Making Virtual Worlds More Lifelike
by Elizabeth Harper 
Jun 9th 2006 at 4:00PM
Researchers at PARC have spent the past three years studying the social aspects of MMO's, and have come to some interesting conclusions. In their minds, making the games better places to socialize and interact with others could mean an improved bottom line for the game developers - even though they may not realize it. From the article: "When faced with the decision, 'Do I put in another dungeon or do I improve the experience for (groups of players)?'" said Ducheneaut, publishers often say "'I'll put in another dungeon.' I think that's incredibly shortsighted."
So what do you think - do these researchers have a point, or do you prefer the development cycle as it is?
Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, Virtual selves
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Ceej Jun 9th 2006 6:00PM
More content. I am not going to login to WoW and sit in a virtual soda shop for an hour.
Lori Jun 9th 2006 6:19PM
I think that the next awsome game, WoW expansion or a completely new MMO, will include built in verbal communications with other players. But smart communications that have swear filters, click to ignore, and most importantly, voice alteration so you aren't playing a female Gnome with the voice of a male Taruen. Or vicw versa lol. Maybe this will require new technology, idk.
Simon Jun 9th 2006 10:02PM
There is no simple answer. It needs to be balanced.
Without content it will get boring.
Without improving usability it will become frustrating.
Though, IMHO, WoW could use a little shift to the usability side.
There already quite some content for "end game" that a lot of people will never see. And there are some pretty anoying flaws that could be fixed easily.
And even if it might sound odd to some, I'ld like more customisation options for your characters. Stuff that doesn't make you take compromises with stats. Things like multiple textures and meshes for items, changeable hairstlyes and stuff like that.
Stealed Jun 10th 2006 6:20AM
I'm just interesting why are you guys so fanatic likes WoW...
Shaman Jun 10th 2006 10:04AM
I think it's a good idea - create some ne hairstyles and design characters.
obo Jun 10th 2006 7:18PM
Red beans and rice did miss the nelf butts.
That is all.
paul Jun 12th 2006 7:00AM
I know alot of people leave wow becuse it takes so damn long to get new content. My guild leader and freind quit wow recently for that reason, he had been playing since Beta.
Dr. Woo Jun 12th 2006 11:08AM
I'd like to see more customization too. Height and weight customization, like Phantasy Star Online could be good. Maybe different voice sets.