An open discsusion on the consequences of death

[AmyRae]

Labeling something a "Timesink" is subjective, and nothing more than a copied and inexplicit reply. Because I say, it is NOT a timesink and adds to not only immersion into the game, but also changes how everyone in the game plays.

First of all, it's pretty "immersion breaking" when the guy you just watched die is standing next you a few moments later like everything was fine. Usually dead means forever dead. So, let's not kid ourselves with what reality has to offer.

Second of all, the penalty for death in an MMO is always time. Always. Even if it's something like XP or damaged gear, it always takes time to recover what you lost (leveling back up, or coming up with gil for the damages, etc.). If the time penalty for dying is too light, you don't fear death as much.

Now, would it be nice if people took their character's death more seriously? You may be able to make a case for that. But you have to account for the people who do like to solo in this game, and there was really nothing quite so frustrating in FFXI like having a half-hour's worth of solo XP wiped away from an untimely death. Putting in an SP penalty would add a frustration to this game that doesn't exist and those who play solo don't miss.

[BadJoeRed]

First of all, it's pretty "immersion breaking" when the guy you just watched die is standing next you a few moments later like everything was fine. Usually dead means forever dead. So, let's not kid ourselves with what reality has to offer.

You make some very good points. I should have just copied some of the great arguments from zam onto here, but I'm being apathetic at the moment. Without going into too much detail, I just meant immersion as in the seriousness of the moment. C'mon, I don't think anyone who uses the term 'immersion' is misusing the word so much that they forget they are playing a video game. ;p I just meant immersion as in; There you are, about to take on Kirin for the first time, you read your strategies, you prepped yourself for the fight, you've talked with your LS mates about strategy beforehand, you are ready to get some, because you know it is about to be a time for glory, or a time to fail miserably and lose lots of exp while reflecting on what you could do better next time to minimize the damage. With no penalty, it loses so much. It turns into, "Hey guise, lets go kill this big horned demon thing, just zerg it, let's see what happens" not very fun =\

Also regarding your 3rd paragraph which I didn't quote, Yes, for the most part, I just need to see something that would make people take their deaths more seriously. Soloing is a bad example in this game at the moment. If anyone has problems soloing "I.T." mobs in this game, I can understand why they would not want a SP penalty. Soloing in this game is gawdawful easy.

Didnt read every post in this topic, but what was your overall opinion of how it should be?