Linear stories in MMORPGs

Exploration vs Linearity

 I like to think I was there when Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games (MMORPG) was born. I was in high school when Ragnarok online (the first one) did a promotional event at my school. I thought it was a huge deal. A video game world online that anyone can play.

 I was hooked. I wanted to be part of this milestone in gaming. Even if it was still pay to play. Thankfully I didn't succumb to game addiction like some of my friends did. 

 Ever since then I played a myriad of other MMORPGs. A few stood out because of quality also because of nostalgia. There was World of Warcraft, Rose Online, Wakfu, Dragon's Nest, Tera, DC Universe Online. Suffice to say, I like my MMOs free to play.

 But here's my main topic. Why are there so much linearity in MMORPGs lately? Back in Ragnarok Online the only linearity I found was when it came to what job class I wanted to get. The quests were mostly item crafting for equipment you wanted. But more and more lately, when I start off a character they automatically have the "unique" responsibility of doing a main quest to save the world.

 I don't get it. Why thrust a narrative immediately towards a new player? Can they not decide for themselves what role they want to partake in this world? Is there no other call to greatness available?

 I can understand that most times the main narrative is meant to help the players get to know the world they play in. But I think mixing that in with an epic narrative narrows the experience for the player. I think it would be better if the player had the option to learn about their world through NPC interaction or by exploring their environments. NPCs should be there to show players what they can choose to do and what they should do.

 Getting a quest immediately so you can learn to do things gets really boring and repetitive to players who just want to set out in to the new world. Then it just becomes more of a grind where you have to kill a certain number of monsters or get a certain number of drops to continue on and on  until you're sick of the damn game.

  

 One thing I loved in Ragnarok Online's exploration was that monsters had a unique item in each of them. Some more than others. I loved getting a monster card after killing so many of them. They were a collector's drug. I didn't mind the grinding because it felt like I was spinning the slots every time I did. Not to say it wasn't repetitive and got boring after a while. But I think that's where the magic lies. Not knowing what you'll get and the slight chance for awesome treasure. 

                                           

 

 There was no need to grab these treasures unless someone wanted a trade for them. I found this mechanic absolutely fun and satisfying. I wish more games had this. This may be part that I love card art. :))

But my main point is: Are the linear narratives helping or hurting your experience in MMORPGs? 

Also what other mechanics can we add to MMORPGs that make the repetitive quests more enjoyable?

Let's start a conversation in comments section. Looking forward to it. See you again soon.

Grab a place by the Hearthstone!

Greetings Traveler,

 I'm a big fan of collectible card games. When I first learned how to play the Pokemon TCG in the 6th grade, I was hooked. It was kind of brutal too since I couldn't afford buying more cards to be any good at competitions. It was sort of a love-hate relationship.

 Just like most card games, Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft by Blizzard is tons of fun. It's a simple game of trying to kill off your opponent's hero with weapons and minions and spells before they can do so on to your hero. 

 But what makes it fun?

 I've tried to boil it down to some key factors.

 Competition, Exploration and Chance.

 Let me explain... like I would actually leave you hanging.

 People love to compete... for some reason. As for games like Hearthstone players revel at out-thinking each other. There's a thrill when you set a trap and wait for your opponent to fall into it. There's a boost in confidence when you've managed to corner your opponent as you manage to get full control of the board.Games like this are a great way for humans to display their dominance over another without threat of possible injury or having any real ramifications. 

 Another thing people love is discovering new things. Hearthstone and almost all collectible card games are filled with a multitude of cards just waiting for you to add to your decks. They're fun to look at and exciting to use. Players get to explore how these new cards can be used to gain an advantage in the game or how they work along with other cards they already have.

 This was probably what got me hooked. It's like playing chess but you're able to choose each piece that would fight for you. The possibilities were many and you just can't help but want to try them all.

 Then that's when Chance comes in. As a player you try your best to sway chance into your favor. I think that's what hardcore players explore on the most. They test and adjust their decks to find the best chances in game and make sure they always have the upper hand. In the end though, you get the cards you draw by chance and play them. I think this makes each game more exciting and not just a ho-hum experience where you're just too strong that none can beat you so why bother continuing.

That's about it for today. I hope you guys can try it out and add me if you manage to play each other. I'm Chuck Package in game. :D 

 I'll talk more about the game at another time as this game has a lot of stuff that excites me. Til then have fun.

Welcome to Mind Your Games!

I'm not the expert...

 Feels good to let that out the bag first. But it's true. I'm not an expert... I'm not even that hardcore about it. I love games. I love how they fill my day. I like learning them and playing them. I even like just looking at them. I love the community it forms. I like how it became an E-sport. It's just awesome and for a medium that came to be as I was growing up, it's safe to say it shaped me as a person fairly well as comics and cartoons.

 Also before I forget I would love to thank Extra Credits for helping me support this passion for a wonderful medium. They gave me the kick in the pants I needed to start writing about games and how they affect me. :D 

Catch their channel on Youtube for more awesome gaming thoughts

And so, more or less I'll be talking about games in general, my reactions to gaming news and games I've played and some recommendations for you guys. So stay tuned. :)