Stop the Grind-to-the-Endgame madness!

[Tricksy]

The sad part about all of this is Dulle is right.

Why does a specific set of players want to force other players to slow down? Because they know that this is a rat race no matter how you slice it, no matter how hard or enjoyable you make it. People like being max level, and many will rush to do so as soon as possible.

That leaves those who wish to stop and smell the roses:
A) In the minority.
B) Feeling left behind.

And some of those who would rush regardless don't like expedient levels because:

A) Can't feel superior when the average player hits level cap quickly.
B) They have to share their levels and endgame content with the [strike]unwashed[/strike] unskilled masses.

That's the sum of it. There's nothing constructive at all in dragging out the level content. You can fill it in with optional things that you may enjoy along the way, and that's fine. Fights that are worthwhile, loot that will entice you to stay just for collection's sake. Stories that you want to savor. That's all well in good.

But trying to drag players done for any of the above reasons listed is just fool hearty. We're not in the business of discouraging people. So long as it's not hurting others let people play the way they want - even if that means they don't want to play with you, or play your way.

I disagree, I think it is a strong aspect of a video games story to slowly become the hero, not become a master in a few weeks or less. In an MMO its even more important that we feel we are slowly growing and learning.

It becaomes doubly useful when interesting and deep mid level content is availiable throughout this leveling process.

I guess that is an old way to look at an MMO though. Some people think they should quickly get through the leveling process and on to grinding endgame content. Personally I feel this destroys immersion and the rpg factor and makes the game like a lobby action game. Oh well

[Duelle]

I disagree, I think it is a strong aspect of a video games story to slowly become the hero, not become a master in a few weeks or less. In an MMO its even more important that we feel we are slowly growing and learning.

This can be done through storylines and quests presented. That's where you can get real tangible character growth, which can go hand in hand with leveling if properly implemented. XIV in part is already doing this with the way the job quests work. It just needs to be polished and taken further as we progress. It also makes our characters part of a story, which is something that is lost very easily in grind-based MMOs, despite it being a key aspect of the RPG.