The crazy SciFi-Fantasy comic MMO WildStar is slowly approaching the finish line. A larger beta test is already planned for the winter, where you can take a look at the status of the game – of course just to report any bugs, to make the servers glow, and especially to observe highly intelligent rabbits with 2 pistols 😉
If you haven’t heard anything about this or have no idea what’s happening on the planet Nexus, you can soon get up to date with the help of livestreams, videos, and so on, as a lot of that will be released in the coming months. The video briefly explains, in a fast-paced manner, what information we can expect. By the way, the release is planned for spring 2014. Have fun!
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It affects all genres, every group constellation, and is becoming more relevant – guilds, teams, clans, simply all MMO groups are put to the test as more members decide to switch games. Players who want to stay are deeply disappointed, and those leaving reluctantly leave behind friends and reliable companions. This might sound a bit theatrical now – but damn it, it can be! Gamers are just humans who get to know and appreciate each other through their favorite hobby (some even love!) and when it comes to saying goodbye, one person’s path to another virtual world often signifies the end of that friendly relationship.
A painful farewell – the blood elf paladin Kelthrion hands over command and will soon leave the guild for good
I have experienced it in one way or another multiple times, and I have to say, it was sometimes very sad. Sure, fundamentally one could (and does this to some extent) stay in touch, but the actual basis for the “friendship/acquaintance” is simply taken away. Not the end of the world – no question – but still often quite sad.
Well, and these, let’s call them virtual-social breaks, are occurring more frequently. Why? Well, because the great eras of Ultima Online, Diablo I and II, or even World of Warcraft are coming to an end. I am not condemning these games, but it seems at least that the time is passing when one would cling to the same game for many years. The trend is quite clear: a new game comes onto the market, offers great and new content as well as innovative possibilities, is played intensively for a few weeks or even months, and eventually is condemned by the masses.
Former best friends. Then one became a Sith and the friendship with the other was lost.
Both factions now need understanding. Those who want to stay because their time has not yet come and those who are bothered that others want to tarnish the game. And those who leave, looking for new content, do not want to stay in one place “forever” and simply have higher demands. By the way, the total playtime of both factions is not always that far apart; some just consume faster.
But where is a solution? Where is the possibility to find a common gaming basis? – a rhetorical question, I know, the answer is already in the title, but it just sounds more dramatic. 😉
Hey! We were young and needed….those ugly green gnome robes. Besides, it was a huge fun! Uh, and just to clarify, I was the one in the middle!
MultiGamingClans – keep your friends close and beloved enemies… will simply be assimilated!
They could also be called guilds, groups, or teams, but that wouldn’t matter much. MultiGamingClans is what many players call them who are already part of such a cross-game organization. Well, and what is it about? The name says it all – you create a group or join one that is not only active in one game but explicitly plays multiple games and provides all members a basis in each of those games. The nice thing is, a huge tradition is built that spreads across many different virtualities and can naturally also make a name for itself. Yes, and not least, you remain connected with friends or also deliberately chosen in-game enemies. A nice side effect for those who are left behind is that the return rate to familiar games increases significantly. Or conversely, some old friends may eventually follow you because their time has come to leave as well.
Admittedly, it only provides limited comfort over the loss of regularly doing something with certain people. But since you are maintaining, let’s say, a more traditional connection, bridges are built that cannot be torn down quickly. A great example is the MultiGamingClan page. Here, everyone who belongs to the huge family congregates and they can continue to exchange ideas about their shared hobby, the multi-massive-online game itself. The same applies to communication bases like the Teamspeak server, where everyone still meets. This also makes it much more reasonable to invest proper time and effort into an appealing fan page or to cover server costs for years.
The MultiGamingClan, folks!
At least consider it before you start the umpteenth guild in the next-gen MMO. I dare say, if you really want to set something up, there is no way around it. Plan your groups more long-term! Become a legend in Azeroth (WoW) AND on Coruscant (SW:TOR), defeat your enemies from the New Conglomerate (Planetside 2) and soon crown your MultiGamingClan leader the Emperor of Tamriel (TESO), show the enemy on the battlefield of the future what it means to mess with YOU (Battlefield 4) and play Hello Kitty together in hard mode!…………uhm, okay, maybe that doesn’t necessarily have to happen.
In this sense, may you not only add your online friends on Facebook and Google+ but surf together through a sea of virtuality!
Your MMO-MultiGamingClanGuildGroupTeamBuilder Björn 🙂
P.S. As the website is still a delicate plant in growth and needs much water and sunshine, we would really appreciate if you would love us (like), share, comment, and whatever else goes! Go for it, ladies, until the next time!
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
How much Multi Massive Online would you like, please?
MMO(G)s are designed for group players, that is no question at all!
– Right?!?
Yes, that is a valid question that can be asked, and it must be asked! For gamers who enjoy playing solo and want to experience a really good story like in Mass Effect or The Elder Scrolls, it is often recommended to stick with the single-player game. However, much to the delight of many gamers, online games are also becoming better at storytelling. For example, Star Wars: The Old Republic can be wonderfully experienced as a solo player as well. Great class stories are told here, and the player can participate interactively. The game offers countless hours of fun for solo players and the option to experience great group content. A must for Star Wars fans; for everyone else, give it a try! It’s already free-to-play! 😉
The Sith Lord Xaphyr on his way to becoming Darth.
But what does the combination of solo and MMO gaming lead to? Of course, it creates added value for all players, but it also means that players who are fundamentally single players now stream into online worlds, and they often have nothing against experiencing some content together with others. Why not?
However, in numerous fixed groups (guilds, teams, clans, etc.) there is already a typical topic of contention – how much and what kind of MMO does each player want, and to what extent can their ideas be reconciled with those of the group?
YOU are the leader! Group harmony is your task!
Finding the right balance is your task! You are the leader or perhaps one of his deputies, a council member, maybe an officer. It could be that you don’t really care whether all your group members are satisfied, but then that wouldn’t really be the purpose of a group. Successful gaming requires a significant degree of group harmony, and let’s presume for now that you are interested and your group has this harmony for whatever reasons.
You are the leader
Back to the problem: Some in your group absolutely want to participate in end content, meaning they want to tackle and master the usually most difficult content (e.g., raids) in a reasonable time. A second subgroup of players only wants to engage in group content like instances, dungeons, or team PvP occasionally and “in a casual setting.” A third department, on the other hand, might occasionally like a group event but is not keen on engaging directly (Teamspeak or whatever) with you.
And you? Yes, you are the one who has to somehow bring all these different visions together without (and this is very important!) losing your own enjoyment of the game.
Do you HAVE to do that? No, you actually don’t have to at all. But what you should do is to set a direction together with your group for where the shared journey should go. Clear conditions keep all parties from disappointment. However, too many rules and regulations can scare off players – it’s about finding the balance here. Nevertheless, rule number 1 in this case is: clear announcements.
If the group is particularly interested in intense end content gameplay, then newbies and casual group players, as nice as one might want to be, are often not well-suited and should (in most cases) be categorically excluded (for your and their benefit). The disadvantages: Recruitment from your own ranks essentially doesn’t take place, and some nice and actually well-suited players may be sustainably scared off. Advantage: The skill level of the group remains relatively constant, and the group becomes a more cohesive team faster.
[pull_quote_left]We accept all players![/pull_quote_left]
Okay, “categorically excluding” sounds a bit harsh and doesn’t sound particularly harmonious. True, for groups that are about “hard at the limit”, gaming is much more than just amusing entertainment – it is competitive sports. Therefore, those who don’t like that should leave the supposed pro gamers among themselves. Play how you want! Intense group gaming, as long as the harmony is right, is really fun, but it’s just not everyone’s cup of tea.
Even the smurf-like Chiss in SW:TOR we accept! 😉
Well, that’s nice and good, but you and your group don’t want to commit too much and provide a base for all player types – this has numerous advantages, as the pool of players you sympathize with is logically much larger than with more limiting requirements. It would be important to instill this maxim in every newcomer: “We accept all players!” Anyone who joins the group now knows that the community can accommodate any type of player. This neither excludes a successful PvE endgame or PvP group nor interesting role-playing events. However, it means that different types must get along, and the group leadership, which is striving for harmonious coexistence, should pursue a somewhat sensible strategy.
A sensible strategy for group harmony?
Yes. Let’s assume your group has exactly these three factions: players who are primarily interested in PvP, those only focused on PvE end content, and let’s say a handful of role players who enjoy meeting in the tavern and acting out their characters. Of course, there are numerous players who utilize all aspects of an online game, but in our example, the fronts are already a bit hardened. So, what to do?
The answer to the question depends, how could it be otherwise, on factors such as group size, the respective faction size, and the engagement of your co-leaders (officers, etc.). The latter hints at the ideal solution. As a leader, you should engage with all three subgroups and ideally even be part of each faction. However, since you want to play too, it is simply sensible to share responsibilities.
In nearly every social group, an informal leader emerges sooner or later. This is not necessarily the actual leader of a group but the one whom most others listen to – this can have various reasons (e.g., social or professional competence). Following this principle, such a leader will also crystallize within your three factions. In many cases, it is simply one of the more experienced players. You grab that gamer and make him the faction leader of his interest group, for example, a PvP general in your guild. The advantage is that he has already informally led his faction, and since you have now entrusted him with this responsibility, he (if he wants to) will take on this task enthusiastically. Moreover, an alternative leader no longer has to assert himself against the informal leader, which can minimize tensions. You, on the other hand, demonstrate leadership competence to other members by making him the faction leader, as most would have elected him anyway. The solution doesn’t always work out, of course, but it is a sensible approach.
The actual division of responsibilities ensures that each interest group now has a direct contact person who belongs directly and can work on their concerns within the group. If the entire group or one of the subfactions is large enough, new subdivisions may be sensible. For example, one player could lead the PvP group, another train new recruits, and yet another organize the supply for the faction (potions, boosters, etc.).
Regular meetings of the individual factions help organize overarching themes and events and clarify tensions between individual interest groups.
First conclusion (as far as it goes):
In summary, the diverse types of players can be quite well brought together with a somewhat thoughtful strategy. However, it can also be part of the strategy to directly forgo certain types. Sounds a bit harsh, and nice is known to be the little sister of… uh, what I want to say is, clear announcements made collectively help all members and those who might want to join or those who no longer want to (and whom you don’t want anyway). *puhh*
More information and interesting facts about the MMO group will follow in any case soon. If you liked the article, feel free to share, love, and comment.
With that said, may you lead a harmonious group or simply help shape one!
Textbook example of a down-to-earth group leader
Your MMO-Ultraübermegametagruppenchiefcommanderhäuptling (short and sweet MMO-UÜMMGCCH) Björn 😀
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
The MMORPGs (Massive Multiplayer Role Playing Game, often simply referred to as “online role-playing games”) are probably the most well-known representatives and a subgenre of MMOGs. Games like “World Of Warcraft“, “Aion“, or “Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn” fall into this category, yet there are also significant features that differentiate them from other forms of MMOs, but they are not necessarily required. After all, the boundaries are not closed, and so overlaps naturally also occur.
This listing can and should only provide a brief outline, as computer games of this type, now increasingly found on consoles, are very complex and offer many opportunities for players to express themselves. This also includes different ways of thinking about what constitutes a role-playing game in a virtual world.
In this genre, one usually controls only one character at a time, as one embodies the “role” of this avatar. Within the given possibilities, the character can be customized, and we can give him a – more or less – unique appearance. It is usually possible to create more than one character and play separately – but never two at the same time. Your alter ego is accompanied by a backstory that follows you throughout the gameplay.
It is important to mention that social features represent a significant part, allowing you to interact with other players in various ways. This part is particularly strengthened by, for example, guilds or group-oriented content.
The interpretation of this is quite broad, as there are political systems, for instance, that allow you to levy taxes during a ruling period – these also affect other adventurers in the world. On the other hand, this point may also include content like decorating shared guild houses or fighting together against an enemy faction, conditioned by a historical background. However, it should be noted that you are rarely forced into this until the endgame, more about that later.
MMORPGs often have collection quests as a long-term incentive, which can vary in weight from more to less significant. This can involve simply accumulating experience points to reach the next level or gathering resources to equip yourself or other characters with new gear or various buffs. This is frequently associated with crafting professions, commonly referred to as “Crafting” in the jargon.
4. The Endgame
All games of this genre feature group quests, particularly in the so-called “endgame”. This often implies the conclusion of the main story and the “condition” that your character no longer becomes stronger through experience points but only through better gear. An alternative might be, for instance, the appearance of the equipment, which does not necessarily make your character more powerful but earns more prestige.
The best items are usually obtained only by teaming up with other players to tackle the most challenging gameplay tasks. Depending on focus or game orientation, this happens by fighting AI-controlled bosses or proving oneself in player-versus-player battles, known as PvP.
In addition to the usually challenging group tasks, there are also other areas that provide long-term motivation. Good online role-playing games are expected to keep players engaged even after countless hours of play, referring to hundreds of hours, in the world. Of course, this happens, among other things, with the help of regular game updates, as an MMORPG is continually developed. The group content mentioned earlier also plays a significant part in this, but that is not all.
Very popular among developers and accordingly among players are the so-called “dailies,” which are found in almost every MMORPG. Essentially, they are collection quests already mentioned in point 2. Often, the background is to increase reputation with a faction or party. However, this cannot all be done at once, as otherwise the engagement would be rather short depending on the player type.
Characteristic is that the tasks are updated daily or even weekly and can only be approached again after a certain time to “slow the pace” of the game. As rewards, better gear and vanity items like cute companions, stylish mounts, or pretty outfits await you. In addition, features like housing, achievement hunting, or continuing the story also provide incentives to stay in the game longer – in any case, there are several options available.
Finally, an important point is that MMORPGs are continuously and extensively developed over a long period, which is also referred to as Games-as-a-Service.
The core of every MMO(RPG) is combat, whether against monsters or other players. Often, characters only progress by killing opponents, become stronger, and loot treasures and riches.
There are two different design philosophies regarding how combat should be structured and what task is assigned to the player: one is the classic method, a semi-turn-based combat system, and the other is the more modern one, which is more action-oriented.
Semi-Turn-Based Combat System
In the classic method, the target enemy is selected with a mouse click or the tab key. Normal hits (auto-hits) or special abilities (skills) are used against this target. Healing works similarly: the healer selects their target through the in-game interface, healing spells affect exactly this target. For some healers, more complex fights in this system sometimes resemble an Excel spreadsheet.
The combat primarily revolves around which abilities can be used at which point, as the individual abilities have different cooldowns. The abilities are activated using hotkey buttons. Usually, there is an optimal sequence in which the different cooldowns are taken into account. This is referred to as a “rotation”.
Even in games that use this classic method of combat systems, you will find elements of action combat systems with area-of-effect skills (AoE) and in more complex boss fights. Some of these games also introduce elements of the newer system (like the monk class in World of Warcraft for example). It is to be expected that the “tab” combat system will become increasingly rare in its pure form. However, this variant is still appreciated for its diverse tactical options.
The action combat system generally places much more emphasis on the positioning and movement of players. Players can now dodge normal attacks, not just area-of-effect abilities. Players are more compelled to actively participate in combat, especially as aiming gains importance (usually a crosshair is then employed). It is more important to pay attention to the screen and the opponent than to the hotkey bar. Usually, there is also a collision detection.
The action combat system also typically knows an ideal rotation of abilities. In practice, the transition between combat systems is fluid. The action combat system is less a revolution of the classic design method but more a consistent evolution. However, this does not necessarily mean that this variant is better. It is still a matter of taste and should be experienced by everyone individually.
Moreover, one should be aware that it also depends on the direction in which the developer is heading with their work. Perhaps you could take a look at the “MMO Search” and click through the games to recognize the differences between online role-playing games. This way, you will get a feel for what might suit you better after some time.
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
The game has already been selected in which you want to try your hand at role-playing, but you lack access or are afraid of making a bad impression during your first attempts? We will remedy that now! Thematically, today we will focus on creating your first role-playing character, but we must say in advance: These tips are not set in stone, but they will greatly facilitate your entry.
Character creation is the foundation of your role-playing experience; much is already decided for the future, so one should proceed very carefully to avoid putting obstacles in one’s own way right from the start. The creation process doesn’t have to be time-consuming, but it’s essential to take some notes, and at its core, you need to be able to answer five questions for the character to dive into the game.
But let’s detail each point:
1. What has my character experienced so far? (Family, friends, background)
To answer this question, it is essential to already know a little about the background story of the game world. Usually, this information can be obtained for free from the internet; otherwise, ask in forums about details you consider important – or ask that one “lore nerd” we all have in our friend list. You should never fill your own gaps in knowledge with assumptions, as this generally leads to complications.
Need an example? You might consider playing a Draenei who was raised among humans in WoW. Experienced players will weep and cover their faces with their hands, because the Draenei have only had contact with humans for a few years.
Another important point in the story: Stay grounded! Nothing is more boring than a background story that explains why your character is an absolute superhero. It may be true that you have defeated 19 dragons and 254 undead in a raid instance – but that has no place in role-playing.
The role of a simple baker, a somewhat clumsy mercenary, or a humble farm boy has much more potential and does not frighten other players. No one is perfect in real life, and no one should be in role-playing, because that only leads to one thing: loneliness.
But the other extreme is incredibly boring as well: Newcomers often tend to develop a background story that is dripping with drama. The character’s father was murdered by your personal arch-nemesis, the mother died at birth, and now the broken, helpless, and naive girl has to beg in the streets, where she keeps falling for bad men and their promises.
It’s very tempting to want to play something very special in a fantasy world, but unfortunately, thousands before you have come up with the same idea and flooded the role-playing servers. It’s boring and only leads to frustration for your fellow players.
The historical entry is especially easy if you work it out together with a friend. Your two characters could be brothers or good friends – work out some shared memories that connect your characters, and you’re good to go.
2. Where are my character’s strengths? (Skills, “soft skills”)
As mentioned before, it’s incredibly monotonous if your character is the best at everything they do. No one can simultaneously be the legendary dragon slayer, the world’s greatest blacksmith, the most successful charmer, the most elegant artist, and the sturdiest fighter. It’s best to choose one or two things that your character is really good at; it doesn’t have to be anything world-shattering. Small things like “He is good with children” or “She always stays calm, even in the hottest arguments” make a character much more interesting than “He is unbeatable and kills every enemy in two seconds.”
When selecting strengths, you should also pay attention to another detail: only choose strengths that you can portray as a player! It’s simply not very convincing if your character is a “very good blacksmith” but you, as a player, have no idea what a forge is, for example. This makes your character unbelievable and leads to frustrating moments for you. The golden rule that can be derived from LARP here is: Play only what you can portray.
3. What are my character’s weaknesses? (Bad habits, deficiencies)
Just as important as the strengths are the weaknesses of your avatar. Basically, the same rules apply as with strengths: Choose a few things that your character simply cannot do well. These don’t have to be anything practical; social disadvantages are also possible. To give a few examples again: a burly blacksmith who is afraid of dogs of any size, or a spice merchant who cannot help but grant overly generous discounts to handsome Twi’lek men.
Maybe a noble lady who has horrifically bad taste in fashion? Anything is possible, and every strength can be mirrored as a weakness – the palette is nearly limitless. Additionally, your character may not even be aware of their own weakness yet because it hasn’t shown itself in any situation – it may only reveal itself during the RP.
4. What are my character’s goals? (Especially long-term)
This point is especially important to ensure your own enjoyment of the game. It’s not necessary to write a whole essay about what your character wants to achieve or how they plan to achieve it – a single keyword may suffice. For this purpose, we differentiate between long-term and short-term goals. The long-term goal is the most important, as it helps you, as a player, to pick up the “red thread” of your own story in difficult situations and offers you a decision-making aid.
Of course, your character does not have to pursue this goal non-stop; it is, however, extremely important for their life plan. And a great advantage is: Goals don’t have to be realistic. Your apprentice blacksmith can very well have the goal of eventually being allowed to forge the king’s armor or to become the best blacksmith in the world – even if you, as a player, know he can never achieve that. A broader term like “a free life” would also be a legitimate goal that a character can strive for.
Short-term goals are, as the name suggests, more spontaneous in nature. They usually arise simply from the role-play and require little further explanation. For the off-duty city guard, a goal could be to flirt a little with the cute waitress over there and perhaps find out where she lives, while the waitress might try to squeeze as much tip out of this obvious lecher as possible.
Finally, it should be noted that goals can change; they are not fixed or irreplaceable. Role-playing itself continuously shapes your character, and even if your mercenary has always dreamed of a free, unbound life, it may turn out after a few weeks that this one pretty magician has turned his head so much that he might prefer to marry and settle down.
5. What does my character look like? (Muscular, skinny, scarred)
For the appearance of your character, all previous points must be considered and intertwined. If your character is a blacksmith, then it’s only logical for him to have a muscular physique; likewise, the mage apprentice is likely to be skinny, as he may never have had to lift anything heavier than his schoolbooks.
Make sure that your background story, strengths, weaknesses, and (not always) goals reflect your character’s appearance. Appearance is the first thing other players will see of your avatar – it should roughly reflect what defines them. No one will believe you if you want to portray a battle-hardened mercenary but have such flawless and scar-free skin that one might think your only effort so far has been to bathe in milk every evening.
Many games make it relatively difficult for us role-players, as character customization options are limited. Often, each race and gender has exactly one body model, so anyone wanting to portray a somewhat plump elf or a tall human woman runs into a problem initially. However, you shouldn’t be discouraged by having a limited selection of customization options or abandon your character concept – the appearance does not have to perfectly match the actual appearance – small details like being overweight/underweight or scars can also be easily mentioned in role-play.
Of course, there are also online role-playing games, such as Aion or Guild Wars 2 (image above), that come with a fairly extensive character creation and offer you a wide range of possibilities.
Conclusion
If you can adequately answer these five questions, then you should discuss your concept with someone else – preferably with a role-player who knows the setting well. If you don’t have anyone in your friend circle who fits that description, you can also simply ask for opinions and help in the appropriate forums – as a newcomer, you have nothing to lose, and people will usually give you good advice on what you should change or reconsider.
Just remember: you will soon be playing with these people, so it’s also important to them that you are well prepared and do not represent a burden, but rather an enhancement to the game world.
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
One of the fundamental components of nearly all MMOs are guilds, teams, or other grouping options. You team up with friends and like-minded individuals – it’s about having fun together, achieving common goals, glory and honor; it’s about items and loot, it’s about defeating virtual and real opponents that wouldn’t be conquerable alone, and so on – in other words: It’s about a whole lot! It’s about the MMOG itself!
The fact is: Even if it’s not absolutely necessary for every player, MMO groups are still one of the cornerstones of the multi-massively-online game!
Whether voluntarily or forced by the architecture of many MMOs, even dedicated solo players cannot entirely do without other players or groups in most online games. At least if they want to experience all the game content that they typically paid for in one way or another.
And the MMO creators themselves? Yes, they want you to play together too! Taking the classic example of the vintage game World of Warcraft, some almost mandatory measures stand out that are intended to “excite” players about the benefits of playing together: guild bonuses, group achievements, and a multitude of instances that are hardly manageable alone, to name just a few examples. The actual background story of WoW cannot fundamentally be followed as a solo player without participating in some form of group play.
And now let’s be honest, why not? In the past, it was said that these freaky gamers would one day sit alone with square eyes in front of their machines and cry because they have no real friends left (or never had?). Well, think again, today half the world is “on the line” and hardly any smartphone owner can imagine a life without Facebook, Twitter, and who knows what other apps. So, get out there and form groups!
Success depends on many factors
OK, I admit, bad experiences with lousy groups can really spoil the fun of the game. Grumpy raid leaders who play dictator in Teamspeak, know-it-all pro gamers who have to mock every newbie, and stinky ninja farmers who snatch loot right in front of you can really get on your nerves. 😉
BUT, despite that – a really great group can enhance the enjoyment of the game for months and create unforgettable moments. And if the “foreign” grouping doesn’t work out, well then just create your own and do it better! Grab your friends, keep an eye out for other players you can cooperate well with, be selective, but also give others a chance to become part of your community.
Those of you who have already been leaders or at least officers in an administrative role will probably groan out loud and say: “Ohh, man, if it were only that easy!” And all we can say to that is: “You’re right!” – the success of a well-functioning group, a guild, or a team depends on many factors and does not necessarily come overnight. And that’s exactly why, because we love MMOs and know that groups are a fundamental part of what we love, we’re making this a major topic here. 😀
This area will focus on how to successfully form your groups, which tools, add-ons, or other aids can help you, what you can do to keep the guys and (not to forget!) the girls engaged, and what makes your members damn well go to the darn fanpage and even be active there. 😉
In this spirit,………..may the group power be with you!
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
On the occasion of the game update coming in November, Executive Producer Larry Liberty spoke out. It is “undoubtedly the most comprehensive technical update we have ever conducted.” – If we are to believe his statement, fans of the superhero MMO DC Universe Online can expect quite an impressive expansion.
The game update 31 is expected to pave the way for a long future, as innovations are anticipated in fundamental areas of the game, which can certainly be seen as a hint. Significant are the numerous graphical improvements as well as revisions in game design, which affect not only, but especially the leveling phase.
The DC Universe is growing and thriving. It seems that it will be a while before a dreadful villain destroys this world and shuts down the servers. The developer heroes are doing their utmost to prevent this from happening.
You can read the letter from the DCUO Producer here.
Play DC Universe Online for free at PS4 launch
Great hopes are also placed in the Playstation 4 version, which has probably contributed to the overhaul; after all, it can provide a second spring and bring in many new players. Consequently, it is a good time to fundamentally improve the overall package of the free-to-play MMO. By the way, for the next-gen console version, a free-to-play model is equally emphasized. Coinciding with the launch of Sony’s cult console, DC Universe Online will also be released as a launch title.
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For newcomers, the internet and its variety of terms are not an easy place. So many words need to be learned just to have the faintest idea of what others are talking about. MMOG, MMORPG, MMOFPS – Help, what does that mean?!
Many online games are called MMOs, and the clear classification into this category is not always straightforward, but there are four factors that are clear indicators for such a game:
1. The word “Massive” in the name – this means that many people can be active in one game at the same time, within a game world or a server. They must also be able to interact with each other in various areas of the game – whether in a city, through group searches, or in the open world. There is no set definition of when an MMO reaches a theoretical “massive” player count.
2. MMOGs usually have a persistent game world. This means that the virtual world continues to exist even when the individual player turns off their PC. Additionally, the environment changes even when the player is not logged into the game, whether it’s the automatic gathering of resources or the unfolding of a whole background story that occurs without the player’s action.
3. There must be some form of communication between human players, with the option to mutually influence the game events. This is given, for example, when one wants to face a great enemy together – or when one gives gifts to a teammate that help them progress in their adventure or simply bring them joy. Unlike games where the online mode is just an accessory, MMOs are designed for online gaming and the ability to play together with others. Group play (Multiplayer) should be a central component, whether through raids, dungeons, or PvP, complemented by a range of social features (guilds, chats, etc.).
4. “Games as a service” – characteristic of MMOs is that they are developed further by the operators over a long period, regularly maintained with expansions, patches, and other additional content.
In general, more and more games build on “MMO elements” and adopt the design ideas and social features of an MMO. This is one reason why conventional multiplayer online games are increasingly referred to as MMOs today, even though the number of possible players in a zone is very low. The different online genres show increasingly fluid transitions, which dilutes the MMO concept.
Due to some changes that this term has gone through, we recently revisited the definition and created our own: What does MMO mean today, in 2019?
At Mein-MMO.de, we specifically address the subgenres MMORPG, MOBA and MMO-Shooters. You can find an MMO database in our MMO list sorted by the respective genre. There, you will find good examples of which games belong to the MMO genre.
P.S. Why do we only read “MMO” instead of “MMOG”? There is probably no all-encompassing and clear explanation that uncovers this change. This change can best be explained by the fact that MMOG sounds longer than its “counterpart” and doesn’t sound quite as good.
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
With release #8, the Venice Agenda, two important innovations will soon be introduced in The Secret World: the scenarios and the augmentation system. On the official page, the developer Funcom expressed enthusiasm about the status of the update.
The customization options in The Secret World are already very versatile; these will be further intensified with the augmentation system, and according to Funcom, its development is also already very advanced. Players will be able to take the next step towards uniqueness with their powers.
With the new system, players will soon receive four previously non-existent ability trees in the interface, each representing one of the following main groups: damage, support, healing, and survivability. Each of them consists of ten augmentations, which in turn are divided into 5 different quality or rarity levels.
To activate the augmentations, they need to be added to your active powers on your bar – each power indicates the color and thus the group that the respective power can complement. An example: The power “Suppressing Fire” of the assault rifle is a pure damage power, and therefore can only equip the damage group.
How do I actually get these items?
Completely new tactical possibilities are supposed to arise in several areas of the game, both in PvP and PvE – with the nice side effect that you can once again put a stamp on your character. But one step at a time. Where do I actually find the so-called augmentations? You will receive these as loot during the game, specifically in the scenarios, which, as mentioned above, also represent a central feature in release #8. In the scenarios available in different difficulty levels, you will have to face dangerous monsters.
In any case, you will be rewarded with augmentations for successfully defeating a boss. The are in their raw state, aside from exceptions, but are not yet ready for use. To gain their benefits, specific runes and resources must first be used in the processing.
Improved powers open up new possibilities
Of course, these are not just trivialities, as this effort will grant you bonuses for your powers. For example, you can increase your damage, achieve improved block values, or strengthen team healing. The developer has also hinted that some of the scenarios will be tough and thus may almost require these enhancements. It will also be interesting to see what kind of dynamics this will create in PvP battles.
I always find it quite exciting in role-playing games to be able to customize my character to a high degree. Sure, it can be overwhelming at first, but in my opinion, it often turns out to be a benefit in the end.
More information can of course be found at the source, which also mentions other requirements for using augmentations. Source: News article on The Secret World website
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
With the slogan “A new era has begun,” Blizzard has been advertising since yesterday that for just €14.99, all expansions up to and including Cataclysm are now included for free in the base game of World of Warcraft. With this version, it is possible to enjoy yourself in Azeroth up to level 85.
This is of course extremely appealing for those who want to start now or have been considering embarking on an adventure in World of Warcraft for some time. A good step, as I can well imagine that multiple purchasable expansions can be confusing and may represent a barrier to entry—especially for new players. Following the motto: “What do I exactly need now and what might I have to forego if I skip two expansions?”.
But even players who already own the base version benefit from this change. For former players, for example, such a gift can certainly entice them to re-enter the world of Azeroth.
Only Mists of Pandaria, that is, the level range from 86 to 90 and the content associated with the addon, are not included in this package. The Pandaren expansion must therefore still be purchased separately.
The publisher Infernum has announced a new update named “Blood and Fire,” which brings players of Dragon’s Prophet a new region, among other things.
The area is called Aluntia and is surrounded by dangerous volcanoes, low-lying lakes, and unexplored caves waiting to be discovered. At the heart of Aluntia lies the mysterious Dragonheart Temple, which has only been entered by a few daring adventurers – out of fear of having to face the Legendary Dragon.
Fight your way to the Dragonheart
The memorial has long been spared from external influences, as surrounding lava prevented access to the mystical temple. However, a way in has now been found. Will you follow this path? Don’t hesitate too long, as rumors say a revival of the powerful villain Kronos is imminent.
Today, the “Call to Arms” event has started, where you are rewarded for inviting friends – the more, the better the rewards. Additionally, there are only a few hours left to redeem a voucher that fills your backpack with a total of 3 Dragon Tamer Whips. It is really nice that the publisher regularly gifts its players. Let’s hope the players appreciate it.
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
Just a few days ago, the new planet “Oricon” has been made accessible, and already we are expecting a new announcement for the free-to-play MMO “Star Wars: The Old Republic“: A new digital expansion is on the way and will be released on December 3 – at least for subscribers.
The new addon is called “Galactic Starfighter” and brings new content, especially for starship combat. For a long time, there has been speculation about the “SSP” (Secret Space Project) – then there was the mysterious teaser a few weeks ago – and now finally the long-awaited clarity.
Space Battles for up to 24 Players
The days of battles being just a simple minigame for single players are over; now you can engage in battles with up to 24 players. It has little in common with the old space fights; each player can take on various roles with their ship (e.g., scout or combat ship) and unlock a variety of weapons, upgrades, and new abilities. Additionally, the developers at BioWare make another promise: Regular patches will continuously expand the new mode.
Paying Players Get Early Access to the Addon
Paying players benefit as usual from a lot of bonuses, such as pilot suits, exclusive titles, and skins, but there is one more thing: Access to this content will be staggered, so subscribers can take off on December 3, players with preferred status start on January 14 – the rest can join the battles starting February 4.
The last major expansion (“Rise of the Hutt Cartel”) was released in April this year, shortly after the transition to the free-to-play model. The continued development of content is a sure sign that the game will continue for a while – one can only hope for that.
For more information, visit the official page for the expansion:
http://www.swtor.com/de/galactic-starfighter
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
In the meantime, there is an endless selection of fantastic worlds to dive into day after day. There we participate in our raids, farm our buff food, and craft the best equipment. It hardly makes a difference whether we wander through Azeroth in WoW or fly through the vast galaxy of Star Wars; the basic principles differ only slightly.
But wouldn’t it be great to take on a real role within this game world? To be more than just a controlled avatar that “spams skills” and “loots epics”? What if I am not just playing the mage – but actually am the mage?
What sounds absurd at first has already become everyday life for many people, albeit slightly toned down compared to the initial description. We are talking about so-called role-playing (RP). In essence, this word is already contained in “MMORPG”, but very few see more behind it than distributing skill points or filling an experience bar. Role-play offers the perfect opportunity to get to know the “cute night elf” next door or to witness an exciting cantina brawl up close.
The Story Behind a Character
The main goal in role-playing is, of course, fun, as with almost any leisure activity, but there are still some things to consider if you don’t want to bump into trouble everywhere. Trying to portray a character in the world is most successful when you are already somewhat familiar with the backstory and know what exists in that world: No one will believe a vampire in WoW, and an arcane mage would probably be laughed at rather than welcomed in SW:TOR.
However, if you know the backstory well enough, it becomes easier to create a coherent character – keeping in mind that less is often more. A poor craftsman is much more interesting to other players than the ultra-evil lord of the Sith with incredible powers. In some games, like Neverwinter, it is even possible to write a suitable biography – which is then also visible to other adventurers in the character menu.
Almost every current MMO has one or more role-playing servers; sometimes they are specifically marked by the developers, and there are special rules in place, such as extended naming policies. If there is no such server, the community chooses one for themselves that will serve this hobby.
Three Reasons for Role-Playing in an MMORPG
But what exactly draws role-players to an online game and makes them settle into the game world? Here are the main reasons that make RP players spend a large part of their leisure time in an MMORPG.
The Virtual World Itself
This may sound trivial, but the world with its backstory is the most important motivating factor. Why does the continent look the way it does? What races are there and why? How long ago was the last great war, and what triggered it? These and many other questions want to be answered, because just like with a good book, role-players need background information to develop a character that fits into the world and is attuned to the many small details.
Customization Options
Every role-player loves their character and wants them to be something special – this does not necessarily mean having extraordinary abilities, but only that their appearance is unique. The more buttons and sliders available in character creation, the better. But it doesn’t stop there: A role-player doesn’t care if their character’s pants are enchanted with “+17 agility”, as long as the pants are blue and match their shirt. A variety of different clothing pieces is enough to make an RP player’s heart race.
The Community
Role-playing is something incredibly social. Unlike “Looking for Raid” groups or PvP battlegrounds, where everyone does what they think is right, the RP player relies on others. Their portrayal is worthless if they have no audience and no one to interact with.
Only the experiences with others make these experiences so valuable and enjoyable. It is always exciting to meet new characters and see how they interact with your avatar, but it is always important to remember: A character can call the Twi’lek dancer in front of them “cheap piece”, as long as they don’t forget that behind others are also people, and you can and should be friendly to them – no matter how much the characters may hate each other.
Conclusion
Of course, there are many other factors that make an MMORPG a good gathering place for role-players, as they also enjoy farming a bit or checking out the latest raid instance – just not as intensely. If someone wants to try their hand at RP, they should simply ask nicely for help on the appropriate servers; newcomers are often gladly introduced and guided into the subject. So what is there to lose?
On October 23, 2013, the highly anticipated performance update will be released, which aims to improve the frame rate (FPS) in the F2P shooter MMO Planetside 2 by up to 30% in some cases.
Creative Director Matthew Higby from Sony Online Entertainment commented on this in the forum and even promised further improvements regarding performance. He also emphasizes that a performance boost was observed generally across all tested hardware configurations.
If this change is really as significant as it sounds, many shooter and MMO fans can look forward to mostly smooth large-scale battles soon. At least those who have had their issues so far.
The free-to-play MMOFPS Planetside 2 is very popular, but not all players enjoy a fluid game – the hardware requirements for Planetside 2 are anything but low. Especially in this genre, delays are extremely bothersome, as every second, even millisecond, counts in determining victory or defeat.
Since October 8, 2013, it has been possible to test the patch on the test server already.
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
Allods Online now offers an additional subscription server as a free online role-playing game. This sounds a bit paradoxical in light of the reports from recent years, but this alternative is a wish of many players.
We remember: Two weeks ago I reported about Update 2.4 of Star Wars: The Old Republic, where among other things the long-awaited PvP content was discussed. Meanwhile, this update has reached the live servers, and I wanted to take a look at the 3 new warzone arenas. My dear Padawan!
Refreshing Different: Arenas in the Star Wars MMO
The first impression is quite positive, as the battles follow a different pattern and that makes them so interesting. In the already known warzones, it is also about holding your own against players from the other side of the Force, but there are other framework conditions there. I wouldn’t even say that the number of players makes a difference. In the warzones, 8 players face off against each other, while in the arenas it is notably 4 that enter the battle, so that depending on the perspective the Empire or the Republic decides the match.
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Of course, that is also a factor, without question. With that number of players, it is no longer so easy to compensate for the mistakes of an individual. Here, everyone has to make a significant contribution so that after 2 or 3 rounds the laurels can be reaped. What I actually wanted to get at is that this time it is mainly about staying alive until the end. This creates a whole new dynamic that is skillfully staged by the map design.
In the 8vs8 warzones, the goal was always to capture a base or lead an object to a target to earn points. It was not about you, but more about the environment. In the arenas, however, you have to make sure not to be outsmarted. Here, you will not be revived. Once you are out, you are out. In the 8vs8 versions, it was sometimes possible to sacrifice yourself or simply rush into battle – even after a death, not everything was lost yet. This is usually different in the arenas.
Tactical Play in the Arena
You can particularly recognize the new dynamic in the probing of the opposing groups. It is first attempted to get well positioned in the arena – a meaningless death does not exactly inspire enthusiasm among your teammates. The maps also allow you to act from a hiding spot or, for example, surprise an opponent from a bridge, from ambush basically. However, I have also experienced reckless players – it can work, but it doesn’t have to. That team play is important should be clear – usually a “weak point” is chosen that should be defeated first. If you don’t pull together here, defeat is usually already certain – unless you have opponents who act the same way, which can sometimes be quite funny. But against good teams, that looks very different.
By the way, here you can see what the new arenas are called and which places serve as battlefields:
Currently, there is a bug that causes faulty group compositions. I have had many battles where I had to face 4 opponents with only 2 teammates – surely the sneaky Empire is responsible for this circumstance, grr! “Truly dark it is, much anger I see,” Yoda would say. Hopefully, this problem will soon be a thing of the past.
Only then do you realize how important it is to also succeed as a group. The 3vs4 battles all ended in devastating defeats. Whether the class balancing is not optimal here, I cannot say yet. Although there have already been some discussions in the forum, these are merely subjective impressions – after all, several factors play a role: the equipment, the skill tree, teamwork, and the abilities of the player themselves. Nevertheless, for example, a Jedi Shadow has natural tactical advantages that he can use to his advantage.
Conclusion: The new arenas in Star Wars: The Old Republic bring variety to the far, far away galaxy and are definitely convincing!
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
As part of the “Living World” of Guild Wars 2, the developers have provided the MMO with another update on October 1st, named “Twilight Incident”. The setting of this event is the Twilight Garden, a dungeon within the Sylvari starting area of Caledon Forest. This instanced area has been expanded with a path that presents you with several tasks: Solve puzzles, try to bypass enemy traps, and face the horror that lurks at the end of this previously hidden fortress.
The Living Story in Guild Wars 2 opens the hunt for new rewards
But of course, all of this comes without rewards: If you enter the new path in exploration mode, you can expect the improved exotic Nightmare weapons, which are also equipped with a pretty blue glow. Additionally, a new miniature will be available for your collection. For regular participation in the event, you can also grab the Flutsch Sack, a new back item similar to the dragon wings from previous events.
However, not everything can be done in the dungeon: Throughout the Maguuma Jungle, you can find key parts; five of them are enough for a complete version, which can then be used in the Twilight Garden to open so-called Aether chests.
Achievements in World vs. World PvP are now more generously rewarded
Battle-hardened World vs. World players will be pleased with a new feature: At the end of each match, reward chests will be granted, depending on performance, with up to three available. Additionally, with the start of the new season, WvW skill points have been refunded and can now be redistributed.
New hairstyles in Guild Wars 2
And also in the gem store of the online role-playing game, the shelves have been reorganized. The “Complete Makeover Kit” now grants all races new hairstyles, and the Halloween death blows known from last year are available again – this time, however, in a permanent variant. Finally, the Black Lion Chest Keys have gained some attractiveness, as the little boxes can now contain a miniature of the Sylvari Caithe or a holographic Scarlet.
Here is a selection of the new hairstyles that are now available in Guild Wars 2:
Players will soon have the ability to communicate and interact without restrictions, as the servers will be merged!
What has always been planned by the developers of Neverwinter is not that far off in the near future. From the current 3 shards (Beholder, Dragon, and Mindflayer), there will soon be only one.
Information about Character Names and Auctions in the Neverwinter MMO
You don’t have to worry about your character name or guild name, as it will not need to be changed when the merger occurs. Pay attention to your auctions, as they will either go to the highest bidder or be returned to the provider. Every Astral Diamond transaction will be automatically reversed. All existing active orders for Zen or Astral Diamonds will be credited to your exchange account. No worries if you own a less powerful PC or laptop, as the maximum server population is the same as before the merger.
For more information about the shard changes, click here.
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
Finally, there is proper content again in the F2P MMO Tera. A total of 4 brand new dungeons will be deployed today. Starting around 2 PM, according to the planning from Gameforge, players will be able to face the previously unknown challenges.
Attention, breaking news for endgame players: You also have something to do again after you are probably sick of the Queen. Furthermore, it is possible to equip yourself with new powerful weapons and armor – this will thus also replace the best set so far. Finally, it’s about time, many players equipped with visionary gear might think. In this sense, every player type, whether casual or hardcore gamer, has quite a lot to do. Of course, other sets are part of the big update as well.
In addition to the instances, various class changes are also worth mentioning, but everything in due time. Let’s start with the group content first. The developers certainly put a lot of thought into it and set interesting accents in the MMO Tera.
A new concept in Tera – The 3 Player Dungeon: The Channels.
We know sayings like this since the existence of MMOs: “This is impossible, why does it take so long as a DPS to get into a group! Even after the coffee break, I am still standing here without an invitation!” The developers addressed this conflict, as you can’t impose any role on everyone in the group. After all, not everyone wants to identify with the role of tank or healer – for whatever reasons.
The good thing about the 3-player dungeon “The Channels” is that the role is simply irrelevant! Depending on the composition of the group, artificially controlled companions will assist you. If there are only DPS in the group, a helper with healing powers will be at your side. Overall, you will encounter 3 bosses here who stand in your way: Watchman AA-23, Plecostoma, and Kerkion.
The shattered fleet: 5 players fight for Barbosa’s head!
In the dungeon “The shattered fleet”, designed for 5 players, you will also face a maximum of 3 boss monsters. However, before you confront Barbosa, you must first defeat Toonga and Jack, who will definitely have a problem with that. By the way, a question: Have you already completed the freeskimmer? It would be advisable, as those who can’t swim won’t reach the final boss Barbosa…
Kezzel’s Maw: 7 players against the stone giant, is that enough?
Hopefully that will be enough! This group size is new, as a recommended composition of 7 players has not existed in the action MMO Tera until now. A tip: Don’t let the stone giant advance too quickly! How do you prevent that? For the sharpshooters among us, it should be no problem, as those who could handle cannons well in the Corsair Fortress should be precise here.
Of course, in this case, other players are not the target, but the monster Kezzel (…otherwise, you won’t be very popular).
The greatest challenge from the new dungeons: The Wonderholm.
In this instance, you feel like you are in the wrong movie, game, or whatever (
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
The WildStar videos from the developers are really cool, in a positive way. In the latest Devspeak, the abilities mechanics are in the foreground. See for yourself what it’s like to get to know contents in a humorous way.
A Modern Combat System in the MMO WildStar
Carbine Studios, the developer of WildStar, has been working for about 8 years to establish a top upcoming MMO – or in this case on the planet Nexus. However, the game will definitely be released in 2014, likely in spring.
The combat system itself seems to be quite interesting, as they are trying to refresh some stale concepts with a bit of flair and various adjustments. Cast time, instant casts, and channeling. These are the genre-specific terms associated with combat abilities. In most cases, it often follows the same pattern. Many players probably have enough of the repeatedly recurring gameplay mechanics.
As you can see in the video, the creators focus on dynamics. This means that more opportunities are provided to react to specific situations in combat (otherwise you might as well pack up). Furthermore, there is a lot of movement in the game, as compared to some other online role-playing games, a different approach is taken in the action-packed combat system: You can always move while executing abilities. More explanations can be seen in the video.
More Videos about WildStar
At this point, I would also like to recommend the other videos. The question is, of course, whether you find the game itself interesting, but even then, there’s a chuckle in it. I found them quite funny.
http://www.wildstar-online.com/de/media/videos/
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
