The Matrix Online has a good amount of rpers but sadly , a real hierarchy and structure is lacking.
Structure?
Using an example of other mmorpgs. All players start at the bottom of
the ladder and work to develop their characters in the path they
choose. They are rewarded by their quality, hardwork and perseverance.
This can only work with respect. A good roleplayer understands
that for the rp to thrives, it needs all sorts of flavours. A player
doesn't have to like everything happening around him, but needs to work
with others to work out their differences and find a compromise.
Respecting each others and higher profile players IC and/or OOC. Then the rp vets, having earned their place, are responsible for driving the
roleplaying in that community. Playing their leadership role and
helping other's player development.
The problem I see in MxO is that there isn't such structure. I have
this feeling that every rper sees himself as the "main actor", instead
of being part of a larger melting pot.
The only characters earning their respect are the Live Event
Characters. The rest is just a large mass of people who, as soon as
they step into the RP scene, are wiser and better than everybody else
with no or little consideration of the player history of their
organisations.
I understand that a lot want to shine, recruit to their cause or impose
their beliefs to the community, but it's not done in a positive way,
only driving more protectionism, isolationism, tensions and
hostilities.
On the bright side, I recently met a lot of new faces in the RP
community, with a fresh and brand new community to play with (thanks to
this free trial). I really enjoy these new characters, I urge everyone
to look out for them, lot of friendly people who need you and we need
them. I hope
they are properly welcomed on each server and do not make the mistakes
we made.
Most of the rp in mxo is "hardline rp". Argueing on who is right or
wrong, fighting meaningless battles with snazzy comments. Honestly I
don't call this rp! RP is more than just being in character, it's also
planning and playing events with your friends and foes, not sitting at
the hardline telling them that they suck!
Player run events clearly illustrate this problem: Players hardly find
other players to fill acting roles, bringing in scripted alts to do the
job, offering large amounts of $info to draw a crowd. After the end of
an event, unlike live events, characters simply disappear. Very little RP content other that waiting for the next PE. If we knew our community a bit better, it would be much better!
I spend a lot of time learning more about each active rper out there and If I get the chance, I try to spot the lowbies running around and offer
them a conversation. Good way to make new friends and bring fresh faces
in the rp scene. This is what I believe we should do more.
The game itself isn't the best place for roleplaying, it's lacking
tools, purpose in pvp, player run constructs, emotes, commands and items, but
there is room for some quality stuff.
Is this going to change? Probably not in the near future, but I hope steps are taken to
give the players more to work with, and that the players learn how to
work together! Our duty as rpers is to make everyone enjoy what they decide to be.
Note: personal analysis from the recursion server.
Message Edited by gothique on 06.01.2006 06:04 PM