During this turning period of a new year we sail out a Upclose New Year Interview series with MMOG fanatic players,exchange in-game experience,set review on MMOGs,creat out new ideas.Meanwhile,we wish you a happy new year. So, today here we come up an interview with Darcius,a cool Canadian game boy
MMOSite: When did you start to play MMOG?
Darcius: Hmm well for a real MMOG i would say feb/march 04. that was conquer online. before that i used to play old school adventure games like kings quest, as well as text based mmos
MMOSite: How many MMOG have you played before? What are they? Which one is your favorite and why?
Darcius: First one was CO, which i played heavy for about 4 months. Then i started up in RYL1 which was hosted by CibNet Staion during their closed beta, open beta test.From there i joined the closed test of PlanetWideGames beta test of RYL1 and then their beta for path of the Emperor
I?have also played Guildwars off and on, along with SilkRoad online,World of Warcraft, and a few other MMOgs i currently forget. most are either beta or free games mind you. and the reason for playing them is something to do as well as see what is fresh and new in the game market you cant spend your life playing single player games or RTS games got to try new things and new game styles.
MMOSite: For a successful MMOG, what kinds of elements it should contain?
Darcius: I can semi narrow this to 4 main points.
- ?A 80% bug free game with lots of content.
- ?fair and balanced PC race/class(s).
- superior Anti Hack/Exploit check systems to keep the game fair.
- Active and help full game staff that you can reach atleast 10hrs per day 5 days aweek
MMOSite:? What do you think about virtual item trading in MMOGs?
Darcius: I have no problem with it ingame. but when it enters the real world for real cash that is where i draw the line. simply because not everyone has deep pockets and can afford to by a super item for a million bucks real cash and when you have a few people who can you tend to find the game unbalanced because of the fact they can buy all the best items where others can not.
MMOSite:? What kind of MMOG activity do you prefer? (For instance: Screenshot Contest)
Darcius: Active game quests ;)?
I know it sounds lame but nothing is more fun for me then doing random event quests in a game it just adds that bit of break any mmo needs :)
MMOSite: How many hours per week do you spend playing MMOGs? Are you going to increase or reduce your playtime? And why?
Darcius: Wow i have no idea. i normally spend most of the day in some form of MMO or on a forum for one. simply because even though your not ingame, a mmo is always evolving so stuff is always changing if your not watching you can get left behind in the dust.
but for a general idea i try to spend atleast 8hrs in a game (RYL for example. though its not really playing)
MMOSite: In China, many gamers play online games in order to sell equipments for money, and what about that in your country? What do you think about this situation?
Darcius: well every MMO is diffrent some have views on the profit of their ingame items for real money where others dont care. I dislike the idea as you cant always be sure its a legit item let alone your going to get the item ingame.
lots of hacks can make a copy of an item or you can get hacked and then find someone selling your items. doesnt mean you will really get the item.
plus it seems pointless to me when your selling a fake game item for real money, why not sell a real item for real money and an ingame item for ingame money ?
MMOSite: Some of the MMOGs are already free to play, like Guild Wars. However, some other MMOGs including WOW still require monthly fee. What are your views on this situation?
Darcius: well like anyone i‘m on the fence its great paying for a game you love and enjoy but not everyone can afford 10-20 dollars per month for it, or are allowed to. that is where free games are great. they let you play when you want without costing you to play them course i really like p2p more simply because there are normaly fewer hackers in p2p games plus there is always alot more staff around to help with game problems
MMOSite: Since MMORPG is a virtual world, how do you balance the virtual world and real life?
Darcius: I‘Il try to not bring outside problems ingame. like politics or world events. i treat the game world much like i would a history book. its best to use the game as an excape from the 9-5 grind most people are hit with working but always got to remeber it doesnt exist and there for doesnt require you to complain about who won in hockey or who your not voting for in your countries politics
MMOSite: At the turning of the year, do you have any words for other gamers?
Darcius: Dont settle for 1 game or 1 style of game. try as many as you can. just because MMOGs are fun and there are lots doesnt mean FPS or RTS/TBS games can not be just as fun or rewarding, besides you only live once may as well enjoy life and try as many new things as you can.
Always thanks to Darcius for taking time with us.
