The Social Aspect of Gaming

In addition to my normal babble, there are other topics that are on my mind when it comes to video games and MMOs in general.  I'd like to think I've experienced a lot when it comes to my past decade or so of MMOs.  Not only with the game aspect, but with the social aspect as well.  Very important periods of my life have been covered with me playing these immersive games, and definitely not always for the betterment of me, my friends, or my family. 

Random Banter - We Need Banner Changes

Why is it banners in Warhammer really aren't what they were originally intended to be?  I feel as if they really are next to worthless, other than for a few extra renown and a quick rez.  Sure they give you some bonuses, but no one really carries them around when in a warband.

I want them to be able to be seen from clip range.  I want them to be seen while mounted.  I want enemies to know just who is coming, and not have it be just another warband.  When a guild claims a keep, I want their banner to be seen from every corner.  There should be more incentive to taking an enemy guilds banner, other than a few renown.  Renown is easy peasy to get at this point.  Why not it grant your group / party / guild a bonus to stats or something for an hour?  Maybe the higher rank guild banner you take, the more bonus to stat you receive?  Maybe you can wear your enemies banner symbol on your arm for a day?  Something to just rub it in your enemies face that much more.  How cool would that be? 

Let the Flaming Begin!

Obviously with any potentially good news, there are those who only can see it as potentially bad.  Gamesday has been talked about by everyone now to death it seems and while most are excited and really looking forward to the change, there are others who pretty much have written off Warhammer because of the new information.  Why such hate? 

Yes, I understand the game may not be what you wanted or expected since launch.  It has most certainly taken a turn for the better recently.  Yes, there are sure to be flaws with any new system that is going to be put in place.  Can we at least reserve judgement for the PTS?  I must admit, that I myself am guilty of being frustrated with the information that has come out recently.  Not because the content is bad, but because I just want more!  There are some though that are just trashing every aspect of the information that was released over the weekend.  Saying the implementation of Skaven is terrible, vanity pets are a waste and now required, purchasable mounts are dumb, the new resource system is laughable......etc, etc.  And for anyone to suggest that Mythic ISN'T listening to their customers is just nuts. 

People should definitely be cautious with the new changes.  They should definitely question every aspect of every portion of the information.  That is what makes a game better.  But to completely flame Mythic, the Developers and the game is just absurd.  We all need to take a step back and remember that nothing is certain as of yet.  Let's just wait and see how the PTS is once these changes begin to be tested.  Then we should all do as much praising and/or bashing as we can. 

Iron Rock Update and Account Transfers

So my post this morning left me feeling a bit blah.  Most other WAR bloggers out there are very excited about the release of information this past weekend, as they should be.  I just think I have a case of the Mondays.  The new changes will be good for sure....I'm just so nervous and the anticipation is killing me!  I'm sure the new changes will promote even better action than we have seen over the past few weeks on Iron Rock.  If that's the case be ready for a heavy subscriber increase, and even more RvR action!

Thoughts on the Gamesday News

Well the weekend has come and gone, and here we are back to the grind of real life.  We did get a lot of interesting news though from Gamesday from the likes of Bruglir and WAR Aura.  I suggest you head on over to their sites for all the details.  From Vanity Pets and Mounts, to the Campaign changes and Skaven, there is a lot of information in there.  I'm very interested in and looking forward to seeing what is posted on the Herald over the next month.

The Week That Was

Another week gone by as we wait for 1.4 and the RvR Pack.  Post is a little later than usual today, been sick and haven't felt up to it today. 

• Some Marauder changes on the horizon.  Must say I'm happy about this, and it's about time
• Wardrobe updates on the horizon.  I'm really looking forward to this. 
• Bootae has some great pics of the action on Norn.  I must say, it looks bloody awesome.  We need more action like that on Iron Rock.
• Black Orcs.  I don't know much...but I know I love you.... that may be all Mmmmm Gud needs to know.
• Another Eternal Citadel weekend.  Gaar breaks it down. 

A lot of people have been trying out the new Civilization V.  I myself want to check it out as well, but it's going to be tough with this weeks Weekend Warfront.  I need Insignias!  

Iron Rock And The Future

After reading Wasdstomps post about Badlands and what the future may entail, I figured I'd shoot out issues that may plague the smaller population servers (like Iron Rock).  Wasdstomp brings up some very valid questions about the future of Badlands, and ones that will definitely need answered.  They have already been taking steps to address population issues on Badlands, as seen by the ending of trial accounts and free character transfers to the server.  I would imagine that the free character transfers will extend to paid character transfers, once that service is implemented.  Although that certainly does depend on the current state of the game / server at that time.

Am I Cut Out for MMO's?

With Warhammers two year anniversary upon us, I decided to take a look back at the past few years of the game and reflect on what I've come to enjoy.  There has been good and no doubt some bad between 2008 and now, but all in all I think Warhammer is in a good place. 

Over the past few years I have played more characters than I can honestly even remember.  It started out with a Witch Hunter, Vizo, on Phoenix Throne and slowly progressed to roughly two dozen total characters (all 40) across the realms and servers.  Here is a list below, at least of the characters I can remember:

Marauder Love!!

There's a reason why my profile pic is that of a Marauder.  It's because I think they are the best class in the game.  Now when I say best, I am referring to the most fun.  In this case however the former might be true, in that they may now just be the best class in the game.  What am I talking about?  Well if you don't know or aren't aware, Marauders are getting some serious and well deserved love.

What's Missing From MMOs Today?

The Missing Piece

As I've been thinking about the best PvP game I have played, it really got my mind stemming off in other directions about things.  Not just about PvP and RvR, but about MMOs in general.  Since my days of playing Dark Age of Camelot, I have felt that there has been something missing in every MMO since.  The problem is, I can never put my thumb on just what that missing piece is. 

Which MMO Has The Best PvP?

In response to the article over on Massively about which MMO has the best PvP, I figured I'd make my first poll.  It's pretty simple, which MMO do you feel has / had the best PvP?  Currently the comments are garnering all kinds of responses.  From Planetside, to EVE, to Darkfall.  If you decide to select other, please leave a comment as to which and why. 

Personally I think Dark Age of Camelot had the best PvP of any MMO I've played.  Three realms, open zones, clear objectives (relics), and small group fighting really made it appealing to me.  Of course back when I played DAoC I had much more time which allowed me to be fully immersed in it.  I'd imagine there are people now who say the same about other games. 

So, go ahead and vote.  We'll see in a week what game will be crowned king of PvP, at least in the eyes of readers of this blog. 

Warhammer, Two Years and Counting

What a weekend for Warhammer.  With it's two year anniversary this past weekend, the double xp / renown bonus was in affect and it made for some great and crazy battles on Iron Rock.  I received as much as 16,000 renown for a solo kill this weekend.  It was at a BO in Dragonwake, and I was on my rank 50 DoK.  Some scrub of a Witch Hunter could not finish me off, I honestly felt bad for him.  Overall I only gained about three full ranks this weekend on my DoK, Luvsiq.  Wait a minute, did I say only?  Thanks to what could possibly the biggest and most overlooked change to the game since day one, people are ranking up faster than ever. 

Gamers Unite - Brian Wood Memorial Trust

As an avid reader of online publications, I came across a write up on Yahoo! that really caught my attention.  It really stuck out in my mind as something everyone should get behind.  It is about a game designer, Brian Wood, who was tragically killed by a drunk driver earlier this month. 

I'd encourage everyone to take a minute and give the article a read.  As a gamer I can appreciate the time he took to make our lives enjoyable.  As a new father I can appreciate the sacrifice he made for his family.  While in the gaming world, we sometimes can forget even for a second that real life supersedes everything, but that's what the game is created for.  As Brian was someone who created environments to help forget our real life issues for a few moments, let's get together and help his family out with one of their own. 

The Brian Wood Memorial Trust has been created to help his wife and baby through this difficult time for them.  I recommend everyone go ahead and donate, even if it's a single dollar.  Brian's wife and baby would definitely appreciate it. 

Brian's wife, Erin, has also released an email to the general gaming community thanking everyone for their support.  In the letter it talks about how close knit the gaming community is and how special gamers are as people.  Let's show her just how close knit we are, and help her and the new baby out.

The Week That Was

Not a whole lot of news taking place right now on the Warhammer front.  With the RvR packs and 1.4 coming out soon, people are growing giddy with anticipation.  There has been a lot of speculation as what exactly will take place and rightfully so.  One site in particular that I have come across, Hypothetical WAR, has been doing a lot of talking about what possibilities there are with it.  Check it out.  A lot of Skaven information there, and it really gets you thinking.

• Rank-N-Vile and his wife decided to stick it out.  While his wife isn't a fan of the RvR aspect of WAR, I think they are making the right choice with so much we have to look forward to. 
• League of Legends sounds interesting from Wasdstomps opinion.  I may have to check it out. 
• You're always dressed to kill and you feel like you owe it to the world, but you owe it to yourself to check out Werits blog and the winners of his contest.  By the way, I miss NFG. 
• Solid idea from Bootae about scenario leeching.  I couldn't agree with him more by the way.  The amount of renown a solo healer can earn is absurd.  Not to mention it really hurts the rest of the scenarios groups.
• Who's your daddy now?  Grimnir lets us know.  

I also want to again point out Werit's Arsenal of War.  Such a useful tool that should not be overlooked.  I find myself using it a bunch.  Not much going on by me on Iron Rock at the moment.  Just been out in the lakes on one of my numerous Witch Elves.  I also realised I can't even remember the names of all the rank 40 characters I have in my possession.  Clearly that's an issue, and one for another post. 

Great Times on Iron Rock

As we draw upon the two year anniversary of Warhammer Online, I've been reflecting on some of the best times I've had in the game since closed beta.  One of those times just happened to be last night on Iron Rock.  The south keep in Chaos Wastes was being attacked by Order, and one of the best keep defenses I have ever seen was on...

Paying it Forward in WAR - Inspired by the NHL

So as a very avid hockey fan and Pittsburgh native (Go Pens), I came across this article that just says how there is a small group of Hockey agents and NHL Players "paying it forward" on a daily basis.  Just doing little things like filling up a neighbors boat with gasoline, buying some coffee for a homeless man, or donating toys to a shelter, can really inspire people to do greater things.  This got me thinking about all the "noobs" that there are in Warhammer Online, and MMO's in general these days. 

Werit's Arsenal of War!

With all of the anticipation of Skaven and the RvR packs that will be introduced to us in the (somewhat) near future, I'm really hoping that Werit's Aresnal of War is not overlooked by the community.  It is a great resource for veterans and newbies alike. 

Gone are the days of outdated Wardb information.  You can browse by Career or Stat, and has a great search functionality.  With over 8,000 items encompassing the database and growing every day, it will prove to be a wealth of very valuable information for everyone. 

Everyone check it out, and give Werit some credit for the hard work he has done for us. 

The Week That Was

Figured I'd post a bit of a recap much like Werit does for readers of the Warhammer community to see.  As he is the one always doing the recaps, he isn't getting the exposure to his own site that he is due.  As one of the best bloggers for the Warhammer community, I highly recommend checking him out.  To start off the recap I'd like to congratulate WAR Bureau on one full year.  Let's see what else has gone on:

• Werit is constantly updating his Arsenal of WAR for us all, not to mention providing us with some sick pics of peoples characters.  Go and Vote!.
• Bootae's been up to his usual Blorc banter.  Pretty soon you will all fear the Gashcheese!
• Taransula is apparently an end game boss, winning 2v10's left and right.
• Grimgor Ironhide, as seen through Mmmm Gud's eyes
• Backseatdev is sick of spawncamping.  Who isn't?  Let's get this fixed!
• Mobile Siege anyone?  Yes please.

All in all not a bad week.  A lot of opinions and predictions swirling around with the anticipation of 1.4 and the slow release of new information.  It's really keeping everyone on their toes though, which is a good thing right now.  In relatively short time the xpac will be here, and true open RvR will dominate again! 

Keeping it Fresh

During my usual trolling of blogs and forums this morning, I came across Wasdstomp's, in regards to the mass exodus that certainly does appear to be happening to Badlands.  I can certainly relate to what he is saying.  I originally started playing Order on Phoenix Throne which slowly went to the wayside.  Then deciding to roll Destruction on Dark Crag, which again, slowly came to an end.  Now I find myself on Iron Rock as Destruction, and again it has the feeling as if it is slowly progressing to the abyss known as deletion.  Although Destro does its best to combat the massive outnumbering they have against them, there is not much we can do.  This really leads to a loss of moral within the losing realm, and slowly creates the "grass might be greener" feeling.  Something a third realm certainly would help with, but that's for another post.

End Game Debate

This morning Werit posted the remaining Q&A from Andy over on the forums, and something really struck me odd.  It was actually what I had touched on at the end of my post from this morning, Alt-Itis,  Just what struck me as odd is as follows:

Thank You Rock-Paper-Shotgun

I never really paid much attention to the whole "stats" section of blogger, as I generally don't want to be disappointed by the lack of readers I attract.  For some reason this morning though ThePriceofWargh wasn't loading, so I decided to check it out. 

Apparently over the last day or so, I have had near 2,000 page views.  This caused traffic errors for people when attempting to access the site.  I have the people over at Rock-Paper-Shotgun to thank.  They apparently came across my Thank You to EA / Mythic and I've gotten a ton of exposure for it. 

So go ahead and give their site a view, it's worth checking out. 

Alt-Itis

Much like Bootae, I'm currently having a case of Alt-itis.  I had been playing my rank 80 Marauder for a few months again, and miss the sweet scrolling of purple numbers across my screen.  Being that I still haven't been able to complete my Sovereign set, I wanted to at least feel like I was accomplishing something.  So, I logged on my DoK.

Follow Up to the Royal Crest Problem

Just following up on my post from yesterday, I decided to do the very simple math and calculate the number of days it would take for you to attain enough Royal Crests through city sieges in order to complete your Sovereign set.  With having a lockout timer of 5 days, it would take you 705 days and 141 instances to complete your set.  Now obviously you can obtain Royal Crests outside of the cities, but not really that many. 

Royal Crests and Stage Three Gold Bags

Over the past few months, since about April I'd surmise, Mythic has really done a bang up job with Warhammer Online.  They have implemented things like the new city sieges, 1.36, and AAO.  All of which have gone a long way to promote a more healthy and stable player base so the future of WAR will thrive.  There is one facet of the game however that needs addressed, and that is the system we currently have for loot.

Time to Kill

Late last week Rancid had posted his Q&A with developer Nate Levy.  The very first question was that of Time to Kill, which is exactly what it sounds like.  I was happy to see that TTK was a bit to quick in their eyes, as it is in mine as well. 

A Grind, But Why?

I wanted to further a discussion and follow up to a Rank-N-Vile post having to do with gear grinds.  In today's MMO most players, casual especially, feel as if the game really comes to a grind at the later levels or end game.  Understandably so.  Gone are the days of being a part of a larger community where the end game is to protect or capture a city for your realm, rather than rank and gear up a single character.   But when and why has all this changed?  There are a few reasons in particular that I believe contributed to the fall of a true community gaming experience, and implementing what we have now.....gear grinds.