Gaming Amnesia
Due to the time of year, I’ve been looking through the various games that I own and considering whether I should revisit any. To cut a long story short, I’ve decided to give The Elder Scrolls Online another go. So, I duly downloaded and installed the client only to find myself utterly confounded by it. In a nutshell, I have completely forgotten how to play the game. This problem is further compounded by two other factors. Firstly, the controls and layout are more akin to that of Skyrim than of a typical MMO. Secondly, this is a game that relies on mods to significantly enhance its user interface. The plain vanilla client is somewhat lacking. Therefore, a new or returning player has to do a considerable amount of “homework” to before they can effectively enjoy the game. However, this is not a problem unique to this MMO. Putting aside the issue of mods, I have a case of what I shall term “gaming amnesia”, a malady that becomes increasingly common the more games you play.
Due to the time of year, I’ve been looking through the various games that I own and considering whether I should revisit any. To cut a long story short, I’ve decided to give The Elder Scrolls Online another go. So, I duly downloaded and installed the client only to find myself utterly confounded by it. In a nutshell, I have completely forgotten how to play the game. This problem is further compounded by two other factors. Firstly, the controls and layout are more akin to that of Skyrim than of a typical MMO. Secondly, this is a game that relies on mods to significantly enhance its user interface. The plain vanilla client is somewhat lacking. Therefore, a new or returning player has to do a considerable amount of “homework” to before they can effectively enjoy the game. However, this is not a problem unique to this MMO. Putting aside the issue of mods, I have a case of what I shall term “gaming amnesia”, a malady that becomes increasingly common the more games you play.
Much of this problem stems from my absence from the game. I haven't touched ESO for over a year. In the intervening time I have played several other MMOs and numerous single player games. My brain is filled with multiple keyboard controls and UIs, all conflicting with each other. Apart from some basic commonality such as WSAD keys for movement and the number keys bound to various attacks and heals, the subtleties of ESO have been completely lost to me. As any teacher will tell you, you need to immediately put into practise what you've been taught, if you wish to retain it. Obviously, MMOs can't all share an identical control interface, so I usually learn how to navigate through a new game’s systems by repetition. So, it is hardly surprising that I have forgotten so much under the circumstances.
This problem manifests itself all the time with my gaming activities. If I have spent a few months playing an FPS, then I'll often find myself holding down the Left Shift key in another game and expecting my character to sprint. Or mashing the wrong keys to bring up a HUD or induct a skill that is not even present. Whatever is the most recent seems to be the information that persists. This in fact raises the question as to whether games have too many skills options; a point that has been addressed with more recent, action combat driven MMOs. Both Guild Wars 2 as well as the ESO, restrict the number of skills on the hotbar. It’s a far cry from the chronic skills bloat seen in such games as SWTOR and LOTRO. Both those titles have some skills that are so negligible to game play they can be ignored. However, there is a risk with a more limited number of skills to use that combat can become somewhat mundane and arbitrary. This is a flaw that remains unchanged in Secret World Legends despite its recent revision.
The best solution for my “gaming amnesia” problem in ESO is to roll a new character and start the game from scratch, rather than try to continue from where I left. This is often the case with most games, unless you have invested a substantial amount of time and effort in your previous alt. Then the solution is to do your “homework” by readings guides and watching “let’s play” videos. Furthermore, a variant of this problems can occur with game sequels. I played Middle Earth: Shadow of Mordor right up to the release of the Shadow of War. Although about two thirds of the game controls and skills remained in the latest instalment, the introduction of new and advanced variants of existing abilities caused confusion. I would frequently press a key when playing the sequel and find that it didn’t do the same as in the previous game. Overall, it would seem that the more games you play the more there is too learn and subsequently forget. Again, perhaps the solution to this issue is to focus on one game at a time.
A Year in Gaming
As 2017 draws to a close, it is time once again time to reflect upon the subject of gaming as it has remained a primary form of entertainment for me over the last twelve months. I have enjoyed most of the new titles that I’ve bought this year but not all of them. There’s been some that have failed to please and others that have proven to be flawed. Then there has been my ongoing relationship with the MMO genre as I still have a handful of these games installed on my PC. Let it suffice to say that only one of these titles has managed to maintain my interest. I suspect that the MMO genre per se is in for a year of change in 2018. As for the wider aspects of gaming, I wouldn’t say it has been an especially edifying year for the game industry or the associated fan culture. The “goodwill” based band-aid that has remained in place for the last few years was finally torn off in 2017, exposing a festering self-inflicted wound.
As 2017 draws to a close, it is time once again time to reflect upon the subject of gaming as it has remained a primary form of entertainment for me over the last twelve months. I have enjoyed most of the new titles that I’ve bought this year but not all of them. There’s been some that have failed to please and others that have proven to be flawed. Then there has been my ongoing relationship with the MMO genre as I still have a handful of these games installed on my PC. Let it suffice to say that only one of these titles has managed to maintain my interest. I suspect that the MMO genre per se is in for a year of change in 2018. As for the wider aspects of gaming, I wouldn’t say it has been an especially edifying year for the game industry or the associated fan culture. The “goodwill” based band-aid that has remained in place for the last few years was finally torn off in 2017, exposing a festering self-inflicted wound.
I started off the year by purchasing The Elder Scrolls Online Imperial Edition, as I fancied spending time in an MMO. Sadly, the game failed to grab my attention. This was mainly due to having spent so much time playing Skyrim and being somewhat burned out on the entire Elder Scrolls vibe. I also found the requirement for mods somewhat troubling, feeling that a game should have adequate UI facilities present. It’s also a very solo friendly MMO, which in some way negates its multiplayer status. Why not just play a fully customised version of one of the earlier games in the franchise? I also tried in 2017 to make a sustained return to LOTRO. Northern Ithilien held my interest but once the game moved onto the Black Gates it soon waned. Mordor is a great zone on paper but its grindy requirements and relentlessly dour environment killed my passion. STO remains a casual friendly experience and due to there being regular events throughout the year, it facilitates setting goals and achievements. I also jumped on the Destiny 2 bandwagon and was surprised how agreeable it is. Its genre spanning nature scratched several of my gaming itches.
My single player experience was also varied in 2017. For Honor proved to be exactly as I expected; gripping in principle but beyond my personal skillset to play to any degree of success. However, Sniper Elite 4 proved to be a sound buy. The main game and DLC were well conceived and their extensive game maps allow for multiple and varied play throughs. I also dabbled with co-operative play which proved a very interesting experience. Overall this was rewarding purchase as I clocked up over 91 hours in-game. Thanks to discount key sites, I managed to purchase several titles at low prices. I bought Mafia III after it was reduced by 75% and enjoyed the games central story. I also pre-ordered the Gold Edition of Middle-earth: Shadow of War and secured a discount. Although the structure of that game has been compromised to accommodate microtransactions, I still liked the gameplay and the preposterous lore-breaking narrative. 2017 also included some minor surprises. I was not expecting further DLC for Two Worlds II but Topware released both new single player and co-op content. I was also intrigued by the recent update to Star Trek: Bridge Crew, allowing the game to be played in conventional desktop mode, rather than VR.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a year in gaming without some sort of controversy and man did 2017 have one. The blight that is microtransactions which has been slowly spreading from mobile gaming to the so-called Triple A scene, reached a head November. Star Wars: Battlefront II received such a backlash from its customer base that the story even appeared in mainstream news. Disney eventually intervened and ensured that EA suspended the real money loot boxes in the game. It would appear that the genie is finally out of the bottle and loot box culture is now coming under the scrutiny of legislative bodies all over the world. Apple has recently waded into the debate as it wants loot box odds to be fully disclosed. What happens next is anyone guess but I think that game developers may have to rethink the monetisation of their games. I also think that the tide is slowly turning with regard to early access and games that launch in a patently broken state. I avoided buying Friday the 13th: The Game until six months after it’s problematic release and I still feel that it is very much a work in progress. Several high-profile gaming commentators are loudly advocating a boycott of this trend and I think it may be getting some traction. Time will tell.
2017 once again validated my position of distancing myself from parts of the gaming community. The past twelve months have shown that a substantial number of gamers remain unreconstructed, self-centred, emotionally illiterate man-children. Developers, journalists and You Tube personalities are still regularly threatened and abused if something that is vaguely controversial is said. Outdated and blinkered views about gaming and its culture still abound. You only have to see how Jim Sterling’s Commentocracy has raised the hackles of the usual suspects, to recognise that gaming culture is still far from united. However, I believe this stems from a broader malady that seems to be permeating all aspects of modern life. But the hate, bile and stupidity are not the total picture and there are still many bloggers, streamers and content creators that celebrate and promote the positive side of gaming. I intend to make such individuals my focus in 2018. I’m not one for making predictions but I have a feeling that 2018 may be a milestone year for gaming. Potentially it presents an opportunity for the industry to either get on track or alternatively implode and suffer a slow long death. Perhaps next year’s review will have the answer.
STO and the Humble Bundle Jingle Jam 2017
This month’s Humble Bundle is a collaboration with the Yogscast, featuring a collection of indie games, DLC, game soundtracks and sundry other odds and sods. There are 25 items in the bundle and so far, six have been revealed. As December progresses you’ll find out what other goodies are included. If you can’t wait, there’s a leaked list here. By paying the base price of $35 (about £26.16) you’ll unlock the entire package. Furthermore, lurking within this bundle is the rare TOS Bridge Officer pack for Star Trek Online. This includes holographic versions of iconic Star Trek TOS characters such as Spock, McCoy, Scott, Chekov, Uhura, Sulu, and Rand which you can add to your bridge officer roster and make part of your away team. For fans of both the game and the TV show this is quite a big deal. So far, codes for the rare TOS Bridge Officer pack, are usually only available at convention giveaways or on occasional livestreams. So naturally this is an enticing offer.
This month’s Humble Bundle is a collaboration with the Yogscast, featuring a collection of indie games, DLC, game soundtracks and sundry other odds and sods. There are 25 items in the bundle and so far, six have been revealed. As December progresses you’ll find out what other goodies are included. If you can’t wait, there’s a leaked list here. By paying the base price of $35 (about £26.16) you’ll unlock the entire package. Furthermore, lurking within this bundle is the rare TOS Bridge Officer pack for Star Trek Online. This includes holographic versions of iconic Star Trek TOS characters such as Spock, McCoy, Scott, Chekov, Uhura, Sulu, and Rand which you can add to your bridge officer roster and make part of your away team. For fans of both the game and the TV show this is quite a big deal. So far, codes for the rare TOS Bridge Officer pack, are usually only available at convention giveaways or on occasional livestreams. So naturally this is an enticing offer.
However, £26 plus is still quite a lot of money for an additional game resource, which although fun is not really essential to the MMO. I could for example spend that money on the game Hand of Fate 2 and cogently argue that it is better value for money. But the heart wants what the heart wants and other dubious excuses, leaving me with a minor moral dilemma. I could justify the purchase of the bundle on the grounds that the money is all going to both British and international charities. But then again, I wouldn’t mind playing Hand of Fate 2 at some point over Christmas, once all the guests have pissed off and I’m left mercifully alone and I’ve already donated to some worthy causes. So rather than agonise about this matter on my own, I thought I’d share it with you dear reader(s) and at the same time dress this first world problem up as an informative, news based, blog post. I may have to read through the list of other titles included in the Jingle Jam bundle and see if any of them are worth investing in.
The MMO Blogosphere Is Alive and Well
Popular gaming blogger Tobold asked whether the MMO Blogosphere was still alive in a recent post on his site. He stated, “as far as I can see that decline has continued over the last decade, powered both by the general decline of blogging as a form of expression on the internet in favour of tweeting, and by the decline of MMORPGs as a form of gaming in favor of other multiplayer games”. Needless to say, there were numerous comments to the contrary left on the article in question. Furthermore, several gaming bloggers debated the point further on their own platforms. As I have a dog in this fight, to coin a somewhat inappropriate and unsavoury phrase, I thought I’d add my thoughts to the debate. And as ever, the answer is somewhat complex because Tobold’s question is erroneously reductive.
Popular gaming blogger Tobold asked whether the MMO Blogosphere was still alive in a recent post on his site. He stated, “as far as I can see that decline has continued over the last decade, powered both by the general decline of blogging as a form of expression on the internet in favour of tweeting, and by the decline of MMORPGs as a form of gaming in favor of other multiplayer games”. Needless to say, there were numerous comments to the contrary left on the article in question. Furthermore, several gaming bloggers debated the point further on their own platforms. As I have a dog in this fight, to coin a somewhat inappropriate and unsavoury phrase, I thought I’d add my thoughts to the debate. And as ever, the answer is somewhat complex because Tobold’s question is erroneously reductive.
The golden age of the MMORPG is certainly behind us and we shall not see the like of it again. However, there were specific factors linked to the popularity of this particular genre that were contextual and linked to the time. Yet despite these factors the genre remains popular and still commands large player numbers. Furthermore, games of this idiom have been subject to major changes in style and mechanics in recent years. Whether you, me or Tobold like it or not, the very definition of the MMORPG has evolved. Which is why major commercial sites such as Massively Overpowered now cover titles such as Grand Theft Auto Online and Destiny 2. What constitutes an MMO now is arguably different from what it was in the early 2000s. Therefore, Tobold is mistaken to render things down to a “like for like” comparison.
Blogging has also changed and adapted over time. Twitter, You Tube and Streaming have emerged to provide alternative platforms for discussion, fandom and social interaction. All of these mediums have their place and some have become popular because of brevity and convenience that they provide. They also have the advantage of lower barriers to entry. Writing effectively and maintaining an audience requires a degree of skill, a lot of time and stoic dedication. Yet, fans of the MMO genre still actively do these things and I have RSS subscriptions to dozens of active blogs writing such material. There are still guides and resources for classic MMOs such as LOTRO, Guild wars 2 and STO available. The existence of the aforementioned Massively Overpowered website is also evidence of the healthy state of the genre and its associated fandom. Many of those who regularly comment on that site run their own blogs.
Longform writing and analysis of the MMO genre is therefore still a “thing”. In fact, there’s a lot of longform writing about most things available online. It never really went away despite new mediums emerging. With respect to blogging about MMOs, it may well have lost its thunder to You Tube and Twitch TV, but to be honest, it’s a genre that lends itself more to the written word anyway. I also think favouring longform writing is the prerogative of age. The generation of gamers that I am part of, has grown up together and still uses the older mediums such as a blogs, as the means to pursue their passions. So, I am happy to lend my voice to the growing chorus that has politely refuted Tobold’s assertion. The MMO Blogosphere is doing okay because I get up each morning and read multiple new posts about the genre via Feedly.
Destiny 2: Level 20
I bought Destiny 2 on a whim and have so far enjoyed playing through the campaign. My approach to the game has been somewhat casual, so I’ve equipped gear based upon common sense, rather than an in-depth knowledge of the games mechanics. This approach has proven adequate until today, when I finally hit level 20. Now I find moving forward through the game that I feel somewhat under powered and that combat is more taxing. I don’t feel that I’m doing sufficient damage to enemies. That subsequently has an impact upon my enjoyment of the game because I always find that there’s very fine line to tread when it comes to combat. If you can one shot everything then it quickly becomes quite dull. However, if it takes too long to grind down a target the game tips over into becoming a chore. It’s difficult to ascertain exactly where the sweat spot is, and it may vary from gamer to gamer. However, I distinctly feel that I’ve been struggling so today I decided to remedy the problem.
I bought Destiny 2 on a whim and have so far enjoyed playing through the campaign. My approach to the game has been somewhat casual, so I’ve equipped gear based upon common sense, rather than an in-depth knowledge of the games mechanics. This approach has proven adequate until today, when I finally hit level 20. Now I find moving forward through the game that I feel somewhat under powered and that combat is more taxing. I don’t feel that I’m doing sufficient damage to enemies. That subsequently has an impact upon my enjoyment of the game because I always find that there’s very fine line to tread when it comes to combat. If you can one shot everything then it quickly becomes quite dull. However, if it takes too long to grind down a target the game tips over into becoming a chore. It’s difficult to ascertain exactly where the sweat spot is, and it may vary from gamer to gamer. However, I distinctly feel that I’ve been struggling so today I decided to remedy the problem.
It is at this point in the proceedings that the “git gud” brigade will smugly point to the wealth of information there is available for Destiny 2 and “cordially extend an invitation” to read it. So that’s what I’ve been doing this afternoon and this is what I’ve learnt. Destiny 2 is based upon the acquisition of loot. It’s a classic gear grind which is not such a bad thing. There are worse game mechanics. However, getting new gear is based heavily on chance. You may get lucky and pick up a rare blue engram only to find it’s below your current level. Or you may finally get a new legendary purple weapon to find there’s no significant increase in stats. It’s all somewhat of a lottery, yet you have to live with it as it’s the only means to increase your power once you hit level cap. For me this is a minor nuisance. I get that Bungie has to have a carrot on the end of the stick to keep players engaged but I don’t like “luck” based systems. I prefer to know what criteria needs to be met for a specific goal and then work towards it. The chance of getting zero return on my “time investment” does not excite me.
Then there are the benefits associated with being in a clan. Destiny 2 is a social game and there are perks to be gained through these organisations. However, although I have friends playing Destiny 2, many are based in the US or tied to different platforms. So, finding a suitable group is not as easy as it first appears. I tend not to join guilds in any game unless I know at least one member within their ranks. I am too old and impatient to risk finding myself in a toxic community. Also, my casual approach and laissez-faire attitude tends not to endear me to the more dedicated gamer. So, bearing all this in mind, I suspect my progress within the game may now slow. However, if I get lucky with loot drops, perhaps my current under powered status may improve. Depending on how I progress, I may or may not buy the season pass. Fortunately, if things do not work out, I have plenty of alternative games to focus upon. I guess if I write another post about Destiny 2, it will mean things have worked out favourably, which would be nice as I do enjoy what the game fundamentally offers.
Story Driven Gaming
This is a collaborative post debating merits of emergent storytelling vs. static storytelling between myself and TheBro from MMOBro. After reading this, make sure to check out his side of the debate!
As I peruse my Steam library, it becomes very apparent that the titles I’ve spent the most time playing are those with complex and involving traditional, linear narratives. This is hardly surprising as I’ve always liked stories and have a strong affection for books with in-depth lore and complex faux histories. It is one of the reasons I enjoy Professor Tolkien’s work and therefore gravitate towards games that expand upon these intellectual properties. Games such as LOTRO and even Middle-earth: Shadow of War. Both endeavour to explore the mythology of Third Age from an alternative perspective. Through the Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, I discovered a wealth of lore and entered a living, breathing world. Then of course there is the MMORPG Star Trek Online, that until recently has been the only source of new Star Trek content. All these diverse titles from multiple genres have one thing in common. A strong narrative that underpins each game.
This is a collaborative post debating merits of emergent storytelling vs. static storytelling between myself and TheBro from MMOBro. After reading this, make sure to check out his side of the debate!
As I peruse my Steam library, it becomes very apparent that the titles I’ve spent the most time playing are those with complex and involving traditional, linear narratives. This is hardly surprising as I’ve always liked stories and have a strong affection for books with in-depth lore and complex faux histories. It is one of the reasons I enjoy Professor Tolkien’s work and therefore gravitate towards games that expand upon these intellectual properties. Games such as LOTRO and even Middle-earth: Shadow of War. Both endeavour to explore the mythology of Third Age from an alternative perspective. Through the Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, I discovered a wealth of lore and entered a living, breathing world. Then of course there is the MMORPG Star Trek Online, that until recently has been the only source of new Star Trek content. All these diverse titles from multiple genres have one thing in common. A strong narrative that underpins each game.
Often when gaming, once the player looks beyond the scope and setting of the title, they will find a set of repeatable tasks, endeavours and targets to achieve. RPGs and especially the MMORPG genre are built upon such systems. If I am to shoot, explore or resource farm within a game, all of which can be quite arbitrary at times, then I do like to have some motivation or narrative explanation as to why I am doing these things. These game mechanics actually become less arduous if I am provided with an interesting enough narrative and a world with its own internal logic. Star Trek Online for example can justify the most innocuous of tasks with a healthy dose of its unique technobabble. The grinding nature of the rebuilding of Hytbold, a major quest line in LOTRO back in 2012, was eased considerably by the well-crafted storyline that accompanied the undertaking.
However, a strong story can achieve more than simply justifying repeatable daily quests or progression grinds. Take an RPG such as The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. I cannot remember a game that tackled adult themes and socially complex issues, so well. The central characters were very well defined with flaws and common foibles, making them extremely credible and identifiable. As a result, the player becomes thoroughly invested in the characters and has a clear emotional stake in their fate. For me The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt often felt like taking part in an interactive novel. Now such a concept may not be to all gamers liking, however when you consider the cultural significance of the story it is hardly surprising that they are an intrinsic part of gaming. We as a society reflect upon our history, politics and ethics through fictional narrative. I see games with epic linear narratives to be an extension of this concept. Furthermore, as games are not locked into a single outcome, as with a book, there is scope for interaction and to have multiple outcomes.
However, although I am a big advocate for strong stories and complex plots in gaming, I am not dismissing the alternative out of hand. Emergent storylines and player created content is ideal for certain genres and can add a very human element to gameplay, especially in the MMO genre. But emergent content is a very broad term and therefore one has to be careful to make appropriate comparisons. Early MMOs often took a less structured approach in terms of narrative. Ultima Online being a clear example of this. The narrative experience where shaped by the activities of player guilds and their interactions. High profile betrayals and assassinations would alter power struggles. Economic manipulation would also have an impact upon persistent worlds. We still see all these aspects today in EVE Online with its territorial wars, bank heists and political subterfuge.
However, these events and emergent stories have several disadvantages. They are unique and time specific. For those who were present and participated, they may well be exceptionally gripping and entertaining but if you weren’t their then you missed it all. An embedded narrative has no expiry date. Another consideration is that emergent stories and interaction often stem from the players being active in the community beyond the game itself. Guilds socialise, plot and scheme outside of the game via forums and subreddits. Social groups have hierarchies with people playing specific roles. Yet MMOs are filled with “average players” who are not always involved with the wider aspects of a game. For them, emergent stories and events are something that happen to other people, assuming they get to hear about them at all. These more passive players only experience the outcome, rather than shape it. Perhaps it can therefore be argued that player generated content is really only of benefit to the more involved player. The player with the time and inclination to devote a great many hours to a single game.
Another concern I have regarding players shaping the narrative and direction of events in a game such as EVE Online, is that the driving force may not always be a positive or pleasant one. The socio-political dynamic of games of this ilk too often manifests as betrayal, hostile acquisition or economic chaos. Although these are good themes narratively, I tire of the continual race to the bottom that such behaviour encourages. We have enough of this in real life and I do not always wish to find such thing reflected in games, especially MMOs. It is also worth considering that the open world environment that encourages emergent gameplay is an incentive to some and a source of confusion to others. I have spoken to players in both Guild Wars 2 and The Elder Scrolls Online, who are lost without the structure of clear cut quest hubs and mission objective. Choice is not always a good thing and suits all taste. And let us not forget that player generated content in such games as LOTRO. This is often roleplay driven and centred around telling tales, reading poetry and playing in a band. For those of a creative persuasion this is hog heaven. For others it again proves to be a somewhat passive or even exclusionary experience.
Then there are those players who are never going to be interested in a story based narrative of any kind. They are not motivated by plot or characters and will skip all quest explanations and in-game cutscenes. This is the kind of gamer whose pleasure hinges upon achievement, leader boards and the actual process of playing. Competitive games do not need a narrative, although there is a backstory to titles such as Overwatch. Games of this idiom are driven by league tables and success. The reward is pride and bragging rights. In fact, you could strip back the details regarding some games setting and who the various factions are, choosing to present them as simply the red and blue team in arena number three. Because if the gameplay is fun and challenging, then that will suffice for some gamers.
Like novels and movies, a narrative driven game can provide more than just an enjoyable ride. It can focus and raise awareness of complex moral, social and political issues. MMOs and RPGs can inform and make us think about difficult matters. Of course, that is not to everyone liking and some wish games to be entirely free of such elements. But for me, I find narrative games to be the next step in our ongoing evolving relationship with storytelling. Although I am not averse to MMOs and other genres that focus on player generated narratives, I favour the traditional story based approach. Hardly surprising from someone who enjoys writing. However, there are many views on this matter other than my own perspective and ass ever there is no definitive right or wrong answer. For an alternative take on this subject, The Bro over at MMOBro has written an interesting piece favouring emergent storytelling.
Mirror Invasion
The Mirror Invasion, also known as the Terran Empire Incursion, is no stranger to Star Trek Online. This five-man event has appeared six times since its launch in 2104. Despite some minor revisions and different event rewards, the basic premise remains the same. The players must defend Vauthil Station from a Terran Empire assault from the Mirror Universe. Rifts appear and have to be closed before they unleash enemy vessels. There are also four power substations that charge the stations defences, that have to brought online. In the final stage of the event, an enemy Dreadnought and support squadron make a final attack on the station. It’s a fun ten-minute team event and if tackled correctly, is not too challenging. Science vessels can close rifts quicker than other classes and Command ships can initiate the power substations more efficiently. Players are awarded a Multidimensional Transporter for playing this event. By turning in 14 Transporters through the Reputation System, players will receive Dilithium Ore, Reputation Marks and the new Interphasic Instability console.
The Mirror Invasion, also known as the Terran Empire Incursion, is no stranger to Star Trek Online. This five-man event has appeared six times since its launch in 2104. Despite some minor revisions and different event rewards, the basic premise remains the same. The players must defend Vauthil Station from a Terran Empire assault from the Mirror Universe. Rifts appear and have to be closed before they unleash enemy vessels. There are also four power substations that charge the stations defences, that have to brought online. In the final stage of the event, an enemy Dreadnought and support squadron make a final attack on the station. It’s a fun ten-minute team event and if tackled correctly, is not too challenging. Science vessels can close rifts quicker than other classes and Command ships can initiate the power substations more efficiently. Players are awarded a Multidimensional Transporter for playing this event. By turning in 14 Transporters through the Reputation System, players will receive Dilithium Ore, Reputation Marks and the new Interphasic Instability console.
Sadly, there is a problem with the Mirror Invasion. A problem that has been present for a while and one that remains uncorrected by Cryptic. Upon joining this event, either via the PVE queue system which auto groups you with other players or through creating a private encounter, you can simply spawn and go AFK, allowing the event to run without any discernible player interaction. You may get reduced rewards for not passing the all the event challenges but you will receive the Multidimensional Transporter. This is because the Mirror Invasion is driven by it ten-minute duration and it is the passage of time that triggers different stages of the event. You can safely neglect to close the rifts and allow the vessels to swarm the area without any major consequence. If Vauthil Station gets too damaged it simply initiates repair protocols. Eventually the Station fires an anti-tachyon pulse and forces the Mirror Universe forces back to their dimension, clearing the area. The final Dreadnought attack can be similarly ignored until the timer expires.
Some STO players consider this situation an exploit, where others do not. Naturally this is hotly debated but I think that particular discussion is essentially missing the point. This is a significant flaw in the event design and anything that actively encourages players to not engage with the activity erodes the relationship between the player and game. This is not the first time this has happened in STO either. There is a similar defect in the First Contact Day event where you can bypass the scavenger hunt to upgrade your replica Phoenix. It further disheartening to know that both of these problems are known to Cryptic but do not seem to be high on their priority list. Then there is the “social” issue of going AFK in pickup groups. Unless this is something that is mutually agreed by all parties, it does seem somewhat ill-mannered to take a seat while others do all the work. Again, encouraging such behaviour through a correctable flaw is bad for STO and its community. Sadly, Cryptic are not known for being quick off the mark, so I suspect this problem will persist.
LOTRO: Pilgrims in a Barren Land
I bought the Mordor expansion for LOTRO in August but apart from playing through the prologue, I made no further progress. I was getting somewhat burnt out with MMOs at the time, so I decided to take a break and pursue other games. I was prompted to return to the LOTRO today by the recent Executive Producer’s Letter from Rob Ciccolini and the announcement that Update 22, coming in 2018, takes the story to Northern Mirkwood. Iconic locations such as Thranduil's Court, Dale, Laketown, and Erebor will feature in the epic story. Looking further ahead another future destination is Minas Morgul and a showdown with Shelob, who so far, we’ve only met briefly from a first-person perspective in a cut scene. Naturally I’m interested in where Standing Stone Games takes the story next, so I need to ensure that I have reached level cap by the end of the year, which isn’t that far away. Hence, it’s back to Mordor. Shame I don’t like Mordor.
I bought the Mordor expansion for LOTRO in August but apart from playing through the prologue, I made no further progress. I was getting somewhat burnt out with MMOs at the time, so I decided to take a break and pursue other games. I was prompted to return to the LOTRO today by the recent Executive Producer’s Letter from Rob Ciccolini and the announcement that Update 22, coming in 2018, takes the story to Northern Mirkwood. Iconic locations such as Thranduil's Court, Dale, Laketown, and Erebor will feature in the epic story. Looking further ahead another future destination is Minas Morgul and a showdown with Shelob, who so far, we’ve only met briefly from a first-person perspective in a cut scene. Naturally I’m interested in where Standing Stone Games takes the story next, so I need to ensure that I have reached level cap by the end of the year, which isn’t that far away. Hence, it’s back to Mordor. Shame I don’t like Mordor.
My problem with Mordor is that it’s perpetually dark, extremely convoluted to navigate and filled with a high density of mobs. It certainly looks the part and the various storylines are as creative as ever but it’s a tough grind to slog through. The enemies are difficult to kill and if you’re playing solo, every kill takes twice as long as normal, until you upgrade your gear with that which drops. Now I realise this is a deliberate design choice by SSG to try and encourage group play. However, I don’t like being dependent on others and often play at very late or early hours, thus missing those in my kinship. Let it suffice to say that at present I have to play through Mordor in short burst because otherwise I get bored and frustrated with it. Mercifully, I still have quests to complete in the Drúadan Forest, Beacon Hills and in Ithilien and the Wastes of Dagorlad. These don’t offer such good XP now that I’ve tipped over into level 106, although they do provide a welcome break and an alternative means to reach the current cap. I think tackling some of these Mordor quests above level will ease their difficulty.
It would appear that there is a significant increase in gear stats as you progress through Mordor and of course there is the buff/debuff of the Light of Eärendil versus the Shadow mechanic. All of which offer a “challenge”. If you’re the sort of player who likes to be tested and enjoys MinMaxing then Mordor is certainly a suitable environment for such tastes. I however, like to approach matters in a more pragmatic fashion. I like to be overpowered and to “steam roll” my way through the opposition, in a “shock and awe” manner. To achieve this, I have currently switched to the blue trait line for my Lore-master, relying on my more robust pets to do a lot of tanking and aggro holding. It appears to work so far, although you do have to selectively summon and dismiss your pets to avoid pulling too many mobs and getting swamped. If things really do get out of hand in a combat situation I do use my Landscape Soldier, although this can sometimes cause more problems than it solves. To date Landscape Soldiers are still very difficult to control and have a habit of stationing themselves a little too far away, often straying into place you’d rather they didn’t.
Finally, SSG are currently tinkering with Update 21.3 - Beta #4 on the Bullroarer test server. It looks like they’re looking at reducing the level that Ash of Gorgoroth can be obtained via both the landscape and instances. Ash is required to barter for top tier gear. Let it suffice to say, that it would appear that this change is being made to try and “encourage” players to buy the Gorgoroth Steel-Bound Lootbox, which will be the only other alternative means of obtaining it. Need I mention that this proposed change has not been well received by the community. Given the current debacle regarding lootboxes in Star Wars Battlefront II and the fact that such gaming mechanics are now coming to the attention of the legislature both in the US and Europe, is this really a wise move by SSG? Is the need to push lootboxes an indication that the game is not meeting its revenue projections. This is certainly a subject to watch in the weeks to come, while I grin my way through the barren land of Mordor.
Destiny 2
I bought Destiny 2 on a whim this week. I did not play the first instalment but many of my friends and colleagues gave the game positive feedback. They continued to extol the virtues of the franchise with the recent launch of the sequel, so I decided to give it a try. I’ve always enjoyed the FPS genre and the fact that this title is a pseudo MMO, piqued my interest. So, I shopped around as usual and bought the base game for £42.79, which isn’t a bad price. I didn’t commit to the season pass in case the overall game wasn’t to my liking. However, so far things have been both enjoyable and interesting. I’ve only played for about five or six hours, so haven’t got that far into the game but overall Destiny 2 seems to be a wise investment.
I bought Destiny 2 on a whim this week. I did not play the first instalment but many of my friends and colleagues gave the game positive feedback. They continued to extol the virtues of the franchise with the recent launch of the sequel, so I decided to give it a try. I’ve always enjoyed the FPS genre and the fact that this title is a pseudo MMO, piqued my interest. So, I shopped around as usual and bought the base game for £42.79, which isn’t a bad price. I didn’t commit to the season pass in case the overall game wasn’t to my liking. However, so far things have been both enjoyable and interesting. I’ve only played for about five or six hours, so haven’t got that far into the game but overall Destiny 2 seems to be a wise investment.
Before, I start on what I like about the game, let me voice one criticism. At present it is my only one I have. I was expecting Destiny 2 to start with a specific tutorial, as you would find in an MMO. Something that would introduce all the game systems and provide you with an overview of managing my character and their gear. I appreciate that tutorials are not universally loved. Some players hate the way they slow you down, but I feel it would be beneficial to the game. I’d even settle for highlighted tooltips. Yet both options are conspicuously absent. I therefore had to muddle through the best I could initially and when I encountered something I wasn’t sure about, such as replacing gear or seeking a quest log, I had to tab out of the game and Google it. I always feel that it is a fundamental flaw in any game if you have to temporarily leave it to seek information.
However, the tutorial issue aside, there is much that I like about Destiny 2. Firstly, it looks devilishly saucy. I make no bones about the fact that I like my game to be visually attractive and Destiny 2 makes my graphics card “sing”. Then there’s the actual combat itself, which is very fluid and requires a lot of situational awareness. The mobs are not confined to linear movement and therefore you have to fire very selectively if you wish to conserve ammunition and maintain accuracy. I like the fact that combat is not a cakewalk and that you have to understand your enemy, pick the right weapon and fight tactically. I also enjoy the public events, having become a big fan of this game mechanic in Guild Wars 2. The player interaction has been better than I expected so far, with people banding together and broadly supporting each other.
I found out that I won’t be getting a Sparrow until endgame but frankly that’s fine with me. This is an open world game and wondering about is part of the appeal. From what I’ve seen, having transport would certainly cut down the length of the central campaign and possibly afford to much of an opportunity to miss the out on the game’s striking environment. As an intermediate player who doesn’t always ways feel social, I like the way that all the usual voice chat and text options are turned off by default. I may well have had other players cursing me for my ineptitude in the last few days but I haven’t had to listen to such garrulous inanities. Overall, I think that Destiny 2 is going to scratch an itch I’ve had for a while. I won’t be buying Call of Duty: World War II as a result and the only immediate competition this game has at present is the imminent release of Star Wars Battlefront II.
Emotes
Emotes in MMORPGs have always been a great means to facilitate social interaction. You can hail your friends when you meet them, laugh at their jokes or show displeasure at those indulging in tomfoolery and shenanigans. They can also be used in events, such as dance competitions or as specific actions to be undertaken in quests. Then of course there is the inherent need of some gamers to collect all possible emotes available in a game and the business opportunities that this offers to developers. Thus, emotes are an integral part of MMOs and source of amusement and pleasure for many players.
Emotes in MMORPGs have always been a great means to facilitate social interaction. You can hail your friends when you meet them, laugh at their jokes or show displeasure at those indulging in tomfoolery and shenanigans. They can also be used in events, such as dance competitions or as specific actions to be undertaken in quests. Then of course there is the inherent need of some gamers to collect all possible emotes available in a game and the business opportunities that this offers to developers. Thus, emotes are an integral part of MMOs and source of amusement and pleasure for many players.
Over the years I have always played many MMOs and one of the first things I’ve always done when in-game is check out what emotes are available. I am especially fond of those found in LOTRO, which are very rich and varied. For starters there are race specific dances which do reflect the appropriate idiom of Elves, Dwarves and Men. However, it is the Hobbit specific emotes that seem to have had the greatest amount of love lavished upon them by the developers. Then there are a wealth of social interactions and humourous embellishments, such as Wippitydo, Surrender and Toast. The Toast emote is gained from an anniversary quest, so is somewhat rare with only a limited yearly window to obtain it.
However, Star Trek Online have a diverse collection of emotes which can give other MMOs a run for their money. Naturally there are many that replicate signature salutes and greetings that can be found directly in the various TV shows. Obviously, anything Klingon is very bombastic. However, it is with the dance emotes that the game really excels, and they feature heavily in the summer festival dance competition on Risa. But for me the jewel in the crown is an emote that Cryptic have just recently given away during the Hearts and Minds mission for Halloween. Namely the iconic Michael Jackson Zombie Dance, from the Thriller music video. There was a dozen or so player performing this emote on Drozana station tonight. I have no idea how they managed to synchronise everyone, but it really looked good. I laughed like a drain.
Naturally there are some players who don’t care that much for in-game emotes and think that they’re simply a cosmetic bauble. Each to their own I guess. Plus, there is scope for some players to be a nuisance with communal emotes, although games like LOTRO do have a facility to turn them off. Ultimately, I find that it is the little things within the MMO genre such as emotes, that are increasingly providing my main source of interest in such games. Furthermore, if games must have a cash store then selling emotes is less bothersome than peddling more tangible items that boost performance. In the meantime, I’m off to laugh myself stupid watch Junkrat do his Vaudeville emote in Overwatch.
Star Trek Online: Beyond the Nexus
One of the major selling points of Star Trek Online is that it features voice acting from artists who appeared in the various TV shows and feature films. From Star Trek: The Original Series, Leonard Nimoy and Walter Koenig reprised their iconic roles, bringing Spock and Chekov to the game. Michael Dorn and Denise Crosby beamed in from The Next Generation, adding the voices of Worf, Tasha Yar and Empress Sela to several featured episodes. Chase Masterson and Aron Eisenberg came to us from Deep Space Nine to reprise their roles as Leeta and Nog. From Voyager, we have the talents of Tim Russ, Robert Picardo, Jeri Ryan, Ethan Phillips, Garrett Wang, Robert Duncan McNeill, Kim Rhodes, and Lisa LoCicero. Kipleigh Brown and Matt Winston from Enterprise recently joined the roster. The legacy of James Doohan was represented by his son Chris, reprising his father’s role as Scotty. And Zachary Quinto and Joseph Gatt from the Kelvin Timeline Star Trek film franchise have joined the ranks of esteemed Trek alumni in the game.
One of the major selling points of Star Trek Online is that it features voice acting from artists who appeared in the various TV shows and feature films. From Star Trek: The Original Series, Leonard Nimoy and Walter Koenig reprised their iconic roles, bringing Spock and Chekov to the game. Michael Dorn and Denise Crosby beamed in from The Next Generation, adding the voices of Worf, Tasha Yar and Empress Sela to several featured episodes. Chase Masterson and Aron Eisenberg came to us from Deep Space Nine to reprise their roles as Leeta and Nog. From Voyager, we have the talents of Tim Russ, Robert Picardo, Jeri Ryan, Ethan Phillips, Garrett Wang, Robert Duncan McNeill, Kim Rhodes, and Lisa LoCicero. Kipleigh Brown and Matt Winston from Enterprise recently joined the roster. The legacy of James Doohan was represented by his son Chris, reprising his father’s role as Scotty. And Zachary Quinto and Joseph Gatt from the Kelvin Timeline Star Trek film franchise have joined the ranks of esteemed Trek alumni in the game.
More recently we saw J. G. Hertzler reprise his iconic role as General Martok; a much beloved character among Star Trek devotees. However, this week we saw a milestone in STO as LeVar Burton returned as Geordi La Forge in the latest featured episode “Beyond the Nexus”. I must say I was surprised that Cryptic had managed to facilitate such an appearance, considering it has been discretely pointed out in the past that the cost of certain hiring certain actors is prohibitive. But, not being one to look a gift horse in the mouth, I duly logged into STO today to check out the new featured episode and see if Cryptic’s writers had managed to create a vehicle suitable for Star Trek favourite Geordi La Forge. I was intrigued by the concept of revisiting the Nexus that feature in the film Star Trek: Generations. On paper there’s a lot of narrative scope with such a violent, destructive temporal energy ribbon.
Sadly, “Beyond the Nexus” proved to be a squandered opportunity. The story is somewhat formulaic and distinctly average. During the mission, Captain Geordi La Forge and of course yourself investigate two starfleet ships that went missing while studying the infamous energy ribbon, the Nexus. It's discovered that both ship's crews have been taken over by a powerful psionic entity called Khaj'Buur, who has been imprisoned in the Nexus for unknown reasons. The story then becomes a rather linear adventure in which you have to rescue the crew and then defeat Khaj'Buur. Once this is done he surrenders and is imprisoned pending further enquiry. It is mentioned in the mission's conclusion that Khaj'Buur's wish to leave the Nexus is highly unusual, considering the realm surrounds you with the things that make you the happiest.
There are some positive aspects to “Beyond the Nexus”. Part of the story takes part on a Galaxy Class vessel, so traversing the ships interior and engine room is a big plus for fans of ST:TNG. As these assets are now in the game it was inevitable that Cryptic would make them available for purchase in the C-Store. Geordi also sports a Type 3 Phaser Rifle which is pleasing to see if you are a lore buff and like things canonical. The weekly rewards are not too shabby either with a three-item gear set on offer. And with regard to the story, although it is rather perfunctory, it does have a few subtle embellishments. The rogue holoprogram written by Ensign Barclay is a nice touch and raised a wry smile. As for Khaj'Buur, I suspect that he’ll feature in later episodes and his back story will be expanded upon. It is also likely that Captain Geordi La Forge has a larger role to play, in next years expansion.
Game Maps
I've been pondering of late the subject of game maps and how they can vary quite radically from title to title. Size, content and instancing can all have an impact on a maps accessibility and the way they are perceived. Then there is the issue of individual player tastes and preferences. Those who like to explore will happily spend time attempting to access remote nooks and crannies. Others will quickly become frustrated if there is no direct route to their goal, as with Guild Wars 2: Heart of Thorns. A games genre also has a significant impact upon map design. A FPS or MOBA has different requirements from it virtual environment that an MMO. I'm sure there are far more variables involved in a maps creation. However, I think most gamers seem to inherently know when the developers have got it right.
I've been pondering of late the subject of game maps and how they can vary quite radically from title to title. Size, content and instancing can all have an impact on a maps accessibility and the way they are perceived. Then there is the issue of individual player tastes and preferences. Those who like to explore will happily spend time attempting to access remote nooks and crannies. Others will quickly become frustrated if there is no direct route to their goal, as with Guild Wars 2: Heart of Thorns. A games genre also has a significant impact upon map design. A FPS or MOBA has different requirements from it virtual environment that an MMO. I'm sure there are far more variables involved in a maps creation. However, I think most gamers seem to inherently know when the developers have got it right.
For me one such example of a map being "just so" is Skyrim. The landmass is about sixteen square miles, which is big but pales into significance when compared to Just Cause 2 which clocks in at four hundred square miles. However, the thing that Bethesda has got right with Skyrim is the balance between the size of the area, the amount of content and aesthetics. The day and night cycle, coupled with procedurally driven events makes it feel like a living environment. You can watch as villagers go about their tasks and farm animals graze for food. The fact that there's no instancing when travelling above ground until you entered a building, also provides an air of authenticity.
In the halcyon days of LOTRO, Bree-Land was prime example of a rich and varied MMO game map. Although it doesn't have the faux living dynamic of other games, it remains a large and varied landmass with plenty of content to seek out. It also makes a half decent attempt at realising the geography as written in Tolkien's source text. LOTRO still remains a game with a handsome world design but the regions that have subsequently been added of late are far more functional in their construction. Players often cannot access certain areas due to rivers and mountains and find themselves funnelled through pleasant zones on the way to the next quest hub. However more recent MMO's such as ArcheAge and Guild Wars 2 still encourage the exploration of their game worlds and have devised content around players desire to do so.
The open world cities of Mafia 3 or GTA V can also be compelling environments to immerse oneself in. Like their real-world counterparts, both New Bordeaux and Los Santos have distinct zones such as commercial and residential areas. Again random events occur to the citizens as you travel through the map. Weather systems and a customisable day and night cycle again lend credibility to the setting. Unlike fantasy games, these titles have the advantage of contemporary embellishments such as radio stations, roadside advertising and inner-city congestion; all adding to the overall ambience. You can visit bars and diners and watch “life rich pageant” unfold, or at least the developers nearest approximation of it.
However, game maps are still very much determined by the prevailing technology and although things are progressively getting better, there are still limitations. The MMO genre not only has to consider such factors as draw distances and texture loading but there is the question of the players themselves. The game engine has to accommodate both the environment and the population. Unless you have a very high-end gaming PC, then you will often notice system foibles such as "pop-in" as objects appear as you get closer to them. SWTOR and LOTRO are two older MMOs that suffer from this technical idiosyncrasy. Often developers will try to fudge this by blocking line of sight or introducing haze, fog or some other environmental workaround. Single player games have different demands upon them, allowing titles such as Crysis to have draw distance of over nine miles.
Irrespective of a maps design, its success ultimately depends upon how well it is integrated into the game. The two zones of Mordor and Nurn in Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor are relatively small but diverse and well implemented. There is a wealth of topographical features that break up the landscape in a very organic way. Unlike some MMOs, this is not done is such an arbitrary and linear fashion. North Africa is well realised in Sniper Elite III, affording the player multiple routes to various targets, across varied terrain. This greatly enhances the re-playability of the game. In Sniper Elite IV, the Sicilian villages and seaports are extremely credible and authentic. The rolling fields and forests of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt are expansive and atmospheric with a distinctly Eastern European feel to them. Furthermore, the landscape is populated in a credible fashion. Bandits will make use of remote and covered areas. Regions of Wilderness are appropriately empty with minimal amounts of NPCs.
Conversely the London maps in a game such as Sherlock Holmes: Crimes and Punishments are far less dynamic and more functional. They are mainly there for ambience and provide little more than a conduit between each crime scene. The maps in both FPS and MOBA genres, have additional criteria to consider. The fluid nature of their game play requires a different approach to their construction. Multiple routes and chokepoints are common place in such designs. Snipers require vantage points but these need to be relatively exposed to ensure that a single location doesn’t dominate the game. The Battlefield franchise takes map design a stage further, with a mechanic that allows players to destroy the environment and thus change the dynamics of the game. This was to be an integral feature of the now defunct EverQuest Next, although I suspect would have been subject to a wealth of caveats.
As players, we also bring a human element when we interact with game maps and there are many factors that shape our perceptions. Ambient music or when or who we’re playing with, influence how we feel about specific in-game zones. As a result, we often have personal favourites. Evendim in LOTRO is an example of a map that I have fond affection for. More recently the region of Toussaint in the Blood and Wine expansion for The Witcher 3, attracted my interest. It’s a sunny and luxuriant zone and a radical change from the usual ice or desert archetypes you find in so many games. Hopefully, as game technology and the hardware it runs on evolves, we will see map design advance accordingly. I look forward to experiencing larger, more detailed open world environments populated with flora and fauna that have their own lifecycles.
Lockboxes
It would appear that lockboxes are being discussed once again. Bhagpuss wrote a post over at Inventory Full yesterday, which subsequently got used as a talking point on Massively Overpowered today. What made the debate a little different this time around, was that Bhagpuss doesn’t object to lockboxses per se, merely that in most games that have them, the content is frequently lacklustre and uninspiring. A point I am compelled to concur with. I too have no major objection to lockboxes in principle and partake of them from time to time in various games. However, they seldom seem to contain anything that I consider to be of tangible benefit to me. I want pets, gear and weapons. But because of vocal complaints from certain quarters, we are more often than not saddled with inconsequential convenience items and minor cosmetics baubles and trinkets.
It would appear that lockboxes are being discussed once again. Bhagpuss wrote a post over at Inventory Full yesterday, which subsequently got used as a talking point on Massively Overpowered today. What made the debate a little different this time around, was that Bhagpuss doesn’t object to lockboxses per se, merely that in most games that have them, the content is frequently lacklustre and uninspiring. A point I am compelled to concur with. I too have no major objection to lockboxes in principle and partake of them from time to time in various games. However, they seldom seem to contain anything that I consider to be of tangible benefit to me. I want pets, gear and weapons. But because of vocal complaints from certain quarters, we are more often than not saddled with inconsequential convenience items and minor cosmetics baubles and trinkets.
Lockboxes in Star Trek Online are themed and are only available in the game for a limited period of time. There is a nominal percentage chance to win gear, or even a ship if you are “lucky enough”. However, at the very least, each lockbox yields a quantity of Lobi crystals which are a barter currency. If one ever buys keys to open lockboxes it is best to consider the transaction as a means of buying currency that can be traded in for items. Winning a desirable item on top as that is then an added bonus. That is how I think of things on the occasions I purchase keys. Such an outlook then mitigates concerns over gambling although I have no major qualms about that subject either.
However, where STO handles lockboxes in a manner I like, many other MMOs do not. I have yet to find anything of note from one in LOTRO, Guild Wars 2 or Overwatch. The propensity to provided cosmetic or housing items means that lockboxes are often the prerogative of the role players or the game completists. I’m sure the developers target such a market because they pay dividends but if they could broaden their outlook and diversify the rewards there is scope for lockboxes to appeal to a wider number of consumers. Offering bag or bank space, or further character slots could potentially be attractive. Personally, I would like to see more game gear included but that would result in sabre rattling form the “pay to win crowd”. I certainly think that all lockbox rewards should be bind on equip and if not wanted available to sell via the game auction system.
Ultimately, lockboxes are symptomatic of game developers struggling to find a universally acceptable means to finance their game. The demise of the subscription model has left many MMOs in the thrall of an unsatisfactory hybrid F2P business models that have done precious little to improve the overall quality of the games. Monetisation of this kind impacts upon the conception and design of both content as well as game mechanics and seldom in a positive way. If this business model can be overturned for something better, then lockboxes may well go the way of the Dodo. However, that is not something that seems imminent at present so what can’t be cured must be endured. The current debate will more than likely have no effect on developers who have a propensity to repeat their mistakes and so the lockbox will continue as a gaming bête noire.
The Cat Lady's House
Earlier in the year I wrote about the Abandoned Graveyard that is located in Bree-land and how LOTRO has several curious locations that appear to be residual abandoned quest lines. Someone today left a comment and mentioned The Cat lady’s House in Bree. For those who are not familiar with landmark, it can be found as you enter Bree via the Eastern gate. As you proceed up the hill, you pass the stable to your left and the forge of Flint Oakhewer to you right. After the forge, there is a flight of stone steps going up through several terraces of houses. This is the Scholar’s Stair. At the top of the stair the passage widens. To the right is a door with a cat outside. It is opposite the recently added Scholars Hall.
Earlier in the year I wrote about the Abandoned Graveyard that is located in Bree-land and how LOTRO has several curious locations that appear to be residual abandoned quest lines. Someone today left a comment and mentioned The Cat lady’s House in Bree. For those who are not familiar with landmark, it can be found as you enter Bree via the Eastern gate. As you proceed up the hill, you pass the stable to your left and the forge of Flint Oakhewer to you right. After the forge, there is a flight of stone steps going up through several terraces of houses. This is the Scholar’s Stair. At the top of the stair the passage widens. To the right is a door with a cat outside. It is opposite the recently added Scholars Hall.
Once inside you will find a lot more cats. The house is full of them. Four of them are named. These are Oliver, Horatio, Wink and Sylvester. At first glance, this may seem like nothing more than a piece of whimsy or a developer’s in-joke. Or you may think that this is another example of the quest hub that was removed from the game, such as the abandoned graveyard. However, The Cat Lady’s House does play a functional role in LOTRO. It is a specific destination in one of the sub quest of the infamous “Chicken Run”, or what the developer more formally refers to as chicken session play. If you are unfamiliar with this mini game then the following link below will provide you with all the details.
There are still a lot of unanswered questions regarding The Cat Lady’s House. It does seem to be a rather large embellishment just to provide a NPC (Wink the cat) for a solitary quest. So perhaps it did have greater significance during the games development. What is the purpose of Oliver and Horatio? Note also the creepy picture on the wall. It seems a little out of place does it not? Does it have any wider significance? Also, who and where is the Cat Lady herself? Or was the name simply added so the location wasn’t called the cat house which has other connotations. It should also be noted that according to the LOTRO Wiki the house used to be only accessible by drinking from the Inn League Keg. Your character would land inside the house drunk and would have to hearth home.
The LOTRO Wiki also indicates that The Cat Lady’s House is linked to several Spring Festival quests. One of which involves some poor love-sick NPC in the Bree market, who wants you to deliver some flowers. Due to a mistake with the address, the quest takes the player to The Cat Lady’s House and allegedly she is in. Sadly, I cannot confirm whether this particular quest is still active. Either way, the entire location is a very nice embellishment to LOTRO. Like so many others, this dates back to games launch. I am not aware of any similar examples being included in more recent content. The last jovial embellishment that I remember is the “Killer Rabbit” homage to Monty Python and the Holy Grail, in The Wailing Hills in Enedwaith. The game does seem to be getting more functional with each expansion and update. So please take note Standing Stone Games and indulge yourself from time to time. Including such whimsy adds to the games overall fun.
MMO Burnout
Although I have played numerous other online games, LOTRO has been my main MMO for the last nine years years. I have invested a great deal of time into it, which is hardly surprising as that is the entire raison d'etre of the genre. I recently purchased the Mordor expansion for the game which offers a wealth of new content. Yet despite having all this available I have done precious little in the game of late and have made no significant progress. Currently, I have Guilds Wars 2, The Elder Scrolls Online, Secret World Legends and Star Trek Online installed on my PC. I have dabbled with them all over the last few weeks, trying to rekindle a sense of enjoyment and pursue content that I have not completed. Sadly, none of them seem to hold my interest. I log in to them in the hope that something will grab my attention but I always seem to find myself just kicking my heels and aimlessly wandering through zones with no sense of focus.
Although I have played numerous other online games, LOTRO has been my main MMO for the last nine years years. I have invested a great deal of time into it, which is hardly surprising as that is the entire raison d'etre of the genre. I recently purchased the Mordor expansion for the game which offers a wealth of new content. Yet despite having all this available I have done precious little in the game of late and have made no significant progress. Currently, I have Guilds Wars 2, The Elder Scrolls Online, Secret World Legends and Star Trek Online installed on my PC. I have dabbled with them all over the last few weeks, trying to rekindle a sense of enjoyment and pursue content that I have not completed. Sadly, none of them seem to hold my interest. I log in to them in the hope that something will grab my attention but I always seem to find myself just kicking my heels and aimlessly wandering through zones with no sense of focus.
The social side of MMOs can also be an issue at times. You log in to a game hoping to find something you wish to do, only to be met with a barrage of welcomes and offers to join groups or participate in some collective event. In different circumstances, this can be a wonderful thing. The restorative properties of friendship can wash away the ills of a bad day and can replace a dark mood with a good humour. However, there are occasions when the attention can be somewhat overwhelming. There have been times when I’ve been upon the verge of logging in to an MMO but after reflecting upon athe gauntlet of upbeat cheerfulness that lays ahead, I’ve decided to do something else instead. Joking aside, there are times when socialising can be wearing and you just want to be left alone.
The consensus seems to be among gamers, as we get older we become far more particular about how we spend our time. I have purchased several games this year that I knew from the beginning would have a relatively short lifespan. Single player games often present a core campaign, online multiplay and DLC over a six-month period. You can effectively complete a game and gain a sense of closure that you’ve had your fill. Sniper Elite 4 has provided me with a solid five months of entertainment. I’ve progressed through all the content that I care to play through and have no desire to pursue it any further. Conversely, I have also returned to Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor, in anticipation of the sequel that comes out in October. I have managed to complete a campaign that previously alluded me and now feel that I’m ready to move on.
It is this sense of finality, short and limited gameplay as well as the option to play alone, that MMOs cannot compete with at present. Gamers are fickle creatures. There are times when I want to invest time, work towards long term goals and chat with my fellow man. Yet after doing those very things for three to six months they can become somewhat smothering. Sometimes virtual worlds are a welcome respite from the daily tragedy and horror on real life. Yet I still cannot help but think that it is not healthy to make them too much of a focus and a permanent substitute for real world engagement. I tend not to regret the time I have spent gaming, yet from time to time, I do question the hours required to make progress. Often this happens when a new mechanic or goal is introduced into a game and I calculate exactly how many days it will take to achieve it.
As I am currently without an MMO, I find myself in need of an alternative distraction. However, when I look at the various titles that are currently available through a vendor such as Steam, the first thing that strikes me is the interchangeable and homogeneous nature of them all. This is hardly a revelation as most industries tend to follow tried and tested formulas. At present, mainstream films and music are staggeringly bland and uninventive, so it is almost inevitable that the gaming industry should follow suit. This perfunctory style is a major obstacle for me. For example, after pondering on whether to try Black Desert, I concluded that it simply didn't have sufficient difference from any other MMO to warrant a purchase. And of course, at times like this, EVE: Online raises its head once again, offering a wealth of perceived opportunities. Yet the reality of the situation is that I do not want to take on a game with such a steep learning curve. Neither do I have the time required to be successful at such a game.
So, it would appear that I’m currently suffering from a gaming, specifically MMO "burnout". Perhaps fatigue would be a better term on reflection. Although I have currently tired to a degree of the MMO genre, I still find myself interested in gaming. What I find trying is that I cannot seem to find that many titles, both new and old, to get excited about, especially MMOs. As a genre, they have so much potential but are simply hamstrung by a lack of vision and innovation. Perhaps single player game with co-op are the answers. Furthermore, I’m tired of the noticeable disparity in game engines between MMOs and other genres of game. I appreciate that developers have to lower the bar for entry to lower specified PCs but too many MMOs look and more importantly play as if they hail from a different era. It would be nice to have an MMORPG that had the combat of either For Honor or Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor.
Fortunately, I have not put all my eggs in one basket and made my online activities the focus of all my friendships and socialising. This can be a real issue for some people when confronted with potential burnout, as loyalties and social ties can compound the problem. Gaming by its very nature can be indulged in to a far greater degree than say fishing or other traditional hobbies. It is not seasonal and is accessible 24/7.You don't have to go anywhere, prepare in advance and be mindful of things like the weather. Subsequently, unless we consciously decide to regulate ourselves it will simply swallow all our leisure time. Burnout is not a term I associate with train spotting, stamp collecting or campanology. As gaming continues to become a more mainstream activity, burnout is a phrase I think we shall hear more often.
Is Co-op Gaming King?
“Is the popularity of smaller-scale co-op (games) hurting MMORPGs?” This interesting question was posted on Massively Overpowered today as part of their regular Massively Overthinking feature. The subject was explored by members of the writing team then thrown over to reader comments, many of which were very thought provoking. The subject was similar to one we debated recently on the Contains Moderate Peril podcast. That focused on whether traditional MMO players were now outsiders within their own genre of choice. Both of these discussions are about change and a shift in player habits. And change is frequently unsettling and potentially comes at the expense of something else.
“Is the popularity of smaller-scale co-op (games) hurting MMORPGs?” This interesting question was posted on Massively Overpowered today as part of their regular Massively Overthinking feature. The subject was explored by members of the writing team then thrown over to reader comments, many of which were very thought provoking. The subject was similar to one we debated recently on the Contains Moderate Peril podcast. That focused on whether traditional MMO players were now outsiders within their own genre of choice. Both of these discussions are about change and a shift in player habits. And change is frequently unsettling and potentially comes at the expense of something else.
A good MMORPG offers a complex persistent world that can be explored and enjoyed both as a solo player and as part of a group. A decade ago, the genre was very much focused on group run content and I have spent many a rewarding evening running dungeons with my guild mates. These sorts of social activities foster close bonding with fellow players and can be extremely uplifting. Yet raiding culture is by its nature time consuming and requires a lot of organising and commitment. Co-op play in other genres of games can offer the same sort of fix but without half as much baggage.
Running The Rift in LOTRO a decade ago meant everyone turning up on time, with the right gear and consumables. Everyone needed to know their job. Even the most casual of raid groups would have to give up a lot of time and if someone fumbled the ball it meant you got nothing for all your work, bar the fun you had. Teaming with your friends in Overwatch is quick and simple. Within minutes you’re in the middle of the action. You can play as casually or as hardcore as you like. If you fail epically, you still get XP points that can unlock loot creates. Such co-op games may not have the immersive world trappings of an MMO but they offer all the fun without the grind. No wonder so many players gravitate towards them.
I enjoy MMOs but play them differently today than how I did ten years ago. I have written recently about how Sniper Elite 4, For Honor and Overwatch can be great fun when played co-operatively with friends and for me I think this is the future. Co-op scratches that social gaming itch but in a manner that allows you to filter out much of the less desirable elements you find in MMOs. The risk of toxic team mates is far less and you aren’t faced with complex barriers to entry. There’s no need to wait for players to change their gear or empty their bags. Where the MMO player is still martialling his team mates, fifteen minutes after the raid was due to begin, the co-op player is knee deep in action, making the most of their precious game time.
If you look back over the last fifty years of popular culture, you’ll find a long list of popular genres, formats and mediums that have bitten the dust. It is sad but ultimately how markets work. Musicals and Westerns came and went as the most popular movie genres. TV saw the rise and fall of the Variety show. The FPS genre moved beyond the confines of World War II and MMOs evolved from open virtual worlds to tightly scripted and managed theme parks. All of these things happened because the public wanted something else that offered them better value for their time and money. At present, co-op games appear to be king by offering what the MMO genre either can’t or won’t. Developers working with such titles should take note but I’m not sure if there’s time left to fix this.
LOTRO: Mordor and Beyond
Well, I waited till this afternoon before buying the Mordor expansion for LOTRO. Unlike the song, a day really didn’t make that much difference. In true and traditional Standing Stone Games style there were still problems, glitches and hassles to be found twenty-four hours on from the launch. In fact, there’s a hot fix to be deployed tomorrow to iron some of these out. Yet, in spite of all these minor niggles, tonight I found myself officially entering Mordor, ten years after the launch of LOTRO and eight years on from my subscribing to the game. I must admit as the game wrapped up the original story and I said cheer-bye to Frodo and the rest of The Fellowship of the Ring, I did feel a sense of great satisfaction as I reflected on what my character had achieved on behalf of the free peoples of Middle-earth. Why even Gandalf himself thanked me for my courage and effort. And then a message appeared in chat, stating “You’ve earned 5 LOTRO Points”. The irony wasn’t lost and I then went on to ponder exactly why I’ve spent years being a butler to all the NPCs I’ve met in LOTRO.
Well, I waited till this afternoon before buying the Mordor expansion for LOTRO. Unlike the song, a day really didn’t make that much difference. In true and traditional Standing Stone Games style there were still problems, glitches and hassles to be found twenty-four hours on from the launch. In fact, there’s a hot fix to be deployed tomorrow to iron some of these out. Yet, in spite of all these minor niggles, tonight I found myself officially entering Mordor, ten years after the launch of LOTRO and eight years on from my subscribing to the game. I must admit as the game wrapped up the original story and I said cheer-bye to Frodo and the rest of The Fellowship of the Ring, I did feel a sense of great satisfaction as I reflected on what my character had achieved on behalf of the free peoples of Middle-earth. Why even Gandalf himself thanked me for my courage and effort. And then a message appeared in chat, stating “You’ve earned 5 LOTRO Points”. The irony wasn’t lost and I then went on to ponder exactly why I’ve spent years being a butler to all the NPCs I’ve met in LOTRO.
Joking aside, I did enjoy the final interlude where you play once again as Gollum. Standing Stone Games did somewhat stretch the lore to accommodate the player being present at Sam and Frodo’s rescue. However, it does bring a sense of closure to the player. The subsequent epilogue in The Field of Cormallen set up the premise for the next Epic Book nicely. Overall, the cutscenes were well conceived and showed sufficient of the end of the story without over egging matters. The destruction of Barad-dûr, the demise of the Ring Wraiths and the rescue of Frodo and Sam by the eagles were functional. Once again, the developers work well within the technical restrictions of a decade old game engine. It’s just a shame that they couldn’t have created a more exciting launch trailer. The hastily cobbled together effort that was created using in-game footage was very lacklustre and was far from the most effective marketing tool.
At the time of writing there are still some technical glitches with the new character animations. There are clipping and tearing issues especially with certain types of hats and hair. It was very noticeable of my primary character. There were also delays to some players receiving the Aria of the Valar level boost. I’m sure these matters will be addressed but once again it would have been preferable if these had been sorted prior to launch. The current gaming culture of early access, releasing unfinished content and fixing on the fly is hardly edifying for the game community. It is a lazy, finance driven concept that doesn’t take in to account such matters as professionalism and public perception. The LOTRO player base has proven its tolerance time and time again over the years. I’m sure they would have accommodated a delay or better still a later launch date, if it meant that they got a more polished product.
I was fortunate enough to have received the Aria of the Valar when I logged in to the game today. Not everyone has been as lucky. I applied this boost to level 105 to my Dwarf Hunter. He was currently languishing at level 50 something and loitering in Lothlorien, having simply run through Moria. As I wasn’t relishing revisiting such areas as Mirkwood and Dunland and have always fancied an alternative character at level cap, it seemed like the sensible thing to do. The boost provides adequate gear, although none of it is designed for essences and three Third Age legendary items. Virtues are also increased but not to cap and you are also given a modest quantity of skills points. These are mainly the ones you would acquire if you played through the Epic Story. All things considered it’s not a bad service and allows you to go directly to Mordor adequately equipped. However, it is no more than that and shouldn’t be considered a “pay to win” item. After using the Aria of the Valar my Dwarf Hunter had a Physical Mastery rating of 70K.
So finally, the wait is over. LOTRO has now reached the end of the accepted canonical story and is now moving in to wholly original territory, narratively speaking. It feels like a very major step in the games overall life. Yet the more I look around at LOTRO, the reality is that nothing has significantly changed. The new Allegiance system is merely an adaptation of the existing reputation mechanic. Similarly, the Light of Earendil/Shadow of Mordor System appears to be a regional buff/debuff mechanic, not to different to from the old Radiance/Gloom system. Although the Mordor expansion offers LOTRO player a lot more content, it is still just “more of the same”. For many this will be an acceptable arrangement but I can’t help but think that it would be to the game’s advantage if they introduced something truly innovative. Sadly, I think the reality is that the game is simply too old to support anything too complex.
Although I have bought the Mordor expansion and am happy to play through the new quests, I will more than likely move on to pastures new, once I’ve hit the new level cap. Then it’s a question of waiting to see what the next update has to offer. For those that stay it is then a question of levelling alts and repeating content. Due to the social nature of the game and its community, it is the player created content and activities that binds people to this virtual Middle-earth. Standing Stone Games provides the theatre and the players craft their own experiences with their friends and kinships. Although this on paper seems like a very equitable arrangement, I can’t help but feel that it excuses Standing Stone Games from pushing themselves. Rather than taking a proactive role in creating new innovative content, they seem more like paternal “groundskeepers” charged with maintaining a fertile environment for others. Although it’s a valid position I wonder if its sustainable now LOTRO moves beyond Mordor. What do players want next and can the developers provide it for them?
Standing Stone Games: Is the Honeymoon Over?
I was not that surprised when Standing Stone Games announced that their Mordor expansion for LOTRO would be released at the end of July, just weeks after several open beta tests. This is something the developers have done for a while, with all their major updates. One has to remember that despite a change of name, to core team developing LOTRO has not radically changed since they extricated themselves from Turbine. Something that SSG went out of their way to stress when they formally announced their move, last December. The press releases and interviews at the time focused on a sense of continuity and implied that SSG was now free from the corporate yolk of Warner Bros. and Turbine. It led to a great deal of optimism among LOTRO players and sparked a resurgence in the game. The fact that the MMO has now reached the end of Tolkien’s story and is about to embark upon its own original narrative has been well received. Yet LOTRO has always been regarded both by the faithful and by those outside, as a game that never quite lived up to its potential. Perhaps the release of Mordor would remedy that?
I was not that surprised when Standing Stone Games announced that their Mordor expansion for LOTRO would be released at the end of July, just weeks after several open beta tests. This is something the developers have done for a while, with all their major updates. One has to remember that despite a change of name, to core team developing LOTRO has not radically changed since they extricated themselves from Turbine. Something that SSG went out of their way to stress when they formally announced their move, last December. The press releases and interviews at the time focused on a sense of continuity and implied that SSG was now free from the corporate yolk of Warner Bros. and Turbine. It led to a great deal of optimism among LOTRO players and sparked a resurgence in the game. The fact that the MMO has now reached the end of Tolkien’s story and is about to embark upon its own original narrative has been well received. Yet LOTRO has always been regarded both by the faithful and by those outside, as a game that never quite lived up to its potential. Perhaps the release of Mordor would remedy that?
Well it would appear that the honeymoon between Standing Stone Games and the LOTRO player base is now over. There were cracks appearing in the façade of mutual goodwill during the anniversary event, when it became clear that several activities were exclusional. However, it has been the debacle over the pricing structure of the Mordor expansion that has returned community relationships back to how they were previously. Many LOTRO players do not consider the itemisation and costs of the three different editions of the expansion to be equitable. Once again, the game developers appear to be taking their customers loyalty and support for granted. Something that was a regular complaint when LOTRO was administered under the auspices of Turbine. It would appear that LOTRO is still tied to a cycle of controversies, poor decision making and potentially biting the hand that feeds it. So much for the concept of “a new broom sweeps clean”.
For the last seven years, LOTRO players have been left to assume (often by the inference of Turbine themselves) that a lot of the problems associated with the MMOs development have been down to Warner Bros. interference. However, according to information garnered from staff who have either left Turbine or been laid off, it would appear that has not been the case. Turbine were left to run things pretty much as they liked by their corporate owner, who it would seem were merely interested in obtaining the licence. Thus, we must deduce that all the controversies that have happened with the game since 2010, such as the barter wallet, mounted combat and the skills tree revamp, can all be laid at Turbine’s door. It would appear that Standing Stone Games, despite separating themselves from Turbine per se, have brought with them the same business mindset because it was theirs to begin with.
As ever with matters of this kind, unless the public are given specific information gained from inside the company in question, it really comes down to deductive reasoning and making “educated guesses”. We do not know the exact details of the relationship between Daybreak Game Company and Standing Stone Games. Are they just a publisher or are more involved and control the purse strings? Did they have any say in deciding the pricing of the Mordor expansion? We do not know for certain. However, while these questions and others are debated on the forums and gaming websites, LOTRO players once again find themselves robustly supporting a game that still seems to be failing to meet its potential and at odds with a developer that doesn’t seem to listen as well as it claims. When one stands back and objectively looks at the life cycle of LOTRO, it really has dodged several major bullets mainly due to the goodwill of the players, who seem to be exceptionally forgiving. Perhaps too much so. If this MMO was an original IP with a different audience, then I do not think it would have lasted the ten years that it has.
Money Changes Everything
When I look back at the various posts I’ve written about gaming over the past decade, several themes regularly occur. Player toxicity, marketing hype and industry shenanigans are three that never seem to go away. Pre-order culture, fans enthusiasm and launch day disappointment are also perennial bad pennies. However, there is one point that I constantly find myself reiterating. Yet despite its staggeringly obvious nature it is habitually overlooked and ignored. Namely that money changes everything. Regardless of the nature of a situation, be it the cost of an item in the cash store, alterations to a games mechanics or the relationship between a You Tube personality and their audience, if it involves some sort of financial exchange then it fundamentally alters the dynamic of that given situation.
When I look back at the various posts I’ve written about gaming over the past decade, several themes regularly occur. Player toxicity, marketing hype and industry shenanigans are three that never seem to go away. Pre-order culture, fans enthusiasm and launch day disappointment are also perennial bad pennies. However, there is one point that I constantly find myself reiterating. Yet despite its staggeringly obvious nature it is habitually overlooked and ignored. Namely that money changes everything. Regardless of the nature of a situation, be it the cost of an item in the cash store, alterations to a games mechanics or the relationship between a You Tube personality and their audience, if it involves some sort of financial exchange then it fundamentally alters the dynamic of that given situation.
People are motivated to blog, podcast, live stream and make videos for a variety of reasons. Some do it to please themselves, where some like to please others. It is actually possible to achieve both. If you are persistent in your endeavours and communicate with your audience positively, then you will get some traction. But there are consequences to being successful and I’m not talking exclusively about having an audience of millions. Even a modest site such as Contains Moderate Peril can be subject to some basic internet cause and effect mechanics. Audiences, or readers in my case, consume content voraciously. They also foster expectations regardless of whether you’ve directly instigated them. If you create new material daily, your audience will grow to expect it daily. If you significantly deviate from such a schedule there are consequences. In my case, between March and April last year I took a break from writing and as a result my traffic tanked. It has taken a year plus to recover. Interruptions to the podcast schedule also killed the listener numbers.
Now the reason I mention this is because, even before you’ve got to the point of taking money from your audience, you have to deal with their expectations, regardless of whether they are founded or not. I have known several fan related sites that have been criticised for changing direction, deviating from perceived schedules or having the unmitigated gall to cease producing their free service. But the moment you accept money from your audience, then your independent status is lost. You are no longer providing content but a service. Fans are often blighted by a malady which seems to equate support with direct input. Add money to that spurious equation and you will inevitably have problems. It doesn’t matter what route you take or what platform you use to raise capital, paying is perceived by some as buying a share in “You Incoporated”. Thus, we have Twitch streamers who are criticised for how they spend the money they are “given”, fansites lambasted for championing or not championing specific issues. And at present, popular You Tube personality Joe “Angry Joe” Vargas is at war with a faction of his so-called “Angry Army” of subscribers.
I have in the past toyed with monetising both this site and the associated podcast(s). For a brief period of time, I asked for PayPal donations when the hosting costs were getting extravagant. However, that ended when I was offered a sponsorship deal with Host1Plus. When I moved the site in 2015 to Squarespace I decided it was easier to simply bank roll all my projects myself because it just guaranteed that I could do my own thing free from any external constraints. That’s not to say that I don’t support the notion that people providing content on the internet should be paid, because I do. It’s just that the Huffington Post business model and the fallacy of “exposure” has done a lot of damage. Sadly, Joe Public has become use to getting “free stuff” and it’s very hard to try and overcome that mindset. So, for the present I look upon my online projects as “indulgences” and will fund them myself to maintain my creative control.
If one broadens the scope of the argument that “money changes everything” it is clear that it permeates everything in life and alters are relationship with it. In the UK, university education used to be selective and free of charge. However, now it is more accessible but as more people use it, is chargeable via a deferred loan. Some students no longer see education as a self-determined process of personal improvement but simply as the buying of a service. Thus, academic under achievement is seen not as a personal failure, but as a business dispute. Such a mindset shows how money alters the perception of any undertaking. Thus, some MMO gamers want bespoke content that suits their needs, You Tube subscribers feel that they should dictate what content is posted on a channel and the entire field of crowdfunded projects is rife with complaints, acrimony and misplaced demands.
Now it is fair to say that there is nothing inherently wrong with the traditional business and customer relationship, as long as both parties accept it as such. The same can be said regarding the free content providers and their audiences. Both are perfectly equitable arrangement as along as everyone understand their respective role. Sadly, the internet has impacted upon this perception. Fans think they’re on the board of director’s, Patreon subscribers fail to understand what “donation” actually means and support for any undertaking in general is seen as a point of leverage. Plus, any sort of financial transaction means some sort of contract. Adding a legal veneer to a situation only adds to its complexity.
As I’m writing this very post, someone on my Twitter timeline has just tweeted about how their patrons can now vote on what they review next. If they are happy with this situation then that is fine but it highlights exactly how “money changes everything”. Contains Moderate Peril is never going to make me rich or even break even. But for the present it is exclusively my platform and that makes the operating costs worthwhile. If you feel the need to tell me what I should or should not be doing on my personal site then that is your prerogative. However, I can also ignore your demands and tell you to fuck right off with a clear conscience. So, my advice to any budding blogger, podcaster or You Tuber, is to think long and hard before you take the proverbial “King’s Shilling”. A source of revenue may well be all fine and dandy but at the costs of your independence?
"You're Playing Wrong"
There’s one particular topic that appears with tedious regularity on MMO subreddits and forums. That old chestnut about how the genre has become too solo friendly and that it’s to the ruination of the genre. It usually hails from the raiding community and follows a predictable path about high end gear and those who do and don’t deserve it. When you look beyond the initial arguments, you’ll frequently find that such positions are very emotive, couched in judgemental terms and often end in the sentiment “why even play an MMO?” or something comparable. The reason I mention this perennial debate is because it appeared recently on a forum that I still occasionally visit. It saddens me to a degree because, this point has been debunked so many times, yet it still persists (a bit like many political talking points). It also smacks of that attitude I see all too frequently these days. A concern and borderline resentment of what others are doing, irrespective of whether it impacts upon you or not.
There’s one particular topic that appears with tedious regularity on MMO subreddits and forums. That old chestnut about how the genre has become too solo friendly and that it’s to the ruination of the genre. It usually hails from the raiding community and follows a predictable path about high end gear and those who do and don’t deserve it. When you look beyond the initial arguments, you’ll frequently find that such positions are very emotive, couched in judgemental terms and often end in the sentiment “why even play an MMO?” or something comparable. The reason I mention this perennial debate is because it appeared recently on a forum that I still occasionally visit. It saddens me to a degree because, this point has been debunked so many times, yet it still persists (a bit like many political talking points). It also smacks of that attitude I see all too frequently these days. A concern and borderline resentment of what others are doing, irrespective of whether it impacts upon you or not.
So how shall we tackle this question of “you’re playing wrong” because that is effectively what it boils down to. Well, let us start with that very question. Is there a definitive way to play an MMORPG? No is the brief answer. Sure, each MMO has a set of rules and procedures that set out a path of progression. However, nowhere in these rules will you find a statement saying it is mandatory to play this particular way. Humans like to adapt things to suit their own needs. Play is under pinned by imagination and creativity. Therefore, role-players are free to pursue their particular play style in an MMO. Players can create alts and continuously replay specific content only if they wish. It is not essential to be in a guild or to raid and not everyone wants the best gear. Furthermore, I have never seen a major objection towards varied play styles from the developers of an MMO. They usually just seem happy that people can find joy in their creation and the publishers are content to have your money regardless of what you do.
As for the question "why even play an MMO?" it is utterly irrelevant to the debate. A player’s motivation for playing and indeed the very manner in which they play is no business of anyone else as long as it remains within the TOS of the game. Another common argument and variation upon this theme is that MMOs are meant to be social games and that the very foundation of the genre is the need for continuous interaction with other players. I remember Massively OP writer Jef Rehard claiming not so long ago that “this is a social genre. This is not your world. It's our world, and how you interact with and ultimately shape it is most definitely my concern". Yet the reality is that a MORPG is only social in so far as it includes game mechanics that can facilitate group interaction. They are there as an option and are seldom mandatory. Therefore, MMORPGs are not solely "a social genre" and it is worth noting that the word social does not feature in the acronym. It is also a common misconception that the social dimension that can be found in MMOs, is a result of the game itself. It is not. The game certainly provides a framework for group interaction but ultimately the social element is organically generated by the players themselves. The game at most is a conduit. Gather people together in any social interaction, friendship and fun will present itself.
As for the issue, as to "who's world is it", the answer is simple. It's the publishers. Gamers frequently make the mistake of believing they have a far greater stake in the object of their affection, beyond their consumer rights. We are all nothing more than a customer and any claim suggesting some vicarious form of collective ownership is nonsense. Fandom is a wonderful thing and has many positive aspects but at times it does cause a form of “tunnel vision” that impacts upon some players sense of perspective. MMORPGs are products created to make money. That is their primary purpose. They are not there to provide a social service nor are they under any obligation to foster a morally righteous community. Such activities are simply a byproduct of their use by the player base. There is equal scope for the community to go in the other direction and become toxic.
The MMORPG genre has changed greatly over the last decade and is now quite different from how it was. All consumer products evolve over time. Why is this situation any different? If one finds oneself aggrieved by such change surely it would be logical to blame it upon market forces and the nature of capitalism, rather than on those players that have elected to pursue their entertainment in a different way to you, as is their right? Thus, the argument that “you’re playing wrong” is a fundamentally flawed concept based on faulty data and incorrect assumptions. It also stems from fundamental misunderstanding of what a players role is within the traditional business and customer relationship.
So, in conclusion, concerns over other MMO players habits are misplaced. Beyond abiding by a games TOS (and hopefully maintaining good manners and common decency), a solo player has no obligation to anyone else and is free to pursue their own endeavours within a game in whatever fashion they see fit. As ever with debates of this kind, it is largely a matter of semantics and logical thinking. As a player who predominantly plays MMORPGs solo, the only way my actions affect other players is through the indirect medium of prevailing business trends. IE being part of a group that offers more business potential to the developers. Carping about this is a bit like complaining that not enough people buy a particular brand of coffee that you like and as a result the supermarket no longer stocks it.
Finally, there is a slight hint of a sense of moral outrage associated with this re-occurring argument. Such sentiment is misplaced in a reasoned and rational argument. This is ultimately a discussion about business decisions and how market forces govern product change. Personal indignation based upon perceived injustices does nothing more than cloud the debate. Developers know that they can't please all customers and it would be beneficial is gamers reciprocated. If as a gamer find yourself on the wrong side of a change of policy or game mechanic, then that is sad for you but beyond that it is of no more significance. However as reasoned and rational discussion is not de rigueur in any public arena at present, let alone just in gaming, I suspect we haven’t seen the last of the “you’re playing wrong” debate.