Hidden Ticks

Thinking without thinking-sifting through the dense and at times passive progression curves there is an underlying adaptive unconsciousness influencing and steering our thoughts along the way. Our unconscious seeks out to find and eventually recognize hidden ticks before we consciously see them. For a better idea of what I’m talking about read three of my own ticks.

Does anyone else value this shared experience? When I explore or consume an area I need some reassurance and I’m continually looking for it. I want other players to “give a damn” about the area and our shared experience-not how erect their stats are. I’m looking for something to enjoy, if an area is empty it doesn’t matter how expansive it is I still get an empty feeling. Areas need to be presentable; they must deliver a message; exude constant regale and entice me.

Where are the quality players and what are they doing? How can we cross paths? I need to see and read about other players engaging in the world. If I’m going to spend my weekends in your leveling bar I need to find other players with common interests that might lead to later hook ups. Debating among the crowd whether or not another leveling bar serves better flaming shots while I go out alone and collect rat ears and clean, fold, and deliver more laundry is not a good way to meet like-minded friends; however, it’s a good way to work on my ignore list and start disliking your bar.

How can developers provide that environment when everyone has different tastes?

One thing, I don’t see often enough in mmogs is to employ more random events that feel epic and bring a crowd together to strive towards a common goal. The only bridge to the city is being attacked and will be destroyed if we don’t pull together and save the bridge. If we don’t we face the consequence of a destroyed bridge. Yes, the bridge is destroyed, albeit repairable. That doesn’t sound as exciting as becoming Jack Bauer for ten minutes and diffusing bombs at the bottom of a dam left by Dark Iron Insurgents but it is if developers disguise such events to feel epic. Looks can be deceiving.

What’s my purpose? Better yet, what’s our purpose? This is the big one; of course, one purpose is to prove our worth and this is done by completing boring chores. All players need to feel a sense of purpose, but what we all lack is a larger purpose in the world. I would like another purpose besides leveling and collect uber hats that make me cast larger fireballs or stab things harder. (more dps!)

Keeping the local enemy deterrents in check; like repelling the local bandit camp. Availing this threat time and time again is not a quest, it is a dull chore; it isn’t heroic or all that fun; many other players are doing the same boring chore in my face and the dangerous bandits never go away or devise a new plan. Why can’t they at least make friends with the Kobolds and move to another nearby spot? Fucking idiots!

Don’t forget all the powerful guards standing around and do nothing but supervise and command. “Hey random chore dispenser, I see why you can’t kill those bandits yourself, you enjoy standing around, not sleeping and well, not doing much of anything. You need a schedule.” Shit, I have more of a life than you. I know every npc can’t have a complex schedule, but damn, developers could do better.

What I’m doing is it important or how am I making an impact? Sure the levels and the items tell me I am, but what about the world? What about my fellow players, we can’t all be the hero at the same time, but items and levels aren’t the only way to pay attention to me and other players.

Developers need to study the player’s unconscious streams and pay attention to them.

Two other lasting thoughts from this post.

Everything communicates.
The little things matter – overtime they add up.