Posted On Tuesday, September 23rd, 2008 By Jay
AGDC was great! I had the awesome opportunity to network with many great folks. On top of that, I had a great time walking around the expo area. I saw lots of juicy tools. Definitely there is a lot to learn, and I can’t wait to jump right in.
But you came here to read about the talks! I know you did! Here you go.
Damion Schuberts talk was informative. He broke down end game content on mmos on a systemic level. Good food for thought.
The EQ devs on working with legacy systems was a great trip down memory lane. I got to speak with Jonathan Caraker at length about working with an older game system and the challenges. It was nice to know, on both accounts I believe, that we weren’t alone in our struggles. It should be noted that the accomplishments of the original EQ devs should be commended, they layed the ground work for the great MMO community we love and enjoy to this day. *Hats off to you*
In addition, working with legacy systems is a touchy subject, especially when dealing with a large customer base. The EQ devs were able to paint an insightful picture about managing Continue Reading
Posted On Saturday, September 13th, 2008 By Jay
I’m really excited to be heading out to Austin GDC! There are so many great talks scheduled! So many, companies will be present, everything I could want!
What I’m super excited about is to talk some shop with other devs. There are quite a few new and exciting MMOs being released, Agency, Metaplace and other more mainstream released I won’t bother naming.
As for game design, MMOs have nailed the player retention issue we in the console land struggle for. On consoles, most games fail if there isn’t a form of multiplayer coop. With the high turn around and sea of available titles to play, many gamers don’t stick to one genre, let alone a specific game.
I’ll be attending many talk relating player retention. I’ll post high level take aways on my return! Until then, keep PVP alive and well!
Posted On Friday, September 12th, 2008 By Jay
Shared Topic: Casuals, Players and Raiders.
The recent shared topic on Blog Azeroth, Casuals, Players and Raiders, challenges those in the WoW Blogosphere to discuss the difference between casual and hardcore players. The common argument is that the difference between casuals and hardcore is either: time spent or skill level.
I propose that time spent is not correct. I also propose that skill level is partially accurate. I propose that the answer lies not in actual skill of the person, but it the application of a learned skill and the ability to relearn after new experiences. That was a mouthful, so let me diseminate the concept.
What is play?
What is play is a discussion for other sites. Many people have written numerous books and paper on what “play” actually is. There is an alternate question that we’re addressing: How does your brain play?
Play, for your brain, is endlessly repeating a task to perfection. Its why many a “casual golfer” enjoys the driving range more than the actual sport. Perfection each detail of their golf swing, one… swing at a time. This is also the reason why Michael Jordan would shoot 1000ish free throws a day. The brain LOVES to perfect. This is described Continue Reading
Posted On Thursday, September 11th, 2008 By Jay
Blizzard has release that this glorious day in September, PVE characters are able to transfer to PVP servers! This… Is… Amazing!
Having begun my career on numerous PVE servers, I am EXTREMELY excited by the ability to resurrect my former character to my new homes! YAY!
Posted On Wednesday, September 10th, 2008 By Jay
Short survival post. Mages aren’t the biggest challenge if you are consistent. Surviving against a mage is dependent on your ability to survive through their burst. Having renew and shield up as often as possible is your saving grace. As always, against a caster, you will win by casting mana burn. Here are the main points to beating a mage.
Everything on a mage can be dispelled
Icy Veins, PoM, Combustion all come to mind as buffs I’ve dispelled in the past. Does the mage go all lightning? Dispel. Does the mage Ice Block? Mass Dispel. Does the mage have a buff other than an armor buff? Dispel.
Mages have trouble regaining mana
Mages have two sources of mana: Evocation and Mana Gems. Once their out, you can wand away.
Mana burn like your life depended on it
Do it!
Summary List
Dispel everything
Keep shield and renew casted at all times
Mana burn
Fear the elemental if you can
Dispel fire and ice debuffs on yourself
A final note on mages. ! on 1, as discipline you will live. I’ve lived through PoM Pyros, ice elementals, counterspells, you name it! Where mages gain their strength is as a line backer offensive caster. In a group situation, if you leave the mage alone, Continue Reading
