MMO raiding etiquette

MMOs, like real life, have social conventions that should be followed by all. The idea of common courtesy and proper etiquette should not be abandoned simply because players are not able to look into each other’s eyes. Despite that fact, however, many players seem to be turning to an attitude that they are the center of the universe and buck general politeness. To make matters worse, the rest of us just seem to let it go without comment. It is time to make a change! From time to time Epic Slant will provide etiquette lessons in the MMO realms and offer suggestions on how to deal with offenders. Social change begins with you so if you find out you’re one of those “me centric” people, try to amend the behavior.

The more I play MMOs casually, the more I feel embarrassed for our community as a whole. If you’re microcore it is often necessary to find a random player to fill a needed spot. In doing so you will frequently find someone who just blows your mind with their selfishness. It could be in a group, a raid or even just a solo situation. In any event lets take a moment to look at where one degenerate MMO player can do the most damage: raids.

There is no me in raid

The greatest misconception that I have seen in raids is that they are about a single person. We are always there for “their update” or to get “their loot.” This is a dangerous attitude. In a raid there are 24 people on the field and a few on the bench who all need or want something. If you’re focusing on what you need or want you become an individual. If you are thinking about Cazic Thule while you’re still on Dracoliche you’re not giving your all. 24 individuals are far more likely to fail than one raid. Your attitude should be that you’re there for the win first. If you have that attitude and a little patience you will have more success and you’ll get to your mob. Otherwise, you’re doomed to frustration and absenteeism.

You’re not fooling anyone

Quite possibly the most immature and pathetic thing a raider can do these days is “fake a link death.” In our modern society of universal broadband and high resilience networks nobody is going to believe you had a sudden interruption of internet when things weren’t going your way. Everyone is going to think that you got upset and faked it. This will damage your reputation and cause a lot of people to lose respect for you. If a raid is going poorly, legitimately poorly, just be an adult and send the raid leader a tell that you cannot stay. Make a polite excuse and go. This will mean that the raid doesn’t wait for you to return and you don’t waste the time of 23 other people and damage the morale of the group. If you’re on the other side of a fake link death, you are obligated to start correcting the behavior. The next event you run be sure to exclude the person if they request a spot. Show them that you won’t allow that sort of immaturity. Equally, if someone does act like an adult and says they need to leave, don’t harbor ill will towards them. This goes both ways.

Ninjas aren’t cool

Every raid leader should understand that real life happens. If they don’t, they’re probably not worth following. That said, it only takes three seconds to send a tell to your group leader and raid leader that you need to AFK. Send a tell when you leave and then send one when you’re back so the organizers are appropriately informed of your situation. Pulling a raid mob without the full force is a waste of time, money and morale. Ninja AFKs do tremendous damage to raids and are the definition of selfishness. Inconveniencing 23 other people because you couldn’t send a tell is pretty low. Don’t be this person! Raid leaders, if you see a pattern of ninja AFKs you need to check yourself first. Are you giving appropriate breaks? A good standard is to give a two to five minute break every two hours. It will do more good than harm. Just ensure everyone knows it is short. Allowing members to wander off for ten minutes or more will ruin you. If breaks are covered, start excluding ninjas. They just slow you down anyway.

Treat others how you want to be treated

It sounds silly but it really is that simple. If you don’t like people throwing a fit about loot, don’t do it yourself. If a ninja afk pisses you off, never take one! Conduct yourself like an adult, focus less on yourself and more on the team, and you will reap rewards, I promise.

Consider discussing “MMO raiding etiquette” on the Epic Slant Forum!