MMORPG players probably know this: No matter where you go, there are used items lying around from other players. In the MMORPG classic Tibia, this will soon be a thing of the past, as an automatic cleaning function is being introduced.
Why does Tibia need a cleaning function? In the MMORPG from 1997, it is possible to simply drop items you no longer need on the ground. This allows players to free themselves from this unnecessary burden, and others may find a cool armor or a better sword and take these items.
However, this situation has gotten out of hand in Tibia for some time now. Player “trash” is lying around everywhere. It not only looks ugly but also ruins the atmosphere. Anyone wanting to descend into a dark dungeon and beat monsters doesn’t want to trample over piles of player items.
An automatic cleaning function
How is Tibia addressing the problem? The developers are integrating a function into the MMORPG that will regularly remove this “trash” from the game world. As a Tibia player, one should ensure that no items are left lying around that might be needed later.
Is this a general problem? Especially in sandbox games, this “cluttering” of the game world is common. This started with Ultima Online. There, players were not only bothered by the items lying around but also by the houses that could be built everywhere and eventually fell into disrepair because players no longer cared for them.
Seeing some player houses with rather questionable decoration right next to the dragon cave was not considered a thrilling and atmospheric gaming experience by many.
Even in Legends of Aria, this phenomenon can be seen. Items are lying around everywhere that can be picked up or must be ignored. This is especially true when players are training their crafting skills, producing armor after armor or sword after sword, and actually do not need these items. So they get thrown away.
Some MMORPGs handle the situation differently
What do other games do about it? Especially theme park MMORPGs, such as The Elder Scrolls Online, do not allow players to simply drop items on the ground. Those who do so destroy the item in some titles.
This is managed not only for atmospheric reasons. The more items lie around in the game world, the more 3D objects the game has to render, which could significantly affect performance over time.
What is the advantage of items that can be dropped? The world feels naturally more realistic when items can be placed on the ground, and it is possible to set traps with items or to delight other players with cool items.
However, this becomes a problem in most games, which is why appropriate countermeasures need to be taken.
What do you think about items being placed on the ground in an MMORPG? Is it part of an online role-playing game or does this “pollution of the game world” annoy you?
