Hecker’s Nightmare
Friday, March 12th, 2010
This morning I was rather intrigued when I received a link to a Gamasutra article that dealt with rewarding players for dull tasks. The developer in question, Chris Hecker, discusses some of the pit falls of doing this and envisions a future where games are so awful that players must literally be bribed to play them. I’d have to say he makes some really great points and it seemed like something interesting to discuss. (more…)
Bringing back the grind
Wednesday, March 10th, 2010
I’ve been contemplating the meaning of MMO life a lot lately and I’ve come to a realization. We need the grind to come back. That is the next evolution in the MMOs we’ve come to love. I recognize that right now a huge portion of you have read no further than that and are furiously writing a comment about how I’m wrong but hear me out. I think you might actually agree and, if you don’t, you still have the opportunity to comment. Let me explain what I mean by grind, though, before we get too deep. (more…)
Multiverse Episode 10
Monday, March 8th, 2010
We’ve hit show ten and that really is a good feeling! Each week I enjoy the opportunity to jump on with Chris and Riknas to discuss whatever happens to be going on in the MMO sphere. We’re going strong and I am looking forward to reaching show 20, 50 and 100! For now though we’ll just go one week at a time. Episode ten is one of our “short shows” but despite that we had something awesome happen during it. Something that I’ve been trying to encourage! (more…)
Completing the Erudin Library
Sunday, March 7th, 2010
If you’re a fan of clue, a want-to-be detective, or batman, you’re going to love the Erudin Library in EQ2’s Sentinel’s Fate. This new instanced dungeon gives players a chance to solve a murder mystery while they’re slaughtering in the name of fun and loot. This has ended up being my favorite zone thus far so I thought I would share a little bit on how to complete it. Be aware that this guide is full of spoilers so if you’re hoping to complete this without help, you shouldn’t read after the jump. To complete the zone correctly be sure you have found the murder weapon, two clues as to who the killer is, and the body. That is what you need to ensure a successful trip in. If you miss a single part you’re going to be in hot water when it is time to accuse the appropriate Erudite. (more…)
Ten features an MMO must have at release
Thursday, March 4th, 2010
A lot of bloggers will talk about features that “have to be in” at an MMO’s release. They consider these items standard and as such no new game can lack them at the onset. The problem with this is that many of these “needs” weren’t there at the launch of older games and the list has gotten longer and longer. Developers are backed into a corner because there is no way that their new MMO can launch with every feature that WoW and EQ2 currently have. So, even though I recognize that problem, I’m going to pick ten features that actually are requirements for a successful launch! (more…)
View from the Top Ep7 – Psychochild
Tuesday, March 2nd, 2010
It has been a busy week for me! I’ve been railing on PvP (and somehow not receiving huge flames), recording podcasts, coordinating guests, playing EQ2, and cleaning up my house for a vistor! I’ve also allegedly been going to work but other than the pay check that shows up twice a month there is no evidence of this! I am pleased to announce that one of the shows I’ve been most excited to do is now available for you listening pleasure. A View from the Top Episode 7 features Brian “Psychochild” Green and turned out to be Epic! (more…)
