Massively http://massively.joystiq.com Massively http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Massively http://massively.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Why I Play: Fallen Earth]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/22/why-i-play-fallen-earth/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/22/why-i-play-fallen-earth/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/22/why-i-play-fallen-earth/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Fallen Earth
I'm going to start my Fallen Earth testimony by echoing the same sentiment that Shawn shared last week with WURM Online: I really didn't get it the first couple of times I tried it. I had heard great things about this post-apocalyptic title from Massively and elsewhere at the time, but it felt so different and kind of raw when I logged in that I didn't stay for long. In fact, it wasn't until I forced myself to sit down and devote an entire evening to Fallen Earth that I got past my initial objections and it clicked for me.

It clicked hard.

Since that time, I've been an ardent fan of Fallen Earth, using it as Exhibit A whenever people complain that all MMOs are too much alike and boring. Well, here you go, I say. An MMO in a contemporary setting that also happens to embrace apocalyptic themes. An MMO that revels in dark humor and edgy themes. An MMO where 95% of the gear in the game can be crafted and used by you. An MMO with free-form character growth and -- this is important -- motorcycles. An MMO with a world that's genuinely fun to explore (and might I add, huge).

It's not perfect, it's not my main MMO squeeze, but it is a title I've carried a torch for since my first days in the wasteland. I've got no shortage of words when it comes to this game, especially if there's a chance that my verbosity will get you to take a closer look at Fallen Earth (which is easier than ever since its free-to-play conversion).

Continue reading Why I Play: Fallen Earth

MassivelyWhy I Play: Fallen Earth originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>craftingfallen-earthfeaturedgamersfirsticarus-studiosopinionsandboxsandparktheme-parkwhy-i-playwurm-onlineWed, 22 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[WildStar Wednesday tackles the sandbox vs. themepark debate]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/03/wildstar-wednesday-tackles-the-sandbox-vs-themepark-debate/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/03/wildstar-wednesday-tackles-the-sandbox-vs-themepark-debate/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/03/wildstar-wednesday-tackles-the-sandbox-vs-themepark-debate/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Screenshot -- WildStar
Sandbox or themepark? It's a never-ending debate around these parts of the internet. Carbine Studios knows both sides of the argument all too well, and it shows. Which side of the argument does WildStar fall on, though? If today's WildStar Wednesday dev diary is to be believed, the game straddles the fence between the two.

WildStar's Executive Producer Jeremy Gaffney points out that "developer-directed game play isn't always at odds with the player-directed experience" and notes that sometimes leaning too heavily in either direction can be detrimental to the overall gameplay. As such, the developers are attempting to hit the sweet spot between sandbox and themepark gameplay. If you're interested in finding out how they plan to do that, head on over to the dev diary at WildStar's official site.

MassivelyWildStar Wednesday tackles the sandbox vs. themepark debate originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 03 Nov 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carbinecarbine-studiosdev-blogdev-diaryjeremy-gaffneymechanicssandboxtheme-parkwildstarwildstar-wednesdayThu, 03 Nov 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Soapbox: The battle for story]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/01/the-soapbox-the-battle-for-story/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/01/the-soapbox-the-battle-for-story/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/01/the-soapbox-the-battle-for-story/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Storyteller
Disclaimer: The Soapbox column is entirely the opinion of this week's writer and does not necessarily reflect the views of Massively as a whole. If you're afraid of opinions other than your own, you might want to skip this column.

When I was in grad school, one of my favorite classes spent a couple of sessions talking about the use and importance of story in teaching. It opened my eyes to the fact that stories are one of the most universal elements of the human experience, from antiquity to modern times, ranging from a little kid playing with toys to an adult penning a novel. We simply love to tell and listen to stories -- they grab our attention, spark our imagination, teach us valuable lessons, and create lasting memories.

But somewhere along the years, something went horribly wrong when it came to MMOs and stories. MMOs were always supposed to be the ultimate platform for storytelling, as both developers and players could pitch in to weave epic sagas, and for a while that seemed to be the case. Lately, however, I've seen a movement that is thrashing hard against stories in MMOs, typically using one of the following two statements: "Get your stupid story out of my game!" or "Stories are better left to other forms of entertainment."

It's made me a sad panda to realize that MMO storytelling is under attack by the very players who should embrace it, and often they're acting as if they're being dragged, kicking and screaming, into future MMOs where story is placed as a priority. Make no mistake: The battle for story is on, and the stakes have never been higher.

Continue reading The Soapbox: The battle for story

MassivelyThe Soapbox: The battle for story originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 01 Nov 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arenanetasherons-callbacklashbiowarednddungeons-and-dragonsepic-sagafeaturedfuncomguild-wars-2gw2lord-of-the-rings-onlinelorenamaste-entertainmentriftroleplayingrprpgrpgssandboxstar-wars-the-old-republicstoriesstorystorybricksstorytellingtaletalesteam-fortress-2the-secret-worldtheme-parktriontrion-worldsturbineTue, 01 Nov 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony reinventing PlayStation Home to be more like an MMO]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/23/sony-reinventing-playstation-home-to-be-more-like-an-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/23/sony-reinventing-playstation-home-to-be-more-like-an-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/23/sony-reinventing-playstation-home-to-be-more-like-an-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Playstation Home
PlayStation Home was a hugely anticipated feature for console fans, one that ultimately garnered mixed reviews and apathetic affection. Due to the reception, Sony has decided to reinvent the game lobby-slash-virtual-world to incorporate the best of themeparks, MMOs, and social networks.

When it relaunches this fall, PlayStation Home will look radically different, resembling a sleek mall with plenty to do and faster functionality for those who want to get right to their games. But between playing commercial titles, gamers are encouraged to hang out for a while, which is where MMO elements come into play.

The new Home has a number of districts, as an amusement park would, and in them players can pick up quests, go on treasure hunts, and explore these video game-themed zones to find hidden mysteries. Sony also promises that it will incorporate persistent, ongoing stories, similar to those you'd find in MMOs, such as an alien invasion that affects all of the areas.

Sony is hoping that the 23 million Home users will embrace this new experience and form stronger social connections through it.

MassivelySony reinventing PlayStation Home to be more like an MMO originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 23 Aug 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventureamusement-parksconsolehomehorrorplaystationplaystation-3playstation-homeps3rebootreimaginerevampsocial-networksocial-networkingsonysportstheme-parktheme-parksTue, 23 Aug 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What challenges have you added to your game?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/11/the-daily-grind-what-challenges-have-you-added-to-your-game/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/11/the-daily-grind-what-challenges-have-you-added-to-your-game/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/11/the-daily-grind-what-challenges-have-you-added-to-your-game/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

I'm always fascinated with stories of players who deliberately add challenges to their MMO gameplay. Sometimes you hear about folks who try to get to the level cap without killing a single creature, or people who play with naked (unarmored) toons, or those who make it their mission to complete every single achievement and quest there is.

I see self-created challenges as an attempt to add spice and flavor into games, usually after you've long since gotten bored of the most efficient leveling path. Some players think up these challenges to add a slice of sandbox-style goals into an otherwise theme park-oriented title.

Right now, one of my characters in Lord of the Rings Online is attempting to do every single solo quest in each zone before going elsewhere. It's challenging to slow myself down and get over that desire to progress and go for the big XP rewards, but it's a ton of fun so far as well.

So, big or small, what challenges have you added to your game?

Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: What challenges have you added to your game? originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 11 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>challengechallengescompletionismcompletionistlord-of-the-rings-onlinelotronakednudenudityopinionsandboxself-created-challengesself-made-challengestdgthe-daily-grindtheme-parkMon, 11 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Where would you vacation in an MMO?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/22/the-daily-grind-where-would-you-vacation-in-an-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/22/the-daily-grind-where-would-you-vacation-in-an-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/22/the-daily-grind-where-would-you-vacation-in-an-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

MMOs are often the place we go to get away from the routine of life, where we can explore exotic worlds and cull all life from them in pursuit of the almighty ding. Even though this virtual exploration is fun, from time to time the locales call to us strongly. "Come!" they say. "Visit us! Ignore the rampaging orcs and rest under the shade of our death trees!"

I sometimes wonder where I'd vacation in an MMO if I was given the chance. I'd probably say either Lord of the Ring Online's Shire -- during any given pie festival -- or on Guild Wars' sandy beaches. Either of those would be supremely relaxing and probably superior to hoofing it around Vegas or Disney World (cue MMO "theme park" joke).

So where would you vacation in an MMO if the laws of reality would bend to suit your travel plans? Would it be somewhere gorgeous, somewhere interesting, or somewhere with locals you'd love to meet?

Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Where would you vacation in an MMO? originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 22 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disney-worldguild-warsgwlas-vegaslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotroopiniontdgthe-daily-grindthe-shiretheme-parkvacationvegasFri, 22 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Road to Mordor: The final ding]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/28/the-road-to-mordor-the-final-ding/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/28/the-road-to-mordor-the-final-ding/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/28/the-road-to-mordor-the-final-ding/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

It happened far sooner than I'd hoped. I tried to put it off, to ignore the creeping bar, to spend my days in frivolous activities instead of fighting evil -- but to no avail. It was a simple quest turn-in somewhere deep in Mirkwood, and with only two elves to witness the event, a stream of white light erupted from my head.

I was level 65.

For me, it's always been extremely disconcerting to hit endgame in any MMO, which is probably why Lord of the Rings Online marks only the fourth game of my MMO career in which this has happened. I like the feeling of leveling up, gaining experience, going on a mostly solo journey through the lands. But once I ding that final level, the XP gains go away and the questions arise.

What do I do now? Should I become concerned with raiding? I wasn't before! Is there a purpose to keep on questing at this point without XP? Am I going to avoid fighting mobs unless I absolutely have to do so? What is there to do? Will I get bored? Who replaced my wallet with a ketchup packet before I sat down?

Join me after the jump as I take you through these questions and more on my journey to discover a life after the final ding.

Continue reading The Road to Mordor: The final ding

MassivelyThe Road to Mordor: The final ding originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 28 Jan 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bree-landcaptaincatch-22deedsdungeonenedwaithettenmoorsexperienceForochelgladdeninstanceitem-experienceixplandrovallegendary-itemslevel-65level-caplilord-of-the-rings-onlinelothlorienlotromirkwoodmonster-playplayer-vs-monster-playerpvmpraidrise-of-isengardrivendellsandboxsarumantheme-parkturbineturbine-entertainmentvirtuesxpFri, 28 Jan 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What are your goals in a sandbox MMO?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/20/the-daily-grind-what-are-your-goals-in-a-sandbox-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/20/the-daily-grind-what-are-your-goals-in-a-sandbox-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/20/the-daily-grind-what-are-your-goals-in-a-sandbox-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

One of the main attractions to sandbox MMOs is the wide freedom of choice, of exploration, and of goals that you can accomplish. In games from Wurm Online to EVE Online, players have reveled in the ability to make their own stories and carve out a slice of the world for their own use.

So if you've ever played a sandbox MMO, what were your goals? What do you try to do when you set foot in a brand-new one? Do you quickly dive into crafting or strike out on bold adventures? Do you become a feared bandit of the forest or an avenging savior of the helpless? Do you see whether you can find the edge of the known world and then cross it?

And if you've never experienced a sandbox MMO, what would you hypothetically do in one if you played it?

Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: What are your goals in a sandbox MMO? originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 20 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eveeve-onlinesandboxsandbox-mmotdgthe-daily-grindtheme-parkwurm-onlineMon, 20 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Captain's Log: Will STO become a sandbox or remain a themepark?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/02/captains-log-will-sto-become-a-sandbox-or-remain-a-themepark/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/02/captains-log-will-sto-become-a-sandbox-or-remain-a-themepark/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/02/captains-log-will-sto-become-a-sandbox-or-remain-a-themepark/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Welcome back from the holiday, readers! I trust everyone has recovered from the excitement of a long weekend, a tasty Thanksgiving and a rabid Black Friday. By now you should have settled back into the slow, miserable slog toward more holidays. I know I have.

For this week's Captain's Log, I'm going to discuss themepark and sandbox MMOs. What do those terms mean? And how does Star Trek Online fit into that dichotomy, both in its present form and in its Foundry-expanded future?

Continue reading Captain's Log: Will STO become a sandbox or remain a themepark?

MassivelyCaptain's Log: Will STO become a sandbox or remain a themepark? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 02 Dec 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>captains-logcrypticcryptic-star-trekcryptic-studioseve-onlinefeaturedSandboxsandbox-experiencesandbox-gamingsandbox-mmost-onlineStar-TrekStar-Trek-MMOstar-trek-onlinestar-trek-online-season-threestosto-season-3sto-season-4sto-season-threetheme-parktheme-park-mmothemeparkthemepark-mmotrek-onlineWorld-of-WarcraftThu, 02 Dec 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: Reasons why it's great to be an MMO fan today]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/18/the-perfect-ten-reasons-why-its-great-to-be-an-mmo-fan-today/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/18/the-perfect-ten-reasons-why-its-great-to-be-an-mmo-fan-today/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/18/the-perfect-ten-reasons-why-its-great-to-be-an-mmo-fan-today/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

After my last Perfect Ten list, I strongly debated creating a new one revolving around the issue of spiders and their relation to insects and gigantism, but my editor told me that that wasn't enough of an MMO topic to suit Massively's needs. So, bowing and scraping in apology, I must instead present to you my back-up plan: Ten reasons why it's great to be an MMO fan today.

I can hear some of you grimacing right now: "But Justin -- if that is your real name -- are you really so doe-eyed and naïve? Don't you know that all MMOs suck, that it's all the same old crud, and that you have gray in your beard?"

That's where I'm different, I guess. I'm not blind to some of the serious issues that plague the MMO industry, and I've had my fair share of burnout, disillusion and frustration with the games, but I can't bring myself to become an MMO cynic. On the contrary, I feel that part of being an MMO fan is that it's fun to look on the bright side and get excited about this hobby we all share. So in that spirit, I present to you 10 reasons why it's a great time to be an MMO fan right now more than ever before.

And, yes, I'm still calling spiders "bugs." You can't stop me. I'm immune to all conventional weapons!

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: Reasons why it's great to be an MMO fan today

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: Reasons why it's great to be an MMO fan today originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 18 Nov 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>addbusiness-modelscharitieschristmascyniceveeve-onlinef2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playhalohorrorlongevitylord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromaddennaivencsoftpolygamypost-apocalypticpvepvppvpbdtthrpsandboxscifisocialspiders-are-insectssubscriptionsuperherotheme-parkThu, 18 Nov 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Anti-Aliased: What happened to building worlds]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/22/anti-aliased-what-happened-to-building-worlds/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/22/anti-aliased-what-happened-to-building-worlds/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/22/anti-aliased-what-happened-to-building-worlds/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

I hope you guys have taken the time to check out our GDCO coverage, specifically our interview with Richard Bartle. If there's anything that has really been on my mind for these past weeks, it's been that. Dr. Bartle's approach to MMOs is very similar to my own personal approach to MMOs: these are games, but they are also worlds.

And it's been that line of thinking that has lead me to today's column. What happened to creating worlds in our games?

Now, I'm not saying that our games don't include vast settings for us to explore. All of our MMOs include some great settings, but they seem to fall flat anymore. Instead of focusing on how players can interact with the world and each other, many developers are focused on creating the coveted "theme park" environment. We have worlds filled with pre-planned obstacles and challenges that rarely change and evolve over time, instead of allowing players to interact with the world and vice-versa.

So, with all of our new knowledge on how games work, what's stopping us from tackling the challenges we used to tackle regularly? How can we make world building and sandbox practices approachable? How can we re-ignite the creative fire?

Continue reading Anti-Aliased: What happened to building worlds

MassivelyAnti-Aliased: What happened to building worlds originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 22 Oct 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anti-aliasedbuilding-worldsfeaturedgame-designimaginationonline-worldsopen-world-designpvepvpsandboxtheme-parkvirtual-worldsworldworld-creationFri, 22 Oct 2010 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ask Massively: Why so serious edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/11/ask-massively-why-so-serious-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/11/ask-massively-why-so-serious-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/11/ask-massively-why-so-serious-edition/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It's that time again! Ask Massively has returned this week with answers to a handful of new questions. Since we didn't get too many this week, I went back and grabbed a few unanswered questions from our first week. Topics include Guild Wars population numbers, APB impressions and our new code of conduct.

Click right past the jump below for this week's answers. If you'd like to see your question answered next week, add it to the comments below or send it to ask AT massively DOT com. We'd love to hear from you!

Continue reading Ask Massively: Why so serious edition

MassivelyAsk Massively: Why so serious edition originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 11 Jun 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-points-bulletinapbask-massivelycode-of-conductguild-warshumoropinionsandboxtheme-parkFri, 11 Jun 2010 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Wars Galaxies livens up a theme park]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/13/star-wars-galaxies-livens-up-a-theme-park/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/13/star-wars-galaxies-livens-up-a-theme-park/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/13/star-wars-galaxies-livens-up-a-theme-park/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Usually, references to theme parks when it comes to MMOs are meant as derogatory terms. Not so much the case when playing Star Wars Galaxies, where "theme parks" are areas with connected and in-depth quest lines designed to invest the player in the region's storyline. The most recent producer's letter for the game mentioned that Nym's theme park was due for an overhaul and revision, and more information has helpfully been provided by the development team. The overhaul is targeting both new and veteran players, with the additional quests available for those who've never done them and quests available for those who already experienced the original line.

The original plan was to outright scrap the old content, but when the team got their hands on the volume of content, they decided instead to do an overhaul. That means that the original Nym content remains in the new questline, which has been vastly expanded and ties more personally to Nym himself. There's also a number of new optional bosses and collections added in the chain, to challenge and interest players of all stripes. Star Wars Galaxies has put a great deal of energy into the overhaul, no doubt hoping that people will be anxious to take a ride in the park.

MassivelyStar Wars Galaxies livens up a theme park originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 13 Mar 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>expanded-questsimprovementsnymoverhaulsrevampssoesony-online-entertainmentstar-wars-galaxiesstar-wars-mmoswgtheme-parkSat, 13 Mar 2010 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Digital Continuum: A week with Aion]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/19/the-digital-continuum-a-week-with-aion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/19/the-digital-continuum-a-week-with-aion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/19/the-digital-continuum-a-week-with-aion/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


After spending a week playing Aion over every other game in my library -- a feat considering I've got Brutal Legend and Uncharted 2 -- I'm feeling ready to discuss the game in a meaningful fashion.

It's hard to gauge what kind of game you're dealing with when an MMO launches, largely because the reality is that, often times, much of what an MMO is designed to be will change over the course of its first half year or so of development. With Aion, we're dealing with a deliberately designed concept that's been mostly well executed on -- more on that later.

Continue reading The Digital Continuum: A week with Aion

MassivelyThe Digital Continuum: A week with Aion originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aioncrytekcrytek-koreafeaturedgladiatorncsoftopinionpizzapvepvppvpetheme-parkthemeparkMon, 19 Oct 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Natural selection applied to MMOs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/22/natural-selection-applied-to-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/22/natural-selection-applied-to-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/22/natural-selection-applied-to-mmos/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,


There tend to be some fundamental differences between players of World of Warcraft and EVE Online, due in part to the contrast in rules and game mechanics, and the types of personalities each title attracts. This was mentioned in a recent Shut Up. We're Talking. podcast and provided some fuel for further discussion by Syncaine, from the Hardcore Casual blog.

He observes that "EVE players embrace scams, trickery, underhandedness, and generally resent any changes that would 'dumb down' EVE. In WoW that gets you quickly banned, and before that rivers swell from all the tears shed while players scream mommy." There's also a huge divide between the titles in terms of how 'hardcore' or PvP-centric the games are. "EVE is harsh on day one, and stays that way," Syncaine writes. "WoW holds your hand from 1-80, and makes sure you get a cookie regardless if you win or lose. EVE not only takes your cookie, but laughs at you for bringing one in the first place."

Continue reading Natural selection applied to MMOs

MassivelyNatural selection applied to MMOs originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 22 Nov 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardccp-gameseveeve-onlinefantasygame-mechanicshardcorehardcore-casualmmo-industryopinionsandboxsci-fishut-up-were-talkingsyncainetheme-parkworld-of-warcraftwowSat, 22 Nov 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Could smaller be better?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/19/could-smaller-be-better/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/19/could-smaller-be-better/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/19/could-smaller-be-better/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The great Raph Koster and Anyway Games' Aaron Miller have a little conversation going that inspired an interesting question for me: when it comes to MMOs, could smaller actually be better? Raph started it-- he put forth the idea that most MMOs these days are designed like theme parks-- they're designed to keep you around for as long as possible, with twisting passage ways, lots of checklists, and a certain sense of desperation: "please, please stay and grind. We've got content!" And Aaron continued the thought and suggested an MMO like a bar-- a place that you went to because it was fun to go sometimes, not that you went to because you couldn't leave.

And both of these posts point towards the same conclusion: that in a social situation like an MMO, smaller might actually be better. Currently, most games are fascinated with being as big as possible-- a "world" of content to explore, or "millions of players," all in the same space. MMOs have "expansions," and ever larger instances and battlegrounds-- the bigger the world can get, the better the selling point sounds.

But should it? Blizzard, the world's most famous MMO maker, has determined in the past year that a group of 40 doesn't work nearly as well as a group of 25, and that doesn't work as well as a group of 10. And as much as players say they want to play with their friends, just how many friends are we talking about?

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