A Class Balance Manifesto for Virtual Worlds
After playing traditional fantasy MMORPG's for over 6 years, I have come to believe that a class system is an important foundation for how we classify and organize the players …
Vanguard Forums: The Importance of Immersion
Immersion is very important to me. The suspension of disbelief is critical into buying into a virtual world. I’m a big fan of details, polish and the little things that …
The Day the Loot Stopped Dropping
What would happen if suddenly all the loot stopped dropping in your favorite MMORPG? Would there be widespread panic in the streets? Would your online world come to a grinding …
Vanguard Forums: Realism vs. Immersion
Realism is really just consistent, believable sets of laws and conditions that govern the particular virtual world that you are inhabiting. Let’s say you are playing a game that is …
The Voice of Technology
The seductive siren song of technological progress constantly beckons. Medicine, industry, commerce, and entertainment are all driven by the promises that scientific advancement brings. Many think that technology is advancing …
Paying it Forward in MMORPGs
Over the weekend, I finally watched a film that had been on my “to watch” list for the last few years: Pay It Forward. I had always shied away from …
Vanguard Forums: Why MMO’s Should Hire Real Fantasy Writers
I think Sigil is making a huge mistake if they are going to pattern their fantasy world after real world cultures. At least in Norrath in the original EQ the …
Vanguard Forums: Remember when we were just players?
Splendid post Darthmidget. I think you made an excellent summary of what makes a good MMORPG. Eventually most current WoW players will come to the same conclusion that you have …
Vanguard: Brad responds
As a frequent participant over at the Vanguard: Saga of Heroes discussion forums it’s no secret that I have been questioning Sigil’s decision to use the culture and geography of …
Vanguard: On Religion and Deities in MMO’s
The role of religion in fantasy MMORPGs is one of the great untapped goldmines that can be used to augment character advancement and give context to the culture/lore of the …
Chasing the money changers from the temple
Although the news of SOE's decision to faciliate the sale and exchange of items, money and characters is a few weeks old I and <a href="http://www.grimwell.com/index.php?action=fullnews&id=279">others</a> who comment on the …
Should PVP be it’s own reward?
Recently Blizzard introduced the long-awaited Honor System into the <a href="http://www.worldofwarcraft.com/">World of Warcraft</a> MMORPG. The Honor System seems to be an attempt to motivate players into participating into an unending …