Anyone who has been reading Epic Slant lately is probably aware that I’ve dipped into Eve Online quite a bit. I continue to find really neat aspects of the game that just add value for me. One that I discovered last week just made me warm and fuzzy all over. Eve offers an API!
For those of you who are unfamiliar with the term “application programming interface (api)” it was summed up pretty well by David Orenstein. He stated …”a program’s API defines the proper way for a developer to request services from that program.” In the simplest of terms it means that a player or developer can use the information provided by an MMO’s API in their website, blog, forum signature or anything that can properly format it.
Eve Online allows you to pull great detail about your character from the game via its API. Many industrious developers have used this to create great addons that help you track and plan your character. One in particular, EVEMon, can even run as a program in windows to let you see up to date information. You know what skills you have, what you’re training and how much money you have. This helps you track your transactions and training. It really is very useful.
It has me curious though. Why don’t more games offer a similar thing? Why wouldn’t developers want what is essentially free advertisement for their project? My only guess is that they’re afraid the information would be abused. It very well could be but I think the benefits out weigh the risks. I would love to see even more features available via APIs for more modern games. In particular I hope 38 Studios includes something like this in Copernicus. Who doesn’t want to watch their character constantly via cell phone? I know I do!
We live in a world where a large amount of web apps let you grab information from afar and only request you say where you got it from. With that in mind, the next time you submit a feature request tell your developers that you want APIs! Tell them you want to pull character data into your own application! Proudly display your MMO character on Facebook, xfire, Myspace, Raptr or whatever you use. Even the super secret project I’m working on will have this functionality. More on that another time though!
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I can understand you wanting and longing for simple user application. In today’s technological age people are used to “tech tools” for every aspect of their lives. We live in an age right now where I can track my groceries in my fridge and control my entire electrical grid with a small pc and a few inexpensive gadgets. So, why shouldn’t this aspect translate to the virtual world?
We all can agree I am sure that the virtual world mimics the real world in some way; otherwise what would we have to compare the two. I agree with you whole heartedly about the API feature Ferrel. I do believe it is lacking in all games. Being able to track my level and seeing my toon picture is so passé now. I want to be able to communicate with the virtual world as well and keep in touch with people. Also maybe have a “mini-game” feature to upgrade my toon in some way. I can’t believe the online market hasn’t tapped this revenue source.
Uh oh, that’s right I said it. Capitalism is king when it comes to development. You can’t have Art without making the money first. That is why some many artists in whichever genre you choose get the money first then will take an artistic risk, which is what I think API is. I also think that people would agree that people would and will find a way to exploit the API for their benefits. Yet, that will happen regardless of whatever path you take in the real world or the virtual one. This doesn’t mean the masses should suffer from functionality because of it though. Think of the IPhone, it was out on the street for a matter of hours before it was cracked, but they are still selling like hotcakes.
The way I envision a great API would be player content upgrade contests. From art, gear, and the almighty quest/quest lines that the fans of games could bring to the table, I think it would be an endless source. For example, why do you think you stopped playing the MMo’s available right now? I think it is because you feel most games have betrayed the players in some way. If we can figure out how to fly in space you’re telling me it’s too technical to have a game where players can vie for entering and entertaining everyone with their content?
Think about it for a second? Envision in your mind your favorite MMo of all time and you were asked to come up with some form of content and there was a contest. What fan of the genre wouldn’t jump at that chance? Whether you were a budding developer or just freelance artist it would be great exposure and fun. Even though I am a capitalist pig and I think Apple is the communist arm of a socialistic agenda, lmoa. I do believe they came up with something great. What is that, the IPhone!? You can develop applications for the darn thing and get your exposure out there. Just the other day someone came up with a Congressional Voting tracker for the phone free of charge.
I think we as a fan base force should ask for this in all future design games. I know the company I keep especially Ferrel would be great at formulating game design and writing content. One of these days when I’m done defending the country I promise you I am going to gather these people and try to throw our hat into the ring, so dev’s all around beware, lol. There is a force or movement I think on the horizon that is ready to tackle this hurdle we have somehow hit.
I have gone off on a tangent a bit but I think it was warranted and still on topic. I think API would be great for the future of gaming, and the truly dedicated masses are clamoring for it. Can you imagine you being able to “tweet” to a NPC master of your keep to make sure the stores are stocked and guards are paid? Talk about the endless possibilities of immersion! I have many ideas in these regards but I think it’s best to have an open discussion instead of rambling on.
Great post Ferrel, keep up the hard work and maybe I will hit the lottery and give a ton of cash to start the gaming company called The Sh1t! because you would, “Put the O back into Pwn!”