Because, currently, it doesn't. I have a fraction of a second (as determined by animation speed) to see a card's item-of-origin when it plays (which presumably will be useful information as I come to recognize more items), then the information is gone forever. Clicking the card in the log just gets me the plain version.
erm, imo...the item-of-origin should not be visible for MP battles. There is a strategic significance here.
On the contrary: it is that strategic use in multiplayer that I want to see. After all, a dragon in single-player may simply have "a dragon deck," so the item-of-origin is only vaguely useful. However, during the long pre-beta months, we'd discussed the benefits of card suites for the meta-game: players should care about the items and learn them so that they become smarter and better in matches. The fact that items exist separate from cards at all in Card Hunter is unique, and should be used to its full extent to make this game something special.
lol, I see you feel strongly about this... Then again, I think this could be an issue for further debate post launch. On a personal note, if the option 'not to reveal item-of-origin in MP' exist, I would opt in for that. (Yes, I want to own nubs with my epic set so they don't know what I have, sorta like a poker game iykwim)
It is intended to be part of the game that you can deduce deck contents from observing what items are being used against you.
The key word here is 'deduce'. I do not wish to digress too much from the OP but consider the fact that it is possible to script a bot if you provided that little bit of info. All it needs is an item database and it can 'calculate' your entire decklist. And yes, from experience...there are fanatics that develop/sell such bots scripts even in f2ps. Then again, all I'm proposing is food for thought. In no way do I wish to influence design outcome, I will accept final design as is. Hope it helps.
I'm with phaselock for the very reason that addons will make the learning part harder and more inconsistent than just cheeseing it. But i do like the idea of seeing what item the card belongs to in theory.