A Class Balance Manifesto for Virtual Worlds
After playing traditional fantasy MMORPG's for over 6 years, I have come to believe that a class system is an important foundation for how we classify and organize the players …
Vanguard Forums: The Importance of Immersion
Immersion is very important to me. The suspension of disbelief is critical into buying into a virtual world. I’m a big fan of details, polish and the little things that …
The Day the Loot Stopped Dropping
What would happen if suddenly all the loot stopped dropping in your favorite MMORPG? Would there be widespread panic in the streets? Would your online world come to a grinding …
Fanguard Beta Report: Keepers of the Flame
For the past few years something has been amiss in the world of fantasy online gaming. Like Galadriel of the Lord of the Rings, we can sense the world has …
Vanguard Forums: Realism vs. Immersion
Realism is really just consistent, believable sets of laws and conditions that govern the particular virtual world that you are inhabiting. Let’s say you are playing a game that is …
The Voice of Technology
The seductive siren song of technological progress constantly beckons. Medicine, industry, commerce, and entertainment are all driven by the promises that scientific advancement brings. Many think that technology is advancing …
Paying it Forward in MMORPGs
Over the weekend, I finally watched a film that had been on my “to watch” list for the last few years: Pay It Forward. I had always shied away from …
Vanguard Forums: Why MMO’s Should Hire Real Fantasy Writers
I think Sigil is making a huge mistake if they are going to pattern their fantasy world after real world cultures. At least in Norrath in the original EQ the …
Vanguard Forums: Remember when we were just players?
Splendid post Darthmidget. I think you made an excellent summary of what makes a good MMORPG. Eventually most current WoW players will come to the same conclusion that you have …
Vanguard Forums: Convenience Driven MMO’s
Some interesting ideas here. I think that as long as we have mobs that respawn we’re going to have players that find the zones where they can reap the maximum …
Vanguard: Brad responds
As a frequent participant over at the Vanguard: Saga of Heroes discussion forums it’s no secret that I have been questioning Sigil’s decision to use the culture and geography of …
Vanguard: On Religion and Deities in MMO’s
The role of religion in fantasy MMORPGs is one of the great untapped goldmines that can be used to augment character advancement and give context to the culture/lore of the …
Chasing the money changers from the temple
Although the <a href="http://eqlive.station.sony.com/news_section/newsview.jsp?story=50007">news</a> of SOE's decision to <a href="http://stationexchange.station.sony.com/">faciliate</a> the sale and exchange of items, money and characters is a few weeks old I and <a href="http://www.grimwell.com/index.php?action=fullnews&id=279">others</a> who comment …
Should PVP be it’s own reward?
Recently Blizzard introduced the long-awaited <a href="http://www.worldofwarcraft.com/pvp/pvp-article-part2.html">Honor System</a> into the <a href="http://www.worldofwarcraft.com/">World of Warcraft</a> MMORPG. The Honor System seems to be an attempt to motivate players into participating into an …
I Believe
What is it about the concept of belief that captivates the imagination of the human race? I can recall many instances even in cinematic history that demonstrate belief. Alastair Sim’s …
WoW: Dishonorable Discharge
Yesterday Blizzard introduced the long awaited Honor System to it’s World of Warcraft MMORPG. Needless to say this new dynamic has changed the entire character of the game for the …
PVP: The Scorpion and the Frog
Lately the dynamics of encounters in PVP games has intrigued me. Recently I had the priviledge of experiencing PVP first hand in the newest and most successful MMORPG: World of …
Experience: what is it and why is it?
Today I read an interesting thread on the Vanguard: Saga of Heroes game design forums entitled “Increased XP based on time in zone”. The original poster had an idea to …
Hail and well met fellow traveller!
Hail and well met! Welcome to Wolfshead Online! This blog is about online gaming design and with particular focus on concepts such as virtual worlds, immersion and building community. Let …
Vanguard forums: Challenges Facing the MMO Industry
Greetings all! Since I started lurking and finally posting to these boards I have come to realize that this board has some of most perceptive, intelligent posters I’ve ever seen …
Sigil Forums: Regarding Blizzard’s Decision for Two Factions in WoW
I think it’s time to leave the EverQuest mentality behind. In the real world freedom is tempered by responsibility. No such paradigm exists in EQ as players are actually encouraged …