First,
Sorry I was not posting over the weekends. I doubt you will really see me post then as that is MY PLAY TIME hee hee hee. I have a lot of things I want to post about but reminded myself that I took on the 20 Days and am coninueing to press forward even if I am condensing the time space continuum to do it...we sort of anyhow.
So here we are working on Day 16, the things I miss Post Cata. Honestly folks I am not sure I miss anything per se. See, I rerolled completely and the best part about Cata was the 1 - 60 storyline for most of the races involved. I love the fact I can fly ANYWHERE, yes it is awesome. Pre Cata I wasn't very interested in Raids so I really didn't miss much there. I do have one thing I miss though over all. It will sound strange as hell, but see it ties into my world Azeroth viewpoint. I miss having to rely on Guilds and on servers to get your instances done. MHORGRIM WTF OVER??? Seriously dude? We getz da fast gearz now you idiot! Your right, you do. But I remember when even a low level blue was awesome to have for quite awhile and you felt you earned it. I also remember the days that you minded your manners a bit more since you got a bad reputation as a ninja looter or Ass Hat for your attitudes. See I miss the sense of community which has often been lost when we do cross server PuGs. I mean people don't have to be decent, they'll never see you again so who cares? Plus now getting all Rare Gear or better is a friggen breeze for leveling so again, who cares?
It is only my most arrogant opinion that the LFD tool is actually counter productive towards server wide community. When we loose the sense of community we don't communicate or interact. To be honest, when I'm not running with guilds but doing PuGs, I feel like its me and a bunch of ill behaved minions that are artificially created with preset responses like in a solo game. Also, what ever happened to interesting Trade Chat beyond WTS [insert item] or WoW Gold Sellers. With the exception of Stormwind or Ogrimmar, many of the Hub Cities are barren as well since you really don't need them anymore. Ok, so from the social aspect, things aren't quite what they used to be. People aren't liable for thier actions because unless you are a serious Raider, you don't really have to interact per se. Guilds are great as well, but unless your guild has a social aspect to it where you are actually chattin for wait for it *ZOMG* the sake of knowing one another beyond Raid Commands.
I'm not bustin on Blizz for this, but I think this is something that has to do with some of the jaded view points out there. Now friends, understand I belong to a social guild that wants to raid casually. This suits me. I chose this group because they were in fact real life friends. So that's ok for me. But I just notice subtle changes in attitudes from those around, ergo my one thing I miss from Pre Cata days, you actually had to interact back then.
Anyone else experience the same results from their servers as well? I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts.
And with that, I bid you all success in every endeavor.
Oh, By the way, most of the weekend I was working on my pvp feral kitty Damios, but have picked up my shield again with Mhorgrim for more leveling fun now that the wife is focusing on her Boomkin Druid again. I'll have more on that tomorrow. Take care all!!!!
Monday, April 4, 2011
Friday, April 1, 2011
Sexism and harrassment - MMO Style
Guys want chicks to play WoW with them. Guys love this, it means a cute ass is in front of them and a virtual babe which is real because hey...girl is behind the keyboard. This is SO HOT! and hey...maybe if I play my virtual nerd cards right, I can get me some bowchicawowow!!!! At least maybe in game. sort of. And that's where the sexism begins. This tends to be the most blatant form. But even the mmo industry game design supports this. Females always look better in robes than males, ergo female toons tend to be casters of one sort or another. Funnel mechanism right there folks. Armor of any sort that looks like lingerie rather than something that keeps a toon alive or would seem extremely uncomfortable ( a plate thong.... is that possible?). Very well endowed female toons. Even when slide bars are available...it aint that much difference. Just hose creation points makes it the nerd guy's dream. But folks that's only the beginning and it concerns me. I mean, I do allow my kids to play the game. What message does that send them? For certain when my daughter was under 18 I would have made her throw out anything that would be overtly revealing such as mini skirts/midriff tops etc. I'm old fashioned that way. Should I think any different in a game that might allow such conduct to go on?
You are asking yourself...where did this all come from? Well, today I was surfing through allot of Blogs. The Greedy Goblin got me started. At first I was agreeing with the fact that honestly if you are carrying your significant other in game especially for raids, you are pretty much wrong. But then the tone became rater sexist to the point of...why would I date a girl if she isn't skilled like me? My personal feelings on this particular subject will have to wait for another time. I'll leave you the reader to make your own decision on what you feel about Devlon's ideas. Suffice to say, it got me thinking about how male and female interaction occurs in game.
Then I came across this post from In Character an RP focused Blog. What struck me the worst was the commentary about rape, flirtations, sexual advances or gurls suxz attitudes. My reply in that blog had more to do with the customer service from the GM's but my personal thoughts went back to the shitty make attitudes that were thrown about. Look, I'm an older guy. I don't tolerate disrespect of women. My wife plays and I'll get down right ornery with people who are rude to her based upon her being a woman, which does still happen. Oh, I know she can give as much as she takes, but the caveman in me still does the whole protective attitude even if it's in a virtual universe.
But really, has the Internet created monsters out of little boys? A real man doesn't need to portray such shitty attitudes, or at least I wouldn't think it's necessary. I'm no knight in shining armor, nor am I a prude in the least. But outrageous conduct is a sorry ass sham of being so anonymous that no one has to worry. If it's typed in, I wonder what the real person is like? Is this what they harbor deep inside? To hurt and abuse the opposite gender? Or make a hostile environment towards those of other racial background? Hey shit talkin is ok. Between consenting folks the whole ERP thing is ok if that 's what gets them hot as long as its done in a non public manner. What concerns me is a new social dynamic of mistreatment to the point of dehumanization. This bothers me.
So, in the community abroad I pose a set of questions to each of you.
1. Is sexual harassment an issue that needs to be addressed?
2. Should developers seriously cater to a much more conservative view of the female needs such as less revealing clothing or less objectified female toon looks?
3. Should the GM's of a given mmo have a priority list for sexual harassment allegations with a means of proof and a means of dealing with such crass behavior?
4. Overall, what are your opinions of allowing females to feel welcome in the nerd's world of video game mmo mayhem and murder?
I am honestly interested in reader opinion and would like to see a healthy discussion ensue.
You are asking yourself...where did this all come from? Well, today I was surfing through allot of Blogs. The Greedy Goblin got me started. At first I was agreeing with the fact that honestly if you are carrying your significant other in game especially for raids, you are pretty much wrong. But then the tone became rater sexist to the point of...why would I date a girl if she isn't skilled like me? My personal feelings on this particular subject will have to wait for another time. I'll leave you the reader to make your own decision on what you feel about Devlon's ideas. Suffice to say, it got me thinking about how male and female interaction occurs in game.
Then I came across this post from In Character an RP focused Blog. What struck me the worst was the commentary about rape, flirtations, sexual advances or gurls suxz attitudes. My reply in that blog had more to do with the customer service from the GM's but my personal thoughts went back to the shitty make attitudes that were thrown about. Look, I'm an older guy. I don't tolerate disrespect of women. My wife plays and I'll get down right ornery with people who are rude to her based upon her being a woman, which does still happen. Oh, I know she can give as much as she takes, but the caveman in me still does the whole protective attitude even if it's in a virtual universe.
But really, has the Internet created monsters out of little boys? A real man doesn't need to portray such shitty attitudes, or at least I wouldn't think it's necessary. I'm no knight in shining armor, nor am I a prude in the least. But outrageous conduct is a sorry ass sham of being so anonymous that no one has to worry. If it's typed in, I wonder what the real person is like? Is this what they harbor deep inside? To hurt and abuse the opposite gender? Or make a hostile environment towards those of other racial background? Hey shit talkin is ok. Between consenting folks the whole ERP thing is ok if that 's what gets them hot as long as its done in a non public manner. What concerns me is a new social dynamic of mistreatment to the point of dehumanization. This bothers me.
So, in the community abroad I pose a set of questions to each of you.
1. Is sexual harassment an issue that needs to be addressed?
2. Should developers seriously cater to a much more conservative view of the female needs such as less revealing clothing or less objectified female toon looks?
3. Should the GM's of a given mmo have a priority list for sexual harassment allegations with a means of proof and a means of dealing with such crass behavior?
4. Overall, what are your opinions of allowing females to feel welcome in the nerd's world of video game mmo mayhem and murder?
I am honestly interested in reader opinion and would like to see a healthy discussion ensue.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Because I ain't a total FanBoi - Stuff I wish WoW Had but it's ok.
First and foremost, I enjoy playing WoW. I love exploring the new places. I love beatin the hell out of someone on a battle field. When I kick ass in an instance, I am totally stoked. Some of the chain quests are really seriously fun to read and watch. But folks, I'm not a blind fanboi. I decided to hop on down to the MMO Melting Pot and found the said posting. It made me think, and of course I dropped a wall o' text for a reply. But then I got to thinking, What do I miss about other MMO's that I wish WoW would employ in their game to make the ultra mmo. Graphics were secondary concern, especially since I noticed that the world at large has improved.
But here are some things I really wish would change to make the game more...interesting. I want you to understand that these are mostly cosmetic in nature and primarily vanity items, though in some cases they are still actually usable:
Guild Cities and or player housing: Age of Conan did a totally kick ass job of creating sub instanced areas where up to 4 Player Cities could be developed. It was one helluva resource sink by the way...grind hell. But for me it was worth it. Your city advanced, wandering NPC's would walk about saying random chatter. All your crafting needs could be met within the cities to include an Auction house. Further more, dueling arenas with a guild hall could be obtained over time as guild rank was increased. Pets and mounts could be bought as well. Player Housing as they had in Star Wars Galaxies would be a huge bonus too. Certain trophies or items could "hung" on the walls for display as well as furniture items etc which created a whole new economy unto itself. This would be most useful on RP servers and perhaps PvP servers. I doubt so much on standard PvE servers it would be of much use since there is no reason to have a guild meeting toon to toon. Vent works well enough for that purpose.
Re coloration of Gear: Neverwinter Nights and Dark Age of Camelot had the ability to dye your clothing and armors. Look, I guess I'm a fashion nazi in this aspect but I HATE non color coordinated armor. It really pisses me off. If our Alchemists or Tailors could create dyes that we could add to change our armor colors I think that would kick ass. Yes, I'm vain, get over it. Why not fight in style? We already have Uber shoulders and weapons, gimme some coordination ability.
Character Customization: Wizards that are Conan...really? Every Human male, every Draeni, every Night Elf, every Orc. They are all shaped like Conan. Lemme make em skinny or fat. Let me change the way their faces are built. We got different haircuts which was awesome, but how bout more facial or body styles. It couldn't be that hard to set skinny, muscular, or fat. Faces need more variety as well. I'm not asking for the slide bar ability for each feature, but lets add a few more for variety. this would go a long way in Aesthetics.
Languages Learned: SWG had a thing when it first came out, to talk to different races, you needed to learn their language. this was done by progressing through talking to a native speaker and bits and pieces were learned over time. Now that would be interesting. There have been many times in the Lore portion of WoW that Orcs and Humans spoke to one another. I haven't figured out why it hasn't happened in game. Make it difficult enough that it takes lengthy or several conversations (ie several hours played in game) to really get to know the conversations. This would bring a new dynamic in RP, PVE, PVP.
Now friends, I am aware none of these things are ever going to happen. It takes the Devs time and money invested to create new compatible coding. It is far easier to throw new instances and new gear which is largely static in nature than to stretch out what might be new ground. This is ok, I understand this as the laws of geometric game development are able to do. But if I had a wish list to add into the game, these would be the areas I would want to see put into action. Will this stop me from playing WoW? HELL NO! Will it allow me to explore and dream up new ideas? YES. Ok, nuff said for now, I'll be back later.
But here are some things I really wish would change to make the game more...interesting. I want you to understand that these are mostly cosmetic in nature and primarily vanity items, though in some cases they are still actually usable:
Guild Cities and or player housing: Age of Conan did a totally kick ass job of creating sub instanced areas where up to 4 Player Cities could be developed. It was one helluva resource sink by the way...grind hell. But for me it was worth it. Your city advanced, wandering NPC's would walk about saying random chatter. All your crafting needs could be met within the cities to include an Auction house. Further more, dueling arenas with a guild hall could be obtained over time as guild rank was increased. Pets and mounts could be bought as well. Player Housing as they had in Star Wars Galaxies would be a huge bonus too. Certain trophies or items could "hung" on the walls for display as well as furniture items etc which created a whole new economy unto itself. This would be most useful on RP servers and perhaps PvP servers. I doubt so much on standard PvE servers it would be of much use since there is no reason to have a guild meeting toon to toon. Vent works well enough for that purpose.
Re coloration of Gear: Neverwinter Nights and Dark Age of Camelot had the ability to dye your clothing and armors. Look, I guess I'm a fashion nazi in this aspect but I HATE non color coordinated armor. It really pisses me off. If our Alchemists or Tailors could create dyes that we could add to change our armor colors I think that would kick ass. Yes, I'm vain, get over it. Why not fight in style? We already have Uber shoulders and weapons, gimme some coordination ability.
Character Customization: Wizards that are Conan...really? Every Human male, every Draeni, every Night Elf, every Orc. They are all shaped like Conan. Lemme make em skinny or fat. Let me change the way their faces are built. We got different haircuts which was awesome, but how bout more facial or body styles. It couldn't be that hard to set skinny, muscular, or fat. Faces need more variety as well. I'm not asking for the slide bar ability for each feature, but lets add a few more for variety. this would go a long way in Aesthetics.
Languages Learned: SWG had a thing when it first came out, to talk to different races, you needed to learn their language. this was done by progressing through talking to a native speaker and bits and pieces were learned over time. Now that would be interesting. There have been many times in the Lore portion of WoW that Orcs and Humans spoke to one another. I haven't figured out why it hasn't happened in game. Make it difficult enough that it takes lengthy or several conversations (ie several hours played in game) to really get to know the conversations. This would bring a new dynamic in RP, PVE, PVP.
Now friends, I am aware none of these things are ever going to happen. It takes the Devs time and money invested to create new compatible coding. It is far easier to throw new instances and new gear which is largely static in nature than to stretch out what might be new ground. This is ok, I understand this as the laws of geometric game development are able to do. But if I had a wish list to add into the game, these would be the areas I would want to see put into action. Will this stop me from playing WoW? HELL NO! Will it allow me to explore and dream up new ideas? YES. Ok, nuff said for now, I'll be back later.
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