MMORPG from lessons learned
by lush · in Game Design and Creative Issues · 02/25/2003 (12:25 pm) · 1 replies
I've been following the rise of the MMORPGs (Meridian59, UO, Everquest, etc etc) with at first excitement, and then grave disappointment. The games should be about game-play, community building, and immersive fiction (look at what made MUDs popular) and not about graphics. I've been designing my own MMORPG using I what I've seen as the lessons learned. I think the 2nd gen MMORPGs and even 3rd gen are farther from the mark than that first batch. Even following a few simple sociological principles in the design would have been helpful.
The problem? Game designers are too aloof from the player-base. They think they know what's best for the game and won't accept it when totally wrong. Then they don't stick to their guns when they should. What you get is a muddled piece of fiction and scripting slapped on top of a quite pretty game engine. Career game designers need to be career game players!
Anyway, I'm not going to pretend I can put together a team and coordinate all the necessary things to get a design transformed into something executable. But I have a design that centers on community building, mixing ALL playstyles (player vs world, player vs player, social gaming, player killing) in a reasonable manner that is gratifying all around. I've knocked this design around for a couple of years and I think the time is right for implementation.
If there's a team out there that's serious about implementing something ambitious and realistic, drop me a line. Someone needs to show the big publishers that gamers know what they want. And largely, it's not on the shelves at the local game store.
-l
The problem? Game designers are too aloof from the player-base. They think they know what's best for the game and won't accept it when totally wrong. Then they don't stick to their guns when they should. What you get is a muddled piece of fiction and scripting slapped on top of a quite pretty game engine. Career game designers need to be career game players!
Anyway, I'm not going to pretend I can put together a team and coordinate all the necessary things to get a design transformed into something executable. But I have a design that centers on community building, mixing ALL playstyles (player vs world, player vs player, social gaming, player killing) in a reasonable manner that is gratifying all around. I've knocked this design around for a couple of years and I think the time is right for implementation.
If there's a team out there that's serious about implementing something ambitious and realistic, drop me a line. Someone needs to show the big publishers that gamers know what they want. And largely, it's not on the shelves at the local game store.
-l
Torque Owner Christopher Dapo
I myself, even before I knew of such an MMORPG, have worked on a broader idea than any so far, just basing the idea off the freedom AD&D such games present, but in a more defined fashion and with all new rules.
Now, after actually playing such a game (UO) and witnessing the potential and as well what it lacks, I was able to do a complete design model which I have been playing with for about 6 years now. Here's a small taste of what the game itself will offer:
Infinity - http://www.pcpages.com/cldstudios/projects/infinity/story.html
This design focuses on so many new elements which bring players together as well as makes the individual player that much more important. From total customization of character, to customization of how that character grows and lives, all the way to the character's demise.
This game also focuses on allowing players to directly effect their world ( ...eventually worlds :), and presents a grand storyline which promises more than enough adventure. Of course, players have the option to play any role they desire as well.
I hope this appeals to you and weither you would like to help me in my efforts or would appreciate help on your own idea, I am always willing to get into any possible projects. Currently I work on 6 massive projects, including Realm Wars and another MMORPG, but I always try to do what I can to help others in their efforts.
Anyways, good luck and I would love to hear your ideas!
- Christopher Dapo ~ Ronixus