killtenrats
Latest
Economic shifts, new business models bring more options for MMO gamers
Tough economic times generally lead to shifts in perspective, and that's exactly the case with the MMO industry given much of the commentary we're seeing lately. In response to these changes in the economy, more companies -- and gamers -- are starting to rethink the alternative business models that have thrived in Asia, and which are increasingly making their way into the western MMO industry. And is that so surprising? Many gamers would like to be able to play more than one or two titles in a given month, but simply aren't able to due to the monthly subscription price (time concerns aside, of course).Ravious from Kill Ten Rats observes that while MMOs typically demand more of players than standard PC games (at least in terms of time), the wide variety of gaming options that Steam users have come to appreciate could certainly be applicable to MMOs, if other business models beyond monthly subscriptions become viable in the West. Ravious writes, "Whether it is from a Steam-driven library of games, an aging MMO population, an economic recession, or plenty of different business models coming in to the MMO world, I believe that the subscription model of today is nearly done being 'the way'."
Comparing GW's Guild Lord to WAR's Keep Lord
There's no denying the similarities between the Guild Lord in Guild Wars and the Keep Lord in Warhammer Online. They're fundamentally the same, whether you're involved in a Guild vs. Guild battle or a Keep assault, when you kill the Guild/Keep Lord, it's all over. In a recent article at Kill Ten Rats, the basic comparison is brought to the next level with an actual explanation of each category of comparisons, from Best Style to Best Loot System to Best Glory for the Winner.So if this aspect of either or both games has ever intrigued you, check out this article for some interesting analysis. Then next time you head out for that main assault on the Keep/Guild Hall, you'll be that much more prepared!
Are you ready for EVE Offline?
Zubon over at Kill Ten Rats has written a bit of commentary about skill training in EVE Online. As players subbing multiple accounts used for different purposes know (particularly when training up initial skills), a fair amount of time is spent logging in and switching skill training, and not always so much actual gameplay seen with those characters. So, he suggests the idea of "EVE Offline" -- an extension of the game, played via a website or accessible with a mobile phone. The point of EVE Offline would be to turn skill training into its own game, not a peripheral activity related to EVE's standard (client) gameplay. He presents this idea in the form of a CCP deal announcement, laying out the conditions and terms of the fictional EVE Offline. Tongue-in-cheek or is there a serious point? You decide. The post is ultimately a way of asking: How many EVE players essentially do this anyway with their characters, paying the full subscription price but not getting enough play time on those alts?
Breakfast Topic: Failing to succeed
Over at Kill Ten Rats, Zubon has brought up an interesting point about failure. So you're the best tank, or the best rogue, or the best mage you can be. You've played this role game after game -- the class names have changed, but your playstyle hasn't. Says Zubon:You are stuck in your comfort zone. You need to go out there and fail. Try a lot of things. A lot. You will be lousy at most of them and you will do dumb things. But a few of them will really work for you.What do you think? Are you stuck in a rut in the gaming world? Maybe it's time to go out and try your hand at a new alt! [Fan art by Astrid Hansen]
