I'll take the blame for this. I hate crafting, and could care less if a game has it. I hate housing, useless fluff of no concern to me. If it doesn't involve killing things, Npc's, other players, I'm not a a fan of it in my games. I do like exploring as well, so its ok if the world is vast. Why do I feel this way? Well, the only crafting I've ever done was in games where it was a tedious drudge to level up, with little reward along the way, and not all that much at endgame. Housing, well, maybe theres's such a thing as good housing, but the few games I've played with it I didn't like it. (DAOC being one) Maybe I just missed the games like SWG, UO and others that focused more on these elements, and maybe I'd have even like them. But as it stands now, exploring and killing stuff is pretty much it for me. And it appears there's a bunch of folks who are just like me, so the developers are creating games that appeal to this larger audience. My first/only sandbox game was/is EVE, and I really like it. No, I don't build anything, nor feel any interest in running my own POS, and perish the thought of mining. I kill rats in belts, or run missions, and save up cash to create ships to kill other players. That's pretty much the extent of my interest so far. Hopefully we'll see a good game released by one of the smaller developers you've mentioned, because I am very curious to see how they play. Like you, I've grown weary of the linear quest design of most games and am looking for a change.
I'm with Kyleran. Sorry folks.
Housing is nice but I don't care. Same with crafting.
And as I've mentioned before, a friend of mine played early SWG and thought it was horrible. Said the game seemed like a job and he didn't play games to just have another job.
My guess is that game companies are companies and they go where the money is. And people want more to do than to have another life where they have to camp mobs, make money and craft.
Of course there are people who decry players who want things more focused and in some cases more simple. Of course we are all guilty of this in one way or another.
I mostly listen to classical music and have to pick and choose through fields of pop and rock that are only in one key with very few modulations or any sort of rhythmic or harmonic interest. yet what is selling?
I prefer theater to TV yet Theater suffers quite a bit as small companies are constantly looking for money.
However I don't belittle or look down upon those who enjoy this material. The world doesn't revolve around what I like and what I want. It's there, I just have to find it and be patient.
Same with games. There is good and bad and if you don't like what is out there then there are other things to do.
Might I suggest reading. Or board games. Chess, Othello, Scrabble, Go.
However games are going to go where the money is as game companies need to stay in business in order to be viable career paths for the people who chose to work in that field.
Like Skyrim? Need more content? Try my Skyrim mod "Godfred's Tomb."
To all of you who say you want a sandbox <<WORLD>> mmorpg or anything else:
STOP BUYING GAMES THAT DON'T MEET YOUR CRITERIA.
When a company develops a game that you know will be the same old thing just don't buy it. The problem is that most people who moan and complain about stuff like this will still buy the latest rehashed linear game anyway. People will buy unfinished games and games that have design elements that they profess to hate. People will buy games "just to try it out" even though they know it isn't really what they want. So why should the developers care about you? If you're going to give them your money regardless of the type of game they make there is absolutely no reason for them to give a damn about what you want.
I'm going to admit something now. I haven't bought or subscribed to a mmorpg for several years. Guild Wars was the last game I bought that was even close to being a mmorpg but I don't count it as one personally. Other than that I've tried free trials and I've played some games on friends' accounts. But I haven't rewarded the devs with my money. And I won't untill a game comes along that I actually want to play.
But my refusal to pay for crap is meaningless if I'm the only one doing it. Our power to give or withhold our money is the ONLY power we have over the mmorpg industry. That's it, that's our only leverage. I advise you all to start using that leverage because it will only matter when a significant number of us are doing it.
I'm not saying that I will never buy a linear game again. But I have certain criteria for those too and if no game (linear or sandbox) ever meets my criteria then, oh well, I guess I'll just never buy a mmorpg again.
To all of you who say you want a sandbox <<WORLD>> mmorpg or anything else: STOP BUYING GAMES THAT DON'T MEET YOUR CRITERIA. When a company develops a game that you know will be the same old thing just don't buy it. The problem is that most people who moan and complain about stuff like this will still buy the latest rehashed linear game anyway. People will buy unfinished games and games that have design elements that they profess to hate. People will buy games "just to try it out" even though they know it isn't really what they want. So why should the developers care about you? If you're going to give them your money regardless of the type of game they make there is absolutely no reason for them to give a damn about what you want. I'm going to admit something now. I haven't bought or subscribed to a mmorpg for several years. Guild Wars was the last game I bought that was even close to being a mmorpg but I don't count it as one personally. Other than that I've tried free trials and I've played some games on friends' accounts. But I haven't rewarded the devs with my money. And I won't untill a game comes along that I actually want to play. But my refusal to pay for crap is meaningless if I'm the only one doing it. Our power to give or withhold our money is the ONLY power we have over the mmorpg industry. That's it, that's our only leverage. I advise you all to start using that leverage because it will only matter when a significant number of us are doing it. I'm not saying that I will never buy a linear game again. But I have certain criteria for those too and if no game (linear or sandbox) ever meets my criteria then, oh well, I guess I'll just never buy a mmorpg again.
Good point. I, for one, will have to steel my resolve better, for I am guilty of placing money into the hands of undeserving dev's. Will have to watch more for reviews and try to get into more beta's.
To all of you who say you want a sandbox <<WORLD>> mmorpg or anything else: STOP BUYING GAMES THAT DON'T MEET YOUR CRITERIA. When a company develops a game that you know will be the same old thing just don't buy it. The problem is that most people who moan and complain about stuff like this will still buy the latest rehashed linear game anyway. People will buy unfinished games and games that have design elements that they profess to hate. People will buy games "just to try it out" even though they know it isn't really what they want. So why should the developers care about you? If you're going to give them your money regardless of the type of game they make there is absolutely no reason for them to give a damn about what you want. I'm going to admit something now. I haven't bought or subscribed to a mmorpg for several years. Guild Wars was the last game I bought that was even close to being a mmorpg but I don't count it as one personally. Other than that I've tried free trials and I've played some games on friends' accounts. But I haven't rewarded the devs with my money. And I won't untill a game comes along that I actually want to play. But my refusal to pay for crap is meaningless if I'm the only one doing it. Our power to give or withhold our money is the ONLY power we have over the mmorpg industry. That's it, that's our only leverage. I advise you all to start using that leverage because it will only matter when a significant number of us are doing it. I'm not saying that I will never buy a linear game again. But I have certain criteria for those too and if no game (linear or sandbox) ever meets my criteria then, oh well, I guess I'll just never buy a mmorpg again.
This is why Ive played so few MMOs. If a game doesnt fit my criteria, I wont buy it. Ill shell out $5 for a pre-order to check out beta, but thats it.
As far as the whole "sandbox is niche" idea...bull shit. We will see more sandbox games, at some point. And, when some one with the money finally does it right...
To all of you who say you want a sandbox <<WORLD>> mmorpg or anything else: STOP BUYING GAMES THAT DON'T MEET YOUR CRITERIA. When a company develops a game that you know will be the same old thing just don't buy it. The problem is that most people who moan and complain about stuff like this will still buy the latest rehashed linear game anyway. People will buy unfinished games and games that have design elements that they profess to hate. People will buy games "just to try it out" even though they know it isn't really what they want. So why should the developers care about you? If you're going to give them your money regardless of the type of game they make there is absolutely no reason for them to give a damn about what you want. I'm going to admit something now. I haven't bought or subscribed to a mmorpg for several years. Guild Wars was the last game I bought that was even close to being a mmorpg but I don't count it as one personally. Other than that I've tried free trials and I've played some games on friends' accounts. But I haven't rewarded the devs with my money. And I won't untill a game comes along that I actually want to play. But my refusal to pay for crap is meaningless if I'm the only one doing it. Our power to give or withhold our money is the ONLY power we have over the mmorpg industry. That's it, that's our only leverage. I advise you all to start using that leverage because it will only matter when a significant number of us are doing it. I'm not saying that I will never buy a linear game again. But I have certain criteria for those too and if no game (linear or sandbox) ever meets my criteria then, oh well, I guess I'll just never buy a mmorpg again.
I'm not. I haven't bought an MMO in years, though I've tried many.
I'm now playing SL, it's not a game but it's a sandbox MMO (massively multi player online) with a bit of RPG tossed in. It's free, and I can find most of what I need free. No need to spend a dime of actual real money. It's not a game, but it's what you make of it. I tried it back in 06, wasn't impressed at all. Tried again recently and been having a blast meeting people, even SWG vets. It's not pre-cu SWG but it'll do. They even have a few Sims that are based on Star Wars, and a bit of combat. Plus at any given time there are around 50K plus people online. I'm gonna play it till I get what I what I want in a sandbox MMO like SWG was.
Almost every successful businessperson will tell you that "the way to get what you want is to give others what they want." There are a lot of people who want freedom and exictement in an MMO. That means non-linear gameplay and risks (i.e., death penalty that stings) and rewards (i.e., stuff that really has to be earned to be valued). Linear MMO's are really not MMO's at all, but RPG's posing as MMO's.
Games like you describe have or had existed. UO, Face of Mankind, Eve, and Im sure others. Did you support these games? If not then you have only yourself and others who demand innovation and sandbox games yet fail to support the ones that are developed or produced. By failing to support these games and the majority of people supporting the current crop of quest based games you encourage the produces of games to make what the majority are supporting.
Im getting sick of all these boo-hoo no sandbox for me threads. Step up and support the sandbox games that get put out and show the game developers that is what you want with your wallet. Tears do not pay the bills people.
Cheers!
MMO Vet since AOL Neverwinter Nights circa 1992. My MMO beat up your MMO. =S
Developers have abandoned the nerds & no-lifers who role play bakers or have 15 hrs a day to stand in line and camp spawns waiting for 1 mob to pop...good ridance. Just kidding=) The genre has changed and evolved to suit its playerbase. Either change with it and have fun or find another game . Quite simple actually. Expecting any developer to spend millions upon millions on a game that has a small potential player base is not a risk worth taking for them. MMOs are not a free art form. They weren't back then and they aren't now.
I think a sanbox MMO could do quite well if the expectations are reasonable. You are looking at a maximum market of around EVE size. As long as you don't devote a WoW sized budget to something like that, I think you can do fine.
I think there is a lot of potential in that space that EVE leaves untapped and that SWG abandoned. But not the potential for WoW numbers, or even EQ at it's peak numbers.
I don't want to write this, and you don't want to read it. But now it's too late for both of us.
Maybe an MMORPG isn't what you are looking for. Dungeons and Dragons 4th edition might be fun. It's online, has simplified rules, and with a good Dungeon Master and a bit of imagination the game can be whatever you want it to be.
Sorry OP you suck. I can find something to enjoy in almost any MMO, any game for that matter. It isn't the games, its you. Stop blaming others when you are the problem.
Im sorry that your willing to accept inferior products. I expect more for my money
Darkfall - After 7+ years in development and little to show for it, Im not holding my breathe. And lets be honest, name one single decent MMO (Besides EVE) thats even remotely decent that came from a small indy developer. If this game ever does launch, I predict its another Roma Victor or Face of Mankind disaster. Still, the sandbox fans cling to Darkfall like its the Holy Grail because frankly we have little else to hope for.
Its only been in development since 2003. Fail less.
Indy developer that made a great game? Mythic's Dark Age of Camelot. Turbine's Asheron's Call.
Maybe an MMORPG isn't what you are looking for. Dungeons and Dragons 4th edition might be fun. It's online, has simplified rules, and with a good Dungeon Master and a bit of imagination the game can be whatever you want it to be.
No, I am looking for a MMORPG. I had my kind of superior game with Ultima but that game is dated now. I had it with Star Wars Galaxies but SOE decided to screw its community for WoW players.
My only option is EVE which I dont care for. Or I could try one of those indy small-beans games like Face of Mankind (which I did, utter garbage).
Im amazed that people actually posting here prefer linear games. Its like preferring a McDonalds hamburger over a $100 Kobe Steak. Or perhaps its because your new to this genre thanks to world of warcraft. Its all you know.
Make no mistake, Im not the minority despite the success of wow and clones like it. Yes sandbox games have failed but only because theyve lacked quality and financial support. If Blizz had made SWG as it was minus the bugs we wouldnt be having this conversation.
The future is with virtual worlds, not linear theme parks. Im just tired of the wait.
Maybe an MMORPG isn't what you are looking for. Dungeons and Dragons 4th edition might be fun. It's online, has simplified rules, and with a good Dungeon Master and a bit of imagination the game can be whatever you want it to be.
Early SWG was easily the most fun I've ever had in a video game, period. I played from launch until Jump to Lightspeed. I came back a few years later (on a trial) and wanted to personally hunt down the developers and murder them for ruining such an amazing game. The problem with us people who played early SWG is that we were spoiled by it. It had everything, and these new games (that are WoW clones) have absolutely nothing in comparison.
I don't buy mmorpgs, You can "Find" These games online and "Find" Ways to play them and try them out, If you do like these games you can go out and buy these games, if you don't you can always play on the magic servers out there. Don't ever spend money on a game that you don't like and you won't feel that the industry let you down. Because in a way you are not helping the industry.
I agree with the op. We have been abandoned, and no matter how many times they try to convince us that this is the way it ahs to be .. we will never believe it.
Could someone give me 50 million so I could develop a game?
Seriously I have never developed a game in my life but I feel like I could do a better job than whats out there now. Yea yea I know its harder than it looks but I can analyze what is out there and see what works and what doesn't. If common people on the net can see whats wrong why can't the professional developers? There is a serious demand for a product that is not fulfilling consumers desires, I wonder how long it will take a compnay to figure it out?
Could someone give me 50 million so I could develop a game? Seriously I have never developed a game in my life but I feel like I could do a better job than whats out there now. Yea yea I know its harder than it looks but I can analyze what is out there and see what works and what doesn't. If common people on the net can see whats wrong why can't the professional developers? There is a serious demand for a product that is not fulfilling consumers desires, I wonder how long it will take a compnay to figure it out?
Why don't you develop a game concept, write everything up and approach a small game studio? Don't forget to copyright everything before you do.
Like Skyrim? Need more content? Try my Skyrim mod "Godfred's Tomb."
Why don't you develop a game concept, write everything up and approach a small game studio? Don't forget to copyright everything before you do.
That is easier said than done. They get hit with tons of "concepts you need to have the game more developed these days for them even to take a look at it.
Could someone give me 50 million so I could develop a game? Seriously I have never developed a game in my life but I feel like I could do a better job than whats out there now. Yea yea I know its harder than it looks but I can analyze what is out there and see what works and what doesn't. If common people on the net can see whats wrong why can't the professional developers? There is a serious demand for a product that is not fulfilling consumers desires, I wonder how long it will take a compnay to figure it out?
Why don't you develop a game concept, write everything up and approach a small game studio? Don't forget to copyright everything before you do.
Actually I am....working on getting a degree in Software Engineering too. I'm an adult, I served in the military and work full time while I go to school. I already have a decent professional job in another industry that has given me a good business background but making that transition to the game industry is rough. I would like to work in the industry before I try and start my own company but the only path might to start my own company.
There is just this huge untapped market begging to spend their money and no one is taking advantage of it. There is still plenty of room for MMOG's of all varieties out there. A game doesn't need WoW numbers to be profitable and successful but I don't think people realize that.
I have a real solid concept already worked out I just need some people with the skills I lack to help make it happen.....and a assload of cash just for seed money. Experience would be nice too. Might head over to the developers boards to talk about this some more.
Why don't you develop a game concept, write everything up and approach a small game studio? Don't forget to copyright everything before you do.
That is easier said than done. They get hit with tons of "concepts you need to have the game more developed these days for them even to take a look at it.
Oh, I have no doubt. However, as in any art, if an idea is good it is good. And if it is an especially small studio that is not known then it could be the start of something interesting. Of course not AAA quality but perhaps something that will get his foot in the door.
And in the end, nothing ventured, nothing gained. Nothing was ever accomplished by someone saying "it's hard".
More often than not, all the great achievements that we've seen have been done by someone who didn't listen to common sense, had some talent, hard work and believed.
Like Skyrim? Need more content? Try my Skyrim mod "Godfred's Tomb."
As one poster said above, all that exists on the horizon for sandbox gamers is Darkfall and Mortal Online, both of which are being developed by small indie companies. Darkfall has announced a late 2008 release, while MO has announced a summer 2009 release. Whether or not they will make good on their announcements, or on their planned features, remains to be seen...but both aspire to be true sandbox games, which among other things means FFA and full loot PvP, with some PvE thrown in.
Do you really have to ask? It is very simple. You are in the niche minority. People LIKE quests. People LIKE instances. I would much much rather play a good hack-n-slash quest-based MMO (WOW ... yeah) than a sandbox open-ended nothing to do game. Sandbox is NOT difficult to make. It has been tried and failed to take-off. No one wants a seamless open world that everyone has to wait in line to kill teh mob. EQ taught us that instances is a GOOD thing. The issue of housing is simple. I would much rather the developer spend their time to make new dungeons & new quests than give me a house. What do we do there? Just stare around at stuff? Games focus on combat because HACK-N-SLASH is what players want. Diablo has pretty much succinctly demonstrated that point. This is the GOLDEN AGE of MMORPGs. I don't have to put up with UO gangfest, EQ campfest and I can solo whenever I want. Well, if you don't like it, that is too bad but you can't turn back the clock.
Pray tell, what sandboxes have been tried and failed? If you say Vanguard then Hippies in 1960 caused the gravity on Pluto to change.
Comments
I'm with Kyleran. Sorry folks.
Housing is nice but I don't care. Same with crafting.
And as I've mentioned before, a friend of mine played early SWG and thought it was horrible. Said the game seemed like a job and he didn't play games to just have another job.
My guess is that game companies are companies and they go where the money is. And people want more to do than to have another life where they have to camp mobs, make money and craft.
Of course there are people who decry players who want things more focused and in some cases more simple. Of course we are all guilty of this in one way or another.
I mostly listen to classical music and have to pick and choose through fields of pop and rock that are only in one key with very few modulations or any sort of rhythmic or harmonic interest. yet what is selling?
I prefer theater to TV yet Theater suffers quite a bit as small companies are constantly looking for money.
However I don't belittle or look down upon those who enjoy this material. The world doesn't revolve around what I like and what I want. It's there, I just have to find it and be patient.
Same with games. There is good and bad and if you don't like what is out there then there are other things to do.
Might I suggest reading. Or board games. Chess, Othello, Scrabble, Go.
However games are going to go where the money is as game companies need to stay in business in order to be viable career paths for the people who chose to work in that field.
Godfred's Tomb Trailer: https://youtu.be/-nsXGddj_4w
Original Skyrim: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/109547
Serph toze kindly has started a walk-through. https://youtu.be/UIelCK-lldo
To all of you who say you want a sandbox <<WORLD>> mmorpg or anything else:
STOP BUYING GAMES THAT DON'T MEET YOUR CRITERIA.
When a company develops a game that you know will be the same old thing just don't buy it. The problem is that most people who moan and complain about stuff like this will still buy the latest rehashed linear game anyway. People will buy unfinished games and games that have design elements that they profess to hate. People will buy games "just to try it out" even though they know it isn't really what they want. So why should the developers care about you? If you're going to give them your money regardless of the type of game they make there is absolutely no reason for them to give a damn about what you want.
I'm going to admit something now. I haven't bought or subscribed to a mmorpg for several years. Guild Wars was the last game I bought that was even close to being a mmorpg but I don't count it as one personally. Other than that I've tried free trials and I've played some games on friends' accounts. But I haven't rewarded the devs with my money. And I won't untill a game comes along that I actually want to play.
But my refusal to pay for crap is meaningless if I'm the only one doing it. Our power to give or withhold our money is the ONLY power we have over the mmorpg industry. That's it, that's our only leverage. I advise you all to start using that leverage because it will only matter when a significant number of us are doing it.
I'm not saying that I will never buy a linear game again. But I have certain criteria for those too and if no game (linear or sandbox) ever meets my criteria then, oh well, I guess I'll just never buy a mmorpg again.
Good point. I, for one, will have to steel my resolve better, for I am guilty of placing money into the hands of undeserving dev's. Will have to watch more for reviews and try to get into more beta's.
This is why Ive played so few MMOs. If a game doesnt fit my criteria, I wont buy it. Ill shell out $5 for a pre-order to check out beta, but thats it.
As far as the whole "sandbox is niche" idea...bull shit. We will see more sandbox games, at some point. And, when some one with the money finally does it right...
I'm now playing SL, it's not a game but it's a sandbox MMO (massively multi player online) with a bit of RPG tossed in. It's free, and I can find most of what I need free. No need to spend a dime of actual real money. It's not a game, but it's what you make of it. I tried it back in 06, wasn't impressed at all. Tried again recently and been having a blast meeting people, even SWG vets. It's not pre-cu SWG but it'll do. They even have a few Sims that are based on Star Wars, and a bit of combat. Plus at any given time there are around 50K plus people online. I'm gonna play it till I get what I what I want in a sandbox MMO like SWG was.
Im getting sick of all these boo-hoo no sandbox for me threads. Step up and support the sandbox games that get put out and show the game developers that is what you want with your wallet. Tears do not pay the bills people.
Cheers!
MMO Vet since AOL Neverwinter Nights circa 1992. My MMO beat up your MMO. =S
Sorry OP you suck. I can find something to enjoy in almost any MMO, any game for that matter. It isn't the games, its you.
Stop blaming others when you are the problem.
Developers have abandoned the nerds & no-lifers who role play bakers or have 15 hrs a day to stand in line and camp spawns waiting for 1 mob to pop...good ridance. Just kidding=) The genre has changed and evolved to suit its playerbase. Either change with it and have fun or find another game . Quite simple actually. Expecting any developer to spend millions upon millions on a game that has a small potential player base is not a risk worth taking for them. MMOs are not a free art form. They weren't back then and they aren't now.
www.youtube.com/watch
I think a sanbox MMO could do quite well if the expectations are reasonable. You are looking at a maximum market of around EVE size. As long as you don't devote a WoW sized budget to something like that, I think you can do fine.
I think there is a lot of potential in that space that EVE leaves untapped and that SWG abandoned. But not the potential for WoW numbers, or even EQ at it's peak numbers.
I don't want to write this, and you don't want to read it. But now it's too late for both of us.
Maybe an MMORPG isn't what you are looking for. Dungeons and Dragons 4th edition might be fun. It's online, has simplified rules, and with a good Dungeon Master and a bit of imagination the game can be whatever you want it to be.
Im sorry that your willing to accept inferior products. I expect more for my money
Indy developer that made a great game? Mythic's Dark Age of Camelot. Turbine's Asheron's Call.
Darkfall Travelogues!
No, I am looking for a MMORPG. I had my kind of superior game with Ultima but that game is dated now. I had it with Star Wars Galaxies but SOE decided to screw its community for WoW players.
My only option is EVE which I dont care for. Or I could try one of those indy small-beans games like Face of Mankind (which I did, utter garbage).
Im amazed that people actually posting here prefer linear games. Its like preferring a McDonalds hamburger over a $100 Kobe Steak. Or perhaps its because your new to this genre thanks to world of warcraft. Its all you know.
Make no mistake, Im not the minority despite the success of wow and clones like it. Yes sandbox games have failed but only because theyve lacked quality and financial support. If Blizz had made SWG as it was minus the bugs we wouldnt be having this conversation.
The future is with virtual worlds, not linear theme parks. Im just tired of the wait.
Actually, that looks kind of interesting. Hmmm
Early SWG was easily the most fun I've ever had in a video game, period. I played from launch until Jump to Lightspeed. I came back a few years later (on a trial) and wanted to personally hunt down the developers and murder them for ruining such an amazing game. The problem with us people who played early SWG is that we were spoiled by it. It had everything, and these new games (that are WoW clones) have absolutely nothing in comparison.
I don't buy mmorpgs, You can "Find" These games online and "Find" Ways to play them and try them out, If you do like these games you can go out and buy these games, if you don't you can always play on the magic servers out there. Don't ever spend money on a game that you don't like and you won't feel that the industry let you down. Because in a way you are not helping the industry.
I agree with the op. We have been abandoned, and no matter how many times they try to convince us that this is the way it ahs to be .. we will never believe it.
Could someone give me 50 million so I could develop a game?
Seriously I have never developed a game in my life but I feel like I could do a better job than whats out there now. Yea yea I know its harder than it looks but I can analyze what is out there and see what works and what doesn't. If common people on the net can see whats wrong why can't the professional developers? There is a serious demand for a product that is not fulfilling consumers desires, I wonder how long it will take a compnay to figure it out?
Why don't you develop a game concept, write everything up and approach a small game studio? Don't forget to copyright everything before you do.
Godfred's Tomb Trailer: https://youtu.be/-nsXGddj_4w
Original Skyrim: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/109547
Serph toze kindly has started a walk-through. https://youtu.be/UIelCK-lldo
That is easier said than done. They get hit with tons of "concepts you need to have the game more developed these days for them even to take a look at it.
Why don't you develop a game concept, write everything up and approach a small game studio? Don't forget to copyright everything before you do.
Actually I am....working on getting a degree in Software Engineering too. I'm an adult, I served in the military and work full time while I go to school. I already have a decent professional job in another industry that has given me a good business background but making that transition to the game industry is rough. I would like to work in the industry before I try and start my own company but the only path might to start my own company.
There is just this huge untapped market begging to spend their money and no one is taking advantage of it. There is still plenty of room for MMOG's of all varieties out there. A game doesn't need WoW numbers to be profitable and successful but I don't think people realize that.
I have a real solid concept already worked out I just need some people with the skills I lack to help make it happen.....and a assload of cash just for seed money. Experience would be nice too. Might head over to the developers boards to talk about this some more.
That is easier said than done. They get hit with tons of "concepts you need to have the game more developed these days for them even to take a look at it.
Oh, I have no doubt. However, as in any art, if an idea is good it is good. And if it is an especially small studio that is not known then it could be the start of something interesting. Of course not AAA quality but perhaps something that will get his foot in the door.
And in the end, nothing ventured, nothing gained. Nothing was ever accomplished by someone saying "it's hard".
More often than not, all the great achievements that we've seen have been done by someone who didn't listen to common sense, had some talent, hard work and believed.
Godfred's Tomb Trailer: https://youtu.be/-nsXGddj_4w
Original Skyrim: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/109547
Serph toze kindly has started a walk-through. https://youtu.be/UIelCK-lldo
As one poster said above, all that exists on the horizon for sandbox gamers is Darkfall and Mortal Online, both of which are being developed by small indie companies. Darkfall has announced a late 2008 release, while MO has announced a summer 2009 release. Whether or not they will make good on their announcements, or on their planned features, remains to be seen...but both aspire to be true sandbox games, which among other things means FFA and full loot PvP, with some PvE thrown in.
Pray tell, what sandboxes have been tried and failed? If you say Vanguard then Hippies in 1960 caused the gravity on Pluto to change.