Request for an Optional Third-Person Mode

  • Jason il Pirata
    Castaway

    Dear Rare,

    I'm writing this message with deep respect and affection for Sea of Thieves, a game I find artistically extraordinary and truly one of a kind. I love pirates, the world you've built, the atmosphere, the idea of cooperation with friends, and everything that makes this experience so special.

    Unfortunately, despite my ongoing enthusiasm (which has never faded over time), I don’t play this game very often due to the physical discomfort caused by the first-person view. I experience this discomfort in all first-person games, which is why I usually hesitate to play them and if I do, it means I truly love the game, even though it leaves me feeling drained.

    Playing in first-person gives me a strong sense of disorientation, fatigue, and physical unease: I struggle to understand where I am in the environment, I bump into things constantly, and I quickly become mentally exhausted. It’s a feeling very similar to motion sickness (which I know many other players also experience with first-person perspective games).

    In third-person games, however, I have no issues at all. I feel more relaxed, I can navigate naturally, and I can fully enjoy the experience.

    I understand that the first-person view is a deliberate artistic choice, and I deeply respect that. However, an optional third-person mode (with a centered camera, not an over-the-shoulder view that would cause similar issues for me) could help many players like me continue to enjoy the Sea of Thieves adventure without sacrificing their physical well-being.

    I know that after all these years without such an option, my hopes are slim, but I read what you wrote on your Accessibility page:
    “We firmly believe that the greatest victory is enabling everyone to play. We want to ensure that anyone who wants to play Sea of Thieves is able to do so.”
    That message gave me the courage to reach out anyway.

    Thank you for your time, for listening, and for the incredible work you continue to put into making this game more beautiful with every update. I truly hope you’ll consider this request in the future.

    With appreciation,
    Jason the Pirate

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  • GoldsMen
    Captain
    Insider

    Balance side of the debate aside, i have seen this a bit, at this point i just want them to add it so people can say how horrible it is in the close quarters of ships, especially in combat.

    I do understand it is a comfort thing for people, both first and third person are fine for me personally, but if a game is designed with first person in mind, it can be hard to incorporate third person since often first person games have tighter areas that would be extremely difficult to see around unless it forces first person in those areas. As well first person is not just an artistic choice with combat, since your aim is based on your center of view, changing view angles would affect it since there is no crosshair.

    The only way it could be incorporated is by either making people feel more cramped than ever, or forcing first person in tight areas, possibly as an adjustable qol slider? But either case some one will probably be complaining about how bad 3rd person will be since it it was not considered in world design to begin with.

  • BurnBacon
    Vanguard
    Insider

    Third person and enter a tight small cave entry. Where the camera gonna fit that doesn’t clip and show the world map?

    Aside from that. Able to see behind you and over the ship would make you sick. Not counting trying to adjust sails, fire cannons and combat

  • Jason il Pirata
    Castaway

    @burnbacon
    Actually, I think I would get along just fine; if that weren't the case, I could still use the first-person view for places or situations that require it (and not, like now, for the entire time I’m playing).

  • Jason il Pirata
    Castaway

    @goldsmen
    I'm aware it would change the game quite a bit. They could set up different servers some where you're only allowed to use first-person, and others where both views are available. That way, if third-person isn’t perfect or bothers some players, they wouldn’t be forced to use it or even see others using it around them. Even if it’s not as polished as a game designed specifically for third-person, it would still be a worthwhile addition.

    And if anyone dared to complain about its imperfections, I’d personally sink them with my ship!

  • PotatoSord
    Marauder
    Insider

    The game is designed entirely around first person. It would be horrific to use 3rd person view inside your ship, when your head is already basically scraping on the roof, and forget about any caves. They would have to redesign almost the entire game to make 3rd person viable.
    This is also ignoring that 3rd person basically allows you to look around corners without exposing yourself at all. The environments in the game are designed with only 1st person play in mind. 3rd person just will not work without redesigning basically everything.

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