Category Archives: MMO design

Occupy Endgame

Posted on November 27, 2012 by SynCaine

Yesterday’s post about repeatable content had a side conversation in the comments about the % of players who use ‘end-game’ content, be it raiding or PvP, in a themepark. That topic then begs the question: what about all those who … Continue reading →

Posted in Guild Wars, MMO design, World of Warcraft | 27 Comments

The best MMO content = the best MMO content

Posted on November 26, 2012 by SynCaine

The measure of success when it comes to MMO content is surprisingly simple IMO (the longer the content holds your attention, the better), yet rarely mentioned much less accounted for directly. Both players and developers talk endlessly about many aspects … Continue reading →

Posted in EVE Online, Guild Wars, MMO design, Rift, SW:TOR, World of Warcraft | 34 Comments

The first rule of MMO club: You must continue to attend MMO club

Posted on November 19, 2012 by SynCaine

Some good comments from my last two posts, so thanks to everyone who contributed. Amazing what writing a less-than-clear post or two does. (File that under blogger pro-tips kids). Rather than try to re-explain what I was trying to get … Continue reading →

Posted in Guild Wars, MMO design, Rift, SW:TOR | 35 Comments

The ever not-changing MMO genre

Posted on November 16, 2012 by SynCaine

A second post based on a game I’ve never played or even know much about. You’re welcome. The reaction to Glitch closing has been interesting, and very telling about the MMO genre and the average/casual/whatever fan. If I had to … Continue reading →

Posted in MMO design, Random, Rant | 50 Comments

Glitch was EVE without PvP?

Posted on November 15, 2012 by SynCaine

Glitch is closing. I’ve never played the game, nor looked into it enough to really have an opinion, but if this is true: The game IMO is a 2D Eve without the PVP – instead of star systems you have … Continue reading →

Posted in Darkfall Online, EVE Online, MMO design, PvP, Random | 10 Comments

Painting the house

Posted on November 13, 2012 by SynCaine

There are some people who play the content they enjoy without thought of the rewards; they are mostly not MMO players. – Zubon GW2 critical flaw stated well. I think it’s also important to remind everyone that MMOs are typically … Continue reading →

Posted in EVE Online, Guild Wars, League of Legends, MMO design, Rant, World of Warcraft | 31 Comments

Bernie Madoff was a great investor. Used the wrong payment model.

Posted on November 8, 2012 by SynCaine

“I think there will definitely be failures within the next 12 to 24 months. Many who are entering the market right now are doing it as almost a money-grab. But subscription is dead. [Star Wars:] The Old Republic was the … Continue reading →

Posted in Combat Systems, DDO, EVE Online, League of Legends, Lord of the Rings Online, Mass Media, MMO design, Random, Rant, Rift, RMT, SW:TOR, Warhammer Online, World of Warcraft | 23 Comments

Darkfall:UW – Best Case

Posted on November 6, 2012 by SynCaine

With Darkfall set to release in two weeks, I want to write down my expectations for the game. Today will be a best-case post, while tomorrow I’ll do worst-case. If nothing else, it will be interesting to revisit these post-release … Continue reading →

Posted in crafting, Darkfall Online, Housing, Mass Media, MMO design, PvP | 7 Comments

MMOs: It’s a hobby

Posted on November 1, 2012 by SynCaine

My previous post sparked some good discussion in the comments, and requires a follow-up post. For additional background, see Victor’s post. I think what I failed to clarify is perhaps how I expect an MMO player to play, both as … Continue reading →

Posted in Inquisition Clan, MMO design, Random | 23 Comments

Save the F2P children

Posted on October 25, 2012 by SynCaine

I think I’m slowly transitioning from hating F2P players to feeling sorry for them, somewhat similar to my changing views of WoW and its players. When WoW really mattered and every dev team was trying to clone it, I felt … Continue reading →

Posted in MMO design, Random, Rant, Rift, RMT, SW:TOR, World of Warcraft | 25 Comments