Post by Morreion on Dec 16, 2016 10:03:27 GMT -5
The Soapbox: Calling an MMO launch a launch (MOP)
This is a HUGE pet peeve of mine. Not having a real launch for MMOs takes a lot of the fun out of them- having a real rush for launch, the game being full of people, and so on. Now, with crowdfunding and 'permanent beta' games, launch is an afterthought if it ever happens at all. It's like games are ways to fool you these days as opposed to finished products.
From the comments:
Shying away from saying “this is launch” feels like a compromise of the worst sort, trying to stretch the time-honored defense of “it’s just beta” miles beyond its breaking point. It creates a nigh-on mythical state of “launch” wherein all problems will be completely solved, wholly disregarding the fact that online games by their very nature will forever be evolving. It also allows studios to hype up each new milestone as another step toward launch, like some unwieldy Zeno’s hype train...
But a launch shouldn’t be something with asterisks, and it’s past time to just accept launch dates. Acknowledge that yes, if you’re willing to take money for the game, it’s in a launch state. Judge the games you’re playing as if they’re in their launch state when they ask you to pay in. Demand firm launch dates rather than allowing a permanent languishing in beta.
If there are no more wipes incoming and you’re paying money to play the game? It’s a launched game. Calling it anything else is window dressing.
But a launch shouldn’t be something with asterisks, and it’s past time to just accept launch dates. Acknowledge that yes, if you’re willing to take money for the game, it’s in a launch state. Judge the games you’re playing as if they’re in their launch state when they ask you to pay in. Demand firm launch dates rather than allowing a permanent languishing in beta.
If there are no more wipes incoming and you’re paying money to play the game? It’s a launched game. Calling it anything else is window dressing.
This is a HUGE pet peeve of mine. Not having a real launch for MMOs takes a lot of the fun out of them- having a real rush for launch, the game being full of people, and so on. Now, with crowdfunding and 'permanent beta' games, launch is an afterthought if it ever happens at all. It's like games are ways to fool you these days as opposed to finished products.
From the comments:
I think calling it an 'Open Beta with no wipes' is actually detrimental these days. Sure the developer can hide behind 'its not the finished product', but there is a lack of excitement around this type of soft launch. If the developer can't commit, why would the players?
