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Промоакции для игроков не только в шутерах — воспользуйся промокодом Vavada от наших партнеров и получи бонусы, которые подарят азарт и атмосферу, сравнимую с игровыми победами.

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BoB is Dead

What glorious news is this? Band of Brothers is was a group of mostly elder EVE Online players that acted the playground bully for the last few years. They destroyed the alliance I was in (ASCN) and pretty much stuck their hands into anything they could mess with. It’s all part of the game, sure, but they had a knack for making things that were once fun – well not so much any more.

I have just heard the news that their alliance has been destroyed thanks to the Goons.

BoB is dead! BoB is dead! Let them shout from the rooftops! BoB is dead. For now.

– Ethic

Audience Effects

Misaimed Fandom is when the audience takes irony as endorsement or likes a character the author meant to be problematic. The classic example is Milton: Satan is the bad guy of Paradise Lost. If you enjoyed Achievement Unlocked with no sense of irony, you were engaging in misaimed fandom.

The tropers note the characters of Rei and Kaworu Neon Genesis: Evangelion. They are pale, creepy, and emotionally stunted, and therefore not intended to be sympathetic, sexualized (Rules 34 and 36 aside), or fan favorites. The creators missed two things: (1) they are the nicest people in the series; (2) many otaku are pale, creepy, and emotionally stunted.

What examples would you cite as misaimed fandom in gaming? PETA’s Thanksgiving Cooking Mama parody was meant to make you sick, but children enjoyed its gooey, over-the-top violence. Other games have meant to sicken you with violence but instead provided hours of gore-soaked enjoyment for the masses. Hard moral choices lead to “hey, watch what I can do to this old lady” moments. Was You Have to Burn the Rope really meant as a Portal parody?

: Zubon

Exploits or Creativity in Moria?

I just reached level 60 in Lord of the Rings Online, and this happens to be my first max-level character in a Diku-style MMO.  I was really excited to gearshift to the Mines of Moria endgame, which currently consists of a few dungeons, a few epic quests, and the Watcher in the Water.  My first two endgame experiences really threw me for a loop.  Were we playing as intended?

Continue reading Exploits or Creativity in Moria?

The Player’s Advocate

A lot of people could be the player’s advocate to the developers in MMOs.  Forumites say a lot of things, but the focus is about as good as a room full of overtired, over-caffeinated toddlers.  Bloggers write with better focus, but we are full of ourselves.  Playtime and sales statistics have extreme focus, but they don’t tell the developers anything human.  The best player advocates, I believe, are the often overlooked, often assaulted community managers.

Continue reading The Player’s Advocate

Peacebringer, Warshade, Arachnos Soldier, Arachnos Widow

No other subscription-based MMORPG that I am aware of has ever added 4 new careers to its game as part of a regular update/addon/free expansion.
– Mark Jacobs

City of Heroes came out in 2004. They added four new archetypes to the game before Warhammer released. They also never cut them during beta.

: Zubon

Hat tip to The Common Sense Gamer for the quote.

Happy 2nd Birthday Vanguard: SOH

Sony Online Entertainment and Sigil Games Online today announced that the upcoming massively multiplayer online role-playing game Vanguard: Saga of Heroes will be released to retail outlets across North America and Europe on January 30, 2007, for the suggested retail price of US$49.99. A limited edition is also available for a suggested retail price of US$89.99.

Currently in beta, Vanguard: Saga of Heroes features vibrant environments reminiscent of oil paintings, a robust character customization tool and three distinct spheres of advancement in a seamless world without zoning or instancing. The immersive fantasy world is comprised of three massive, uniquely-themed continents for players to discover new creatures, new items and unlimited adventure. Players have complete freedom to roam the world whether flying dragons to islands in the sky or riding swift steeds to exotic lands.

“We are excited about delivering an MMO with immersive gameplay features that bring new depth and fun to the genre,” said Brad McQuaid, CEO, Sigil Games Online. “Vanguard gives players the chance to live in a breathtaking world and try new things such as our diplomacy system and our unique approach to crafting. We’re proud to be delivering this level of great gameplay for years to come.”

“SOE is pleased to be working with Sigil to bring the eagerly anticipated Vanguard to fruition,” said John Smedley, President, Sony Online Entertainment, “Vanguard not only broadens our product portfolio in the online space, but will also be a welcomed addition to our already value packed all-in-one Station Access subscription line-up.”

Still alive.

Update: Good re-review and a free trial.

– Ethic