Actually, Nerrollus wins the prize for ruining MMOs "I love MMOs but hate grouping in them"... Seriously?
Well, of course you are. Either that, or the Devs have been universally trolled for the last 7 years.
The problem with grouping in MMO's is the groups. As in trying to put a group together. If the game has almost nothing but group content that problem should be solved...everyone will be looking for a group. People who want solo play wouldn't play the game.
If that's the case though, does the grouping become meaningless? Would it be just like World of Tanks or (gasp!) WoW at end game where you just sit in the main city waiting for your group to pop?
Yeah, seriously ... Groups are a pain in the ass from the word go. I remember in EQ1 spending hours trying to get a group together, spend 15 mins leveling, then have a wipe or one person suddenly has to go then the whole group falls apart and you're back a square 1.
I love the community and social chaos that comes with MMO's. I enjoy watching the chat and jumping in occasionally on thing. I like being able to have help or advice right there in game. I don't how ever enjoy being forced to play with morons to progress...
I'm torn. I selected no, but only because I know what would happen in the long-term. As people level and go past content, especially difficult content you need teams for, they're unlikely to backpeddle and repeat it to help others, and are even less likely to go through it again with an alt. You can say that's not the case all you like, but party-oriented games are constantly suffering dwindling population because eventually it's only the higher-level content that's populated, leaving new players without a way to progress. They end up bored, and leave, and in no time at all the game's population is down to the few hardcore fans who are already high level.
So yes, I would play it. Briefly. And then when everyone passed me in the content, as they would since I don't game as much as others might, I would stop. The moment I have to shout for a team and wait half hour before I can do anything, I no longer have any interest in playing. That's half an hour I could have spent enjoying myself in a game where I can solo.
"Forums aren't for intelligent discussion; they're for blow-hards with unwavering opinions."
FFXI for the most part was forced grouping. There's one huge advantage to forcing people to group, and that's community. I think in most games people play solo until endgame, by then they're set in thier ways of doing things and are easily offended, this causes alot of drama in endgame. FFXI had one of the best communities in any game ever. I'm not 100% sure this was due to people having to grouped and get along, or that it forced all the 12 year old crybabies away because they couldn't solo.
@Gaenparyer: As much as I do understand what you're saying (Ive been there myself), let's change a few words in your post and see what we get:
No, I dont think I'd like Life. I know, in the end, it would be hard to find someone to live with when everybodys died from old age. And in the end, you just die.
See - there's something to be said for grasping the moment. How about people worry more about here and now instead? Also (to an earlier poster), mentioning life at max level - what's the point? Maybe the game isn't all about max level, but actually enjoying the trip? Or maybe it is, and the game will cater to your desires, hopefully.
Depends. Is finding a group quick and easy? Is finding replacements for people that need to leave quick and easy? If grouping was as simple as fps games make it then group vs solo wouldn't be an issue. Is grouping fluid enough that a single person can't wipe an entire group. Again look at group dynamic in fps games. The team is make stronger by its individual pieses but those individual pieses don't make the team.
We have leveled and class roled our way into a corner.
Would I sub to it? Highly doubtful unless I was simply floored by the gameplay, design, etc.
I simply do not have the time to devote to games like I used to so I prefer games that have a viable solo portion to them. A lot of times my time is limited or I have to be able to log without warning so I steer clear of groups when I don't have the time...which is rather often anymore.
1. For god's sake mmo gamers, enough with the analogies. They're unnecessary and your comparisons are terrible, dissimilar, and illogical.
2. To posters feeling the need to state how f2p really isn't f2p: Players understand the concept. You aren't privy to some secret the rest are missing. You're embarrassing yourself.
3. Yes, Cpt. Obvious, we're not industry experts. Now run along and let the big people use the forums for their purpose.
If players are able to solo, they will. This cuts down on the possibility of forming a group considerably. But would I really want to group with someone who doesn't enjoy the multiplayer aspects of these games? Probably not. I voted yes.
Vault-Tec analysts have concluded that the odds of worldwide nuclear armaggeddon this decade are 17,143,762... to 1.
I'm not really casual, but I dont have time or desire to play games for hours and hours straight. That said, I do play for many hours each day its just that I have to afk alot helping kids, making dinner, doing dishes, business emails etc. I'm also an achiever, all time I spend logged on is working towards a goal. I like to max out characters, I dont like alts. Luckily I can solo many things that the average gamer couldnt. And a few evenings every week I set aside for raiding or other "forced group content". So I wouldnt really want to spend my time on different chars on separate servers (which the OP means if I'm not mistaken). And ofc I surely wouldnt play on just the group server or solo server either, I like a little of both when I can get it on my own terms.
I'm not an ego a**hat. I always try and find a guild, and I always play a support or healer class so be as useful as possible when I actually do group even if that class choice does hurt my solo play often.
@Gaenparyer: As much as I do understand what you're saying (Ive been there myself), let's change a few words in your post and see what we get:
No, I dont think I'd like Life. I know, in the end, it would be hard to find someone to live with when everybodys died from old age. And in the end, you just die.
See - there's something to be said for grasping the moment. How about people worry more about here and now instead? Also (to an earlier poster), mentioning life at max level - what's the point? Maybe the game isn't all about max level, but actually enjoying the trip? Or maybe it is, and the game will cater to your desires, hopefully.
How you equate life to a video game is beyond me. This is not life we are talking about, with lasting effects. This is a video game that is a complete and utter waste of time even if you are having fun, and if you aren't having fun then that's even more a waste of time.
Worrying only about the 'now' is short-sighted, especially when you look outside the addiction and realize you're only playing a game. At the very least however, if you're playing something long-term, you build friendships and take part in the community. If you play your games knowing you'll be bored by them within a day or two, that's absolutely your perogative, but some of us would like something more.
"Forums aren't for intelligent discussion; they're for blow-hards with unwavering opinions."
Real life doesn't force me to depend on others 100% of the time. When I'm at work, I'm expected to be able to function independently and do my own projects and assignments. Even though I'm in an office with others, I still have to be able to work alone and complete tasks by myself. Why should a game be any different?
Besides, trying to find a stable group is usually a pain in the ass, and don't get me started on the nightmare of the PUG. In general, if I don't have any of my guildmates or trusted friends online, I don't bother. If they're not on, I find some other way to kill the limited game time I've got, whether it's solo quests, or crafting, or whatever.
Give me the choice of some sort of solo play and I'll sign on if I think your game is interesting enough. Force me to group 100% of the time and I won't look twice.
@Gaenparyer: As much as I do understand what you're saying (Ive been there myself), let's change a few words in your post and see what we get:
No, I dont think I'd like Life. I know, in the end, it would be hard to find someone to live with when everybodys died from old age. And in the end, you just die.
See - there's something to be said for grasping the moment. How about people worry more about here and now instead? Also (to an earlier poster), mentioning life at max level - what's the point? Maybe the game isn't all about max level, but actually enjoying the trip? Or maybe it is, and the game will cater to your desires, hopefully.
How you equate life to a video game is beyond me. This is not life we are talking about, with lasting effects. This is a video game that is a complete and utter waste of time even if you are having fun, and if you aren't having fun then that's even more a waste of time.
Worrying only about the 'now' is short-sighted, especially when you look outside the addiction and realize you're only playing a game. At the very least however, if you're playing something long-term, you build friendships and take part in the community. If you play your games knowing you'll be bored by them within a day or two, that's absolutely your perogative, but some of us would like something more.
To some players, they are not mere video games, like Tetris, but an alternate reality. Learning how to type faster, socialize (i.e. bringing out the best in people), and use your imagination is hardly a waste of time in my opinion.
Vault-Tec analysts have concluded that the odds of worldwide nuclear armaggeddon this decade are 17,143,762... to 1.
To some players, they are not mere video games, like Tetris, but an alternate reality. Learning how to type faster, socialize (i.e. bringing out the best in people), and use your imagination is hardly a waste of time in my opinion.
That's just it, though. Many, if not most, MMO players don't look at these games like alternate realities. They don't think that they're playing a new role. They're just playing a character they like in a game that interests them. Sure, there's some imagination involved because hello, elves, orcs, and all these other fantastic races in these games don't exist. None of the worlds that these games inhabit exist.
BTW, voice chat options have pretty much eliminated the need to learn to type faster. And they make stable groups so much easier, since you're all chatting in real time and getting things done as you go.
Yes, these are games we are talking about, and not real life. Yet, I do belive a measure of our real life values can be applied generously to our gaming habits. Do not take all sorrows in the future on your shoulders today. This thread is not about a "booring game with forced grouping". It's about a FUN game with forced grouping, and if it is worth its salt, you will not run around in-game feeling like grouping is forced on you - because it will all happen so naturally. Of course, if this kind of game is not for you, then yes, you will feel forced, and probably quit and join another game where you can be happy soloing.
Look at Global Agenda. It IS classified as an MMO. Grouping happens naturally all the time, and the solo content is more of a joke than anything. I never have problems finding groups in GA. Who says it needs to be like it was back 10 years ago? Dont mistake me longing for group play games with me longing for hours spent just trying to form a group - I dont like that either. But these things can evolve you know, making tools and transitions that make the process more painless and let you get along with the grouped gameplay. I want to get away from "pssst, I work at the registry at Wall Mart in real life, but in here you may call me: xOxSUPAHMANNxOx", and back to doing things together, working and co-operating for some mutual benefit. I dont want to log into a multiplayer game and end up feeling alone with the NPCs. I dont find simply reading general chat all that fulfilling. I can text chat in msn and facebook all day long. And here too
I don't want my online time dictated by other players. If there is no way I can do things on my own, I won't even bother. I don't like sitting around waiting for groups to form, let alone playing at others' pace.
- Al
Personally the only modern MMORPG trend that annoys me is the idea that MMOs need to be designed in a way to attract people who don't actually like MMOs. Which to me makes about as much sense as someone trying to figure out a way to get vegetarians to eat at their steakhouse. - FARGIN_WAR
Why do people think that with no soloing you won't find groups and can't do what YOU want to do? It's more likely you can always find a group that is likely doing something you want to do.
I think a MMO with no soloing could potentially be very fun because only the people playing are the kind that actually want to socialize and do stuff with other people. I've played old MMOs that were almost this way because leveling as a group was so much faster and more fun. Sure you could solo but it was a slow, casual torture if thats all you did.
But hey, I'm one of those that is disgusted with the idea of playing alone in an MMO with a bunch of other loners because so few groups are formed.
That depends on whether there are groups or not and how easy it is to get a group n start playing.
Oh and it depends on if its actually fun to play but yes i would play a mmo like that
I don't think that would really be a problem. If everyone needs to group up to progress, everyone will be looking for a group all the time. I think a game like that would get a pretty good ingame community, because if you're an ass people might stop grouping up with you, and then you can't do ANYTHING.
Nah I wouldn't play this game, it basically sounds like an ultra-Everquest.
The problem I have with forced grouping is that it takes away your independence. But if all you do is solo in a quest-grind game, then you are basically playing a single player game.
I want to be able to have the independence of soloing while still feeling like I'm part of a virtual world. This is why I'm excited about GW2, because the dynamic events seem to be aimed towards that goal. You just wander around and find stuff happening, then other players can join and help. You are united by a common goal instead of just an artifical grouping system.
Why do people think that with no soloing you won't find groups and can't do what YOU want to do? It's more likely you can always find a group that is likely doing something you want to do.
I think a MMO with no soloing could potentially be very fun because only the people playing are the kind that actually want to socialize and do stuff with other people. I've played old MMOs that were almost this way because leveling as a group was so much faster and more fun. Sure you could solo but it was a slow, casual torture if thats all you did.
But hey, I'm one of those that is disgusted with the idea of playing alone in an MMO with a bunch of other loners because so few groups are formed.
I know from my personal experiences in City of Heroes that what can look like a "solo player" to you might well be someone finishing a quick quest with an alt while on voice chat with their guild or fiends before they go and meet up with them. Just because people are alone in a game doens't mean that they're automatically an anti-social loner.
That's just it, though. Many, if not most, MMO players don't look at these games like alternate realities. They don't think that they're playing a new role. They're just playing a character they like in a game that interests them. Sure, there's some imagination involved because hello, elves, orcs, and all these other fantastic races in these games don't exist. None of the worlds that these games inhabit exist.
BTW, voice chat options have pretty much eliminated the need to learn to type faster. And they make stable groups so much easier, since you're all chatting in real time and getting things done as you go.
Some people are deaf or just don't enjoy "talking on the phone". I type often outside of Online RPGs, so the practice is congruent. Not to derail the thread, but I put immersion over efficiency any day. I don't mind if things take a little longer as long as I don't have to hear a 300lb. orc speaking like a 15 year old girl.
Also, you don't have to use your imagination if the elves and orcs and the world are digitally rendered. That is not using your imagination, it's looking at the screen. Someone else used thier imagination to render how the world and characters look and sound. Imagination is making up a story for your character or thinking of fun activities to do outside of the level up and get loot gameplay. It's bringing things into the worlds that did not exist there before.
You are right, such things are not popular. It's all about conveninece, efficiency, and getting ahead so you can show off. I suppose I will have to place my hope in the future generation.
Vault-Tec analysts have concluded that the odds of worldwide nuclear armaggeddon this decade are 17,143,762... to 1.
I'd try it out. A game that was 100.00% focused on multiplyer co-operation would necessarily be very differently structured from the average MMO today, and that alone would make it worth checking out. There's nothing inherently game-killing about being 100% group focused - millions more people player football or baseball or cricket than play all MMOs combined.
I don't mind if things take a little longer as long as I don't have to hear a 300lb. orc speaking like a 15 year old girl.
In these games, it's generally the other way around. That hot little Blood Elf Paladin in top tier armor will most likely be a 45-year old guy who probably looks like the Comic Book Guy from the Simpsons.
I don't mind if things take a little longer as long as I don't have to hear a 300lb. orc speaking like a 15 year old girl.
In these games, it's generally the other way around. That hot little Blood Elf Paladin in top tier armor will most likely be a 45-year old guy who probably looks like the Comic Book Guy from the Simpsons.
Exactly. If I use my imagination, its a hot little Blood Elf. I honestly do not care who is really playing the character since I'm not planning on having a relationship with them outside of the game world.
Vault-Tec analysts have concluded that the odds of worldwide nuclear armaggeddon this decade are 17,143,762... to 1.
I don't mind if things take a little longer as long as I don't have to hear a 300lb. orc speaking like a 15 year old girl.
In these games, it's generally the other way around. That hot little Blood Elf Paladin in top tier armor will most likely be a 45-year old guy who probably looks like the Comic Book Guy from the Simpsons.
Exactly. If I use my imagination, its a hot little Blood Elf. I honestly do not care who is really playing the character since I'm not planning on having a relationship with them outside of the game world.
Personally, I prefer the voice chat. It's a way to talk to my guildmates for free. We talk, joke, and laugh as we play.
Sure, I may not be the most social person in zone or realm chat, and may not type much anymore, but I'd rather talk to people in real time. Since I tend to play healers, I'd rather keep my hands on the keyboard and mouse so I can keep people alive rather than having to type much.
Why do people think that with no soloing you won't find groups and can't do what YOU want to do? It's more likely you can always find a group that is likely doing something you want to do.
I think a MMO with no soloing could potentially be very fun because only the people playing are the kind that actually want to socialize and do stuff with other people. I've played old MMOs that were almost this way because leveling as a group was so much faster and more fun. Sure you could solo but it was a slow, casual torture if thats all you did.
But hey, I'm one of those that is disgusted with the idea of playing alone in an MMO with a bunch of other loners because so few groups are formed.
It's a nice thought, but having played "raiding" games for quite some time I know there's plenty of ppl not interested in anything else then gear and they are grouping and raiding. These kind of ppl are certainly not interested in socializing yet they play these games, dont ask me why
Why do people think that with no soloing you won't find groups and can't do what YOU want to do? It's more likely you can always find a group that is likely doing something you want to do.
I think a MMO with no soloing could potentially be very fun because only the people playing are the kind that actually want to socialize and do stuff with other people. I've played old MMOs that were almost this way because leveling as a group was so much faster and more fun. Sure you could solo but it was a slow, casual torture if thats all you did.
But hey, I'm one of those that is disgusted with the idea of playing alone in an MMO with a bunch of other loners because so few groups are formed.
It's a nice thought, but having played "raiding" games for quite some time I know there's plenty of ppl not interested in anything else then gear and they are grouping and raiding. These kind of ppl are certainly not interested in socializing yet they play these games, dont ask me why
The same reason they would buy a corvette or a hummer, I suspect.
Vault-Tec analysts have concluded that the odds of worldwide nuclear armaggeddon this decade are 17,143,762... to 1.
Comments
Yeah, seriously ... Groups are a pain in the ass from the word go. I remember in EQ1 spending hours trying to get a group together, spend 15 mins leveling, then have a wipe or one person suddenly has to go then the whole group falls apart and you're back a square 1.
I love the community and social chaos that comes with MMO's. I enjoy watching the chat and jumping in occasionally on thing. I like being able to have help or advice right there in game. I don't how ever enjoy being forced to play with morons to progress...
Solo #1
I'm torn. I selected no, but only because I know what would happen in the long-term. As people level and go past content, especially difficult content you need teams for, they're unlikely to backpeddle and repeat it to help others, and are even less likely to go through it again with an alt. You can say that's not the case all you like, but party-oriented games are constantly suffering dwindling population because eventually it's only the higher-level content that's populated, leaving new players without a way to progress. They end up bored, and leave, and in no time at all the game's population is down to the few hardcore fans who are already high level.
So yes, I would play it. Briefly. And then when everyone passed me in the content, as they would since I don't game as much as others might, I would stop. The moment I have to shout for a team and wait half hour before I can do anything, I no longer have any interest in playing. That's half an hour I could have spent enjoying myself in a game where I can solo.
"Forums aren't for intelligent discussion; they're for blow-hards with unwavering opinions."
FFXI for the most part was forced grouping. There's one huge advantage to forcing people to group, and that's community. I think in most games people play solo until endgame, by then they're set in thier ways of doing things and are easily offended, this causes alot of drama in endgame. FFXI had one of the best communities in any game ever. I'm not 100% sure this was due to people having to grouped and get along, or that it forced all the 12 year old crybabies away because they couldn't solo.
@Gaenparyer: As much as I do understand what you're saying (Ive been there myself), let's change a few words in your post and see what we get:
No, I dont think I'd like Life. I know, in the end, it would be hard to find someone to live with when everybodys died from old age. And in the end, you just die.
See - there's something to be said for grasping the moment. How about people worry more about here and now instead? Also (to an earlier poster), mentioning life at max level - what's the point? Maybe the game isn't all about max level, but actually enjoying the trip? Or maybe it is, and the game will cater to your desires, hopefully.
Depends. Is finding a group quick and easy? Is finding replacements for people that need to leave quick and easy? If grouping was as simple as fps games make it then group vs solo wouldn't be an issue. Is grouping fluid enough that a single person can't wipe an entire group. Again look at group dynamic in fps games. The team is make stronger by its individual pieses but those individual pieses don't make the team.
We have leveled and class roled our way into a corner.
Would I try it? Yes, if there was a free trial.
Would I sub to it? Highly doubtful unless I was simply floored by the gameplay, design, etc.
I simply do not have the time to devote to games like I used to so I prefer games that have a viable solo portion to them. A lot of times my time is limited or I have to be able to log without warning so I steer clear of groups when I don't have the time...which is rather often anymore.
1. For god's sake mmo gamers, enough with the analogies. They're unnecessary and your comparisons are terrible, dissimilar, and illogical.
2. To posters feeling the need to state how f2p really isn't f2p: Players understand the concept. You aren't privy to some secret the rest are missing. You're embarrassing yourself.
3. Yes, Cpt. Obvious, we're not industry experts. Now run along and let the big people use the forums for their purpose.
If players are able to solo, they will. This cuts down on the possibility of forming a group considerably. But would I really want to group with someone who doesn't enjoy the multiplayer aspects of these games? Probably not. I voted yes.
Vault-Tec analysts have concluded that the odds of worldwide nuclear armaggeddon this decade are 17,143,762... to 1.
It's a no for me.
I'm not really casual, but I dont have time or desire to play games for hours and hours straight. That said, I do play for many hours each day its just that I have to afk alot helping kids, making dinner, doing dishes, business emails etc. I'm also an achiever, all time I spend logged on is working towards a goal. I like to max out characters, I dont like alts. Luckily I can solo many things that the average gamer couldnt. And a few evenings every week I set aside for raiding or other "forced group content". So I wouldnt really want to spend my time on different chars on separate servers (which the OP means if I'm not mistaken). And ofc I surely wouldnt play on just the group server or solo server either, I like a little of both when I can get it on my own terms.
I'm not an ego a**hat. I always try and find a guild, and I always play a support or healer class so be as useful as possible when I actually do group even if that class choice does hurt my solo play often.
How you equate life to a video game is beyond me. This is not life we are talking about, with lasting effects. This is a video game that is a complete and utter waste of time even if you are having fun, and if you aren't having fun then that's even more a waste of time.
Worrying only about the 'now' is short-sighted, especially when you look outside the addiction and realize you're only playing a game. At the very least however, if you're playing something long-term, you build friendships and take part in the community. If you play your games knowing you'll be bored by them within a day or two, that's absolutely your perogative, but some of us would like something more.
"Forums aren't for intelligent discussion; they're for blow-hards with unwavering opinions."
Not if group play was my only option, no.
Real life doesn't force me to depend on others 100% of the time. When I'm at work, I'm expected to be able to function independently and do my own projects and assignments. Even though I'm in an office with others, I still have to be able to work alone and complete tasks by myself. Why should a game be any different?
Besides, trying to find a stable group is usually a pain in the ass, and don't get me started on the nightmare of the PUG. In general, if I don't have any of my guildmates or trusted friends online, I don't bother. If they're not on, I find some other way to kill the limited game time I've got, whether it's solo quests, or crafting, or whatever.
Give me the choice of some sort of solo play and I'll sign on if I think your game is interesting enough. Force me to group 100% of the time and I won't look twice.
To some players, they are not mere video games, like Tetris, but an alternate reality. Learning how to type faster, socialize (i.e. bringing out the best in people), and use your imagination is hardly a waste of time in my opinion.
Vault-Tec analysts have concluded that the odds of worldwide nuclear armaggeddon this decade are 17,143,762... to 1.
That's just it, though. Many, if not most, MMO players don't look at these games like alternate realities. They don't think that they're playing a new role. They're just playing a character they like in a game that interests them. Sure, there's some imagination involved because hello, elves, orcs, and all these other fantastic races in these games don't exist. None of the worlds that these games inhabit exist.
BTW, voice chat options have pretty much eliminated the need to learn to type faster. And they make stable groups so much easier, since you're all chatting in real time and getting things done as you go.
Ok a few replies here and there:
Yes, these are games we are talking about, and not real life. Yet, I do belive a measure of our real life values can be applied generously to our gaming habits. Do not take all sorrows in the future on your shoulders today. This thread is not about a "booring game with forced grouping". It's about a FUN game with forced grouping, and if it is worth its salt, you will not run around in-game feeling like grouping is forced on you - because it will all happen so naturally. Of course, if this kind of game is not for you, then yes, you will feel forced, and probably quit and join another game where you can be happy soloing.
Look at Global Agenda. It IS classified as an MMO. Grouping happens naturally all the time, and the solo content is more of a joke than anything. I never have problems finding groups in GA. Who says it needs to be like it was back 10 years ago? Dont mistake me longing for group play games with me longing for hours spent just trying to form a group - I dont like that either. But these things can evolve you know, making tools and transitions that make the process more painless and let you get along with the grouped gameplay. I want to get away from "pssst, I work at the registry at Wall Mart in real life, but in here you may call me: xOxSUPAHMANNxOx", and back to doing things together, working and co-operating for some mutual benefit. I dont want to log into a multiplayer game and end up feeling alone with the NPCs. I dont find simply reading general chat all that fulfilling. I can text chat in msn and facebook all day long. And here too
I voted no, to probably nobody's surprise
I don't want my online time dictated by other players. If there is no way I can do things on my own, I won't even bother. I don't like sitting around waiting for groups to form, let alone playing at others' pace.
- Al
Personally the only modern MMORPG trend that annoys me is the idea that MMOs need to be designed in a way to attract people who don't actually like MMOs. Which to me makes about as much sense as someone trying to figure out a way to get vegetarians to eat at their steakhouse.- FARGIN_WAR
Why do people think that with no soloing you won't find groups and can't do what YOU want to do? It's more likely you can always find a group that is likely doing something you want to do.
I think a MMO with no soloing could potentially be very fun because only the people playing are the kind that actually want to socialize and do stuff with other people. I've played old MMOs that were almost this way because leveling as a group was so much faster and more fun. Sure you could solo but it was a slow, casual torture if thats all you did.
But hey, I'm one of those that is disgusted with the idea of playing alone in an MMO with a bunch of other loners because so few groups are formed.
I don't think that would really be a problem. If everyone needs to group up to progress, everyone will be looking for a group all the time. I think a game like that would get a pretty good ingame community, because if you're an ass people might stop grouping up with you, and then you can't do ANYTHING.
Nah I wouldn't play this game, it basically sounds like an ultra-Everquest.
The problem I have with forced grouping is that it takes away your independence. But if all you do is solo in a quest-grind game, then you are basically playing a single player game.
I want to be able to have the independence of soloing while still feeling like I'm part of a virtual world. This is why I'm excited about GW2, because the dynamic events seem to be aimed towards that goal. You just wander around and find stuff happening, then other players can join and help. You are united by a common goal instead of just an artifical grouping system.
Are you team Azeroth, team Tyria, or team Jacob?
I know from my personal experiences in City of Heroes that what can look like a "solo player" to you might well be someone finishing a quick quest with an alt while on voice chat with their guild or fiends before they go and meet up with them. Just because people are alone in a game doens't mean that they're automatically an anti-social loner.
Some people are deaf or just don't enjoy "talking on the phone". I type often outside of Online RPGs, so the practice is congruent. Not to derail the thread, but I put immersion over efficiency any day. I don't mind if things take a little longer as long as I don't have to hear a 300lb. orc speaking like a 15 year old girl.
Also, you don't have to use your imagination if the elves and orcs and the world are digitally rendered. That is not using your imagination, it's looking at the screen. Someone else used thier imagination to render how the world and characters look and sound. Imagination is making up a story for your character or thinking of fun activities to do outside of the level up and get loot gameplay. It's bringing things into the worlds that did not exist there before.
You are right, such things are not popular. It's all about conveninece, efficiency, and getting ahead so you can show off. I suppose I will have to place my hope in the future generation.
Vault-Tec analysts have concluded that the odds of worldwide nuclear armaggeddon this decade are 17,143,762... to 1.
I'd try it out. A game that was 100.00% focused on multiplyer co-operation would necessarily be very differently structured from the average MMO today, and that alone would make it worth checking out. There's nothing inherently game-killing about being 100% group focused - millions more people player football or baseball or cricket than play all MMOs combined.
Give me liberty or give me lasers
In these games, it's generally the other way around. That hot little Blood Elf Paladin in top tier armor will most likely be a 45-year old guy who probably looks like the Comic Book Guy from the Simpsons.
Exactly. If I use my imagination, its a hot little Blood Elf. I honestly do not care who is really playing the character since I'm not planning on having a relationship with them outside of the game world.
Vault-Tec analysts have concluded that the odds of worldwide nuclear armaggeddon this decade are 17,143,762... to 1.
Personally, I prefer the voice chat. It's a way to talk to my guildmates for free. We talk, joke, and laugh as we play.
Sure, I may not be the most social person in zone or realm chat, and may not type much anymore, but I'd rather talk to people in real time. Since I tend to play healers, I'd rather keep my hands on the keyboard and mouse so I can keep people alive rather than having to type much.
It's a nice thought, but having played "raiding" games for quite some time I know there's plenty of ppl not interested in anything else then gear and they are grouping and raiding. These kind of ppl are certainly not interested in socializing yet they play these games, dont ask me why
The same reason they would buy a corvette or a hummer, I suspect.
Vault-Tec analysts have concluded that the odds of worldwide nuclear armaggeddon this decade are 17,143,762... to 1.