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Originally Posted by Tred  So you're saying just because you don't think a game is fun doesn't necessarily mean the game itself is shitty then? |
Exactly. I didn't think WoW was fun, but I still think the game is very well designed. Just because a game doesn't cater to my specific needs doesn't mean the game itself is shitty.
I'm sure very few MMORPG designers do it, but the industry has target markets just like every other industry. The game's focus really determines which type of players you are catering to.
If you're developing a PVP MMORPG you need to understand that you are primarily trying to cater to competitive players and that you're competition extends OUTSIDE of MMORPG's to games appealing to the same playerbase. For example, first person shooters or real time strategy games would be competition for a PVP MMORPG.
The draw of a PVP MMORPG over say, a first person shooter / real time strategy game is that it also incorporates a system of achievement where you can continuously improve upon your character. That means the primary thing that would keep people playing a PVP MMORPG over another competitive game like a first person shooter is character advancement and to a lesser degree the social aspect of an MMORPG. You're catering to people who like the competition and also like the ability the improve their characters.
That means a quality system of character advancement whether it be through gained abilities or gear should be the #1 priority when making a PVP MMORPG. It's the main thing that will keep people playing. Another very important factor is balance and maintaining the integrity of the competition. In truth, it's a lot harder to design a PVP focused MMORPG then a PVE one and your potential target market is smaller.
