Post by Morreion on May 7, 2010 6:48:22 GMT -5
Free for All: RP in FTP? (Massively)
Roleplay is becoming a lost art, though it seems. Most players are in the tavern just long enough to grab the quests. Standing in front of the bank, an old hot spot for roleplay, has become a spot to show off new armor or mounts instead. This doesn't stop me from trying, though, but in my own subtle way. I don't want to scare anyone off, and certainly not some 15 year old kid inside a free to play game.
Yes, that's right, there is roleplay inside free to play games.
Yes, that's right, there is roleplay inside free to play games.
For example, during a play session in Mabinogi the other day, I met a player that was running on the ground while I flew overhead. I landed in front of them and asked "Need a ride, stranger?" They hopped on, and we talked as we flew. They used the standard >.< emotes and threw in plenty of "lul's" but I kept referring to the world, the Lore, and even asked them to be navigator. "Hold the map." I said.
The moments of silence afterward indicated that they sat behind their keyboard wondering who the hell they had just grouped with.
"Hold the map?" they asked. "Yes, you're the navigator" I said "..tell me which way to town." Soon after they were giving me instructions on which way to go, and we even explored other areas with her holding the map and me pulling the reins. I did not even have my mini-map open, and we arrived safely.
The moments of silence afterward indicated that they sat behind their keyboard wondering who the hell they had just grouped with.
"Hold the map?" they asked. "Yes, you're the navigator" I said "..tell me which way to town." Soon after they were giving me instructions on which way to go, and we even explored other areas with her holding the map and me pulling the reins. I did not even have my mini-map open, and we arrived safely.
I can see why many players do not roleplay, or do not even know what it is, in free to play games. After all, they can always roll another character or even make another account. The characters in many free to play games cost nothing and, seemingly, are worth nothing. But the higher quality free to play games offer just as much depth as other games like World of Warcraft or Lord of the Rings Online. It's not really a case of the payment model, it seems instead to be a case of someone starting to roleplay while others follow suit. In fact, I have rarely met a player that would not enjoy a little roleplay with me as long as I do not try to go over the top, using lingo and words that only hardcore lore buffs might know. I just take it easy, talk like I would normally in real life, but avoid discussing topics like "Housing bubble." Keep an eye out for opportunities, and try out some roleplay. I think you might find that players enjoy it even in free to play games.
