Can we please stop calling D&D Insider an MMORPG

[Sunderstone]

The online tools for finding gamers to play with are fine for those that need it. This of course screams "optional".

Although this can be done for free if you have access to a Ventrilo/Teamspeak server and a die-rolling program (although there are no visuals). If you wanted to send pics/handouts, email takes a few seconds and can be prepared beforehand.

My problem is just how much bonus content (like web enhancements) will only be available only to subscribers. Although this may seem optional to most, it doesnt sit well with me (and likely others) as we will either have to pay to get them. These bonus materials are usually presented to support the books which you've already spent an average of $30-$40 on. Yes they are optional but catering to only one faction of gamers (subscribers only) isnt generally good practice.
I happen to like web enhancements, forcing me to subscribe in order to keep getting them isnt something I had wanted to do.

 

[Sunderstone]

Being surprised or offended that D&D is joining the rest of the universe is pretty pointless, IMO, and fighting it is like trying to empty the sea with a bucket.

This was pretty pointless comment in itself as we all know how large the internet is.

I dont mind the online tools to help people get groups together that couldnt otherwise play if thats the extent of it. Having newer content available to subscribers only is my gripe.

FYI, Whizbang (in case you havent noticed but it seems youve at least forgotten) D&D has already entered the Internet with Downloadable Files, Web Enhancements etc. No one is fighting that. I think the concern is just how much of it will soon be online only.

So keep that in mind before you add the sarcasm. We have already joined the rest of the universe years ago with TSR chat on AOL even.

 

[The Merciful]

MMORPG/WoW? Check.

Videogamey. Double check.

Anime? Hrm, well, hrm haven't seen that one yet.

Has anyone started calling the D&DI anime yet? Cuz, if not, then I wanna be the first. I've never set a trend in my life, but I've always dreamed of it.

Hey, I want to jump the bandwagon!

I say D&DI is communism. (Yeah, I'm remembering the 50ies...)

 

[king_ghidorah]

The online tools for finding gamers to play with are fine for those that need it. This of course screams "optional".

Although this can be done for free if you have access to a Ventrilo/Teamspeak server and a die-rolling program (although there are no visuals). If you wanted to send pics/handouts, email takes a few seconds and can be prepared beforehand.

My problem is just how much bonus content (like web enhancements) will only be available only to subscribers. Although this may seem optional to most, it doesnt sit well with me (and likely others) as we will either have to pay to get them. These bonus materials are usually presented to support the books which you've already spent an average of $30-$40 on. Yes they are optional but catering to only one faction of gamers (subscribers only) isnt generally good practice.
I happen to like web enhancements, forcing me to subscribe in order to keep getting them isnt something I had wanted to do.

Free web enhancements are a bonus, not a requirement, and the web enhancements WotC has done in the past have not been extensive.

Most of the official rules expansions outside of FAQ or errata postings have been things you had to buy, either through Dragon or through books. Did I miss the pile of free classes, feats, skills, spells, new rules etc. that were being given out for free up until now?

Other than the fact that it is a subscription-only model rather than piecemeal purchasing at your FLGS, what has changed? Is the frustration that you can't make piecemeal purchases? That they changed delivery models to online?

Where is the evil marketing scheme?

 

[king_ghidorah]

could you explain what you mean by this, because I'm just not seeing it

do you know something about how the living greyhawk will work with DI? is it going to allow everyone to play the same game once?

what types of video games do you think d&d is too similar with?

Actually, it always struck me that D&D in particular of all RPGs has been the model for video games. Characters with defined classes. The importance of magic items to gain power. The nature and roles of classes. The fact that there are classes and levels. The focus on dungeon delving, combat, and looting bodies -- many computer RPGs, all the way back to Unix dungeon-exploration games, have takent their cue from D&D circa 1980.

That computer RPGs and D&D influence each other thus is not surprising.

That said, I'm not sure what is more more videogamey than it has been in the past... faster action and level progression, maybe? A more standardized experience? Look and feel of the art?

But at base, many of the similarities of RPGs and cRPGs (including MMORPGs) are long-lasting, and clearly reflect the strong influence of D&D on cRPGs.

 

[Mortellan]

do you know something about how the living greyhawk will work with DI? is it going to allow everyone to play the same game once?

Living Greyhawk won't work with the DI. It got the pink slip.

 

[Sunderstone]

Most of the official rules expansions outside of FAQ or errata postings have been things you had to buy, either through Dragon or through books. Did I miss the pile of free classes, feats, skills, spells, new rules etc. that were being given out for free up until now??

Web Enhancements at the WotC site have always been free. I never mentioned Rule Expansions not being in Books or Dragon to be purchased. I bought many books indeed.

Other than the fact that it is a subscription-only model rather than piecemeal purchasing at your FLGS, what has changed? Is the frustration that you can't make piecemeal purchases? That they changed delivery models to online?
Where is the evil marketing scheme?

I prefer print over pdf so I dont need or want the online delivery model. I would like to continue to download enhancements when possible without having to pay a monthly fee. I also dont want to drag a laptop to every D&D game, or use my PC for that matter. I use enough computers already, I dont need it encroaching on my actual D&D game time as well.

 

[Moon-Lancer]

king_ghidorah, I agree, many video games are like d&d, its only a matter of time before their is a slight role reversal. I just like to ask specifically what game, or specifically what parts of d&d are "videogamy" and finally how/why is that a bad thing, considering video games, started out mimicking d&d.

I see them all comeing from the same culture. I guess im not old enough to be a purist about it. I like fantasy games and movies in general, so if d&d 4e isbetter system for a fantasy game, then i will be happy.

 

[Khairn]

If it looks like a duck, and sounds like a duck, then it is likely a duck!

Pay for online access to games (and other content), play games online, gotta pay subscription rates to play... sounds a lot like the model for MMORG to me.

Add in some of the design features of the classes, such as a wizard always able to cast magic missle and a cleric always able to heal (paraphrased), and it looks just like my hot key bar when I played DAOC, WoW and EQ2 1-2 pause for timer, 1-2 pause for timer, repeat over and over until the mob is dead.

There is a lot of MMORPG influence in what I'm reading, and it definitely looks and smells like a duck.

 

[Ripzerai]

The Dragon and Dungeon parts obviously aren't MMORPGs. They're e-magazines.

The parts of the Digital Initiative that allow you to play RPGs online, completing quests and interacting with other gamers in a shared virtual environment, just as obviously are. I have trouble imagining the semantic hair-splitting necessary to make the case that they aren't. It's not exactly like World of Warcraft, but it's clearly the same medium.