Topic: MMO Design
New with Topic: MMO Design
SynCaine posted a blog entry
DarkFall: “Conquer the Seas” Expansion first impressions
With one gaming-heavy weekend over, I’m going to talk about what Conquer the Seas has brought to DarkFall, but first let me...
With one gaming-heavy weekend over, I’m going to talk about what Conquer the Seas has brought to DarkFall, but first let me...
SynCaine posted a blog entry
DarkFall: Kraken eats a ship video.
This looks like it might be a tiny bit of fun…:head re-explodes)(No expansion on NA still, plus some...
This looks like it might be a tiny bit of fun…:head re-explodes)(No expansion on NA still, plus some...
Wilhelm2451 posted a blog entry
The Catch in the Free-to-Play Model
Proponents of the free-to-play, cash shop, and micropayments financed philosophy of online games like to point out what they...
Proponents of the free-to-play, cash shop, and micropayments financed philosophy of online games like to point out what they...
4 days ago
The Ancient Gaming Noob
| Topics: Dungeons & Dragons..., MMO Design, Other PC..., entertainment
The Ancient Gaming Noob
| Topics: Dungeons & Dragons..., MMO Design, Other PC..., entertainmentSynCaine posted a blog entry
Reasons to skip SW:TOR, +1.
While I’ll very likely be skipping SW:TOR for a few reasons (It’s SW, it’s ‘casual’, it’s a mega-themepark), the...
While I’ll very likely be skipping SW:TOR for a few reasons (It’s SW, it’s ‘casual’, it’s a mega-themepark), the...
SynCaine posted a blog entry
Passing MMO judgment
I few days ago a wrote a post about why I believe Warhammer Online failed to live up to it’s potential/hype, and Tobold took...
I few days ago a wrote a post about why I believe Warhammer Online failed to live up to it’s potential/hype, and Tobold took...
SynCaine posted a blog entry
DarkFall: Lessons from the fall of TRA
Sunday night saw VAMP and co (the alliance either has no name, or the name changes on a daily basis, so I’ll just refer to...
Sunday night saw VAMP and co (the alliance either has no name, or the name changes on a daily basis, so I’ll just refer to...
SynCaine posted a blog entry
DarkFall: CtS gets a Q&A and a release date.
Taking a break from tourist talk and doomed MMOs for a moment, lets talk about what really matters to MMO gamers,...
Taking a break from tourist talk and doomed MMOs for a moment, lets talk about what really matters to MMO gamers,...
SynCaine posted a blog entry
Mark Jacobs should have listened to his own blog.
File this one under “Dark Humor”, but Mark Jacob’s (former Warhammer Online lead designer) now-dead blog was called...
File this one under “Dark Humor”, but Mark Jacob’s (former Warhammer Online lead designer) now-dead blog was called...
SynCaine posted a blog entry
What caused Warhammer Online to fail?
Today Tobold is asking why Warhammer Online failed to live up to it’s mega-title expectations (expectations that I was...
Today Tobold is asking why Warhammer Online failed to live up to it’s mega-title expectations (expectations that I was...
SynCaine posted a blog entry
DarkFall: Spotlight on ship-related changes
For the TL:DR crowd, I’ll just sum up the new spotlight for you: bla bla bla pure gold bla bla bla.I’m curious to...
For the TL:DR crowd, I’ll just sum up the new spotlight for you: bla bla bla pure gold bla bla bla.I’m curious to...
SynCaine posted a blog entry
Life Evolution in the sandbox
Pacing and gameplay evolution are very important and at times overlooked factors in any MMO. The actions and motivations of a...
Pacing and gameplay evolution are very important and at times overlooked factors in any MMO. The actions and motivations of a...
SynCaine posted a blog entry
Why a sandbox makes life more difficult for a griefer
If you only know one thing about DarkFall, you likely know that a LOT of people just outright hate the game, or more...
If you only know one thing about DarkFall, you likely know that a LOT of people just outright hate the game, or more...
SynCaine posted a blog entry
DarkFall Community Publisher update
With the DarkFall Community Publisher initiative a week old, here are some initial thoughts:The link itself gets clicked quite...
With the DarkFall Community Publisher initiative a week old, here are some initial thoughts:The link itself gets clicked quite...
SynCaine posted a blog entry
Are you sure that’s really an expansion?
In the comments of a previous DarkFall-related post here, the question of whether the next update should be considered a patch...
In the comments of a previous DarkFall-related post here, the question of whether the next update should be considered a patch...
SynCaine posted a blog entry
DarkFall caravans = roaming mobs or economic tool?
So far so good on the DarkFall twitter front, with little updates on what certain teams are working on. I’ve said this...
So far so good on the DarkFall twitter front, with little updates on what certain teams are working on. I’ve said this...
SynCaine posted a blog entry
DarkFall expansion gets a release date, from Twitter
It’s a good thing Greeks don’t celebrate Thanksgiving, because it looks like the next DarkFall expansion is set for release...
It’s a good thing Greeks don’t celebrate Thanksgiving, because it looks like the next DarkFall expansion is set for release...
SynCaine posted a blog entry
Speaking of getting paid…
I find it funny people are wondering who would pay $20 for a gold guide when people are freely spending $10 (or more if you...
I find it funny people are wondering who would pay $20 for a gold guide when people are freely spending $10 (or more if you...
Wilhelm2451 posted a blog entry
A Theory of Fishing
A post in which I draw two points and declare there to be a line.Before I start, I just want to point out the humor tag on...
A post in which I draw two points and declare there to be a line.Before I start, I just want to point out the humor tag on...
SynCaine posted a blog entry
Enjoying the Dragon Age themepark, minus the sub fee.
Having read a fair amount of reviews and impressions of Dragon Age, I’m a bit confused by the complaint by some that it’s...
Having read a fair amount of reviews and impressions of Dragon Age, I’m a bit confused by the complaint by some that it’s...
SynCaine posted a blog entry
Bambie is coming to DarkFall!
Another day, another Spotlight, more drool in the drool cup.I’m happy that the wildlife coming to DarkFall will be part-time...
Another day, another Spotlight, more drool in the drool cup.I’m happy that the wildlife coming to DarkFall will be part-time...
SynCaine posted a blog entry
It’s now officially an expansion.
Each Spotlight post on the DarkFall forums about the upcoming expansion (it’s now officially an expansion in my mind, given...
Each Spotlight post on the DarkFall forums about the upcoming expansion (it’s now officially an expansion in my mind, given...
SynCaine posted a blog entry
And this little piggie went to market
I’ve written before that to most game companies, the only real voice a gamer has is his money. Word-of-mouth,...
I’ve written before that to most game companies, the only real voice a gamer has is his money. Word-of-mouth,...
SynCaine posted a blog entry
Little more Dragon Age, and some DDO F2P thoughts.
As I stated in my Dragon Age review, I was very impressed with the combat engine when, after finally defeating the first boss,...
As I stated in my Dragon Age review, I was very impressed with the combat engine when, after finally defeating the first boss,...
SynCaine posted a blog entry
Beyond flamebait, why Aion’s struggles benefit me.
On Friday I tossed out some flame bait with my post about Aion, and while it was mostly posted to cure Friday boredom (and not...
On Friday I tossed out some flame bait with my post about Aion, and while it was mostly posted to cure Friday boredom (and not...
SynCaine posted a blog entry
Monday Morning quick thoughts
This is a good read from a returning player to DarkFall, with the most important point coming in the comments: just like in any...
This is a good read from a returning player to DarkFall, with the most important point coming in the comments: just like in any...
Wilhelm2451 posted a blog entry
A Whole Lot of Apes
Our television has spent a surprising amount of time tuned to the Fox Movie Channel this weekend. Fox decided to run a...
Our television has spent a surprising amount of time tuned to the Fox Movie Channel this weekend. Fox decided to run a...
SynCaine posted a blog entry
Aion: Eminem’s “Kim” track, final verse, final line.
Watching Aion bleed out in record time is, to be honest, enjoyable for me.Part of that just comes from my general dislike that...
Watching Aion bleed out in record time is, to be honest, enjoyable for me.Part of that just comes from my general dislike that...
SynCaine posted a blog entry
DarkFall: Bounty Hunter event aftermath.
Last night the NA DarkFall server saw its first major player-driven event, a bounty hunter chase that went off very well...
Last night the NA DarkFall server saw its first major player-driven event, a bounty hunter chase that went off very well...
SynCaine posted a blog entry
More Aion vs Fallen Earth observations
The trending examples provided by the recently released Aion and Fallen Earth continue, and some interesting if not entirely...
The trending examples provided by the recently released Aion and Fallen Earth continue, and some interesting if not entirely...
SynCaine posted a blog entry
DDO: Too fast?
Am I the only one who thinks DDO would be a better game if everything inside a dungeon was at 50% speed?I think they have a...
Am I the only one who thinks DDO would be a better game if everything inside a dungeon was at 50% speed?I think they have a...
SynCaine posted a blog entry
More DarkFall expansion details
The bad news about the next DarkFall expansion/patch is that is has been delayed until mid-November. The good news is we have...
The bad news about the next DarkFall expansion/patch is that is has been delayed until mid-November. The good news is we have...
SynCaine posted a blog entry
Dealing with the undesirables of any MMO community.
Yesterday’s post was about the theory/dream of a persistent world with a reactive ecosystem, among other features. One of the...
Yesterday’s post was about the theory/dream of a persistent world with a reactive ecosystem, among other features. One of the...
SynCaine posted a blog entry
What the MMORPG genre could (and should) be.
Last Friday’s post, and the links in the comments to Raph Koster’s posts (here, here, and here) (Thanks Brian) about the...
Last Friday’s post, and the links in the comments to Raph Koster’s posts (here, here, and here) (Thanks Brian) about the...
SynCaine posted a blog entry
What buying Aion says about you
The MMO genre has many unique aspects that separate it from other gaming genres, with perhaps the ability of fans to shape...
The MMO genre has many unique aspects that separate it from other gaming genres, with perhaps the ability of fans to shape...
SynCaine posted a blog entry
Get to know Aventurine
Aventurine has launched their company website, and it’s actually worth taking a look at. From the initial page, with it’s...
Aventurine has launched their company website, and it’s actually worth taking a look at. From the initial page, with it’s...
SynCaine posted a blog entry
MMO fluff: What is it?
One of the more common complaints about DarkFall from the players actually playing the game is the lack of ‘fluff’ content,...
One of the more common complaints about DarkFall from the players actually playing the game is the lack of ‘fluff’ content,...
SynCaine posted a blog entry
Science proves why DarkFall > WoW.
Science talks about videogames and how they might affect your brain.The TLDR version as provided by my fiancé:WoW = easy =...
Science talks about videogames and how they might affect your brain.The TLDR version as provided by my fiancé:WoW = easy =...
SynCaine posted a blog entry
What’s that monthly fee really buying you?
Two different yet related items have sparked this post about why we pay a monthly fee; the upcoming release of Cities XL and...
Two different yet related items have sparked this post about why we pay a monthly fee; the upcoming release of Cities XL and...
SynCaine posted a blog entry
Niche and Mass Market: One big happy MMO genre
We are at an interesting point in history with MMOs, highlighted beautifully with the recent re-release of the Asian answer to...
We are at an interesting point in history with MMOs, highlighted beautifully with the recent re-release of the Asian answer to...
SynCaine posted a blog entry
Impact PvP: Are you part of the niche?
Due to the length of both Tobold’s post about impact PvP and my reply, I’ll just quote him below and write my response...
Due to the length of both Tobold’s post about impact PvP and my reply, I’ll just quote him below and write my response...
SynCaine posted a blog entry
The carebears of DarkFall.
At times (or maybe just on blogs/forums) we get too focused on the type of player we expect to play a certain MMO. WoW is for...
At times (or maybe just on blogs/forums) we get too focused on the type of player we expect to play a certain MMO. WoW is for...
SynCaine posted a blog entry
Aion end-game, way ahead of WoW and WAR.
Found this interview about Aion Abyss PvP after following a few links. After reading it, the WoW PvP grind pre honor revamp...
Found this interview about Aion Abyss PvP after following a few links. After reading it, the WoW PvP grind pre honor revamp...
SynCaine posted a blog entry
Day one accessibility from an unlikely source.
It’s something that has been said before, but it bears repeating: an MMO without levels is just infinitely more accessible...
It’s something that has been said before, but it bears repeating: an MMO without levels is just infinitely more accessible...
SynCaine posted a blog entry
When it comes to open beta, timing is key.
Out of all the open beta discussions that I’ve seen (is it a free trial, should it be given a pass because it’s a beta,...
Out of all the open beta discussions that I’ve seen (is it a free trial, should it be given a pass because it’s a beta,...
SynCaine posted a blog entry
Speaking of expansions that sounds good…
Not all State of the Game posts are created equal.Even in the cesspool that is ForumFall (and I mean that in a good way, its...
Not all State of the Game posts are created equal.Even in the cesspool that is ForumFall (and I mean that in a good way, its...
SynCaine posted a blog entry
WoW: Cataclysm, analysis with less snark.
Leaving the fun and games behind for a minute, it’s time for some ‘serious business’ talk about WoW’s next expansion,...
Leaving the fun and games behind for a minute, it’s time for some ‘serious business’ talk about WoW’s next expansion,...
SynCaine posted a blog entry
Warhammer Online: After almost a year, does Mythic finally get it?
I’ll fully admit I might be too close to this to see it clearly, but with that said, I’ve noticed a pattern in Mythic’s...
I’ll fully admit I might be too close to this to see it clearly, but with that said, I’ve noticed a pattern in Mythic’s...
112 days ago
Hardcore Casual
| Topics: Age of Conan, Dark Age of..., EVE Online, Lord of the Rings...
Hardcore Casual
| Topics: Age of Conan, Dark Age of..., EVE Online, Lord of the Rings...SynCaine posted a blog entry
Warhammer Online 1.3.1 patch: Will it fix Tier 4?
As frequent readers here know, I’ve been playing Warhammer Online casually for the last few months now, alongside DarkFall...
As frequent readers here know, I’ve been playing Warhammer Online casually for the last few months now, alongside DarkFall...
SynCaine posted a blog entry
Warhammer Online vs DarkFall: Combat
Expanding a bit on yesterdays post about combat, I think it will be worthwhile to compare what I currently do in Warhammer...
Expanding a bit on yesterdays post about combat, I think it will be worthwhile to compare what I currently do in Warhammer...
SynCaine posted a blog entry
Warhammer Online: The oRvR/Scenario tug-of-war
The topic of whether scenarios in Warhammer Online do more to harm the game than help/enhance it has been debated a few times...
The topic of whether scenarios in Warhammer Online do more to harm the game than help/enhance it has been debated a few times...
