Garrett Blacknova
Codex Troopers
2643
   |
Posted - 2013.04.30 10:57:00 -
[1] - Quote
Keyser Soze VerbalKint wrote:I get that MMO and RPG grinding is part of the culture but ask yourself why this is? Does it serve any purpose other than to artificially extend the life of a game in which the content is limited by what the devs put into it.
Actually, there is another purpose. It's important in RPGs, and it's actually important in a meta-focused FPS like DUST, but because such games are rare, it's something that will be overlooked - particularly by experienced shooter veterans.
Having a reasonable level of grinding forces players to skill up with the in-game mechanics before they can get into the high-level metagame. It's like in most MMOs, you need to grind through levels with (usually simple) quests to reach the "endgame" content. A lot of players don't see you as a real player until you're leveled up enough to join in on this final stage, and they view the rest of the game as a tutorial.
For DUST, the "endgame" is FW and PC, and while FW is going to cater to players at lower levels as well, PC will be all about top-tier equipment, in-game and metagame politics, and the financial game. You need to make sure a player going into Planetary Conquest either a) knows they're rushing into something that's probably beyond them, or b) is prepared for what they're getting into. How do you do this? MAKE THEM GRIND FIRST.
a) Over-confident shooter vet tries getting into PC or a high-level FW battle, gets dominated - partly because they aren't familiar with the game controls and mechanics, but also partly because their skill isn't enough to overcome the combined gear and SP advantage their opponents will have.
b) After realising they need to work at it a bit, the player "grinds" in instant battles and lower-tier Faction Warfare, getting a better knowledge of the maps and core gameplay, before tackling the higher-level fights again. They also meet other players, some of whom work well together. This skilled gamer finds that coordinating with teammates is almost as valuable as individual skill, and can sometimes be even more important. They join a Corp, which in turn is part of an Alliance, and armed with greater knowledge and better backup, they find themselves part of a group carving out their own place in New Eden's history.
a) Novice shooter player doesn't even try throwing themselves into the high-level FW, let alone PC. They know that would be beyond their skills - both actual and in-game. Even in the beginner matches, they're getting an average of about 1:1 K/D, with a similarly balanced W/L ratio.
b) It takes a while just to get a stable W/L ratio, maybe building up their K/D (depending on role) as well. As the new player gets a bit of confidence, they might move into lower-level FW battles, starting to build a reputation as a solid player, if not a great one. Working their way up the FW ranks, the player will get to know others, and if they network and manage the political aspects of the playerbase well, they might find themselves in a high-level Corp, possibly even working into a leadership position if they're smart and the Corp respects that over individual skill.
TL;DR version
DUST's grind serves a valid purpose in giving players experience (real experience, not experience "points"), a solid understanding of game mechanics, and time to learn the game's political landscape and how that differentiates it from most shooters. |
Garrett Blacknova
Codex Troopers
2644
|
Posted - 2013.04.30 12:35:00 -
[2] - Quote
KEROSIINI-TERO wrote:About the 'end game where all the interest and fun lies for every player'
People have so many different motives. Even tho many veterans are going for PC, it does not mean every player has to do it.
Previosly the was assumption that zero.zero gameplay was the endgame of Eve and assumption that every player wants to and should head there. The assuption was dead wrong. Having large and deep enough game let's players drift to do what they want.
Me and my corpmates, for example, are not that interested in PC but rather waiting for Rogue Drones PVE. Okay we might help some friends if they need fillers but simple one squad ambushes or even solo ambs will do for us in the months to come.
When did I say that PC was the only endgame?
FW and PC isn't the same as just PC.
And PvE isn't coming in Uprising, or I would have included that as part of the endgame list. I was only talking about current or almost-current features of the game, not something that's probably still a year away. |