to scratch due to itches (296)
11%
2681 total votes
Your vote: Did you make it till the end of the video?
(Vote): Yes, no problem (Vote): Yes, but it was kinda uncomfortable (Vote): No, I had to stop watching at some point/had to scratch due to itches
You can report your experiences (eg how far you made it) in this thread.
Now take a look at the swarm host:
Poll: Are you disgusted by the Swarm Host's holes on its back?
No (1901)
77%
Yes (568)
23%
2469 total votes
Your vote: Are you disgusted by the Swarm Host's holes on its back?
Personally I found the Trypophobia video uncomfortable to watch, but I made it. The Swarm Host seems kind of innocent though. I don't have problems with its artwork although I do think the unit looks a bit weird.
No, I didn't make it till the end because I got bored. I have no problems with the current artwork. Not that I would mind if they changed it because it looks kinda lame to me.
I'd prefer Lurker artwork. and maybe instead of the things that it sends out, it can shoot like, spines or something. And since Zerg doesn't have a lot of AOE, maybe these "spines" could do AEO damage of some sort.
In all seriousness though, yeah its kind of disturbing when I think about it, but if I don't its ok.
No, just because a few people don't like the art of something, doesn't mean it has to be changed for everyone. People are weirded out by all kind of things.
I suppose they should get rid of spider mines in BW due to arachnophobia as well as cliffs and air units due to acrophobia?
Also the video you posted seems like a stretch compared to what we see in the blizzard unit. Zoom in and out of anything that doesn't even have to have holes in dead silence and it comes of as a little creepy.
Play another race and kill those bastards!! Show them who's boss and combat your phobia that way. But in all seriousness, I don't mind it. It's probably pretty rare to be bothered by the unit.
I can understand where your coming from but it didnt bother me personally. I think the new swarm host looks ok, a bit silly maybe so they might change it to something a bit more badass, and less Trypophobia-ish
Suddenly, in a pro game, the Terran scans in front of his base and starts to scratch his skin like crazy... That's facing the gross and disgusting zerg for you !
EPT
