Beautiful, intricate world? Yes. But one of the very worst games for socializing, I've found.
For me, the game that fits the OP's description best is LOTRO. That game world was created specifically with socializing in mind. And they've only added to that experience throughout the years.
Some people you're apparently part of need to be forced by game mechanics to meet other players. Others do not, and can make friends even when not forced to.
Just like in real life... I'm not forced to talk to that person in the pub while having a beer... I'm doing it because I'm trying to be friendly and socialize.
Originally posted by VastoHorde Go play a mmo where everytime people log on they don't open up there quest book but instead are trying to find a group to get into. Then you will find a social experience.
That's not socializing. That's being forced to use others to achieve your own goals.
Had me right up to "naturally encourages me to socialize".
You can do that any time, any where, regardless of game mechanics.
Just talk to people. It's easy.
Self-pity imprisons us in the walls of our own self-absorption. The whole world shrinks down to the size of our problem, and the more we dwell on it, the smaller we are and the larger the problem seems to grow.
Beautiful, intricate world? Yes. But one of the very worst games for socializing, I've found.
For me, the game that fits the OP's description best is LOTRO. That game world was created specifically with socializing in mind. And they've only added to that experience throughout the years.
Some people you're apparently part of need to be forced by game mechanics to meet other players. Others do not, and can make friends even when not forced to.
Just like in real life... I'm not forced to talk to that person in the pub while having a beer... I'm doing it because I'm trying to be friendly and socialize.
Originally posted by VastoHorde Go play a mmo where everytime people log on they don't open up there quest book but instead are trying to find a group to get into. Then you will find a social experience.
That's not socializing. That's being forced to use others to achieve your own goals.
Show me where I said anything about being forced? If you don't know what I am talking about why respond?
Beautiful, intricate world? Yes. But one of the very worst games for socializing, I've found.
For me, the game that fits the OP's description best is LOTRO. That game world was created specifically with socializing in mind. And they've only added to that experience throughout the years.
Some people you're apparently part of need to be forced by game mechanics to meet other players. Others do not, and can make friends even when not forced to.
Just like in real life... I'm not forced to talk to that person in the pub while having a beer... I'm doing it because I'm trying to be friendly and socialize.
Originally posted by VastoHorde Go play a mmo where everytime people log on they don't open up there quest book but instead are trying to find a group to get into. Then you will find a social experience.
That's not socializing. That's being forced to use others to achieve your own goals.
Show me where I said anything about being forced? If you don't know what I am talking about why respond?
I've been playing MMORPGs since UO beta, ages ago, and I perfectly know what you are talking about.
People not grouping together to bash mobs doesn't mean the game is not allowing socializing. It just means it doesn't force it, or actually force the "fake" socializing that is engendered by forced grouping.
A player logging in not having "looking for a group to bash mobs together" as his first action doesn't mean he's not willing to socialize. It just means he has little interest in the lowest form of socialization that is available in a MMORPG. The same player can be found a few minutes later in game either role playing with other random players, or just helping newbies for no other reason than trying to make friends, giving free enchanting away so he levels his skills and helps strangers at the same time (making potential new friends), etc... I could go on for a long time on this.
Some MMO players seem to be stuck in the mindset that "socializing" means "grouping together to bash mobs". Those people don't have a clue about what the "RPG" part of "MMORPG" means.
Beautiful, intricate world? Yes. But one of the very worst games for socializing, I've found.
For me, the game that fits the OP's description best is LOTRO. That game world was created specifically with socializing in mind. And they've only added to that experience throughout the years.
Some people you're apparently part of need to be forced by game mechanics to meet other players. Others do not, and can make friends even when not forced to.
Just like in real life... I'm not forced to talk to that person in the pub while having a beer... I'm doing it because I'm trying to be friendly and socialize.
Originally posted by VastoHorde Go play a mmo where everytime people log on they don't open up there quest book but instead are trying to find a group to get into. Then you will find a social experience.
That's not socializing. That's being forced to use others to achieve your own goals.
Show me where I said anything about being forced? If you don't know what I am talking about why respond?
I've been playing MMORPGs since UO beta, ages ago, and I perfectly know what you are talking about.
People not grouping together to bash mobs doesn't mean the game is not allowing socializing. It just means it doesn't force it, or actually force the "fake" socializing that is engendered by forced grouping.
A player logging in not having "looking for a group to bash mobs together" as his first action doesn't mean he's not willing to socialize. It just means he has little interest in the lowest form of socialization that is available in a MMORPG. The same player can be found a few minutes later in game either role playing with other random players, or just helping newbies for no other reason than trying to make friends, giving free enchanting away so he levels his skills and helps strangers at the same time (making potential new friends), etc... I could go on for a long time on this.
Some MMO players seem to be stuck in the mindset that "socializing" means "grouping together to bash mobs". Those people don't have a clue about what the "RPG" part of "MMORPG" means.
Does not matter how long you been playing mmos you still have no clue as to what I am talking about.
Beautiful, intricate world? Yes. But one of the very worst games for socializing, I've found.
For me, the game that fits the OP's description best is LOTRO. That game world was created specifically with socializing in mind. And they've only added to that experience throughout the years.
Some people you're apparently part of need to be forced by game mechanics to meet other players. Others do not, and can make friends even when not forced to.
Just like in real life... I'm not forced to talk to that person in the pub while having a beer... I'm doing it because I'm trying to be friendly and socialize.
Originally posted by VastoHorde Go play a mmo where everytime people log on they don't open up there quest book but instead are trying to find a group to get into. Then you will find a social experience.
That's not socializing. That's being forced to use others to achieve your own goals.
Show me where I said anything about being forced? If you don't know what I am talking about why respond?
I've been playing MMORPGs since UO beta, ages ago, and I perfectly know what you are talking about.
People not grouping together to bash mobs doesn't mean the game is not allowing socializing. It just means it doesn't force it, or actually force the "fake" socializing that is engendered by forced grouping.
A player logging in not having "looking for a group to bash mobs together" as his first action doesn't mean he's not willing to socialize. It just means he has little interest in the lowest form of socialization that is available in a MMORPG. The same player can be found a few minutes later in game either role playing with other random players, or just helping newbies for no other reason than trying to make friends, giving free enchanting away so he levels his skills and helps strangers at the same time (making potential new friends), etc... I could go on for a long time on this.
Some MMO players seem to be stuck in the mindset that "socializing" means "grouping together to bash mobs". Those people don't have a clue about what the "RPG" part of "MMORPG" means.
Does not matter how long you been playing mmos you still have no clue as to what I am talking about.
If you really wanted a debate and tried to communicate, you would post an explanation instead of one liners without any argument and which don't even have the redeeming quality of being funny.
Maybe your difficulty to socialize when not "looking for a group" is related to that style of posting in some way... food for thoughts.
Beautiful, intricate world? Yes. But one of the very worst games for socializing, I've found.
For me, the game that fits the OP's description best is LOTRO. That game world was created specifically with socializing in mind. And they've only added to that experience throughout the years.
Some people you're apparently part of need to be forced by game mechanics to meet other players. Others do not, and can make friends even when not forced to.
Just like in real life... I'm not forced to talk to that person in the pub while having a beer... I'm doing it because I'm trying to be friendly and socialize.
Originally posted by VastoHorde Go play a mmo where everytime people log on they don't open up there quest book but instead are trying to find a group to get into. Then you will find a social experience.
That's not socializing. That's being forced to use others to achieve your own goals.
Show me where I said anything about being forced? If you don't know what I am talking about why respond?
I've been playing MMORPGs since UO beta, ages ago, and I perfectly know what you are talking about.
People not grouping together to bash mobs doesn't mean the game is not allowing socializing. It just means it doesn't force it, or actually force the "fake" socializing that is engendered by forced grouping.
A player logging in not having "looking for a group to bash mobs together" as his first action doesn't mean he's not willing to socialize. It just means he has little interest in the lowest form of socialization that is available in a MMORPG. The same player can be found a few minutes later in game either role playing with other random players, or just helping newbies for no other reason than trying to make friends, giving free enchanting away so he levels his skills and helps strangers at the same time (making potential new friends), etc... I could go on for a long time on this.
Some MMO players seem to be stuck in the mindset that "socializing" means "grouping together to bash mobs". Those people don't have a clue about what the "RPG" part of "MMORPG" means.
Does not matter how long you been playing mmos you still have no clue as to what I am talking about.
If you really wanted a debate and tried to communicate, you would post an explanation instead of one liners without any argument and which don't even have the redeeming quality of being funny.
Maybe your difficulty to socialize when not "looking for a group" is related to that style of posting in some way... food for thoughts.
See that's the problem. Argument? Why would I argue with you or anybody else on the internet? You think I am going to sit here and do a turn based post argument with you? I don't do stuff like that.
I said if you want to find a social experience then go play a mmo that's not based around fed ex questing. There is nonething anybody can say that will change what I just said. Now with that being said what else is there for me to discuss with you? I don't see anything.
Star Wars Galaxies was the best game for socializing. You had to rely on others for buffs, getting your weapons sliced etc. You also had 10 minute shuttle waits which led to a lot of talking and complaining about the shuttle waits lol.
Ah, the shuttle waits. I just went afk and got a sammich or alt-tabbed out.
I've been yearning for something similar to the OP recently, to the point where I've considered trying to find interesting people who'd start new characters with me in a given MMO, log on at a specific time each day, and level- slowly and deliberately with appreciation for aesthetics and conversation prioritized above the progress of their characters.
There is something to be said for anonymous conversation, detatched from the physical presence of a person. In my experience it allows me to be more honest in how I express myself, more open in the things I'm willing to share, and less inhibited in what I say. I think this is natural. And MMOs have the potential to be the ideal places for these kinds of conversations to take place because the avatar can be an indirect expression of the self, in a cohesive "world" in which combat or exploration also adds to the feeling of interaction with other players.
Star Wars Galaxies was the best game for socializing. You had to rely on others for buffs, getting your weapons sliced etc. You also had 10 minute shuttle waits which led to a lot of talking and complaining about the shuttle waits lol.
Ah, the shuttle waits. I just went afk and got a sammich or alt-tabbed out.
Right. People need downtime to do real life stuff all the time. All swg did was understand that. It was also better because in group play, everyone took care of their business at one time, rather than people go afk at random. I don't ever remember waiting in queue for anything in swg.
It's not like the game's content made you travel at all. You could stay on one planet and do just as well. The shuttle wait didn't hurt anything, just an easy target for onlookers. Level restrictions? Or shuttle wait?
"If the Damned gave you a roadmap, then you'd know just where to go"
And so apparently it is necessary to contextually define socialization.
The socialization I am referring to, does not necessarily have to be a group dynamic--but it can be. What I am more rather referring to is a 'sociality' in which players are given a fervor to be their characters, and treat the world around them as if it is a living thing. No longer are they in a dead mesh of mechanics and code, but that mesh of mechanics and code has somehow coalesced together to make something not only visually, but sensationally stunning, to such an extent that, like a beautiful painting, you are immersed into the created world. Yet just like the painting's being nothing more than cleverly blended brushstrokes and colors, we are still completely absorbed into that world. The game should be the same way with its environment--the excellent game anyway. The quaint sounds, swirling images and fuzziness that a small child appreciates, and which we as adults seemingly fail to appreciate, all in favor of some rational or structured goal to be working towards...
We fail to see the forest for the trees, as they say. We don't really appreciate the beauty of what is there, and are instead goal oriented. We want to get to the highest level, have the best gear, and be the best capitalist there is.
I really don't care about that stuff. To me, the best part of World of Warcraft was leveling and experiencing those zones for the first time. I actually loved being in them, and keeping in mind some semblance of the history of the place as it was conveyed in the previous games, and even the books. I felt immersed.
What does this have to do with socialization?
Well, the theory is that when you are immersed in the world, you will then be your character; and this contrasts with roleplaying, in my mind anyway, because in that situation you act like your character, and acting is different than being. I want a world that causes me to be my character, in such a way that there is no conscious acting involved. The socialization that follows thence would be that between citizens of a certain world, or members of certain factions and races etc. I would look at another player and not see someone sitting behind a screen in Russia, but a Tumerok, literally of that race of people, standing there in front of me.
That's the level of immersion I've always craved in a game, which I have always subconsciously put forward when playing a game, and which I'm only now realizing and expressing.
So the difference I'm conveying is that "sociality" is not referring to forcing people to use some grouping mechanism, but it is a natural desire that flows outward from the immersed player who has been totally absorbed into the world presented by the excellent game.
Right now, one of the most immersive worlds out there that I have experienced is the Brytenwalda mod for Mount and Blade. The world, characters, environment etc is such as to make me be my character. It's just unfortunate it's not an MMO. There seems to be some failure to successfully convey the excellent single-player RPG world to the MMO environment.
And so apparently it is necessary to contextually define socialization.
The socialization I am referring to, does not necessarily have to be a group dynamic--but it can be. What I am more rather referring to is a 'sociality' in which players are given a fervor to be their characters, and treat the world around them as if it is a living thing. No longer are they in a dead mesh of mechanics and code, but that mesh of mechanics and code has somehow coalesced together to make something not only visually, but sensationally stunning, to such an extent that, like a beautiful painting, you are immersed into the created world. Yet just like the painting's being nothing more than cleverly blended brushstrokes and colors, we are still completely absorbed into that world. The game should be the same way with its environment--the excellent game anyway. The quaint sounds, swirling images and fuzziness that a small child appreciates, and which we as adults seemingly fail to appreciate, all in favor of some rational or structured goal to be working towards...
We fail to see the forest for the trees, as they say. We don't really appreciate the beauty of what is there, and are instead goal oriented. We want to get to the highest level, have the best gear, and be the best capitalist there is.
I really don't care about that stuff. To me, the best part of World of Warcraft was leveling and experiencing those zones for the first time. I actually loved being in them, and keeping in mind some semblance of the history of the place as it was conveyed in the previous games, and even the books. I felt immersed.
What does this have to do with socialization?
Well, the theory is that when you are immersed in the world, you will then be your character; and this contrasts with roleplaying, in my mind anyway, because in that situation you act like your character, and acting is different than being. I want a world that causes me to be my character, in such a way that there is no conscious acting involved. The socialization that follows thence would be that between citizens of a certain world, or members of certain factions and races etc. I would look at another player and not see someone sitting behind a screen in Russia, but a Tumerok, literally of that race of people, standing there in front of me.
That's the level of immersion I've always craved in a game, which I have always subconsciously put forward when playing a game, and which I'm only now realizing and expressing.
So the difference I'm conveying is that "sociality" is not referring to forcing people to use some grouping mechanism, but it is a natural desire that flows outward from the immersed player who has been totally absorbed into the world presented by the excellent game.
Right now, one of the most immersive worlds out there that I have experienced is the Brytenwalda mod for Mount and Blade. The world, characters, environment etc is such as to make me be my character. It's just unfortunate it's not an MMO. There seems to be some failure to successfully convey the excellent single-player RPG world to the MMO environment.
We understand exactly what you mean. But regardless of how you phrase it, the responses will always be the typical extremes of forced interaction. Developer responses are just as generic.
"If the Damned gave you a roadmap, then you'd know just where to go"
OP is talking about immersion as much as chewing the cud with other peeps then. I see what you are getting at, a game which encourages you to do more than just level up. That is always going to depend on the other people playing, the baulk of which are trying to run past you to reach max level. So it goes back to what I said about guilds, find a group that wants to do whatever it is you want to in a MMO.
Right now, one of the most immersive worlds out there that I have experienced is the Brytenwalda mod for Mount and Blade. The world, characters, environment etc is such as to make me be my character. It's just unfortunate it's not an MMO. There seems to be some failure to successfully convey the excellent single-player RPG world to the MMO environment.
If so, just stay with the SP RPG world. There is no reason why everything needs to convey to MMOs.
Originally posted by Consuetudo So it's true then: add my vote to the pot. I want a social world that is full of beauty and intricasy. Combat isn't even necessary to me.
Very enjoyable post.
Due to various personality quirks, I'm one of the hardest players you'll ever find to make sociable. It's not impossible, but it doesn't take much of a bad experience with other people to spook me. Worlds are what draw me into MMOs. Conflict with other players is the fastest way to drive me away from them.
Originally posted by Wizardry Well OP this is not life so yes a game does need to force social gaming,otherwise it has been PROVEN that players will not socialize if they can solo...
This.
For a conversation to take place, two people must feel the desire to stop what they are doing and converse. If there is technically no need to converse, the odds of finding two strangers willing to do so are quite low. And every time you get burned by initiating an unreciprocated dialogue, you lower those odds even more
Originally posted by Nierro I've been yearning for something similar to the OP recently, to the point where I've considered trying to find interesting people who'd start new characters with me in a given MMO, log on at a specific time each day, and level- slowly and deliberately with appreciation for aesthetics and conversation prioritized above the progress of their characters.
I bet a lot of people feel that way; me included. Wonder if there is an mmo web site or forum dedicated to players like this.
Luckily, i don't need you to like me to enjoy video games. -nariusseldon. In F2P I think it's more a case of the game's trying to play the player's. -laserit
Originally posted by Wizardry Well OP this is not life so yes a game does need to force social gaming,otherwise it has been PROVEN that players will not socialize if they can solo...
This.
For a conversation to take place, two people must feel the desire to stop what they are doing and converse. If there is technically no need to converse, the odds of finding two strangers willing to do so are quite low. And every time you get burned by initiating an unreciprocated dialogue, you lower those odds even more
That's why forced grouping as it was in some "old school" MMOs was never encouraging socialization. People use to think they are some kind of "brothers" because they killed some dragon and stole his virtual trinkets together, but at the end, it means nothing.
Real socialization, forging friendships, is done outside of the forced grouping part of MMOs.
And "it has been PROVEN that players will not socialize of they can solo" is a huge pile of smelly crap. Nothing has been proven except that some people are unable to make contact with other players if they aren't forced to by game mechanics. If others can do that just fine, then the problem lies in those players unable to do it, and not in the game design.
Comments
Some people you're apparently part of need to be forced by game mechanics to meet other players. Others do not, and can make friends even when not forced to.
Just like in real life... I'm not forced to talk to that person in the pub while having a beer... I'm doing it because I'm trying to be friendly and socialize.
That's not socializing. That's being forced to use others to achieve your own goals.
My computer is better than yours.
Had me right up to "naturally encourages me to socialize".
You can do that any time, any where, regardless of game mechanics.
Just talk to people. It's easy.
Self-pity imprisons us in the walls of our own self-absorption. The whole world shrinks down to the size of our problem, and the more we dwell on it, the smaller we are and the larger the problem seems to grow.
why does a game have to force you to socialize? Is that even possible?
If you want to socialize then just do it
(Mighty Zeus, strike me with your lightning - Looks like I'm trying to socialize with icewhite!
)
My computer is better than yours.
How about "naturally encourages my character to socialize?"
"If the Damned gave you a roadmap, then you'd know just where to go"
Show me where I said anything about being forced? If you don't know what I am talking about why respond?
I've been playing MMORPGs since UO beta, ages ago, and I perfectly know what you are talking about.
People not grouping together to bash mobs doesn't mean the game is not allowing socializing. It just means it doesn't force it, or actually force the "fake" socializing that is engendered by forced grouping.
A player logging in not having "looking for a group to bash mobs together" as his first action doesn't mean he's not willing to socialize. It just means he has little interest in the lowest form of socialization that is available in a MMORPG. The same player can be found a few minutes later in game either role playing with other random players, or just helping newbies for no other reason than trying to make friends, giving free enchanting away so he levels his skills and helps strangers at the same time (making potential new friends), etc... I could go on for a long time on this.
Some MMO players seem to be stuck in the mindset that "socializing" means "grouping together to bash mobs". Those people don't have a clue about what the "RPG" part of "MMORPG" means.
My computer is better than yours.
According to this thread, some people really do. Really.
My computer is better than yours.
Does not matter how long you been playing mmos you still have no clue as to what I am talking about.
If you really wanted a debate and tried to communicate, you would post an explanation instead of one liners without any argument and which don't even have the redeeming quality of being funny.
Maybe your difficulty to socialize when not "looking for a group" is related to that style of posting in some way... food for thoughts.
My computer is better than yours.
If someone said that then why ask?
Do sports equate to socializing?
"If the Damned gave you a roadmap, then you'd know just where to go"
See that's the problem. Argument? Why would I argue with you or anybody else on the internet? You think I am going to sit here and do a turn based post argument with you? I don't do stuff like that.
I said if you want to find a social experience then go play a mmo that's not based around fed ex questing. There is nonething anybody can say that will change what I just said. Now with that being said what else is there for me to discuss with you? I don't see anything.
My computer is better than yours.
Ah, the shuttle waits. I just went afk and got a sammich or alt-tabbed out.
I've been yearning for something similar to the OP recently, to the point where I've considered trying to find interesting people who'd start new characters with me in a given MMO, log on at a specific time each day, and level- slowly and deliberately with appreciation for aesthetics and conversation prioritized above the progress of their characters.
There is something to be said for anonymous conversation, detatched from the physical presence of a person. In my experience it allows me to be more honest in how I express myself, more open in the things I'm willing to share, and less inhibited in what I say. I think this is natural. And MMOs have the potential to be the ideal places for these kinds of conversations to take place because the avatar can be an indirect expression of the self, in a cohesive "world" in which combat or exploration also adds to the feeling of interaction with other players.
Right. People need downtime to do real life stuff all the time. All swg did was understand that. It was also better because in group play, everyone took care of their business at one time, rather than people go afk at random. I don't ever remember waiting in queue for anything in swg.
It's not like the game's content made you travel at all. You could stay on one planet and do just as well. The shuttle wait didn't hurt anything, just an easy target for onlookers. Level restrictions? Or shuttle wait?
"If the Damned gave you a roadmap, then you'd know just where to go"
And so apparently it is necessary to contextually define socialization.
The socialization I am referring to, does not necessarily have to be a group dynamic--but it can be. What I am more rather referring to is a 'sociality' in which players are given a fervor to be their characters, and treat the world around them as if it is a living thing. No longer are they in a dead mesh of mechanics and code, but that mesh of mechanics and code has somehow coalesced together to make something not only visually, but sensationally stunning, to such an extent that, like a beautiful painting, you are immersed into the created world. Yet just like the painting's being nothing more than cleverly blended brushstrokes and colors, we are still completely absorbed into that world. The game should be the same way with its environment--the excellent game anyway. The quaint sounds, swirling images and fuzziness that a small child appreciates, and which we as adults seemingly fail to appreciate, all in favor of some rational or structured goal to be working towards...
We fail to see the forest for the trees, as they say. We don't really appreciate the beauty of what is there, and are instead goal oriented. We want to get to the highest level, have the best gear, and be the best capitalist there is.
I really don't care about that stuff. To me, the best part of World of Warcraft was leveling and experiencing those zones for the first time. I actually loved being in them, and keeping in mind some semblance of the history of the place as it was conveyed in the previous games, and even the books. I felt immersed.
What does this have to do with socialization?
Well, the theory is that when you are immersed in the world, you will then be your character; and this contrasts with roleplaying, in my mind anyway, because in that situation you act like your character, and acting is different than being. I want a world that causes me to be my character, in such a way that there is no conscious acting involved. The socialization that follows thence would be that between citizens of a certain world, or members of certain factions and races etc. I would look at another player and not see someone sitting behind a screen in Russia, but a Tumerok, literally of that race of people, standing there in front of me.
That's the level of immersion I've always craved in a game, which I have always subconsciously put forward when playing a game, and which I'm only now realizing and expressing.
So the difference I'm conveying is that "sociality" is not referring to forcing people to use some grouping mechanism, but it is a natural desire that flows outward from the immersed player who has been totally absorbed into the world presented by the excellent game.
Right now, one of the most immersive worlds out there that I have experienced is the Brytenwalda mod for Mount and Blade. The world, characters, environment etc is such as to make me be my character. It's just unfortunate it's not an MMO. There seems to be some failure to successfully convey the excellent single-player RPG world to the MMO environment.
We understand exactly what you mean. But regardless of how you phrase it, the responses will always be the typical extremes of forced interaction. Developer responses are just as generic.
"If the Damned gave you a roadmap, then you'd know just where to go"
OP is talking about immersion as much as chewing the cud with other peeps then. I see what you are getting at, a game which encourages you to do more than just level up. That is always going to depend on the other people playing, the baulk of which are trying to run past you to reach max level. So it goes back to what I said about guilds, find a group that wants to do whatever it is you want to in a MMO.
If so, just stay with the SP RPG world. There is no reason why everything needs to convey to MMOs.
Very enjoyable post.
Due to various personality quirks, I'm one of the hardest players you'll ever find to make sociable. It's not impossible, but it doesn't take much of a bad experience with other people to spook me. Worlds are what draw me into MMOs. Conflict with other players is the fastest way to drive me away from them.
This.
For a conversation to take place, two people must feel the desire to stop what they are doing and converse. If there is technically no need to converse, the odds of finding two strangers willing to do so are quite low. And every time you get burned by initiating an unreciprocated dialogue, you lower those odds even more
I bet a lot of people feel that way; me included. Wonder if there is an mmo web site or forum dedicated to players like this.
Luckily, i don't need you to like me to enjoy video games. -nariusseldon.
In F2P I think it's more a case of the game's trying to play the player's. -laserit
That's why forced grouping as it was in some "old school" MMOs was never encouraging socialization. People use to think they are some kind of "brothers" because they killed some dragon and stole his virtual trinkets together, but at the end, it means nothing.
Real socialization, forging friendships, is done outside of the forced grouping part of MMOs.
And "it has been PROVEN that players will not socialize of they can solo" is a huge pile of smelly crap. Nothing has been proven except that some people are unable to make contact with other players if they aren't forced to by game mechanics. If others can do that just fine, then the problem lies in those players unable to do it, and not in the game design.
My computer is better than yours.