I'm a single player mmo player. I enjoy playing that way alongside a bunch of other people. It lets me chat and be social, trade, craft, and enjoy a world where other people inhabit it. I like that. Single player games don't offer that environment.
My favorite games for this are ESO and SWTOR. I'm also a huge fan of GW2, Marvel Heroes, LotRO, EQ2, Project Gorgon, Neverwinter, and STO.
^Pretty much that. I do enjoy dabbling in group content from time to time though, so having the option there for when I feel like it, is a good thing for me.
For me it's mostly ESO and SWTOR, and to a lesser exent Neverwinter, GW2 and TSW. I unfortunately never really got started with LotRO and STO, and I find the motivation to do so lacking these days.
My SWTOR referral link for those wanting to give the game a try. (Newbies get a welcome package while returning players get a few account upgrades to help with their preferred status.)
Forced grouping people only want their grocery stores to carry one brand.
You want coffee? Here's the coffee. It's the only kind we have.
Solo friendly MMOs allow you to choose your brand. If you want to solo, great! If you want to group, it's simple. Don't build the biggest, baddest, most well-equipped character and suddenly it takes a team of moderately built characters to take on the content one super-build can do solo and in seconds.
Don't tell me it can't be done, because I have groups that plan ahead to make less powerful characters for grouping in SWTOR and ESO... and here's the kicker, it works GREAT! We actually need each other in the solo content areas.
Just like when people ask for harsher death penalties, it's up to you, you control your game. If you want harsher death penalties, delete your character when you die, destroy one of your items, delete your gold. IT... IS... UP... TO... YOU!
So, if you want to group, go ahead, nothing is stopping you and stop asking for that one brand grocery store of forced grouping!
I think it would be more beneficial (I'm speaking strictly for efficiency's sake), either way, to build the most effective character you can, then pair him with other exceptionally built characters and group up in solo content areas designed for characters several levels above you.
Or is that what you meant? The vibe I got from your post was to intentionally nerf (or negligently build) your character so that you need a group to do solo content built for "normal" characters your level.
Efficiency? Are you playing a game or configuring street lights?
I soloed EQ. It meant a change in my point of view. The same is true of grouping in solo friendly games. There is nothing in the rules of these games that says you have to play it as expected. I've found more fun in multiplayer games by cutting across the grain rather than along it.
If that means building super characters and playing higher level content, that's great, but sometimes you can't get to the higher level content. Building more moderate characters means even level content is challenging. It's just as fun, and the dependency is still there.
'Sandbox MMO' is a PTSD trigger word for anyone who has the experience to know that anonymous players invariably use a 'sandbox' in the same manner a housecat does.
When your head is stuck in the sand, your ass becomes the only recognizable part of you.
No game is more fun than the one you can't play, and no game is more boring than one which you've become familiar.
How to become a millionaire: Start with a billion dollars and make an MMO.
The more we keep getting solo MMORPGs, the more FF14 / WoW gets reinforced, so we're stuck with WoW for the next 5+ years. Seriously, those who want solo RPG's just go play Witcher 3 / Fallout 4 / Pillars / or whatever. I really want the MMORPG genre to evolve pass WoW, after 12 years man, it's time for a change. But there's nothing on the horizon besides more P2W F2P cash grabbing garbage.
Seriously .. who said people don't play Witcher 3, fallout 4, and so on.
I said it many times, tell me where i can find a single player PC game with action RPG combat that allows me to play 50 marvel characters, i will be right there. Before then, I am playing Marvel Heroes as a single player game.
Efficiency? Are you playing a game or configuring street lights?
I soloed EQ. It meant a change in my point of view. The same is true of grouping in solo friendly games. There is nothing in the rules of these games that says you have to play it as expected. I've found more fun in multiplayer games by cutting across the grain rather than along it.
If that means building super characters and playing higher level content, that's great, but sometimes you can't get to the higher level content. Building more moderate characters means even level content is challenging. It's just as fun, and the dependency is still there.
I'm of the opinion that players, by and large, desire the most expedient method of advancement (a reason, I've always contended, that has largely contributed to the prevalence of solo playstyles in more modern MMORPGs). If that is not your desire, then by all means. And if that higher level content is restricted to such an extent, there really isn't another choice in the matter. However, I don't see that much in MMORPGs (in my experience). Groups of well-built characters can almost always opt for harder/higher-level content. And almost always, that content provides greater reward. I feel, even among those who wish to group, players will naturally opt to build their characters effectively in order to complete that content that contains higher risk/reward.
My opinion on this is the same as it's always been: provide a means for solo play, sure, but strike the balance in that grouping (specifically with excellent teamwork) provides a much more expedient method of advancement throughout. Solo players are still able to grind to their heart's content, while those who would rather put the effort in to build relationships with others and utilize good teamwork advance at a faster pace due to the effort expended. And, really, most MMORPGs are not far off from this sort of system.
Both sides like to posit that their style is the "one true" way to play. It seems to me, actually, that those who prefer solo playstyles like to cry wolf where there is none (regarding the other side's fictional desire to stomp out all soloable content) much more than those who prefer group playstyles. Or, maybe it is an even split. Either way, I find the argument that either side should stop trying to eliminate the other to be a... Superfluously unnecessary argument.
What if someones's playstyle is not compatable with an existing game?
'To each his own' seems to mean "this game doesn't meet MY expectations so I must demand it gets changed!" rather then "not fo me, I will leave them to it".
"This multiplayer game doesn't let me play solo WHAAA!!!! Change it for ME now"
That's actually exactly the opposite of the current reality and why so many constantly whine in threads here about MMORPGs being shit and needing to change. It's the "everyone must group" crowd that has the incompatible playstyle with the MMORPG design that has evolved over the past decade.
To paraphrase you what I'm hearing is "This multiplayer game doesn't force group play WHAAA!!!! Change it for ME now"
"Social media gives legions of idiots the right to speak when they once only spoke at a bar after a glass of wine, without harming the community ... but now they have the same right to speak as a Nobel Prize winner. It's the invasion of the idiots”
― Umberto Eco
“Microtransactions? In a single player role-playing game? Are you nuts?” ― CD PROJEKT RED
The problem though is that you get Solo players complaining that they are not able to get the same stuff for less effort and less commitment.
"I don't like or want to group, but I want the same rewards as the players that do like or want to group".
"Why can't I kill the red Dragon solo and get the big reward? Why should only a group of 40 players working together as a group balancing skills and abilities to overcome a terrifying enemy be able to do it when I cannot on my own?".
It is the Kim Kardashian age where everyone wants to be famous but don't actually want to do anything to achieve it.
What if someones's playstyle is not compatable with an existing game?
'To each his own' seems to mean "this game doesn't meet MY expectations so I must demand it gets changed!" rather then "not fo me, I will leave them to it".
"This multiplayer game doesn't let me play solo WHAAA!!!! Change it for ME now"
That's actually exactly the opposite of the current reality and why so many constantly whine in threads here about MMORPGs being shit and needing to change. It's the "everyone must group" crowd that has the incompatible playstyle with the MMORPG design that has evolved over the past decade.
To paraphrase you what I'm hearing is "This multiplayer game doesn't force group play WHAAA!!!! Change it for ME now"
Sometimes I think the only way these people are capable of socializing is if devs force other people to group with them. Given their shit attitude of "my way or the highway" I can't say I'm really surprised others would avoid contact with them as much as possible.
My SWTOR referral link for those wanting to give the game a try. (Newbies get a welcome package while returning players get a few account upgrades to help with their preferred status.)
The problem though is that you get Solo players complaining that they are not able to get the same stuff for less effort and less commitment.
"I don't like or want to group, but I want the same rewards as the players that do like or want to group".
"Why can't I kill the red Dragon solo and get the big reward? Why should only a group of 40 players working together as a group balancing skills and abilities to overcome a terrifying enemy be able to do it when I cannot on my own?".
It is the Kim Kardashian age where everyone wants to be famous but don't actually want to do anything to achieve it.
I think a simple fix to this could be had in a token system for solo content.
If it took a 40-man raid Y amount of time to down that boss, it's loot can be had for Y*(insertwhatevernumberseemsfair) amount of time earning "tokens" redeemable for that loot through solo content of the appropriate difficulty.
As a busy introvert I enjoy the casual, optional socialization that my MMORPGs of choice allow me. In addition, my home circumstances mean that I often have to get away from the keyboard without any notice. To group I truly have to carve out hours where I won't be interrupted, enlist family members, and that is rarely feasible.
I don't know how many players are in situations similar to mine, but I imagine I am not alone.
If it is a group-centric or heavy PvP (which necessitates grouping) game I simply don't play it. There is really no point as I will never progress past the easy starter levels.
So I am very thankful for online games that are solo friendly. MMORPGs are really the only games I enjoy playing.
Efficiency? Are you playing a game or configuring street lights?
I soloed EQ. It meant a change in my point of view. The same is true of grouping in solo friendly games. There is nothing in the rules of these games that says you have to play it as expected. I've found more fun in multiplayer games by cutting across the grain rather than along it.
If that means building super characters and playing higher level content, that's great, but sometimes you can't get to the higher level content. Building more moderate characters means even level content is challenging. It's just as fun, and the dependency is still there.
I'm of the opinion that players, by and large, desire the most expedient method of advancement (a reason, I've always contended, that has largely contributed to the prevalence of solo playstyles in more modern MMORPGs). If that is not your desire, then by all means. And if that higher level content is restricted to such an extent, there really isn't another choice in the matter. However, I don't see that much in MMORPGs (in my experience). Groups of well-built characters can almost always opt for harder/higher-level content. And almost always, that content provides greater reward. I feel, even among those who wish to group, players will naturally opt to build their characters effectively in order to complete that content that contains higher risk/reward.
My opinion on this is the same as it's always been: provide a means for solo play, sure, but strike the balance in that grouping (specifically with excellent teamwork) provides a much more expedient method of advancement throughout. Solo players are still able to grind to their heart's content, while those who would rather put the effort in to build relationships with others and utilize good teamwork advance at a faster pace due to the effort expended. And, really, most MMORPGs are not far off from this sort of system.
Both sides like to posit that their style is the "one true" way to play. It seems to me, actually, that those who prefer solo playstyles like to cry wolf where there is none (regarding the other side's fictional desire to stomp out all soloable content) much more than those who prefer group playstyles. Or, maybe it is an even split. Either way, I find the argument that either side should stop trying to eliminate the other to be a... Superfluously unnecessary argument.
That would still be a punishment system. Sure you can play the game solo, but you'll be slower (punished) if you don't group.
Instead there should be a carrot system to playing less powerful characters and grouping. Like the idea of an 'ironman' system where you play until your character dies, you can play in a 'challenge' setting that cuts off access to the best abilities of a class or build, and as long as you play that character in a group you are rewarded with something valuable in the game, from character perks to bonus items for all other characters on your account.
But this is all missing the point... You're talking about guiding the population into playing the way you want them to play. My original post is all about playing the way you want to play regardless of what the developers want or expect you to do. That's and important distinction that shouldn't be overlooked. Some people can't do it, just like some people can't deal with the challenge of soloing in a group friendly game. But it is always there, you just have to alter your own point of view.
'Sandbox MMO' is a PTSD trigger word for anyone who has the experience to know that anonymous players invariably use a 'sandbox' in the same manner a housecat does.
When your head is stuck in the sand, your ass becomes the only recognizable part of you.
No game is more fun than the one you can't play, and no game is more boring than one which you've become familiar.
How to become a millionaire: Start with a billion dollars and make an MMO.
Most of my MMO life i play games solo until i get to point that i can no longer do so, EvE is just a online game that has social element in the people i meet and talk to. My problem is i CBA with corp/guild politics, childish behaviour, and jumping around until i find one that suits me, i have a job and family and i couldn't care less that boss x has to be downed or we have to get to point A before we can finish raid etc.... Freedom for me is being to do what i want , when i want it, and as a person who never cared how many wipes in a raid/dungeon etc then pugging is fine by me
But, thats not too say that MMO are solo, but give me hoice ot have solo option in situations then im happy, but forcing me to group usually means at that point my subscription ends and i dont go back, but allowing to run same dungeons as solo as group then im happy, and yes i accept that the loot will be less, but tbh never cared much for min-maxing, MMO are primarily games and games shoudl be enjoyable for me enjoyment is the journey not the finale
The problem though is that you get Solo players complaining that they are not able to get the same stuff for less effort and less commitment.
"I don't like or want to group, but I want the same rewards as the players that do like or want to group".
"Why can't I kill the red Dragon solo and get the big reward? Why should only a group of 40 players working together as a group balancing skills and abilities to overcome a terrifying enemy be able to do it when I cannot on my own?".
It is the Kim Kardashian age where everyone wants to be famous but don't actually want to do anything to achieve it.
I think a simple fix to this could be had in a token system for solo content.
If it took a 40-man raid Y amount of time to down that boss, it's loot can be had for Y*(insertwhatevernumberseemsfair) amount of time earning "tokens" redeemable for that loot through solo content of the appropriate difficulty.
No matter what you do you can never make Solo play = to Group play. If you take real boss fights that require a group of people to do and not just PEW PEW DPS like boss fights are today you could not replicate that in a solo environment. For example take the first boss in Ramparts in WOW (when TBC was Live) You had to deal with 2 adds that healed the boss and could not power through the boss unless you were over level. So it required you to understand your group make up and adjust your tactics to beat that boss. Even though it was not hard you can NEVER make content like that = to solo content. Problem is today MMORPGs are nothing but glorified single player games, that is why they are in the shitter and that is why you are seeing a lot of Gen 1 games coming back out because WOW baby sat people and felt like it needed to fix peoples problems.
What if someones's playstyle is not compatable with an existing game?
'To each his own' seems to mean "this game doesn't meet MY expectations so I must demand it gets changed!" rather then "not fo me, I will leave them to it".
"This multiplayer game doesn't let me play solo WHAAA!!!! Change it for ME now"
That's actually exactly the opposite of the current reality and why so many constantly whine in threads here about MMORPGs being shit and needing to change. It's the "everyone must group" crowd that has the incompatible playstyle with the MMORPG design that has evolved over the past decade.
To paraphrase you what I'm hearing is "This multiplayer game doesn't force group play WHAAA!!!! Change it for ME now"
Where in reality "This multiplayer game is being changed to solo play WHAAA!!!! Stop changing it and go find a game that meets your solo playstyle"
The problem though is that you get Solo players complaining that they are not able to get the same stuff for less effort and less commitment.
"I don't like or want to group, but I want the same rewards as the players that do like or want to group".
"Why can't I kill the red Dragon solo and get the big reward? Why should only a group of 40 players working together as a group balancing skills and abilities to overcome a terrifying enemy be able to do it when I cannot on my own?".
It is the Kim Kardashian age where everyone wants to be famous but don't actually want to do anything to achieve it.
That's a loaded exaggeration that I have never seen in actual practice. It's in the same vein as all the other assumptions about why people solo... anti-social loners, not "true" MMO fans, etc.
The reality is much simpler: we solo content because other than in the small window of time when the game first launches, we're all different levels in different areas pursuing a level and area-specific goal often at times when our friends are not playing.
Besides, it's fun to take it to the next level and solo some content designed for groups for an extra challenge. I do this in ESO dark anchors, world bosses, public dungeons and the group challenges in them. If someone else is there and wants to group, great. If not, no problem, I'll just keep right on playing.
I love grouping when the situation presents itself naturally. What I won't do is be obsessive or dogmatic about grouping out of some misguided sense that I must because it's a multiplayer game.
I spend about equal time in ESO grouped in PVP and solo in PVE. But I also have no problem with those who do it the opposite way, or don't PVP at all. That's the actual meaning of to each his own... live and let live and all the other common sense ways real social people play their games.
"Social media gives legions of idiots the right to speak when they once only spoke at a bar after a glass of wine, without harming the community ... but now they have the same right to speak as a Nobel Prize winner. It's the invasion of the idiots”
― Umberto Eco
“Microtransactions? In a single player role-playing game? Are you nuts?” ― CD PROJEKT RED
The problem though is that you get Solo players complaining that they are not able to get the same stuff for less effort and less commitment.
Did you actually read the article? And i quote
"It’s more of a challenge."
" It’s harder and takes longer to progress."
In fact, who is complaining? Isn't the sentiment more like .. hey .. there are so many MMOs we can just enjoy as single player games .. such as Marvel Heroes, STO, TOR, and so on?
What if someones's playstyle is not compatable with an existing game?
'To each his own' seems to mean "this game doesn't meet MY expectations so I must demand it gets changed!" rather then "not fo me, I will leave them to it".
"This multiplayer game doesn't let me play solo WHAAA!!!! Change it for ME now"
That's actually exactly the opposite of the current reality and why so many constantly whine in threads here about MMORPGs being shit and needing to change. It's the "everyone must group" crowd that has the incompatible playstyle with the MMORPG design that has evolved over the past decade.
To paraphrase you what I'm hearing is "This multiplayer game doesn't force group play WHAAA!!!! Change it for ME now"
Where in reality "This multiplayer game is being changed to solo play WHAAA!!!! Stop changing it and go find a game that meets your solo playstyle"
And that to me is perfectly acceptable.
What do you say we let the people who play the game vote on what they want? Democracy and all... and that's exactly what has happened and why the games are how they are in 2016.
"Social media gives legions of idiots the right to speak when they once only spoke at a bar after a glass of wine, without harming the community ... but now they have the same right to speak as a Nobel Prize winner. It's the invasion of the idiots”
― Umberto Eco
“Microtransactions? In a single player role-playing game? Are you nuts?” ― CD PROJEKT RED
"I’m not the only person who plays MMOs as a single player. In fact, I’m willing to bet most people jump into MMOs on their own at first. A lot of developers are taking note of this and creating systems to allow players to more easily play through their game with as little player interaction as possible."
"A lot of MMOs are also including portions of their games that are primarily meant to be enjoyed as single player experiences, like Albion Online’s inclusion of single player dungeons or The Elder Scrolls Online’s single player focused main storyline."
"They can also be incredibly enjoyable when played as a single player. Gamers shouldn’t be afraid to hop in with the full intention of never interacting directly with another human being. Many MMOs offer hundreds of hours of single player fun, a lot of which is 100% free."
Most players are anti-social, unless you force them out of it. No modern MMO does force them.
I hated being forced to group, being forced to make friends in games like ffxi but at the end of the day. I played that game far longer than any other MMO I've played and that was why.
I don't cry about content I can't or don't want to do. I just don't do it. There are a lot of MMO's you solo most if not the majority of content. I've done it in nearly every MMO I've played going back to EQ and SWG. I've also joined guilds, pvp'ed, and grouped, but I prefer solo play.
"We all do the best we can based on life experience, point of view, and our ability to believe in ourselves." - Naropa "We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are." SR Covey
(JFYI this is me and why I didn't play it very long as I realised how retarded I was to play solo in an MMO when I have SPG's to play solo games).
You shouldn't be so hard on yourself. You probably just made a mistake and are not retarded
"Social media gives legions of idiots the right to speak when they once only spoke at a bar after a glass of wine, without harming the community ... but now they have the same right to speak as a Nobel Prize winner. It's the invasion of the idiots”
― Umberto Eco
“Microtransactions? In a single player role-playing game? Are you nuts?” ― CD PROJEKT RED
So pretty much what people are becoming in RL, glued to their smartphones, even when with family and friends.
Kaboom!
Here's a relevant post if I ever saw one.
Well done.
"Mr. Rothstein, your people never will understand... the way it works out here. You're all just our guests. But you act like you're at home. Let me tell you something, partner. You ain't home. But that's where we're gonna send you if it harelips the governor." - Pat Webb
Comments
I do enjoy dabbling in group content from time to time though, so having the option there for when I feel like it, is a good thing for me.
For me it's mostly ESO and SWTOR, and to a lesser exent Neverwinter, GW2 and TSW. I unfortunately never really got started with LotRO and STO, and I find the motivation to do so lacking these days.
My SWTOR referral link for those wanting to give the game a try. (Newbies get a welcome package while returning players get a few account upgrades to help with their preferred status.)
https://www.ashesofcreation.com/ref/Callaron/
I soloed EQ. It meant a change in my point of view. The same is true of grouping in solo friendly games. There is nothing in the rules of these games that says you have to play it as expected. I've found more fun in multiplayer games by cutting across the grain rather than along it.
If that means building super characters and playing higher level content, that's great, but sometimes you can't get to the higher level content. Building more moderate characters means even level content is challenging. It's just as fun, and the dependency is still there.
'Sandbox MMO' is a PTSD trigger word for anyone who has the experience to know that anonymous players invariably use a 'sandbox' in the same manner a housecat does.
When your head is stuck in the sand, your ass becomes the only recognizable part of you.
No game is more fun than the one you can't play, and no game is more boring than one which you've become familiar.
How to become a millionaire:
Start with a billion dollars and make an MMO.
I said it many times, tell me where i can find a single player PC game with action RPG combat that allows me to play 50 marvel characters, i will be right there. Before then, I am playing Marvel Heroes as a single player game.
My opinion on this is the same as it's always been: provide a means for solo play, sure, but strike the balance in that grouping (specifically with excellent teamwork) provides a much more expedient method of advancement throughout. Solo players are still able to grind to their heart's content, while those who would rather put the effort in to build relationships with others and utilize good teamwork advance at a faster pace due to the effort expended. And, really, most MMORPGs are not far off from this sort of system.
Both sides like to posit that their style is the "one true" way to play. It seems to me, actually, that those who prefer solo playstyles like to cry wolf where there is none (regarding the other side's fictional desire to stomp out all soloable content) much more than those who prefer group playstyles. Or, maybe it is an even split. Either way, I find the argument that either side should stop trying to eliminate the other to be a... Superfluously unnecessary argument.
To paraphrase you what I'm hearing is "This multiplayer game doesn't force group play WHAAA!!!! Change it for ME now"
“Microtransactions? In a single player role-playing game? Are you nuts?”
― CD PROJEKT RED
In fact, there are many MMOs that you can play as a solo game today (marvel heroes, warframe, STO, ....).
"This may hurt a little, but it's something you'll get used to. Relax....."
"I don't like or want to group, but I want the same rewards as the players that do like or want to group".
"Why can't I kill the red Dragon solo and get the big reward? Why should only a group of 40 players working together as a group balancing skills and abilities to overcome a terrifying enemy be able to do it when I cannot on my own?".
It is the Kim Kardashian age where everyone wants to be famous but don't actually want to do anything to achieve it.
My SWTOR referral link for those wanting to give the game a try. (Newbies get a welcome package while returning players get a few account upgrades to help with their preferred status.)
https://www.ashesofcreation.com/ref/Callaron/
If it took a 40-man raid Y amount of time to down that boss, it's loot can be had for Y*(insertwhatevernumberseemsfair) amount of time earning "tokens" redeemable for that loot through solo content of the appropriate difficulty.
I don't know how many players are in situations similar to mine, but I imagine I am not alone.
If it is a group-centric or heavy PvP (which necessitates grouping) game I simply don't play it. There is really no point as I will never progress past the easy starter levels.
So I am very thankful for online games that are solo friendly. MMORPGs are really the only games I enjoy playing.
Instead there should be a carrot system to playing less powerful characters and grouping. Like the idea of an 'ironman' system where you play until your character dies, you can play in a 'challenge' setting that cuts off access to the best abilities of a class or build, and as long as you play that character in a group you are rewarded with something valuable in the game, from character perks to bonus items for all other characters on your account.
But this is all missing the point... You're talking about guiding the population into playing the way you want them to play. My original post is all about playing the way you want to play regardless of what the developers want or expect you to do. That's and important distinction that shouldn't be overlooked. Some people can't do it, just like some people can't deal with the challenge of soloing in a group friendly game. But it is always there, you just have to alter your own point of view.
'Sandbox MMO' is a PTSD trigger word for anyone who has the experience to know that anonymous players invariably use a 'sandbox' in the same manner a housecat does.
When your head is stuck in the sand, your ass becomes the only recognizable part of you.
No game is more fun than the one you can't play, and no game is more boring than one which you've become familiar.
How to become a millionaire:
Start with a billion dollars and make an MMO.
My problem is i CBA with corp/guild politics, childish behaviour, and jumping around until i find one that suits me, i have a job and family and i couldn't care less that boss x has to be downed or we have to get to point A before we can finish raid etc.... Freedom for me is being to do what i want , when i want it, and as a person who never cared how many wipes in a raid/dungeon etc then pugging is fine by me
But, thats not too say that MMO are solo, but give me hoice ot have solo option in situations then im happy, but forcing me to group usually means at that point my subscription ends and i dont go back, but allowing to run same dungeons as solo as group then im happy, and yes i accept that the loot will be less, but tbh never cared much for min-maxing, MMO are primarily games and games shoudl be enjoyable for me enjoyment is the journey not the finale
This post is all my opinion, but I welcome debate on anything i have put, however, personal slander / name calling belongs in game
where of course you're welcome to call me names im often found lounging about in EvE online.
Use this code for 21days trial in eve online https://secure.eveonline.com/trial/?invc=d385aff2-794a-44a4-96f1-3967ccf6d720&action=buddy
And that to me is perfectly acceptable.
The reality is much simpler: we solo content because other than in the small window of time when the game first launches, we're all different levels in different areas pursuing a level and area-specific goal often at times when our friends are not playing.
Besides, it's fun to take it to the next level and solo some content designed for groups for an extra challenge. I do this in ESO dark anchors, world bosses, public dungeons and the group challenges in them. If someone else is there and wants to group, great. If not, no problem, I'll just keep right on playing.
I love grouping when the situation presents itself naturally. What I won't do is be obsessive or dogmatic about grouping out of some misguided sense that I must because it's a multiplayer game.
I spend about equal time in ESO grouped in PVP and solo in PVE. But I also have no problem with those who do it the opposite way, or don't PVP at all. That's the actual meaning of to each his own... live and let live and all the other common sense ways real social people play their games.
“Microtransactions? In a single player role-playing game? Are you nuts?”
― CD PROJEKT RED
"It’s more of a challenge."
" It’s harder and takes longer to progress."
In fact, who is complaining? Isn't the sentiment more like .. hey .. there are so many MMOs we can just enjoy as single player games .. such as Marvel Heroes, STO, TOR, and so on?
“Microtransactions? In a single player role-playing game? Are you nuts?”
― CD PROJEKT RED
I hated being forced to group, being forced to make friends in games like ffxi but at the end of the day. I played that game far longer than any other MMO I've played and that was why.
ESO is created.
Player - 'logs into ESO and plays solo'.
Retarded!
(JFYI this is me and why I didn't play it very long as I realised how retarded I was to play solo in an MMO when I have SPG's to play solo games).
"We all do the best we can based on life experience, point of view, and our ability to believe in ourselves." - Naropa "We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are." SR Covey
“Microtransactions? In a single player role-playing game? Are you nuts?”
― CD PROJEKT RED
Here's a relevant post if I ever saw one.
Well done.
"Mr. Rothstein, your people never will understand... the way it works out here. You're all just our guests. But you act like you're at home. Let me tell you something, partner. You ain't home. But that's where we're gonna send you if it harelips the governor." - Pat Webb
But when you realise you have played the entire game solo then yeah, slap that retarded sticker on my back.
And slap another big one on the back of the developers for taking a solo game, making an MMORPG out of it and letting you solo the entire game!!!
Or are they genius because so many fell for it?