What other games have been rated M and how did they sell? What I mean is, the only good way to predict the effect of an M rating is to look at the effect it has had on other games. Have there been any games rated M?
The problem is, short of reading a disclaimer to the parent out loud, then making them sign a written waiver in front of witnesses, ratings tend to be ignored by the parents. I used to manage an EB and 99 out of 100 would come in, glance at the box, say, "Is this the one you wanted honey?" and if they didn't see XXX HARD CORE PORN printed in bold typeface they'd pull out the credit card.
Kids playing adult accounts aren't really the problem though. Kids pretty much have identical access to WoW and Lotr so how do you explain the difference in the 2 communities? Don't think there is one? Try playing both for a few weeks. There most definitely is. I'm talking about the community, not the game play.
The game company makes the rules, sets the table and serves the dinner. The customers decide which invitations they're going to accept. Not all of us will choose to sit down together and eat what's being served. I wouldn't eat crap in a sewer with rats. And I don't plan to play Conan either based on what I've read so far.
AmazingAveryAge of Conan AdvocateMemberUncommonPosts: 7,188
Originally posted by Raingirl
The problem is, short of reading a disclaimer to the parent out loud, then making them sign a written waiver in front of witnesses, ratings tend to be ignored by the parents. I used to manage an EB and 99 out of 100 would come in, glance at the box, say, "Is this the one you wanted honey?" and if they didn't see XXX HARD CORE PORN printed in bold typeface they'd pull out the credit card. Kids playing adult accounts aren't really the problem though. Kids pretty much have identical access to WoW and Lotr so how do you explain the difference in the 2 communities? Don't think there is one? Try playing both for a few weeks. There most definitely is. I'm talking about the community, not the game play. The game company makes the rules, sets the table and serves the dinner. The customers decide which invitations they're going to accept. Not all of us will choose to sit down together and eat what's being served. I wouldn't eat crap in a sewer with rats. And I don't plan to play Conan either based on what I've read so far.
I think that it would be poor management style, by not pointing out to the buyer the rating on their purchase. Quite bad mgmt practice as well as lacking in some moral sense.
You know I think you really just need to stop, take a deep breath, ask yourself whats your gripe with Age of Conan and post your 'issues' in a mature way. Instead of crying foul after a 5 minute 'whiff' of the game. Or bases on a female avatar screen shot 6 months from launch...
EDIT*
I just don't see how you can put Age of Conan in the same group as WoW or LotRO, the rating of the game lends itself to the content within. You just don't do quests in WoW or LotRO with sexual undertones, decapatations or see an NPC with a nipple showing. AoC is made for a different market, and if you can't accept that, than why bother to continue to post..
EDIT*2 yes raingirl, i have the capacity to admit I might have hastly read what you said quickly, but still being a proponent in selling rated games to parents for kids is still a bad thing, if you don't point it out. Sorry if EB didnt teach you how to deal with this situation.
I remember helping these 2 brothers in SWG the old days. One was like 13 and he was teaching his little brother how to play. That kid was like 7. They were kinda stuck in a dangerous area so I helped them along. Just one of those random encounters.
It was fun because the 7 year old played a wookie, and since he didn't type well it went along with the toon perfect. The kid did a great job playing.
It's not the age, it's the individual.
I feel nudity in conan is going to do the opposite of drawning a "mature" base.
Nudity almost turns me off of conan completely because I see it as more of a gimmick.
Nudity don't draw Maturaty. It draws Pervs.
The pvp system also might turn me off this game. I am not liking the insta respawn on city raids.
AmazingAveryAge of Conan AdvocateMemberUncommonPosts: 7,188
Originally posted by Shohadaku
I remember helping these 2 brothers in SWG the old days. One was like 13 and he was teaching his little brother how to play. That kid was like 7. It was fun because the 7 year old played a wookie, and since he didn't type well it went along with the toon so well. The kid did a great job playing. It's not the age, it's the individual.
Quite right, and hence a different market and a different type of player.
Ultimately different ratings and content appeal on the whole to a different player type / individual.
Similar underlying content, with a different flair or approach to cater for other individual tastes.
Insta re-spawn and appearing in what part of terrority the side you play on holds, with a time limit on how quickly you can enter battle again. Possible penalities for the amount of times you die too, increasing this to stop Zerging. Tactics play a part, instead of mindless or un-coordinated fighting.
Shohadaku I have to agreee with you completely. My experiences seem to coincide with yours. Fallen Earth? That's new to me. I'll look it up.
Avery short memory huh? I've made other posts here since I learned the direction Aoc was going and generally try not to spend a lot of time covering old ground. Up to you if you feel like back tracking.
Short of pointing out the game rating and explaining the signifcance, what would you have store staff do? Refuse to sell to anyone old enough to have a 9 year old at home? Beat parents over the head with sticks to knock some sense in? Maybe we could just lock the gates to the mall to keep parents out?
Fanbois are so tedious. Making a negative post about one of "their" games is like poking an adder with a stick. Here I'll make you happy:
I luv AOC. I gwn buy 10 and giv em ot all my buds. Totl leetness & the bubbies are so kewl. Sigh
I remember helping these 2 brothers in SWG the old days. One was like 13 and he was teaching his little brother how to play. That kid was like 7. They were kinda stuck in a dangerous area so I helped them along. Just one of those random encounters. It was fun because the 7 year old played a wookie, and since he didn't type well it went along with the toon perfect. The kid did a great job playing. It's not the age, it's the individual.
I feel nudity in conan is going to do the opposite of drawning a "mature" base. Nudity almost turns me off of conan completely because I see it as more of a gimmick. Nudity don't draw Maturaty. It draws Pervs. The pvp system also might turn me off this game. I am not liking the insta respawn on city raids. I got my eye on Fallen Earth.
You just reminded me of a time in swg a fella sent me a tell and asked if he could pay me to let him in my house and just sit there and watch me change outfits on my toon, i was like whoaa dude lol
AmazingAveryAge of Conan AdvocateMemberUncommonPosts: 7,188
Originally posted by Raingirl
Shohadaku I have to agreee with you completely. My experiences seem to coincide with yours. Fallen Earth? That's new to me. I'll look it up. Avery short memory huh? I've made other posts here since I learned the direction Aoc was going and generally try not to spend a lot of time covering old ground. Up to you if you feel like back tracking. Short of pointing out the game rating and explaining the signifcance, what would you have store staff do? Refuse to sell to anyone old enough to have a 9 year old at home? Beat parents over the head with sticks to knock some sense in? Maybe we could just lock the gates to the mall to keep parents out? Fanbois are so tedious. Making a negative post about one of "their" games is like poking an adder with a stick. Here I'll make you happy: I luv AOC. I gwn buy 10 and giv em ot all my buds. Totl leetness & the bubbies are so kewl. Sigh
Just pointing out the game rating to the buyer, and if looks underage ask for ID? must be really hard to do, sure wasn't when I did it for a living too. When I used to manage nightclubs I didn't let the kids in, when I sold games and dvd's I did so within the law.
Im just curious as to what exactly is your gripe with the game, because in the past you haven't really specified. The only direction I see is that its aimed for a more mature crowd that a LotRO or WoW crowd. But if you just got stopped by hearing about partial topless pixelated nudity and gore then your going to be possibly missing out on more.
In fact if you have some serious concerns just post them and maybe someone from marketing will read it. Im all for a difference of opinion. But do me a favour, if you think im really like you think judging from your last two lines think again.
Funcom have an IRC channel, I think there are a few women sat in it right now, as in my guild channel, im just trying to understand your issues. I think the difference is maybe they are familar with the lore more and see the nudity as part of it, as so it should be and not a gimmick. Because lets face it - the game isn't just tits and ass, its an mmorpg if you havent read all the game content yet.
... Rape is illegal (much like killing people, which you do in the game a lot and should bother people more than a couple of breasts), breasts are not.. The game is not to promote illegal acts.. Adding penises is not similar to having breasts.. The male characters run around without a shirt, that's equal to female characters not having a shirt on.. As far as I've seen, there are no completely nude characters ingame, neither male nor female. ... The question isn't "why have breasts", but why are people so afraid of breasts that they shouldn't have it? As far as we've seen, it's not as if everybody runs around naked, we've seen one female raid boss who has a bare upper body, you would think that as the game is rated mature people are actually mature enough to handle such a thing. ...
Public nudity is illegal ... "breasts are not."
Why are they not the same, both are conciderd indecent in public areas. I'd take the fact the the subjegation of women as lesser humans and sex objects as the reason why Nude breast = ok, but not nude penises =/ ok. Personally i don't care if they have BOTH , but there still no reason for either.
No the question really is why have NUDE breasts. It is concerded indecent by many people so you have to have a reason to break a known taboo.
I think i know it Funcon is betting ok a lot of dips**t MALE buyign this game for this reason or impacting their disition too.
I played one game that stright up had nude harpy like mobs in it, i was very suprized at this but overall it was no big deal. Infact i only remembered it now and i doubt nudity in aoc will be a big deal.... But i concerder it quite cheap.
I also second Manveru's post ... because thats the reality of this choice.
I think not all people playing AoC will be that way but its gonna draw more young players with nudity then adults you can bet on that. See like many are agruing what does a mature person care if their are boobies? Most could not give a F. But the immature males sure as heck do.
Finally, its a gimic because its really not about the game its about attracting these immature players.Several issues at once.
First its a game. Its a game not for current world USA. Its a game about a fantasy world using swords not A-bombs. The morale standard then is different. Even today, in some countries, bare breasts are not a sign of indency. In the place where you live, I think shooting a human from range with fireballs or wacking him/her with a 2hand claymore is illegal as well. No one should be pulling a mob or doing PVP, not even duelling.
Is it cheap? Well, that is a very narrow view about sociology. You might think hi-heel shoes to be very graceful, while some other people might find it very stupid and "cheap". After all, it introduces a lot of foot-related ailments and slows down speed of movement. Wearing a hi-heel shoe in a ball room might be a good idea, but wearing that thing in a Conan world facing an enemy waving a polearm is stupid. As a woman fighter struggling in Hyboria will be more concerned about finding a weapon of shield to keep the blows off then finding a hide to cover her chest. Make up or fancy scarf will be totally irrelevant. Think about that line and bear breasts are not a major issue to dispute.
Will the game attract a lot of immature people? I do not know, but fact is I seldom care about them. If they annoy me I move on, turning off chat or adding them to ignore list. So long as I can walk pass them without bothering, they are just transparent white noise.
AmazingAveryAge of Conan AdvocateMemberUncommonPosts: 7,188
The only thing the partial nudity adds to is the atmosphere its in.
You resue the scantly glad women in the very first quest, she offers you her services ( she was being held captive as that type of person), because thats all she knows.
Pretty much the same content as in the books wrote in the 1930's.
Except omg its visual now. Thats just an overview btw.
you know my gf just brought up a good point which i hate to admit because i was all about supporting a game with partial nudity in it.. i was also onboard with the social crosswiring that makes it more acceptable to mash someones face in with a base ball bat in game than have a boob in game.... however my girlfriends comment when i told her AOC would have nudity was simple but intelligent... she said
Why?
this is a good point because although there is hardcore violence in the game ... It IS A fighting game... if i was playing a stripper game and some dude came in and took a chainsaw to the bar maid i guess i would be a bit confused. My GF then went on to say that she wouldnt play because she is a RL Woman and plays female characters in games.. and she doesnt want to deal with weird dudes trying to get her to disrobe.. i have to concede her point theres only one reason for putting nudity in a fighting game.. and it isnt for realism
AmazingAveryAge of Conan AdvocateMemberUncommonPosts: 7,188
Originally posted by LordSic
you know my gf just brought up a good point which i hate to admit because i was all about supporting a game with partial nudity in it.. i was also onboard with the social crosswiring that makes it more acceptable to mash someones face in with a base ball bat in game than have a boob in game.... however my girlfriends comment when i told her AOC would have nudity was simple but intelligent... she said
Why? this is a good point because although there is hardcore violence in the game ... It IS A fighting game... if i was playing a stripper game and some dude came in and took a chainsaw to the bar maid i guess i would be a bit confused. My GF then went on to say that she wouldnt play because she is a RL Woman and plays female characters in games.. and she doesnt want to deal with weird dudes trying to get her to disrobe.. i have to concede her point theres only one reason for putting nudity in a fighting game.. and it isnt for realism
Gamespot just put up a preview in a hands on environment just like mmorpg.com did.
All things considered, Age of Conan seems to be coming along quite well as a story-driven, quest-driven experience, as well as a monster-hunting hack-and-slash game, and even a fast-paced competitive affair. It remains a game that is absolutely not for children; if the thinly dressed, sultry-voiced female characters don't make that clear, the over-the-top death animations in the game's random critical deaths should (given that they usually end in several limbs and heads briefly painting your computer screen along with a giant splotch of blood). Nevertheless, it also holds a lot of promise as a deep, dark, and decidedly mature role-playing experience.
Thing is here in AoC, it is a deep story driven game, the actual licence is 'Conan' - deep, rich and immersive. First anyone familar with the lore, will appreciate the direction the game is going in. Anyone not familar with the lore or has some stereotypical view on the game based on an eyebrow raiser such as the chance you will come across a boob or two. Funcom, the makers are known for great storytelling.
Im a married man, my wife was a bit skeptical at first (she is also a gamer), she opened her eyes a little, watched over my should as I read and viewed more about the game. She just basically thought 'arnold' 'shitish movie'. Now she has probably read more books within the lore than I have. And she has a better understanding on the scantly dressed issue, at the same time respecting the author for empowering the female warrior within the lore. Basically they kick ass big time, in just as an iconic way as Conan himself.
The appeal to her is the direction and respect that Funcom are taking in presenting the female avatar in the game. Your GF doesnt have to get dressed up scantly clad, she wouldnt be forced to either in game. The customization is a big draw for my wife of 34 yrs.
I bet you, you would find more people trying to get her to take her top off in WoW or LotRO than in AoC upon launch. Why, because the community is different for a start. Im not saying it won't happen, but your gf is more likely to be ogled in a public bar than in a video game one.
What if the female avatar in AoC kicks ass? She would have the ability to decap the weirdo in style if she wanted. Couldnt do that in LotrO. Has she ever been propositioned in any other game? My wife has, in everyone shes played, right from U.O. to LotRO. The difference here is that quite a few people think the rating will help keep the kids out more, and you just couldn't be true to the licence if it was made into a 'teen' title.
Again, boobs is not the be all and end all of this game, and its definately not overall being marketed like that.
Atleast Raingirl left her EB job where she would sell rated games to underage people.
Lordsic that's exactly what I've been saying too. I'm a RL woman and in games with "adult" content that's exactly the kind of crap I ran into. The Funcom game AO was the worst and Aoc just ups the ante. In AO players simulated oral intercourse in public areas of the game, scratched crotches and mooned. And that was just for starters. As over the top as WoW can get some times it's never even come close.
Women see breasts every day. So what? It's the crowd attracted to that kind of content we have no interest in playing with. I guess I'm happy it's going to be such a no-brainer choice. Conan will keep the worst element filtered out & happy while the rest of us can be off enjoying REAL mature content in another game.
Fanbois Avery work on your reading comprehension skills. Knowledge is a wonderful thing.
well i appreciate the direct comment to me thanks for the intelligent response (hard to come by nowadays) .. hey lets bare in mind im gonna play ... i think the point she was driving at was that she didnt want to deal with idiots trying to see whats doing if ya know what i mean. honestly i think we both know the first few days will be an endless parade of naked PC's running around.. however once that fad passes im sure it will be fine.. i think my gf's point was simply that it was in some way offensive to her... as far as the local bar.:) noone trys anything with me there . keep in mind that lore for conan is not what were gonna see in our fellow gamers.. like i said.. i think the first day is gonna be a streaking contest. however i am far from a prude im 34 and GF is 28 im just trying to convince her to play as well and trying to figure my angle to make that happen
AmazingAveryAge of Conan AdvocateMemberUncommonPosts: 7,188
Originally posted by Raingirl
Lordsic that's exactly what I've been saying too. I'm a RL woman and in games with "adult" content that's exactly the kind of crap I ran into. The Funcom game AO was the worst and Aoc just ups the ante. In AO players simulated oral intercourse in public areas of the game, scratched crotches and mooned. And that was just for starters. As over the top as WoW can get some times it's never even come close. Women see breasts every day. So what? It's the crowd attracted to that kind of content we have no interest in playing with. I guess I'm happy it's going to be such a no-brainer choice. Conan will keep the worst element filtered out & happy while the rest of us can be off enjoying REAL mature content in another game. Fanbois Avery work on your reading comprehension skills. Knowledge is a wonderful thing.
Your living in an mmo dreamworld if you think there isnt a game out there in the genre that hasnt had some form of what you speak of. Maybe the genre is not for you afterall.
I havent seen any major indication in the community that what you suggest is going to be as previlant as you think. Leave your hate at the door for AO this is AoC.
Written comprehensive skills is something I would expect from a previous EB manager... Reading wise I thought the point was made clear to you by about 10 people in that other thread the other month.
You know I have the same viewpoint as you, but come to a different conclusion based on having spent more time in the community. So sorry your too quick to judge, you might be missing out on something that you could enjoy.
Would someone please explain to <these people that> I never posted anywhere that I sold rated games to kids?
<modedit>
AmazingAveryAge of Conan AdvocateMemberUncommonPosts: 7,188
Originally posted by LordSic
well i appreciate the direct comment to me thanks for the intelligent response (hard to come by nowadays) .. hey lets bare in mind im gonna play ... i think the point she was driving at was that she didnt want to deal with idiots trying to see whats doing if ya know what i mean. honestly i think we both know the first few days will be an endless parade of naked PC's running around.. however once that fad passes im sure it will be fine.. i think my gf's point was simply that it was in some way offensive to her... as far as the local bar.:) noone trys anything with me there . keep in mind that lore for conan is not what were gonna see in our fellow gamers.. like i said.. i think the first day is gonna be a streaking contest. however i am far from a prude im 34 and GF is 28 im just trying to convince her to play as well and trying to figure my angle to make that happen
Well im 29 and the wife is 34. I cant argue with what you say, and infact I agree. All im saying is that I dont think that the game will be any worse at the end of the day than anyother title out there. It happens alot in most other titles,but like you said when the fad wears off, who really cares? (maybe the person stood around watching getting offended, instead of playing the game.) People in other games have verbally said just as nasty things to my wife in game. The fact she can or might be able to take her top off has nothing to so with it, really though when you think about it. Your still gonna get the same comments anyways.
If your GF has some real concerns and wants to talk, or yourself, your more than welcome to come on IRC chat and speak with like minded people. I can think of over 20 people / couples in my guild who have expressed the same thing. If you want the details just send a PM.
*Thanks for the flame raingirl.
I understand that you didn't, but name calling really isn't management material is it.
Well i can tell you one thing for sure... it appears that this MMO is going to be A SAUSAGEFEST... alot of ladies aren't going to play it.. and although it doesnt bother me that there is nudity (im a guy) .. and i can respect your decision as a female.. hard for me to judge since im not one. i can definatly see the girls point of view on this...But ill be the first to admit since im brave.. that i wont be seeing boobs in the game and be thinking ,, hey thats very realistic for the lore of the storyline and how interesting blah blah blah.. im gonna be thinking WOah Did you see that... I mean i am a man after all
In every game community there are good guys and guys we do not want to mix with. My view of who is good to me will not be the same as yours. As in the choice of games, the choice of friends inside the game differs, as will be the choice of game play. What does that mean for our argument here?
It means there will be some players in AoC (or any other game) that you do not want to marry. So what? Bail the game altogether? Will you move to a new town just b/c the dog in the apartment across the street bark at night and woke you up once in a while? You will move town if you find gang wars raging every hour.
Some people will make life hard for you in the game (AoC or any). If you still find the game enjoyable, play on, otherwise, time to quit. A parade of gamers with naked bodies does not affect my day. I would see that as a good way of filtering unwanted members in PUGs. If I cannot find enough good people to play with, either I play solo or go play HGL (or anything else). There are more annoying people in WoW than most games, but there are still enough people to keep me interested for 1.5 years before I give up. That is enough. I have a good time till the end. More hours of fun than "sigh".
Come to think of it, if a player RP himself/herself and picked a naked female to start, it might be an interesting choice for gaming. Unfortunately that will not be of much use to me, as I will be soloing till 20 (as the way the game is largely designed), and by 20 most players will be wearing a chestpiece with some buffs to sttributes or what not.
Comments
What other games have been rated M and how did they sell? What I mean is, the only good way to predict the effect of an M rating is to look at the effect it has had on other games. Have there been any games rated M?
The problem is, short of reading a disclaimer to the parent out loud, then making them sign a written waiver in front of witnesses, ratings tend to be ignored by the parents. I used to manage an EB and 99 out of 100 would come in, glance at the box, say, "Is this the one you wanted honey?" and if they didn't see XXX HARD CORE PORN printed in bold typeface they'd pull out the credit card.
Kids playing adult accounts aren't really the problem though. Kids pretty much have identical access to WoW and Lotr so how do you explain the difference in the 2 communities? Don't think there is one? Try playing both for a few weeks. There most definitely is. I'm talking about the community, not the game play.
The game company makes the rules, sets the table and serves the dinner. The customers decide which invitations they're going to accept. Not all of us will choose to sit down together and eat what's being served. I wouldn't eat crap in a sewer with rats. And I don't plan to play Conan either based on what I've read so far.
I think that it would be poor management style, by not pointing out to the buyer the rating on their purchase. Quite bad mgmt practice as well as lacking in some moral sense.
You know I think you really just need to stop, take a deep breath, ask yourself whats your gripe with Age of Conan and post your 'issues' in a mature way. Instead of crying foul after a 5 minute 'whiff' of the game. Or bases on a female avatar screen shot 6 months from launch...
EDIT*
I just don't see how you can put Age of Conan in the same group as WoW or LotRO, the rating of the game lends itself to the content within. You just don't do quests in WoW or LotRO with sexual undertones, decapatations or see an NPC with a nipple showing. AoC is made for a different market, and if you can't accept that, than why bother to continue to post..
EDIT*2 yes raingirl, i have the capacity to admit I might have hastly read what you said quickly, but still being a proponent in selling rated games to parents for kids is still a bad thing, if you don't point it out. Sorry if EB didnt teach you how to deal with this situation.
I remember helping these 2 brothers in SWG the old days. One was like 13 and he was teaching his little brother how to play. That kid was like 7. They were kinda stuck in a dangerous area so I helped them along. Just one of those random encounters.
It was fun because the 7 year old played a wookie, and since he didn't type well it went along with the toon perfect. The kid did a great job playing.
It's not the age, it's the individual.
I feel nudity in conan is going to do the opposite of drawning a "mature" base.
Nudity almost turns me off of conan completely because I see it as more of a gimmick.
Nudity don't draw Maturaty. It draws Pervs.
The pvp system also might turn me off this game. I am not liking the insta respawn on city raids.
I got my eye on Fallen Earth.
SHOHADAKU
Quite right, and hence a different market and a different type of player.
Ultimately different ratings and content appeal on the whole to a different player type / individual.
Similar underlying content, with a different flair or approach to cater for other individual tastes.
Insta re-spawn and appearing in what part of terrority the side you play on holds, with a time limit on how quickly you can enter battle again. Possible penalities for the amount of times you die too, increasing this to stop Zerging. Tactics play a part, instead of mindless or un-coordinated fighting.
children are at least easy to recognise
Jackasses can reveal themselves only after you get to know them. Kids arent the problem .. IDIOTS are
Don't get me wrong. I do like the gore. Decapitation is great. I am VERY skeptical about the pvp system.
Nudity will draw pervs, but the make or break for me is the PVP system. I will give it a chance before it's written off.
SHOHADAKU
i think theres far to much free internet porn out there for someone to buy a game to see animated boobs
Avery short memory huh? I've made other posts here since I learned the direction Aoc was going and generally try not to spend a lot of time covering old ground. Up to you if you feel like back tracking.
Short of pointing out the game rating and explaining the signifcance, what would you have store staff do? Refuse to sell to anyone old enough to have a 9 year old at home? Beat parents over the head with sticks to knock some sense in? Maybe we could just lock the gates to the mall to keep parents out?
Fanbois are so tedious. Making a negative post about one of "their" games is like poking an adder with a stick. Here I'll make you happy:
I luv AOC. I gwn buy 10 and giv em ot all my buds. Totl leetness & the bubbies are so kewl. Sigh
You just reminded me of a time in swg a fella sent me a tell and asked if he could pay me to let him in my house and just sit there and watch me change outfits on my toon, i was like whoaa dude lol
playing eq2 and two worlds
woah thats creepy... i stand corrected
Just pointing out the game rating to the buyer, and if looks underage ask for ID? must be really hard to do, sure wasn't when I did it for a living too. When I used to manage nightclubs I didn't let the kids in, when I sold games and dvd's I did so within the law.
Im just curious as to what exactly is your gripe with the game, because in the past you haven't really specified. The only direction I see is that its aimed for a more mature crowd that a LotRO or WoW crowd. But if you just got stopped by hearing about partial topless pixelated nudity and gore then your going to be possibly missing out on more.
In fact if you have some serious concerns just post them and maybe someone from marketing will read it. Im all for a difference of opinion. But do me a favour, if you think im really like you think judging from your last two lines think again.
Funcom have an IRC channel, I think there are a few women sat in it right now, as in my guild channel, im just trying to understand your issues. I think the difference is maybe they are familar with the lore more and see the nudity as part of it, as so it should be and not a gimmick. Because lets face it - the game isn't just tits and ass, its an mmorpg if you havent read all the game content yet.
Must be a culture thing or something but Blood and guts is ok while a pair of boobs is OMG!!!! this game is mature rating now?
We have nudity on 8PM soap shows here.
Why are they not the same, both are conciderd indecent in public areas. I'd take the fact the the subjegation of women as lesser humans and sex objects as the reason why Nude breast = ok, but not nude penises =/ ok. Personally i don't care if they have BOTH , but there still no reason for either.
No the question really is why have NUDE breasts. It is concerded indecent by many people so you have to have a reason to break a known taboo.
I think i know it Funcon is betting ok a lot of dips**t MALE buyign this game for this reason or impacting their disition too.
I played one game that stright up had nude harpy like mobs in it, i was very suprized at this but overall it was no big deal. Infact i only remembered it now and i doubt nudity in aoc will be a big deal.... But i concerder it quite cheap.
I also second Manveru's post ... because thats the reality of this choice.
I think not all people playing AoC will be that way but its gonna draw more young players with nudity then adults you can bet on that. See like many are agruing what does a mature person care if their are boobies? Most could not give a F. But the immature males sure as heck do.
Finally, its a gimic because its really not about the game its about attracting these immature players.Several issues at once.
First its a game. Its a game not for current world USA. Its a game about a fantasy world using swords not A-bombs. The morale standard then is different. Even today, in some countries, bare breasts are not a sign of indency. In the place where you live, I think shooting a human from range with fireballs or wacking him/her with a 2hand claymore is illegal as well. No one should be pulling a mob or doing PVP, not even duelling.
Is it cheap? Well, that is a very narrow view about sociology. You might think hi-heel shoes to be very graceful, while some other people might find it very stupid and "cheap". After all, it introduces a lot of foot-related ailments and slows down speed of movement. Wearing a hi-heel shoe in a ball room might be a good idea, but wearing that thing in a Conan world facing an enemy waving a polearm is stupid. As a woman fighter struggling in Hyboria will be more concerned about finding a weapon of shield to keep the blows off then finding a hide to cover her chest. Make up or fancy scarf will be totally irrelevant. Think about that line and bear breasts are not a major issue to dispute.
Will the game attract a lot of immature people? I do not know, but fact is I seldom care about them. If they annoy me I move on, turning off chat or adding them to ignore list. So long as I can walk pass them without bothering, they are just transparent white noise.
The only thing the partial nudity adds to is the atmosphere its in.
You resue the scantly glad women in the very first quest, she offers you her services ( she was being held captive as that type of person), because thats all she knows.
Pretty much the same content as in the books wrote in the 1930's.
Except omg its visual now. Thats just an overview btw.
you know my gf just brought up a good point which i hate to admit because i was all about supporting a game with partial nudity in it.. i was also onboard with the social crosswiring that makes it more acceptable to mash someones face in with a base ball bat in game than have a boob in game.... however my girlfriends comment when i told her AOC would have nudity was simple but intelligent... she said
Why?
this is a good point because although there is hardcore violence in the game ... It IS A fighting game... if i was playing a stripper game and some dude came in and took a chainsaw to the bar maid i guess i would be a bit confused. My GF then went on to say that she wouldnt play because she is a RL Woman and plays female characters in games.. and she doesnt want to deal with weird dudes trying to get her to disrobe.. i have to concede her point theres only one reason for putting nudity in a fighting game.. and it isnt for realism
Gamespot just put up a preview in a hands on environment just like mmorpg.com did.
http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/ageofconanhyborianadventures/news.html?sid=6184059&om_act=convert&om_clk=newlyadded&tag=newlyadded%3Btitle%3B1&page=2
Quote:
All things considered, Age of Conan seems to be coming along quite well as a story-driven, quest-driven experience, as well as a monster-hunting hack-and-slash game, and even a fast-paced competitive affair. It remains a game that is absolutely not for children; if the thinly dressed, sultry-voiced female characters don't make that clear, the over-the-top death animations in the game's random critical deaths should (given that they usually end in several limbs and heads briefly painting your computer screen along with a giant splotch of blood). Nevertheless, it also holds a lot of promise as a deep, dark, and decidedly mature role-playing experience.
Thing is here in AoC, it is a deep story driven game, the actual licence is 'Conan' - deep, rich and immersive. First anyone familar with the lore, will appreciate the direction the game is going in. Anyone not familar with the lore or has some stereotypical view on the game based on an eyebrow raiser such as the chance you will come across a boob or two. Funcom, the makers are known for great storytelling.
Im a married man, my wife was a bit skeptical at first (she is also a gamer), she opened her eyes a little, watched over my should as I read and viewed more about the game. She just basically thought 'arnold' 'shitish movie'. Now she has probably read more books within the lore than I have. And she has a better understanding on the scantly dressed issue, at the same time respecting the author for empowering the female warrior within the lore. Basically they kick ass big time, in just as an iconic way as Conan himself.
The appeal to her is the direction and respect that Funcom are taking in presenting the female avatar in the game. Your GF doesnt have to get dressed up scantly clad, she wouldnt be forced to either in game. The customization is a big draw for my wife of 34 yrs.
I bet you, you would find more people trying to get her to take her top off in WoW or LotRO than in AoC upon launch. Why, because the community is different for a start. Im not saying it won't happen, but your gf is more likely to be ogled in a public bar than in a video game one.
What if the female avatar in AoC kicks ass? She would have the ability to decap the weirdo in style if she wanted. Couldnt do that in LotrO. Has she ever been propositioned in any other game? My wife has, in everyone shes played, right from U.O. to LotRO. The difference here is that quite a few people think the rating will help keep the kids out more, and you just couldn't be true to the licence if it was made into a 'teen' title.
Again, boobs is not the be all and end all of this game, and its definately not overall being marketed like that.
Atleast Raingirl left her EB job where she would sell rated games to underage people.
Lordsic that's exactly what I've been saying too. I'm a RL woman and in games with "adult" content that's exactly the kind of crap I ran into. The Funcom game AO was the worst and Aoc just ups the ante. In AO players simulated oral intercourse in public areas of the game, scratched crotches and mooned. And that was just for starters. As over the top as WoW can get some times it's never even come close.
Women see breasts every day. So what? It's the crowd attracted to that kind of content we have no interest in playing with. I guess I'm happy it's going to be such a no-brainer choice. Conan will keep the worst element filtered out & happy while the rest of us can be off enjoying REAL mature content in another game.
Fanbois Avery work on your reading comprehension skills. Knowledge is a wonderful thing.
well i appreciate the direct comment to me thanks for the intelligent response (hard to come by nowadays) .. hey lets bare in mind im gonna play ... i think the point she was driving at was that she didnt want to deal with idiots trying to see whats doing if ya know what i mean. honestly i think we both know the first few days will be an endless parade of naked PC's running around.. however once that fad passes im sure it will be fine.. i think my gf's point was simply that it was in some way offensive to her... as far as the local bar.:) noone trys anything with me there . keep in mind that lore for conan is not what were gonna see in our fellow gamers.. like i said.. i think the first day is gonna be a streaking contest. however i am far from a prude im 34 and GF is 28 im just trying to convince her to play as well and trying to figure my angle to make that happen
Your living in an mmo dreamworld if you think there isnt a game out there in the genre that hasnt had some form of what you speak of. Maybe the genre is not for you afterall.
I havent seen any major indication in the community that what you suggest is going to be as previlant as you think. Leave your hate at the door for AO this is AoC.
Written comprehensive skills is something I would expect from a previous EB manager... Reading wise I thought the point was made clear to you by about 10 people in that other thread the other month.
You know I have the same viewpoint as you, but come to a different conclusion based on having spent more time in the community. So sorry your too quick to judge, you might be missing out on something that you could enjoy.
Would someone please explain to <these people that> I never posted anywhere that I sold rated games to kids?
<modedit>
Well im 29 and the wife is 34. I cant argue with what you say, and infact I agree. All im saying is that I dont think that the game will be any worse at the end of the day than anyother title out there. It happens alot in most other titles,but like you said when the fad wears off, who really cares? (maybe the person stood around watching getting offended, instead of playing the game.) People in other games have verbally said just as nasty things to my wife in game. The fact she can or might be able to take her top off has nothing to so with it, really though when you think about it. Your still gonna get the same comments anyways.
If your GF has some real concerns and wants to talk, or yourself, your more than welcome to come on IRC chat and speak with like minded people. I can think of over 20 people / couples in my guild who have expressed the same thing. If you want the details just send a PM.
*Thanks for the flame raingirl.
I understand that you didn't, but name calling really isn't management material is it.
Well i can tell you one thing for sure... it appears that this MMO is going to be A SAUSAGEFEST... alot of ladies aren't going to play it.. and although it doesnt bother me that there is nudity (im a guy) .. and i can respect your decision as a female.. hard for me to judge since im not one. i can definatly see the girls point of view on this...But ill be the first to admit since im brave.. that i wont be seeing boobs in the game and be thinking ,, hey thats very realistic for the lore of the storyline and how interesting blah blah blah.. im gonna be thinking WOah Did you see that... I mean i am a man after all
It'll be just like any other adult-themed game; kids will get it because parents don't screen (or care) what their kids play.
To be honest, I don't think I'd want to play an MMO that needs nudity as a hook. Then again, I never understood the novelty of simulated nudity.
In every game community there are good guys and guys we do not want to mix with. My view of who is good to me will not be the same as yours. As in the choice of games, the choice of friends inside the game differs, as will be the choice of game play. What does that mean for our argument here?
It means there will be some players in AoC (or any other game) that you do not want to marry. So what? Bail the game altogether? Will you move to a new town just b/c the dog in the apartment across the street bark at night and woke you up once in a while? You will move town if you find gang wars raging every hour.
Some people will make life hard for you in the game (AoC or any). If you still find the game enjoyable, play on, otherwise, time to quit. A parade of gamers with naked bodies does not affect my day. I would see that as a good way of filtering unwanted members in PUGs. If I cannot find enough good people to play with, either I play solo or go play HGL (or anything else). There are more annoying people in WoW than most games, but there are still enough people to keep me interested for 1.5 years before I give up. That is enough. I have a good time till the end. More hours of fun than "sigh".
Come to think of it, if a player RP himself/herself and picked a naked female to start, it might be an interesting choice for gaming. Unfortunately that will not be of much use to me, as I will be soloing till 20 (as the way the game is largely designed), and by 20 most players will be wearing a chestpiece with some buffs to sttributes or what not.