Reflecting on SWTOR and XIV

[Abriael]

I don't think it's really insightful enough or complex to require such repetition.. do you?

Yep. I do, considering that the differences between two games are the base of this whole topic.

[Jadi]

Yep. I do, considering that the differences between two games are the base of this whole topic.

Umm alright... Well best keep at it then I guess mate. I'll get you a soap box..

[Deakka]

Animation lock, ability delay, and the complete lack of end game killed SWTOR. Also adding 5 minutes of cutscenes just for you to go outside and kill 5 whomp rats /=/ revolutionary. They had a good idea and a great license, but failed on the follow through. The ME dialogue wheel doesn't translate very well into MMO's. You can't have everlasting consequences in an MMO (like alignment switches from good to evil, or order to chaos) without breaking the game, thus the choices are purely cosmetic.

Also, I saw some mention of sandbox MMO's as being the future in this thread. That's always been the delusion. Sandbox MMO's are almost exclusively niche products. They may be the best thing in the world, but they draw upon such a small audience. You have to give new players some direction in order to get them hooked and keep them subscribing. The best would be a mix of theme park leveling/end game, and sandbox elements sprinkled in elsewhere. Get people in with an enticing story and familiar controls, keep them sucked in with the sandbox elements afterword. Player housing, chocobo raising, and things of that nature will appeal to the sandbox crowd.

[Abriael]

Umm alright... Well best keep at it then I guess mate. I'll get you a soap box..

Why, thank you.

[Abriael]

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Also, I saw some mention of sandbox MMO's as being the future in this thread. That's always been the delusion. Sandbox MMO's are almost exclusively niche products.

This is, unfortunately, rather true. I am absolutely in love with ArcheAge after trying the beta. I know I'll play the hell out of it as soon as it makes the trip to this side of the world.

But I also know that it'll never be a smash hit. Most gamers love instant gratification, and that's what theme park MMOs offer.