Category Archives: MMO Design

Ferrel’s take on MMO design.

The Old Republic and the Illusion of Choice

Posted on Friday, 19 August 2011 by Ferrel

In preparing for tonight’s Multiverse Chris sent me an article to read about Morality Gear in Star Wars the Old Republic (Thank you to Darth Hater for taking the time to write it). He wanted to be sure I was … Continue reading →

Posted in MMO Design | Tagged , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Trion sends out a Rift “save the date”

Posted on Wednesday, 17 August 2011 by Ferrel

Trion has sent out a save the date today to let everyone know Rift is coming up on a half birthday. Details are pretty scare but it sounds like some really neat perks are heading our way. I’m a sucker … Continue reading →

Posted in MMO Design | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

Rift Guild Perks show how to do it right

Posted on Monday, 15 August 2011 by Ferrel

For quite some time I’ve been campaigning for MMORPG developers to add some sort of feature to guilds that will make them more attractive to players. I was seeking something that would be useful but not overly powerful. I also … Continue reading →

Posted in MMO Design | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Obsolete Mechanics – Two faction MMORPGs

Posted on Friday, 12 August 2011 by Ferrel

An interesting thing happened to me the other day in Rift. I was roaming around Stillmoor in the off hours and came across a level 50 tear. I can generally solo these through the forth stage but on the fifth … Continue reading →

Posted in MMO Design | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

Blizzard lets you sell your Diablo III loot for real money

Posted on Monday, 1 August 2011 by Ferrel

There is some pretty big news today regarding Diablo III. Imagine my surprise this morning when I was reading Ars Technica and saw an article about Blizzard allowing players to sell their loot for real world cash. Now, I’m certain … Continue reading →

Posted in MMO Design | Tagged , , , | 8 Comments

I don’t care if you’re overpowered

Posted on Wednesday, 20 July 2011 by Ferrel

There is a phenomenon with MMORPG players that I can’t really understand. Everyone is so concerned with the power level of other characters. Solo focused folks froth at the mouth when they explain why they should have the same access … Continue reading →

Posted in MMO Design | Tagged , , , , , | 7 Comments

The Circle of Nerf

Posted on Friday, 17 June 2011 by Dresden

What Goes Up Must Come Down Like the timeless Wheel of Fate that grinds you into the ground on one day and soars you into the heavens the next, the Nerf Cycle of an MMO follows a similar path. Being … Continue reading →

Posted in MMO Design | Tagged , , , , | 9 Comments

Danger Rift Players Danger

Posted on Saturday, 4 June 2011 by Ferrel

Word has been received from the public test realm that Trion is attempting to “un-ring another bell.” The cost of rare and epic essences from the planar faction merchants are about to be raised significantly. This comes on the heels … Continue reading →

Posted in MMO Design | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

Rift – The post 1.2 plaque grind

Posted on Tuesday, 31 May 2011 by Ferrel

It has been a few weeks since the release of Rift’s 1.2 patch that brought an end to my beloved daily quests and the rise of the LFG tool. I complained quite a bit about it and have continued to … Continue reading →

Posted in MMO Design | Tagged , , | 2 Comments