RP Servers?

[Farahl]

To people reading this thread for the first time please read the edits. Please don't tl;dr.

I've been playing MMOs for quite a few years but I always seem to go through cycles that revolve around roleplay. I join an MMO/Server, I find great roleplay. Over time the roleplay fades and I have trouble finding groups I like (as in CoX a couple times..) or (in the case of every single RP server on WoW) the non roleplayers become the majority and roleplay becomes more difficult to find.

So my question is...will there be dedicated roleplay servers? Ones that are well enforced would be fantastic. In WoW it's honestly forgiveable. There are just so many people and so many servers that responding to every complaint would take up a lot of time and add additional costs to pay the employees.

If there ARE dedicated roleplay servers I ask that you please PLEASE have some sort of entry quiz to establish that people know what a roleplay server is. A quick quiz of a few questions like "What is the purpose of a roleplay server?" and some simple A, B, C or D choices. Many many people roll characters on WoW's RP servers and don't know what RP is. ("it stands for real players lol" "it means raid progression right?"). This wouldn't be to stop people from rolling on RP servers, but merely a way to establish that they've read what an RP server is and don't accidentally join one when they're really looking for a normal PvE server.

I know I know...it may seem a bit nitpicky and extreme, but those of us who like our RP in our MMOs really lack our shangri-la in any of the better MMOs and if Champions gets a rep as an RP'er paradise you may very well be able to draw a heck of a lot of WoW's RPer crowd.

Edit: As I've brought it up later on in this thread and people will not read every single post in this thread as it grows in size...a simple mechanic such as separate IC and OOC channels instead of a single /say channel would be absolutely ideal. Perhaps even to the point of eliminating a need for dedicated servers entirely.

Edit 2: Forgive me for not naming names. This occured around page 6. Some points have been brought up in that on WoW people often roll on RP servers to get a more mature environment, which means that an unenforced RP server would turn into a normal server over time, making RPers the minority and almost killing RP entirely in Champions if it was instituted. An alternative was proposed with a 'tag' system to identify roleplayers, and the idea of a small note about a sever being the roleplayers preferred server but not stricly enforcing it due to the 'tag' system being in place.

The idea of integrating separate IC and OOC /say channels along with a roleplayer tag system seems to be the most reasonable idea without devoting an entire server to roleplayers, which would be pointless if it was not enforced in any way.

But in the end Cryptic folks have the final say in all this. Let's hope they seek to give our sizeable MMO niche incentive to leave our current MMOs!

ANOTHER EDIT: People are getting the idea that 'enforcement' means strict RP rules regarding personal choice, background, god modders, etc. That is not what I mean at all. When I say enforcement I mean simple things like naming rules, being able to report people speaking OOCly and RP griefers. Read: A system like WoW's but with GM's who actually DO something about the rules. Especially keeping non RP'ers off the RP server instead of letting it be flooded by non-rp'ers looking for a 'mature' server.

We roleplayers aren't mature. We play make believe and a lot of us are perverts (or maybe it's just me..). We're just more polite and have better spelling than the general populace. If you want that you should petition for a server with a spelling and grammar quiz for entry.

Moar: Cyclone_Jack put forth an interesting idea if the devs aren't willing to make an RP server at the get-go.


How would I do it? I would leave the servers unmarked, like in CoX. All servers are equal. Over time, the community will create names for the servers. I would then tag the server name on the forums as the 'Unofficial X server'. I would also have one free server xfer/month/character (more than that would have a fee attached).

[Pyrceval]

/signed for a dedicated/enforced role-play server

[R.T.]

Well...it would be nice to see that a dedicated RP server is brought to the table for this game. Then again...there are alot of MMO's out there that don't have one and do perfectly fine. Virtue anyone? (CoH/V)

[Farahl]

Well...it would be nice to see that a dedicated RP server is brought to the table for this game. Then again...there are alot of MMO's out there that don't have one and do perfectly fine. Virtue anyone? (CoH/V)

I was on Virtue for about a year and had some really good times. Some of the best RP I've ever had actually...But RP groups kept becoming defunct and I had to keep finding new ones. Honestly the most stable RP groups I saw were the furry groups. Nice people of course, but not the sort of super/villain group I had characters for or had an interest in joining.

Since it wasn't an RP server the only place you could reliably find RP was in Pocket D but that was very limiting. There was no other social RP gathering in the game, and since CoX doesn't really cater to RP'ers in any way it limited RP potential. For example...how do you play a loner character and still find stimulating RP when they only place to get random RP is in a noisy, busy club?

....the music in Pocket D didn't help either.

[Pyrceval]

For me, 'role playing' means just that...which as a super hero doesnt generally mean hangin out in some dance club or having a picnic at a park...it's talking, IN CHARACTER, and behaving in the way your character actually would, thats what Im after here. Back in the old text based online games they did enforce these sorts of things, and its not really difficult to do.

[AngelSilhouette]

Yay! I was going to ask about RP servers here, but forgot. >.>

I would be very happy to see a dedicated RP server.

[Malaclypse]

I've been playing MMOs for quite a few years but I always seem to go through cycles that revolve around roleplay. I join an MMO/Server, I find great roleplay. Over time the roleplay fades and I have trouble finding groups I like (as in CoX a couple times..) or (in the case of every single RP server on WoW) the non roleplayers become the majority and roleplay becomes more difficult to find.

So my question is...will there be dedicated roleplay servers? Ones that are well enforced would be fantastic. In WoW it's honestly forgiveable. There are just so many people and so many servers that responding to every complaint would take up a lot of time and add additional costs to pay the employees.

If there ARE dedicated roleplay servers I ask that you please PLEASE have some sort of entry quiz to establish that people know what a roleplay server is. A quick quiz of a few questions like "What is the purpose of a roleplay server?" and some simple A, B, C or D choices. Many many people roll characters on WoW's RP servers and don't know what RP is.

I know I know...it may seem a bit nitpicky and extreme, but those of us who like our RP in our MMOs really lack our shangri-la in any of the better MMOs and if Champions gets a rep as an RP'er paradise you may very well be able to draw a heck of a lot of WoW's RPer crowd.

You know, although I dearly dearly love the idea of RP servers, and although I wholly applaud and support your fervent desire to see them, I have to ask one question here:

Why on earth does anyone seem to think that RP means the same thing to everyone? I've seen countless 'RP' guilds fail because they can't agree on what it is, how to do it, etc.

I can't really see RP servers functioning without a set of rules about RP and mechanisms for player-enforced progressive enforcement.

Perhaps if your surveys served to sort the RP folks into the different styles of RP, and perhaps if the groups could be afforded servers to put them on, and the populations were large and stable enough . . .

[Farahl]

You know, although I dearly dearly love the idea of RP servers, and although I wholly applaud and support your fervent desire to see them, I have to ask one question here:

Why on earth does anyone seem to think that RP means the same thing to everyone? I've seen countless 'RP' guilds fail because they can't agree on what it is, how to do it, etc.

Honestly I think something as simple as /say is IC only, strictly enforced and having a separate OOC channel would mean the world. I don't think there's any RP'er out there who would disagree with the /say type channels being IC on an RP server.

Even this simple, tiny, seemingly insiginificant thing as a separate IC and OOC chan for speech bubbles would make a gigantic difference in WoW and other games. It's just a shame devs never seem to realize it or implement it.

[R.T.]

I was on Virtue for about a year and had some really good times. Some of the best RP I've ever had actually...But RP groups kept becoming defunct and I had to keep finding new ones. Honestly the most stable RP groups I saw were the furry groups. Nice people of course, but not the sort of super/villain group I had characters for or had an interest in joining.

Since it wasn't an RP server the only place you could reliably find RP was in Pocket D but that was very limiting. There was no other social RP gathering in the game, and since CoX doesn't really cater to RP'ers in any way it limited RP potential. For example...how do you play a loner character and still find stimulating RP when they only place to get random RP is in a noisy, busy club?

....the music in Pocket D didn't help either.

Well the RP on Virtue was killer back in the day pre villians and pre pocket D. Funny you should mention the furry groups.. Although I've never been a part of any in CoX...you are right as in them being the most stable...short of the WoD Vamp crowd. *shudders* I think when it comes to RP...it's really more dependant on the community involved. And you are so right about one thing...

Pocket D music didn't help at all.

[Grae_Knight]

Not crazy about this idea. Sounds like a waste of resources to hire people just to respond to complaints that someone is not talking in-character in the /say or /local channel. And who is going to be the one to say that what that person is saying is not in character for them? Just leaves to much subjectivity for my tastes. I enjoy RP, from time to time, but when I am in power gamer mode I don't want some rule telling me that I must always be in character.

RP servers are a bad idea and if I remember statements from "Statesman" correctly, he feels the same way. They attract griefers. If you RP, you will attract other RPers. I think they give off pheromones? :D

[TheMime]

There will not be a dedicated roleplay server, unless the game ends up in the hands of another company before it's finished. People familiar with CoH's early years will know what I'm talking about. No worries. Something will get worked out in Beta. I was under the impression that the "unofficial RP server" is usually the last server, alphabetically.

[Farahl]

Not crazy about this idea. Sounds like a waste of resources to hire people just to respond to complaints that someone is not talking in-character in the /say or /local channel. And who is going to be the one to say that what that person is saying is not in character for them? Just leaves to much subjectivity for my tastes. I enjoy RP, from time to time, but when I am in power gamer mode I don't want some rule telling me that I must always be in character.

RP servers are a bad idea and if I remember statements from "Statesman" correctly, he feels the same way. They attract griefers. If you RP, you will attract other RPers. I think they give off pheromones? :D


http://www.mmogchart.com/Chart7_files/Subscriptions_12473_image001.png

Any new MMO that comes onto the scene needs SOMETHING to put a dent in WoWs hold on subscribers. WoW has 22 RP and RP-PVP servers. Only one of them is low population, the rest are high or medium. That is a sizeable number of subscribers. Being a part of the RPer community you hear a LOT of "I'm not a huge fan of how Blizz handles RP servers, but what other options are there?". And there aren't any. RP servers will attract a large number of people.

And as I said, a separate IC and OOC channel for speech bubbles would eradicate a great deal of problems. Having 'unofficial' RP servers is nice and all, but not every RP'er knows about them. It's also a nice feeling to have a server where you can walk up to anyone and be 90% sure that they are an RPer. It fosters spontanious socializing instead of PLANNING spontanious encounters.

You also have to consider the source material of the game itself. A pen and paper RPG. Roleplaying is a major part of such games and they may alienate some of the existing fanbase by ignoring it entirely.

[Burning_Brawler]

I like the idea of an official RP server, partially because in CoX's forums there's a new "Whch srvr fr teh RP?" thread every week, but also because it's a chance that RPers will be able to get together from the start, forming some nice hero career-long bonds from the beginning.

While Virtue may work out just fine in CoX's case as the "unofficial RP server" I think having an official one would be a nice benefit. As for means of enforcing it, there's really not much you can do there. It's part of the problem that comes with the fun of online games being open as they are. Just sent your reports on griefers and learn to take the bumps in the immersion I suppose.

[justicefishy]

Well, having a designated server would really make picking where to go for a lot of RPing much easier (I'd have started on Virtue instead of Victory) :)

[BigNorth]

thanks to good old GI. I just found out about Champ Online, Right now I play the Matrix Online(2 years)... Why? The Rp.. I run into a great group of people to RP with(most people in the MxO RP thanks to the on going story line). IT keeps me going. Hell thats the only Reason I was able to play SWG (3 years), was the RP that was going there before the 2nd combat cr*pdate. I Tryed CoH but could never find any good RP, and just couldn't find the want to stay.

If this had an RP sever.. if only one Sever out of 20 was RP it would be a god Send! Some place where you know you could find more people who like to RP.
Right now I cannot wait to give this a try! but if I cannot find any good RP. I may not be able to stick around. RP is a good break from Grinding/Questing. Heck nothing better Questing when Rping!

[thepatriot]

It's not likely to happen. The problem with an official Roleplay server is that Cryptic would then have to enforce the rules which requires extra staff and increases cost. You then end up with complaints for how the rules are applied. It's a nice idea but a huge headache for Cryptic.

Edit: I personally am for an official roleplay server, I just don't expect Cryptic to do it.

[Malaclypse]

Honestly I think something as simple as /say is IC only, strictly enforced and having a separate OOC channel would mean the world. I don't think there's any RP'er out there who would disagree with the /say type channels being IC on an RP server.

Even this simple, tiny, seemingly insiginificant thing as a separate IC and OOC chan for speech bubbles would make a gigantic difference in WoW and other games. It's just a shame devs never seem to realize it or implement it.

Oh, gosh, yes. Please?

Personally, I think coming up with a reasonable set of basic RP rules that everyone could agree on reasonably would work fine. Then foster tolerance, but have mechanisms in place to get the people who really don't need to be there to move on.

Having been in SCA, MMORPGs, LARPs, etc, etc. and been a role-player for (counts and blushes) 32 years now, I would want to avoid having to have problems with RP nazis, though. You know the type - anyone who doesn't conform to their mythical standards is (insert drama here).

Tolerance and a positive attitude goes a long way! But. . . have you seen an RP guild that managed to really stay together for very long? If so, all the lessons they learned, you'd have to have on a RP server, or it would fall apart under its own weight.

I'm all for it, and yay for the first game brave enough to give it a real try, but. . . hard work ahead.

[Malaclypse]

It's not likely to happen. The problem with an official Roleplay server is that Cryptic would then have to enforce the rules which requires extra staff and increases cost. You then end up with complaints for how the rules are applied. It's a nice idea but a huge headache for Cryptic.

Edit: I personally am for an official roleplay server, I just don't expect Cryptic to do it.

I think EQ did some decent things with player-mediated enforcement, even if that was just naming standards... it's possible to do it without a lot of company-side intervention with the right tools, but I think you'd really need to have education, buy-in and commitment from a self-policing RP populace.

And then the flame-wars start.

[Ekowraith]

Signed. (length)

[Lucianna]

Yes, please. Give RPer's an official place. With a few rules, even if it's something as simple as tighter naming restrictions.

[Gold-Rush]

I will have to add my two cents to this.

I will sign and agree with ya....

but, like many folks, I highly doubt this will come to pass.

It's not the griefing, as Grae points out, that is the problem. Griefers go everywhere. They may be drawn like a magnet to RP service, but that is what the "Report Griefer" button is for.

It is partly manpower, but I don't think that is the biggest concern. I think Malaclypse pointed out just fine; What IS RP? This is such a nebulous question from ALL views. Some want strictness, others want more freedom, others think if you break the /say IC wall, you should be tarred and feathered.

Yes, RPers are prejudiced against in some cases, but what about NON-RPers who wandered in inncocently into a server? I think their first perceptions of such a place tends to be negative. Yes, maybe cuts some of the wheat from the chaff, but also throws away alot of potential Diamonds in the Rough. I am all about fostering RP and I have seen instances that this has been done, but I've seen just as many BAD instances. RPers jumping on folks, being short-tempered with them, speaking down to people (and kids) that may be curious to try it.

And actually, a strict RP server may even turn off those who like to casually RP while they play the game and level.

Actually, I *would* like to see such a server and see how it turns out, but a bit of wisdom says, to me, that other problems will crop up and your server may wind up more empty than not. Of course, you may feel, "Great! Narrow it down to a few dedicated folks!" But I don't like that attitude, even if I would love to see wall-to-wall RP. New folks HAVE to be fostered into the ranks. One HAS to be patient. Sure, you will get a lot of bad apples, but that is part and parcel of the internet.

Frankly, I think the best solution is the old one; Let everyone know where the unofficial RP server is and keep advertising in forums.

I believe in RP without rules. Use your heads and your imaginations. I realize some like rules and rules are good to toss out bad apples, but I can see this going sour.

[Farahl]

And actually, a strict RP server may even turn off those who like to casually RP while they play the game and level.

Actually, I *would* like to see such a server and see how it turns out, but a bit of wisdom says, to me, that other problems will crop up and your server may wind up more empty than not. Of course, you may feel, "Great! Narrow it down to a few dedicated folks!" But I don't like that attitude, even if I would love to see wall-to-wall RP. New folks HAVE to be fostered into the ranks. One HAS to be patient. Sure, you will get a lot of bad apples, but that is part and parcel of the internet.

Frankly, I think the best solution is the old one; Let everyone know where the unofficial RP server is and keep advertising in forums.

I believe in RP without rules. Use your heads and your imaginations. I realize some like rules and rules are good to toss out bad apples, but I can see this going sour.

Anything overly strict is always bad, but that's why I'm bringing up the idea of separate channels repeatedly. When people want to RP they can block out the /ooc say and just use the /ic say, and vice versa. Maybe a little tag that says "In character" would also help things out. Some way to identify RP'ers. It wouldn't exclude anyone and wouldn't take away from the casual, OOC /say many people are used to. It would only add an option for RP'ers who wish to use it.

[Kressen]

You know, although I dearly dearly love the idea of RP servers, and although I wholly applaud and support your fervent desire to see them, I have to ask one question here:

Why on earth does anyone seem to think that RP means the same thing to everyone? I've seen countless 'RP' guilds fail because they can't agree on what it is, how to do it, etc.

I can't really see RP servers functioning without a set of rules about RP and mechanisms for player-enforced progressive enforcement.

Perhaps if your surveys served to sort the RP folks into the different styles of RP, and perhaps if the groups could be afforded servers to put them on, and the populations were large and stable enough . . .

I think when it comes to specifics on rules for role playing it will depend largely on the community itself (Separate guilds clans, etc..) The chances of getting an entire server to unite on a certain structure of role playing rules would be very difficult unless many different RP only servers were made. Even in tabletop the rules change with the seasons within the same game.

As Farahl said, separate IC/OOC channels would work well, especially if enforced by a small staff, this would of course mean more expense though for a small part of the game's community. I think it should definitely be looked into and if feasible then implemented.

A generalized set of rules for talking in channels could work, but then again if it alienates the majority of a population, is it really worth it? Non-RP players really don't have to play on RP servers, but if there isn't enough of an organized RP community, as is most often the case with MMORPGs, maybe its a money sink for Cryptic.

Perhaps organizing/voicing a strong opinion now about RP servers could sway Cryptic Studios into implementing RP server specific GMs for the future and/or RP channel specifics. Cryptic has to know that a large community wants these changes though before they will spend money on bringing about them. Maybe an 'RP-Census' is necessary.

[Durahan]

/signed.

Although the only rp experance I've had is in the gaia forums, and even then only 3 rps. But I'm willing to give it a try, give my character a little backstory to him, and live in his superhero sized shoes.(like I tried so hard in CoX triumph)

But in all honesty I'll have to agree with the unoffical server, cause well all the statements said above.
Either way I might not join it sence most Hardcore Rpers have an anger mangement problem, and patience that'll rival even the most zealotical crusader.

[Gold-Rush]

Anything overly strict is always bad, but that's why I'm bringing up the idea of separate channels repeatedly. When people want to RP they can block out the /ooc say and just use the /ic say, and vice versa. Maybe a little tag that says "In character" would also help things out. Some way to identify RP'ers. It wouldn't exclude anyone and wouldn't take away from the casual, OOC /say many people are used to. It would only add an option for RP'ers who wish to use it.

Aaaa~aah! But see, I have seen this turn bad as well.

Kressen does say it; it can alienate other folks. I've been in RP, doing my RP thing, then in walks a "newbie" (for lack of a better term). He looks around, doesn't know what to do, he may even have a basic question about the game itself in an OOC manner....but most people have their /OOC channels turned "off" so they don't hear his cries for help. He may even wander into an RP scene, walk around, maybe jump, hoping for a response, and people are ignoring him, because at this point, they think he is griefing them. And it would be just as bad (or worse) if he could SEE the /IC channel but can't interact (because he does not know how to type in the /IC channel; again "newbie" ), he'd think he was intentionally snubbed. And maybe if this was a kid?

Maybe I am too much of a white-knight helper, but I emphasize with this kind of situation and go out of my way to help such folks when I can. In such a situation as you say, I would intentionally leave my /OOC and /IC channels open (unless there was too much griefing spam going on, then I'd close my /OOC). Even then, after an incident is over, I sometimes forget to turn it on again and I have seen times when the griefer has left and someone is in need.

Mostly, if I am in RP, I try to send /tells discretely to them, but sometimes, these folks haven't figured on how to send /tells either! Sure, it CAN be aggravating, but I try to be patient. Sometimes it disrupts RP, but, most RPers I hang with are nice and understand once I explain the situation.

But see, still an extra barrier. I can easily see where the majority of RPers on such a server would PERMANENTLY turn their /OOC off. Even if the game resets these channels, I could see many players making it a log-in ritual/habit of turning it off.

So I don't necessarily think /IC channels are a good solution... :/ Heck, even I'd be forgetful or lazy at times and may not turn my /OOC back on. I tend to do an "old-school" method of typing (OOC) before all my OOC comments. Having a channel mechanic is...maybe making things too difficult. :confused:

[Farahl]

You raise some very interesting points. I personally am guilty of some snubbing, but I do it in both IC and OOC environments so it can't be tied directly to RP for me...but that's just myself. A lot of people have the mentality "If I figured it out myself/researched it so can you" or...well..just hate kids. Lots of things can lead to snubbing others, and even if there wasn't an IC/OOC channel, lots of people just continue talking IC'ly and completely outright snub the OOC person.

I think FFXI's mentoring system was actually a pretty nice way of doing things...all the nice helpful people had a little icon that says "I can HELP you and will love it! Yay!" and the rest of us could simply go "Look for someone with mentor status turned on." and be done with it. The selfish *******s that we were...*hangs head*

What game was it that had the separate channels? I've never actually seen a game that's done it.

[Malaclypse]

My brain is fried if I can't tell the difference between 'advice' and 'ic/ooc'

[Avatar_of_Champions]

All those other people...

I really like the idea of an RP server but the only place it ever worked was Everquest and they had some serious role playing rules.

Think about this:
* If they have player vs. player of some sort when the game starts, a lot of non rpers will flock to the RP servers to get an advantage over 'those newb roleplayers"... This has happened in many games including WoW/EQ2 and just about every other game I can think of
* "casual gamers will swarm the server because they think that the kiddies and leet will stay away
* Unless Cryptic clearly defines Role playing and what is acceptable and what is not, there will be constant fighting about whats roleplaying and whats not.

Role Playing servers are kind of like an Utopian society... its a great idea, everybody wants one, and no one has yet to get it right.

[Dekuthe]

I say you should just stay in character the whole time. it really freaks the non RP'ers out sometimes. I love to RP, and if any of you are lucky/unfortunate enough to run in to Dekuthe in champions online in the future we'll have a great time, regardless of the server. When I play a game like this, i get sick enjoyment out of staying in character the whole time, especially when people start to talk about their real lives.


Like many have said, I would expect there to be a dedicated RP server, it's not really cost efficient. They may give you the OOC and IC chat channel you want, but people won't really use it properly. If you truly love RP, then just stay in character, and pretend everyone you meet is in character too. In the end, most of the heroes you run across will seem a lil phsycho, they always talk about playing some game, and something bio breaks. I've never really understood them, i just kept on blasting my enemies with awesome energy powers :D

[Gold-Rush]

What game was it that had the separate channels? I've never actually seen a game that's done it.

Actually, i think it was an older game. May've been a MUSH... I need to wrack my head on this, but I have seen graphic games with the ability to turn General chat off.

WoW has that ability, but it's just so big, that not everyone would turn their General (or Trade chat; some people ask questions in Trade, too. Either lazyness or not knowing how to switch channels properly). And no, this ain't the same as "Ignore person", although, I've seen that abused, too. But I can't really blame the ones that instantly ignore someone's first comment that doesn't seem to fit ICness, human nature and all. Even I can lose some patience. Still, it might be simple fun of yelling "Fish" over and over and then, after the joy of an initial look see at the starting area, a player starts to ask legit questions. This is not true of everyone that may talk OOC nonsense over a chat channel, but I've seen it enough to be patient, and either wait to have my initial reaction clarified or straightened out. :)

I should also say, Avatar_of_Champions brought up some good points, too.

If you truly love RP, then just stay in character, and pretend everyone you meet is in character too. In the end, most of the heroes you run across will seem a lil phsycho, they always talk about playing some game, and something bio breaks. I've never really understood them, i just kept on blasting my enemies with awesome energy powers

I've seen people like you. :D Man, sometimes you folks can be a pain. :p Other times, you can be a laugh riot. I understand and respect that, but, people are people. Sometimes they will let their hair down and just want to chat. Luckily, I can "spot" your type after a few typed words of exchange.

Still, I respect folks like you and have, at times, done a bit of the same thing as you. ;) (But I do let up if I feel the situation warrants it or if it is just me and this guy there; no audience to get the joke. Although, I am my own audience lots of times. ). Just don't be too hard on folks.

[Mandamus]

IThey may give you the OOC and IC chat channel you want, but people won't really use it properly.
City of Heroes has a couple zone-wide channels (Broadcast, Request) and even two server-wide channels (first Arena, then later Help). After a couple of months into the game, Broadcast became the de-facto "let's communicate with everyone in the zone!" frequency (blech) and Request, with the exception of large-scale efforts like raids and special zone events, went dead. Meanwhile, Arena became the "Let's insult everyone" channel. I think you've hit it right on the head, Dekulthe -- people won't use it for the original purpose.

If you truly love RP, then just stay in character, and pretend everyone you meet is in character too. In the end, most of the heroes you run across will seem a lil phsycho
*laughs* Eventually they catch on, and then blow you off or evolve enough to interact at least on some minor level.

I think I'd oppose an official designation simply because who'd end up enforcing it? If my RP style is in-character quips and discussions with determined bracketed out-of-character conversations on non-game topics with my friends and "guild" mates, then who's reasonably to say that I'm any less of a roleplayer than someone who maintains in-character status 100% of the time? If that 100%-er complains to the GMs because I just want to play the game one night and not communicate except in OOC brackets and I get testy at people who insist on long, drawn-out sequences between sparse combat engagements, do the GMs come down on me for not being "pure RP" enough or on the high-grade RPer who's dictating my RP style?

Instead of an "offical" tag, perhaps an "unofficial" or a "recommended" designation could be attached to a server -- it might encourage RPers to gravitate there and yet spare the differing levels of RP any official "sanction."

[Ellis]

Putting in my 2 cents.

Most MUSHes did/do have the <<OOC>> notation, which is probably how the practice of brackets on MMOs got started.

Lord of the Rings Online actually has a channel called OOC. It's mainly used for OOC chat, except for the few weirdos who decide to RP over it, and even though there was a channel called Roleplaying, some folks did, some folks didn't, and arguments ensued. The game also has a tag you can set, which colors your name a different color, if you want to advertise that you RP. All great ideas, although calling Landroval the "Unofficial RP Server" didn't have as big an effect as Virtue on CoH/V.

As stated, you can't enforce RP. My idea of superhero RP entails roleplaying about the missions, the character(s)' reaction to the villains, gotta have quips and I also want everyone with me to be typing using the shift key, punctuation and not including "lol" or any shortspeak in their IC poses. However, being in or out of character X amount of the time doesn't matter to me, as long as it's denoted as in or out.

Someone else might be fine with shortspeak but want no OOC communication at all. Some folks think the longer the pose, the better. So, "RP" is hard to define in terms of enforcing it on a server.

As an aside, my RP supergroups are all still together and RPing just as strong as they were at launch. I believe the key was that the leaders didn't suffer from "Bigger is better" syndrome. A lot of RP (and maybe non-RP) groups fail due to getting too large to manage, and with RP that means a lot of folks will feel left out and then leave the group.

Anyhow, assuming the game isn't twitch-based, I will be there with bells and RP on. :)

[KelpPlankton]

I'm for slapping some sort of "this is the RP server" label on whatever server so people know.

I'm against strict enforcing, or any sort of enforcing. It's a waste of time and resources, and scares away new players who want to learn how to RP and haven't grasped the basics yet.

Everyone has that point in time where they don't understand what is and isn't godmoding, and what should be considered OOC even if a character does it in the middle of an IC situation. They eventually learn, grow into better RPers, and help other newcomers to the game. So you don't want to squash these little dudes when they just plain don't know what they're doing yet. That's why enforcing RP is a terrible idea.

I think things'll be fine without any sort of official designation, honestly. A lot of people here came from CoH, so, another Virtue situation will likely present itself, if nothing else.

But if they want to toss us an RP server, that's cool by me.

Just, uh... try to make it one RP server so we don't get split up between multiple ones.

[BaneBlight]

idk how i feel about having a bunch of different servers. isnt there a way to have one massive server?

But if we cant have one server, i am for a RP server. But also having a system where (god forbib) if the population drops it will be easy to combine servers to keep a good amount of players to team with.

[FaeryFire]

Hello everyone...

A "RP recommanded" tag would help a lot for newcomers, interested in roleplay, to look for the "most likely place where to enjoy the game a way you favor".

For some MMOGs I played (or am playing, like CoH), I had to look into forum threads to see on what server I was the most likely to find roleplayers.
Sometimes it was easy and obvious, often far less.

But, another friend of mine, also roleplayer, never visit forums. So when he starts a MMOG, he just picks randomly a server (and rarely the "unofficial RP server").
Not everyone is registering or reading official boards.

So I believe a tag would be really helpful. Pretty much like a "PvP" tag helps people interested in PvP to find an appropriate server.

Enforcing roleplay is probably not possible. Plus it's highly subjective.

[Lumenadducere]

Agreed, a tag would help people choose servers. It was dumb luck that I wound up on Virtue in CoX - when I found out that it was the unofficial RP server I was quite happy at my choice.

I think enforcing RP, however, is a bad idea - it'll only waste GM resources and frankly I'd rather have them be doing other things. Besides, it'd also help to cut down on the griefers if it's unofficial.

[Silverblade]

Agreed, a tag would help people choose servers. It was dumb luck that I wound up on Virtue in CoX - when I found out that it was the unofficial RP server I was quite happy at my choice.

I think enforcing RP, however, is a bad idea - it'll only waste GM resources and frankly I'd rather have them be doing other things. Besides, it'd also help to cut down on the griefers if it's unofficial.

I vote for a tag as well. I do know of some people who first started in other servers before realizing the RPers made Virtue their home. They ended up having to restart and most often than not, lose their choices of hero names. If the tag was there, that wouldn't have happened.

I tend to think enforcing RP is a losing battle and as it is right now, RPers are a niche. As a RPer, I'd rather see the company put more time and effort making better content and working on the gameplay than trying to enforce whether or not players are IC or OOC. RPers have self enforced their play in the past and in other games and they can do it again in Champions. Just help them to be on one or two servers from the start. :)

[Flashboy]

I feel giving the server a RP label or tag brings attention to the people who dont rp anyway. hmmm maybe a RP Flag or icon next to your toon to show your in RP mode?? just incase we dont get an rp server (which unofficial rule)

[Greblaja]

The best RP environment I've ever played on has been on Virtue in CoH, which, as everyone knows, was voted upon by the populous as being the "unofficial RP server" around the time of launch. Other official RP servers from games like Everquest (Firiona Vie) and Dark Age of Camelot (numberous) certainly had some well entrenched roleplay groups and traditions, but as far as finding roleplay group to group, finding it on any given night, and finding it when you least expect it, nothing compares to my experiences on Virtue.

Did the "unofficial" tag do a double whammy on griefers who stayed away - who knows. I think the bigger factor is that a fairly large group that wanted a particular type of server worked a bit harder in the beginning to make a random server the unofficial one, and with that dedication came an influx of more mature players (and by mature I mean older, wizened, not R-rated) that helped set up the world they wanted. I think the biggest payoff of that grass-roots effort was Virtue had a more adult feel to it and gained a reputation as a nicer place to play, and word of mouth brought even more mature people there, folks that tend to be a bit more tolerant to the quirks of hardcore roleplayers. In time, many that never even considered roleplaying in groups did so because it was perceived to be fun to do so.

I don't know if the magic of Virtue can be recaptured in another game, but I do think there's something to be said for the theory of 'catching more flies with honey than vinegar': the more rules you apply and enforce, the more animosity that can be created, but if you create a world that welcomes all and encourages the type of behavior you'd like to see, that world could actually draw that behavior out more readily than any rule you could ever put in to force it out.

[Ashgan]

I'll be happy as long as some servers are just labeled as RP, no enforcing needed. (I'm fairly poor at RP but I'm trying :p )
But my reasoning is when I first started CoH I started on Guardian then months and months later I learned that Virtue was the unoficial RP server I moved there eventualy actualy quite recently I think and have been very happy there but yah point of story is if its not labeled I don't know where to go, so just a sign saying if you like RP go here.

[CaptainAtomyc]

Tons of good viewpoints. I like a lot of them and could learn to like the rest im sure. I think unofficial RP servers can work well. Though for many its lost in translation since you end up finding out about it after the fact. My main was already higher level when I heard about Virtue. Then again, I wasn't an MMO veteran either and looking to the forums wasn't something I had learned to value. I ended up in an RP group that felt like an island with only a subtle awareness of others RPing out there. (this was on Champion, ironically)

Letting people know up front which server or servers are RP can help those that don't want to deal with RP'ers avoid them and of course those that do know where to look. This could even help prevent my next point.

I think my only argument against a single RP server is overcrowding. While you want a lot of people to play with, having too much of a good thing is still too much. Virtue server in CoH is often almost full. Then again having multiple RP servers could spread everyone thin.

So what does all of that rambling amount to? Flexibility is probably best. Put something official or unofficial out there for those that are searching and channels for the rest. Me personally, I usually RP with my wife and a small group. Sometimes its light, other times its not. So hardcore RP might not always fit. So having the ability to still find some RP on the non-RP servers would be great too. There are a lot of casual RP'ers out there. Some that do it without realizing thats what it is. So im thinking if they do both, channels and some indication of where to find RP in its purest form, then everyone can find what they are looking for. Be it RP or quiet action.

Cap

[Flashboy]

Hmmm yeah it would be a bummer to someone who would like to rp but ends up on the wrong server, but somehow labels just draw all the wrong attention. I remember people joining Virtute just cause it was an rp server (Unofficially) but they didnt have a clue what rp meant. And I'm always up for new people getting into rping as it adds more to the feel and characters. I mean what better game to roleplay on then one based off of superheroes.

[CaptainAtomyc]

Superhero RP is awesome to break into RP. It was my first RP back in 1990. My wife actually will only RP superheroes and vampires. Not sure ill end up playing where the RP grows wild, but it will be nice to know where it is if we decide to.

Cap

[Avatar_of_Champions]

I remembering having to explain what RP was repeatedly on the Feathermoon server on WoW

[akgr81]

I remembering having to explain what RP was repeatedly on the Feathermoon server on WoW

Random Pwnage, right? :p

- Ak

[Grae_Knight]

In WoW, I only joined RP servers because the kids avoided them. Never cared to RP though, just wanted to avoid ignorance.

No problem with designating a server as RP so other RPers can find like minded people, just hate the idea of enforcement of some RP rules.

[CaptainAtomyc]

LOL, explaining RP is always fun. Or at least its almost always a funny story to tell later to friends. A lot of people have very odd notions about RP and RP'ers in particular.

"You don't look like an RP'er"

Just what does an RP'er look like? I think its great to break the mold. Roleplaying has been around since the dawn of time. People have often assumed other roles to tell stories. More people need to understand that like everything else RP has degrees. You can casual, hardcore, or hover in the middle. Just enjoy it.

Cap

[CaptainAtomyc]

In WoW, I only joined RP servers because the kids avoided them. Never cared to RP though, just wanted to avoid ignorance.

No problem with designating a server as RP so other RPers can find like minded people, just hate the idea of enforcement of some RP rules.

As an RP'er Grae I can tell you that few things irritate me more than RP'ers who lord it over others. I fully support their desire for pure RP. Its fun. But I also fully support others that don't want it. To each his own. I don't want to see enforcement of rules either. Outside of maybe naming conventions or something benign.

Cap

[Avatar_of_Champions]

In WoW, I only joined RP servers because the kids avoided them. Never cared to RP though, just wanted to avoid ignorance.

No problem with designating a server as RP so other RPers can find like minded people, just hate the idea of enforcement of some RP rules.

This is exaclty what I talked about in my earlier post...

People who know what RP is but could careless, they just want to get away from kiddies/leet, but its just not fair to people who actually RP...

If your going to go on a RP server you should be expected to RP!

I mean on a PVP server, you generally cant choose not to PVP can you? You know what your getting into when you go there.



So let me ask you guys is it fair to go to an RP server when you could careless about RP?

[Grae_Knight]

Should a normal server have rules that if you use "(())" around what you type or utilize a single emote in your conversation you should be reported?

Just screams elitism to me.

[FaeryFire]

My wife actually will only RP superheroes and vampires.

That's a bit the same thing, no ? :)
Ok... maybe villains... hmm... difficult to say...

But they have natural attacks (fangs), a vulnerability (sun), a hidden secret (need for blood ?), they have super powers ("...and now I transform into a bat, now ... *poof*... into mist !", they are super strong, quick, can force their will on others...), they are also often resilient, generally immortal...
Well... they just lack a cape :)

[FaeryFire]

Should a normal server have rules that if you use "(())" around what you type or utilize a single emote in your conversation you should be reported?

Just screams elitism to me.

"Elitism" isn't the word coming to my mind...

Reporting "non RP behaviour" is just pointless. How people are playing a role is totally up to them and there isn't a total consensus on how separating "OOC" and "IC" during the game.
People are more or less tolerant...

I often witness a "IC mode" and a "OOC mode" in roleplayers.
We are in the <place dedicated to RP>, people talk in character, do emote, frown at the out of character or disruptive behavior...
We just entered <something involving XP>, almost all in character behavior was just thrown through the window, people talk in acronyms, aim at the best ratio time/XP like everyone else...

What was the most difficult to me to establish was the "in character missions" in City of Heroes. In other words, playing your character constantly. Not dropping the role because there is XP on legs in front of you.

I'm not certain that, on the "game part", all roleplayers will achieve a consensus on the degree of IC/OOC ratio.

[Swampthing]

http://www.mmogchart.com/Chart7_files/Subscriptions_12473_image001.png

Any new MMO that comes onto the scene needs SOMETHING to put a dent in WoWs hold on subscribers. WoW has 22 RP and RP-PVP servers. Only one of them is low population, the rest are high or medium. That is a sizeable number of subscribers. Being a part of the RPer community you hear a LOT of "I'm not a huge fan of how Blizz handles RP servers, but what other options are there?". And there aren't any. RP servers will attract a large number of people.

And as I said, a separate IC and OOC channel for speech bubbles would eradicate a great deal of problems. Having 'unofficial' RP servers is nice and all, but not every RP'er knows about them. It's also a nice feeling to have a server where you can walk up to anyone and be 90% sure that they are an RPer. It fosters spontanious socializing instead of PLANNING spontanious encounters.

You also have to consider the source material of the game itself. A pen and paper RPG. Roleplaying is a major part of such games and they may alienate some of the existing fanbase by ignoring it entirely.


no offense but ppl on WoW just go to an RP server to get away from the kids that think they are uber leet. another thing i want to know is how do you actually RP your superhero. last time i checked they usually talk like you and me with a hint of an accent, they do go all crazy with the think they say, and RPGs tend to have a story line that you change as you go on take KotOR or Mass Effect every little thing you do affects something or someone in the game, that honestly what i consider a RPG and its the same with PNP, you make decisions that change the game and it can be done differently every single time. god i swear i have had this convo with my best friend for years and its always come down to the fact that MMOs shouldnt be called MMORPG cuz your not changing a **** thing in the game its always your doing something good for the community, and that instead they should be called MMOGs cuz thats all they are. also what if i want a RP a super leet talking computer nerd superheroes, then i should be able to use the KK, IC, LOL, ROLF, terms and not get in trouble for it, but in the end someone is gonna ***** that "OMG HES RUINING MY RP EXPERIENCE!" /report.

ok with that all said dont get me wrong i think RPing could be fun but i dont really see it as something NEEDED to be in a superhero game seeing how superman, batman, spiderman, even Wolverine talk just like you or i do. but if they do create a RP server cool, and if they dont meh.

[CaptainAtomyc]

Servers are a big place too. I don't think its an issue for non-RP'ers to "hideout" on RP servers to just enjoy the game. I also don't think its a problem for RP'ers to RP on "NON-RP" servers.

I think that having rules will only scare off people. Some are intimidated with RPing with rules. While that doesn't matter to an RP purist, I think looking at the overall picture its a problem. At least at the server level. You want a SG with strict RP rules? I say go crazy. There is a lot of success with that. On the server end though its better, at least in my opinion, that things are a little less restrictive.

I agree the PVP server vs RP server argument makes sense. However, PvP and PvE are really the biggest distinctions. RP can happen in both. RP can happen anywhere, at any time. Rp like we are talking about here isn't a game function, its a social interaction born of the players. It should be allowed to be as dynamic as possible, not limited like PvP would be for example because its a program function. Let everyone decide for themselves what RP is to them and enjoy it.

RP for some might be living the role, for others just having a seemingly superhero name and occasionally saying hero phrases while fighting crime.

Totally not meant to be argumentative, just some opinions. I totally see both sides. So compromise seems best.

Cap

[CaptainAtomyc]

That's a bit the same thing, no ? :)
Ok... maybe villains... hmm... difficult to say...

But they have natural attacks (fangs), a vulnerability (sun), a hidden secret (need for blood ?), they have super powers ("...and now I transform into a bat, now ... *poof*... into mist !", they are super strong, quick, can force their will on others...), they are also often resilient, generally immortal...
Well... they just lack a cape :)

It CAN be the same sure :)

Actually we tend towards the more tortured side of vampires. Personal horror and all that. We both do have vampire characters in CoH though hehe. So yes, there is a similarity for sure.

Cap

[Avatar_of_Champions]

Should a normal server have rules that if you use "(())" around what you type or utilize a single emote in your conversation you should be reported?

Just screams elitism to me.

Not elitimsm... Optimistic insanity maybe...


I posted earlier about having to explain what RP was on a Roleplaying server, and the reason that I had to do this was because of people who came to a RP server and then said things like:

* Why are you talking like that?
* Dude you can drop the act, its 3 months into the game, we all know that RP servers are just a ****le for casual game servers
* Whats wrong with you man? Don't you know its just a game?

And maybe it is Elitist but its a ROLE PLAYING SERVER... coming to one just to get away from people that annoy you kind of superceds the point...

Think of it this way, its like being a part of an exclusive club... but whats the point if the exclusive club lets anyone in.



And let me ask you another question: Whens the last time you saw someone actually RP on a RP server after the first few months?

Heck the last time I saw someone RP in WoW I was actually suprised and I'm on a RP server for goodness sakes!

[FaeryFire]

"Selective" rather than "elitist" might be more appropriate :)
Going from one to the other word is just a point of view.

[CaptainAtomyc]

Not elitimsm... Optimistic insanity maybe...


I posted earlier about having to explain what RP was on a Roleplaying server, and the reason that I had to do this was because of people who came to a RP server and then said things like:

* Why are you talking like that?
* Dude you can drop the act, its 3 months into the game, we all know that RP servers are just a ****le for casual game servers
* Whats wrong with you man? Don't you know its just a game?

And maybe it is Elitist but its a ROLE PLAYING SERVER... coming to one just to get away from people that annoy you kind of superceds the point...

Think of it this way, its like being a part of an exclusive club... but whats the point if the exclusive club lets anyone in.



And let me ask you another question: Whens the last time you saw someone actually RP on a RP server after the first few months?

Heck the last time I saw someone RP in WoW I was actually suprised and I'm on a RP server for goodness sakes!

I can totally appreciate that Avatar. Been in similar situations. If you dislike RP and go to an RP server and then act shocked that someone is doing it? Thats silly. Really, it works both ways. Lets not restrict anyone to conforming to a set of rules at server level, but don't restrict or rebuke RP'ers on any server from hamming it up as much as they like. Now THAT's optimistic insanity. lol

Im interested to see how its handled if at all.

Cap

[Grae_Knight]

And let me ask you another question: Whens the last time you saw someone actually RP on a RP server after the first few months?

Heck the last time I saw someone RP in WoW I was actually suprised and I'm on a RP server for goodness sakes!


That's my point. Why have a official ENFORCED RP server if people go there for casual play without immature leetness? Sure, designate a server as Role Playing so people who want to RP know where to go but don't try to enforce any rules. Players will police themselves in their own circle of friends.

I like RP, sometimes, but I like the option to not RP and not have to worry about being reported. I imagine if they create this hard-line RP server that you may have some go to it but quickly you will have a more casual RP server spring up from the players.

[RetributionGirl]

I'd love to see RP servers on this game AND if they instate the disads rules from the PnP game it will go a long way to encourage RP. That being said, this is a modern RP game that takes place in a modern city, so the gammut of RP can and should include people just acting like people. Conversations about your job may not be appropriate but every conversation does not have to start with "on my planet" and take place standing around in a park somewhere... I play on Virtue in CoX and played on RP servers in DAoC. While I qualify as RP "light," I prefer to play with RP'ers as they don't make characters named A**nugget and they don't tend to grief peeps.

I really like the idea of separate in and out of character channels, but I wouldn't want group chatter to be reportable since, personally, I like the idea of getting to know the peeps behind the pixels with out the hassle of taking it to tells.

Also, I'm on a game to play and have fun and that does not include having to type everything out, so I'd like to see a user friendly macro system so that I can set it to "no problem" when I type "np"

[CaptainAtomyc]

I'd love to see RP servers on this game AND if they instate the disads rules from the PnP game it will go a long way to encourage RP. That being said, this is a modern RP game that takes place in a modern city, so the gammut of RP can and should include people just acting like people. Conversations about your job may not be appropriate but every conversation does not have to start with "on my planet" and take place standing around in a park somewhere... I play on Virtue in CoX and played on RP servers in DAoC. While I qualify as RP "light," I prefer to play with RP'ers as they don't make characters named A**nugget and they don't tend to grief peeps.

I really like the idea of separate in and out of character channels, but I wouldn't want group chatter to be reportable since, personally, I like the idea of getting to know the peeps behind the pixels with out the hassle of taking it to tells.

Also, I'm on a game to play and have fun and that does not include having to type everything out, so I'd like to see a user friendly macro system so that I can set it to "no problem" when I type "np"

Great points and I agree. RPing heroes modern day like this is an easy jump for most people. Its not a far cry from reality. Minus the powers and aliens and whatnot. Guidelines can encourage RP sure, and I think that where "rules" can do the most good is at the supergroup level.

Ive RP'ed around other people before, not treating them as invisible, but not directly engaging them either. They weren't into RP, and thats fine, but they also didn't mind me doing it with the others. However, they also weren't worried that the Thought Police or Fingermen weren't going to show up and eat their souls. At least I hope they weren't.

Whatever is put in place I hope that it can strike a balance that encourages RP and lets new players find what they are looking for while at the same time not singling out those that want it light or "flame-kissed".

Cap

[Farahl]

I love how people here can have a mature debate without resorting to flames. All the points and ideas being brought up in this thread are great, and I hope the developers lend an ear to this little subsection of the community.

[Mold]

Has anyone comfirmed there will be more than one Server? What if Cryptic goes the way of EVE and have one large server?

[Gold-Rush]

Good points. I am in accord to CaptainAtomyc. :)

Not elitimsm... Optimistic insanity maybe...


Think of it this way, its like being a part of an exclusive club... but whats the point if the exclusive club lets anyone in.



And let me ask you another question: Whens the last time you saw someone actually RP on a RP server after the first few months?

Heck the last time I saw someone RP in WoW I was actually suprised and I'm on a RP server for goodness sakes!

I understand where you are coming from, however, I sorta think you shouldn't expect things. People are people and things happen.

And actually, I've run into a fair bit of RP in WoW, even recently, you just have to be iat the right place and at the right time. It IS out there. But it can be hard to find, especially if you play Horde.

I *think* you are viewing things like this : There is a label that should explain the product (RP), no need for "others" to come. Unfortunately, that is a bit elitist. :p Think of it this way. You have a book. A book is for reading. That's what books are *suppossed* to be about, but, they can actually be used in many different ways. Some folks prop up their desks with them, some might stand on them for extra height to reach cookies, others might (gasp) tear them apart, to use them for some other purpose. Thing is, it can be used in many ways.

I just ask you, don't be put off by what others comment to you about RP; they go their way, you go yours. Simple. You can be sure others are on the same RP server in the same situation as you are. Some may have their groups and others may still be finding them.




I think a label is fine. I have experience in finding unofficial RP servers, and while I don't post/look at forums much (Yes, you are saying you thinking this is impossible, because of my postings, but I assure you, this is the case :p ), I have scrambled to search forums for that knowledge before a game launch.

A labelled server would be so much better!




Now, I have a question for all of you that want labelled servers :

Suppose we get in a situation, similiar to WoW, and there is an RP server, or, a choice of RP-labelled Servers....

Knowing the community, do you think people would be "smart" enough and advertise one particular RP Labelled Server over another? You know, just to get the most RPers in? Or would people claim their RP server, as I have seen at times? (I think this happened when CoH launched, people that should have been "in the know") claimed some other server for their RP group(s) besides Virtue, since they Beta'ed on them)

[OniDaimyo]

Guess I'm different but I LIKE the idea of a strict RP server with tight rules, naming conventions and the like. You want to keep me as a player then make sure other players have a hard time breaking my immersion. Most of the time the reasons I leave a game do include dealing with other players who have no respect for those who RP. Some fool must always grief us or run around with a stupid or even insulting name, thinking they are clever and can get away with it. I'm all for official RP servers with strict rules even. Don't like strict RP servers? Then don't play on them. I dont like open PvP so I don't play on PvP servers on WoW for example. I think there will be a RP server because you guys forget that Champs is based on a pencil and paper RP game and because of that the computer MMO will probably attract a lot of RPers from the table-top game. I think a RP server will almost be expected because of that fact.

[CaptainAtomyc]

Guess I'm different but I LIKE the idea of a strict RP server with tight rules, naming conventions and the like. You want to keep me as a player then make sure other players have a hard time breaking my immersion. Most of the time the reasons I leave a game do include dealing with other players who have no respect for those who RP. Some fool must always grief us or run around with a stupid or even insulting name, thinking they are clever and can get away with it. I'm all for official RP servers with strict rules even. Don't like strict RP servers? Then don't play on them. I dont like open PvP so I don't play on PvP servers on WoW for example. I think there will be a RP server because you guys forget that Champs is based on a pencil and paper RP game and because of that the computer MMO will probably attract a lot of RPers from the table-top game. I think a RP server will almost be expected because of that fact.

Easily solved with RP servers and a single restriction like a naming convention. Griefing shouldn't be acceptable whether you're RPing or not. Does it happen? Sure, but you can't control that. All you can do is let the mods/GMs deal with it. Don't let that ruin your fun though. Beyond that you can certainly make or join a themed SG and get as restrictive as you want.

The server doesn't have to have a codex of rules to keep RP'ers safe. MMO's attract all sorts. Will bad apples get in? Sure. Even WITH rules. So instead of bogging things down, just keep it light. Put player imposed rules at the SG level and enjoy your game. That way the good apples that just want light RP can have it too.

Cap

[Malaclypse]

Guess I'm different but I LIKE the idea of a strict RP server with tight rules, naming conventions and the like. You want to keep me as a player then make sure other players have a hard time breaking my immersion. Most of the time the reasons I leave a game do include dealing with other players who have no respect for those who RP. Some fool must always grief us or run around with a stupid or even insulting name, thinking they are clever and can get away with it. I'm all for official RP servers with strict rules even. Don't like strict RP servers? Then don't play on them. I dont like open PvP so I don't play on PvP servers on WoW for example. I think there will be a RP server because you guys forget that Champs is based on a pencil and paper RP game and because of that the computer MMO will probably attract a lot of RPers from the table-top game. I think a RP server will almost be expected because of that fact.

No, I don't think you're too different.

My point from earlier which might have gotten diluted by my later ranting was mostly that I think that IF you do RP servers, there should be an array of them to suit the people with differing RP needs.

Otherwise you need RP servers with rules and a LOT of tolerance. But, like many people here have said - it boils down to enforcement and resources.

[Dekuthe]

wow there are a lot of posts in just one day......

to Goldrush: Most of my post was joking, I generally do rp and normal chat, depends on my mood of the day lol.

I think the idea of GM's and DEV's enforcing strict RP rules just isn't going to happen. I mean, assuming the game costs 40-50 dollars, then a 15 dollar monthly fee on top of that, once i'm paying for it, they can't really tell me i can't chat or play the game however I want on whatever server I'm on.

If we can get them to take a server or two and slap a (RP) next to the server name that'd be cool. I do agree that they could take the effort and make an OOC: channel, that should be rediculously easy to do. But to be honest, to activate different chat channels you generally have to do something like /ooc then type what you want. So when we RP we could always just do "ooc: man i can't wait to play this game".

I for one, would like to find a group of mild RP'ers that enjoy a good laugh, i'm the type that makes it a point to fly off in the sky when it's time to log out instead of just dissapearing :)

I think all of us that want a little RP need to just stick together and when they announce some server names, let's pick a server and let the fun BEGIN!!!! now go watch that video again!

[Saikyo-RyuHatman]

I'm surprised this thread hasn't been trolled yet.

[Malaclypse]

I'm surprised this thread hasn't been trolled yet.

Maybe the trolls haven't found out about the game yet! We can hope.
I've been surprised by the forward-looking and thoughtful responses so far on many of these threads.

It's just a matter of time, though. Enjoy it while it lasts.

[Nimbus]

With a survey like this it would definitely weed out the bad from the good. I LOVE seeing awesome, well-developed characters in CoH, and also hated seeing an old man in whitey-tighties with the name "Old Man Bob" or something. It ruins the immersion for me. While I don't RP all that often, I do create characters with an RP background and develop them whenever I can. I also come to RP servers for the great community, so I eliminate the tards as much as possible.

Yup, crossing my fingers on this one...

[Malaclypse]

With a survey like this it would definitely weed out the bad from the good. I LOVE seeing awesome, well-developed characters in CoH, and also hated seeing an old man in whitey-tighties with the name "Old Man Bob" or something. It ruins the immersion for me. While I don't RP all that often, I do create characters with an RP background and develop them whenever I can. I also come to RP servers for the great community, so I eliminate the tards as much as possible.

Yup, crossing my fingers on this one...

Heh. Have decently sized starter zones, and you have to collect enough 'Good concept' references to get out of them?

[Gillos]

:) "Consider this post my vote. Aye! For a RP server, as strictly enforced as needed, and I will play on it and love it dearly."

:rolleyes: "As for everyone struggling to find a definition for what is RPing? It isn't that hard. Acting and talking like you think your character would, not how you youself playing a game would naturally act. Maybe you get scared, maybe you have to take a super-**** in the Fantasti-toilet, who knows. As long as you are in character I am all for it."

.

[Cyclone_Jack]

I have very mixed feelings on this.

You see, I'm not really an RPer. I've tried a few times, but I just can't 'get into the role', so to speak. Thus, when I do 'RP', I don't say anything. Call me the mysterious silent person, or the mute person, whatever floats your boat. Since I don't RP often, I tend to 'break the rules' and say something in OOC. 95% of the time, that's also my cue to leave as I get attacked by anyone in /say distance for 'breaking immersion' (whatever you do, don't say 'Sorry' either, for that is a continuation of 'breaking immersion'). After that, I'm usually ignored. So, to me, RPers are elitist snobs who ignore everyone not in their special cricle, and I usually don't feel bad when they are griefed, though I will never grief RPers (or anyone for that matter). This is my personal opinion. :eek:

Wait, don't get all upset yet, there is more to the story... ;)

However, my best friend is really into RP. He's been RPing for years and has numerous characters on Virtue (I play mostly on Liberty), does the PnP stuff, has done RP on various Boards, etc. We both enjoy Comics, MMOs, and like grouping together when we can. The problem is, I can't RP (see above). So, if I want to play with my friend on an strict RP server, I'm limited to saying nothing, which, to me, isn't very fun (as any of you can imagine). :o

So, to me, I am against a labelled RP server and would rather see an Unofficial RP server. However, to help promote this, I would have the description of the server (on the forums) labeled as 'The Unofficial RP server', allowing people who are searching for RP an easier way to find it.

As for an /IC and /OOC channel, I am against that as well, for the same reasons as above. If Cryptic has done their homework, we'll likely see custom chat channels that people can easily create and RP to their hearts content without the need for /IC and /OOC channels.

Now, for the one excption. I would gladly accept and promote an RP server if the rules allowed for characters to break the Fourth Wall. Basically, you can put an RP label on a server as long as that server has no special rules other than naming conventions. No /IC or /OOC channels, no calling the mods for 'breaking immersion', etc. Yes, you can still play elitist in your little circle of RPers, but I would also be able to play without the fear of being verbally crucified any time I broke the Fourth Wall and talked OOC. :p

[Farahl]

As for an /IC and /OOC channel, I am against that as well, for the same reasons as above. If Cryptic has done their homework, we'll likely see custom chat channels that people can easily create and RP to their hearts content without the need for /IC and /OOC channels.


It doesn't quite work that way. Created channels are always GLOBAL. Someone on the other side of the planet shouldn't be hearing the private conversation amongst two people, and the opposite is true for OOC chatter. 40 other people don't care about your compliments about Person X's costume.

[Hallimeda]

I think the idea of a dedicated RP server is nice but I also think it would encounter difficulty with enforccement. The idea of tags is interesting. I know one of the problems I faced with CoH was that my character was well established on Victory before Virtue was the "unofficial" RP server.

If Champions offers the chances to create individual channels/tabs as CoX does then you will be able to designate your own OOC channel which is what we do :)

Here's to hoping we can get some RP fun.... but minus the whole debate about RP, MRP and ERP.

[Lumenadducere]

Cyclone_Jack, I'm sorry to hear that you have bad experiences with RPers. Note that all of us aren't like that.

I said this earlier, but I really think the best method is to have an "unofficial RP server" that's labeled as such. If we get into enforcing it just pushes people away and definitely gives the RPers a sense of elitism. No offense, but I'm not going to get upset if someone makes a couple OC statements here and there or even if they don't want to RP. If they're mature and they treat others well I'll enjoy playing with them whether or not they're IC.

[Subtle]

We have some options.

We could let players freely switch between servers, so if they want to rp one day and pvp another they can switch. If this happens we could have give RPers the ability to kick people from that section of the server ( perhaps requiring 10 or more votes) for about an hour.

Having seperate OOC and IC channels are great too, as well as the ability to put a tag above your head, showing your IC or ooc. I have a strong feeling the Xbox players won't be big on rping though.

If we have another Pocket D like area, it would be nice if one of the bars was open by inviatation only. I would love to see roleplaying outside of one segregated area encouraged though, but I'm not sure how that could be done

While we're at it, can we just name one of the servers Virtue for good measure?

[CaptainAtomyc]

The majority of the RP will fall to the community. The game likely won't be coded for RP. Instead there will be areas that characters and players can freely RP as they choose.

Having restrictions on a server level, as Ive stated, isn't wise. Its cumbersome and will end up not shielding the RPer's from undesirables but instead it will keep the good players that only RP lightly away from the server.

Have some light rule like a naming convention and then make your RP rules at the SG level.

I do believe that the servers should be tagged though. Like others have said, and this happened to me too, in looking for RP at CoH I ended up on the wrong server. I didnt know until much later that Virtue was the unofficial RP server. So, tags will save a lot of people the trouble.

Outside of tags, word of mouth is best bet. The forums for an MMO and even console games can be invaluable.

Cap

[Pheonyx]

We have some options.

We could let players freely switch between servers, so if they want to rp one day and pvp another they can switch. If this happens we could have give RPers the ability to kick people from that section of the server ( perhaps requiring 10 or more votes) for about an hour.

Having seperate OOC and IC channels are great too, as well as the ability to put a tag above your head, showing your IC or ooc. I have a strong feeling the Xbox players won't be big on rping though.

If we have another Pocket D like area, it would be nice if one of the bars was open by inviatation only. I would love to see roleplaying outside of one segregated area encouraged though, but I'm not sure how that could be done

While we're at it, can we just name one of the servers Virtue for good measure?

Server switching would most likely be a paid option, just like WoW and CoH/V... tags might work for IC/OOC. The one thing that worries me about this game is the sharing with XBox players, mainly because of a lot of communication barriers (since many XBox owners do not have a keyboard attached to their XBox). They might work in XBox Live voice functionality into the game, but that can even be immersion-breaking in an RP sense (a sexy superheroine who you think would have a sultry voice would be a 16 year-old boy with an annoying braying laugh... or even a 43 year old dockworker from Newark [some of the COH/V Virtue players here might understand that reference] ).

Your idea about an invitation-only bar for RPing is counter to your comment of "roleplaying outside of one segregated area"... in fact, it would wind up being the only place and would encourage elitism (Only the cool RP kids can come in here... go away).

If they do include playable villains at the start, I would LOVE to see heroes and villains actually be able to talk and not always fight each other (much like many of the chats that Charles Xavier and Magneto had at the school and no fighting take place... they are very good friends, even if their views were radically different). The only place for that in CoH/V is Pocket D. If they incorporate open area PvP into this game, PLEASE have some sort of PVP flag that can be toggled on and off so that conversations like this CAN take place without fear of being "ganked".

As for an official RP server or unofficial RP server... there are good and bad points to either decision. If there was an official RP server, may the only "enforcement" be name conventions; anything else becomes much more of a drain of Cryptic resources. Unofficial RP servers in games have worked in the past, and could work here... but make them be multiple servers and not just one for sake of server load.

Ashes to ashes,
Pheonyx

[Golden-Girl]

To people reading this thread for the first time please read the edits. Please don't tl;dr.

I've been playing MMOs for quite a few years but I always seem to go through cycles that revolve around roleplay. I join an MMO/Server, I find great roleplay. Over time the roleplay fades and I have trouble finding groups I like (as in CoX a couple times..) or (in the case of every single RP server on WoW) the non roleplayers become the majority and roleplay becomes more difficult to find.

So my question is...will there be dedicated roleplay servers? Ones that are well enforced would be fantastic. In WoW it's honestly forgiveable. There are just so many people and so many servers that responding to every complaint would take up a lot of time and add additional costs to pay the employees.

If there ARE dedicated roleplay servers I ask that you please PLEASE have some sort of entry quiz to establish that people know what a roleplay server is. A quick quiz of a few questions like "What is the purpose of a roleplay server?" and some simple A, B, C or D choices. Many many people roll characters on WoW's RP servers and don't know what RP is.

I know I know...it may seem a bit nitpicky and extreme, but those of us who like our RP in our MMOs really lack our shangri-la in any of the better MMOs and if Champions gets a rep as an RP'er paradise you may very well be able to draw a heck of a lot of WoW's RPer crowd.

Edit: As I've brought it up later on in this thread and people will not read every single post in this thread as it grows in size...a simple mechanic such as separate IC and OOC channels instead of a single /say channel would be absolutely ideal. Perhaps even to the point of eliminating a need for dedicated servers entirely.

Edit 2: Forgive me for not naming names. This occured around page 6. Some points have been brought up in that on WoW people often roll on RP servers to get a more mature environment, which means that an unenforced RP server would turn into a normal server over time, making RPers the minority and almost killing RP entirely in Champions if it was instituted. An alternative was proposed with a 'tag' system to identify roleplayers, and the idea of a small note about a sever being the roleplayers preferred server but not stricly enforcing it due to the 'tag' system being in place.

The idea of integrating separate IC and OOC /say channels along with a roleplayer tag system seems to be the most reasonable idea without devoting an entire server to roleplayers, which would be pointless if it was not enforced in any way.

But in the end Cryptic folks have the final say in all this. Let's hope they seek to give our sizeable MMO niche incentive to leave our current MMOs!

Well, seeing as it's actually based on a RPG, it seems kinda sensible for them to have an RP server :p

[Jessie_Tell]

I think this should be a more 'Community Decides' sort of thing. Just like back in CoH Beta where a bulk of the roleplayers decided to band together on Virtue declaring it the 'Unofficial RP Server.' Generally I don't see problems with alot of non-RPers on Virtue, in fact they usally stick to their own kind. As well the RPers stick to their own kind, so it really kind of balances out. I don't doubt that there will be RP on CO, but we might just have to be as proactive as we were on CoH in order to draw it out.

[Malaclypse]

Cyclone_Jack, I'm sorry to hear that you have bad experiences with RPers. Note that all of us aren't like that.

I said this earlier, but I really think the best method is to have an "unofficial RP server" that's labeled as such. If we get into enforcing it just pushes people away and definitely gives the RPers a sense of elitism. No offense, but I'm not going to get upset if someone makes a couple OC statements here and there or even if they don't want to RP. If they're mature and they treat others well I'll enjoy playing with them whether or not they're IC.

Personally, I'd be happy if it was a little less unofficial or at least officially recognized and accepted. I remember the early days of Virtue when we all strove to try to encourage RP on the server and help the nega-RP'ers find another home... it was not very smooth at all.

There must be some way to help it along a bit without coming down with jackboots!

[OniDaimyo]

I dont like non rpers or nega-rpers messing with those who do RP. It's annoying. Also in the WoW RP server example there ARE rules stated right there before you sign on so if you get reported for not having a RP name it's your own fault and you can cry and whine all you want but it's your own fault for not observing and following the rules of the server.

I'm for a official RP server. Unofficial gets too many non RPers or nega Rpers who think it's okay to harras people. Until they get kicked for harrasment that is. :D

[Cyclone_Jack]

It doesn't quite work that way. Created channels are always GLOBAL. Someone on the other side of the planet shouldn't be hearing the private conversation amongst two people, and the opposite is true for OOC chatter. 40 other people don't care about your compliments about Person X's costume.

Channels can also be private and intive only, eliminating other non-inner circle people from interfering. For one on one, you can set up a channel or just use tells/whispers. If you don't want to hear me compliment someone on a great costume, turn off standard chat (even though that might have been my character giving the compliment). All an IC or OOC channel is going to do is get people in there that the other group doesn't want in there. If you need to ignore someone, just ignore them.

Now, one thing I could go for is this: When you ignore someone, they go away. No chat, no noises, no emotes, no character. Flag this character as 'not showing up on my screen at all in any way, shape or form'. This way, you could get rid of me accidentally breaking immersion and I could get rid of spammers and random ***hats. ;) (well, you could get rid of the ***hats too)

Cyclone_Jack, I'm sorry to hear that you have bad experiences with RPers. Note that all of us aren't like that.

My friend keeps telling me this. I know not all RPers are bad, I've just had horrible horrible luck with them. Perhaps I should only try on the third Tuesday of every other month. :p

Actually, that may be something the RPers can get together for. One night every other week set up an area for new RPers. I know (CoX) Liberty's 'kickball' night got a lot of people into PvP that never would have tried it otherwise (it was an instructional night where PvP vets played new PvPers and gave them build and playstyle tips). Perhaps getting people to go over proper etiquette and form, as well as story creation and character development, could get more people into RPing. I know I'd give it a shot. :o

If you do decide to do that though, you'll have to watch out how you treat players on other nights. Those players may come back to be good RPers and it may bite you in the rear if you treated them like I've been treated in the past. :eek:

[hyperone]

I stand behind a roleplay server offical or otherwise.
However I think it might be best if the community does the majority of the work leaving the devs free for other things like .. super cool events on the rp server

[Malaclypse]

I stand behind a roleplay server offical or otherwise.
However I think it might be best if the community does the majority of the work leaving the devs free for other things like .. super cool events on the rp server

Agreed! I do think that community effort ends up being meaningless without official support though, in some fashion.

[Avatar_of_Champions]

I'm still for a strict rules/enforcment roleplay server or none at all.

[Slipshade]

Role play is one of the most important things to reel me into a game. I love to get into my character, as it lets me leave my normal life behind, even if it be for a few hours. I am all for an “Official Role Playing Server” backed by both players and Devs.

I think it should be the duty of all role players to report players who are not role players on role playing servers to the authorities that be, and they should either send a generic email to the person saying: “Bad non-role player” and suggest a normal server for them to play on, and call it good. If this player is a constant problem then they should be banned from the role playing servers.

Players should govern themselves for this…but unfortunately that doesn’t always work. Sometimes you need a higher power to knock some sense into those who don’t bother to read the special rules of a role playing server.

I feel this will keep many more players involved in the game and improve relations with the role playing community as a whole.

[OniDaimyo]

Wow that version of Space Ghost looks tough. Not wacky at all.

[Avatar_of_Champions]

Wow that version of Space Ghost looks tough. Not wacky at all.
This is the Alex Ross version of Space Ghost for the serious Space Ghost DC mini series.

He's pretty hardcore in that mini series.

[Arclite]

This is my first post on these boards, put people may remember me as Black Agony or Carapace from Virtue, who ran the oft-tragic Nation VG (Redside) and played with people all up and down the board blue-and red side, including more than a few Nimue' and Maggy and Loanshark plotlines in the good ol park, back when we begged for any smoky bar or dive to RP in.

Please, PLEASE give us an RP enforced server. The Roleplaying is what keeps a lot of the stickers playing, and an enforced environment that requires serious characters and thought in each character makes the game worth returning to again and again.

The last thing we need is another incident with 'Banned Name #6455' trouncing into our game and blathering on about something inane and spamming powers again, and again, and again. I still have my account with CoX. I still play. I still look forward to the only Super Hero MMO on the market.

This could be better. This is an actual /role playing game/ translation... we hope? Don't do what DDO did. Learn from WotCs mistakes. Keep things true, don't just rape the label for the player base. We're smart players, we'll figure it out. I was really, really upset with DDO NOT being DnD. I wanted my money back. I never renewed my subscription.

Do with this for Supers RP what WoW did for Fantasy RP. Only actually enforce things, put a few hours of coding and forethought into making people use their grey-matter to engage in a mature environment. By all means drop un-enforced RP servers on the board, but give us Iron Age.

Iron Age - An Enforced server for dedicated, mature Roleplayers?

[hyperone]

rp server or not. No one is going to tell so and so how they can play if they want to spam powers and generaly be annoying they will, no ruleset is ever going to make them stop. the fact that in your example it was a banned name person in your example shows that the person was trying to be annoying and would have circumvented the rules to do so.
I see by the name dropping that you were part of an rp clique this will still be the best way to rp. finding a like minded group of people and playing with them.I like a server where they congregate its a wonderfull . Making it at least a little easier, but not everyone in the rp community agreed on everything let alone the whole darn server. The stricter that you make the rules the fewer people that want to even try. The best way to make an rp community is to make it open to anyone who wants to try to be part of it. Not start with telling them what they cant do. That just leads to petulant acting out.

[Gash-jackel]

A dedicated RP server would be nice I must admit

[Malaclypse]

Wow that version of Space Ghost looks tough. Not wacky at all.

Oh, well, the original Space Ghost wasn't really intended to be wacky. You're right, I wouldn't want to cross THAT Ghost... *shivers*

[Younion]

I certainly hope we will have at least one rp designated server, even if rp isn't enforced strictly. Using a regular server to rp and just starting to roleplay out of the blue, in my opinion, does not work, and usually ends with insults and snide remarks rather than a roleplay session. Non-roleplayers tend to think roleplayers are silly annoyances. At least on an rp server roleplayers can tell trolls to gtfo, this is an rp server, you shouldn't be here if you don't want to rp.

[Marshal_Valor]

Quite honestly I hope an RP server never happens, ever.

As a long time RP'er of 26 years now, I can honestly say my experiences on Virtue were negative enough to make me never want to play on any RP server ever again. Quite honestly I find they end up being much more negative then positive. I found my experiences on Freedom role playing to be much more amiable to say the least.

Role playing servers tend to attract people that RP in the vein of chat rooms and people that feel self important enough that they should "not be disturbed" in a public place no less. There is a very fine line between role playing in the vein of a chatroom and role playing within the context of a table top role playing game. Sadly, the minute the tag goes up "Role Play server" it seems to draw the chat room RP'ers like flies on honey, and with that, there is a backwash of negativity that surely follows.

I'd much rather see the game be conducive to RP across the board then to waste resources on RP specific servers.

Role playing belongs to everyone, not just some people. It's an MMO"RPG" for a reason.

[Malaclypse]

Quite honestly I hope an RP server never happens, ever.

As a long time RP'er of 26 years now, I can honestly say my experiences on Virtue were negative enough to make me never want to play on any RP server ever again. Quite honestly I find they end up being much more negative then positive. I found my experiences on Freedom role playing to be much more amiable to say the least.

Role playing servers tend to attract people that RP in the vein of chat rooms and people that feel self important enough that they should "not be disturbed" in a public place no less. There is a very fine line between role playing in the vein of a chatroom and role playing within the context of a table top role playing game. Sadly, the minute the tag goes up "Role Play server" it seems to draw the chat room RP'ers like flies on honey, and with that, there is a backwash of negativity that surely follows.

I'd much rather see the game be conducive to RP across the board then to waste resources on RP specific servers.

Role playing belongs to everyone, not just some people. It's an MMO"RPG" for a reason.

I do say I ran into many of the same things on Virtue, and they did annoy me at times, but I was able to keep them from interfering with my own game play. My own thinking is that RP servers are needed for that reason, too, rather than instead of it, Marshal.

Think of it this way - if they're on an RP server, then they won't be on the one you're at?
I do think there needs to be agreement on what RP is before there could be RP servers, though.

[hyperone]

I do say I ran into many of the same things on Virtue, and they did annoy me at times, but I was able to keep them from interfering with my own game play. My own thinking is that RP servers are needed for that reason, too, rather than instead of it, Marshal.

Think of it this way - if they're on an RP server, then they won't be on the one you're at?
I do think there needs to be agreement on what RP is before there could be RP servers, though.

such an agreement can never happen. The chatroom style as you describe it will always have different values from the action style who is still different from the person who wants to roleplay being a total tool. all perfectly valid choices despite that some want to enforce only their own perspective.

The problem with not even having one server is that it gets MUCH harder to find play groups when yours inevitably splinters.

[Farahl]

I'm sure there are some 'lowest common denominator' rules that most RP'ers could agree on. Though trying to find them would be a path repeatedly bombarded by (internet) flames.

[Malaclypse]

such an agreement can never happen. The chatroom style as you describe it will always have different values from the action style who is still different from the person who wants to roleplay being a total tool. all perfectly valid choices despite that some want to enforce only their own perspective.

The problem with not even having one server is that it gets MUCH harder to find play groups when yours inevitably splinters.

Well, part of my point in the first post I made in this thread (I think) was that I felt the discussion on 'What is RP' should lead to the creation of several different TYPES of RP servers with different coherent takes on 'What is RP?' and a rules structure. Then they could co-exist and compete with each other for RP folks and effectiveness of the rules. In all of them, though, I think 'tolerance' would need to be built into the rules and not 'zero tolerance'

[Card_Shark]

I'm all for the idea of an RP or multiple RP servers.

I think that there should be a mechanic in place to assist in enforcing the Role-play aspects, but I don't think that anyone should be forced into a certain style of Role-play. RP is different things to different people and as others have said..no concensus will ever be reached as to the specifics.

I'd personally like to see some mechanics in place similar to what Everquest did in the early days for a role-play server. Something as simple as zone broadcasts having a limited range so they are more like shouting would lend to the Roleplay. For me, the whole RP experience has to do with the game mechanic supporting the immersion factor. The champions PnP system has a lot that lends to roleplay.

Hopefully the developers will see how popular "unofficial" RP servers are and take steps to make a server or two more "official".

[Darth_Zeppelin]

/signed, citizen!

DZ

[thatsmystapler]

Ok I was on the Virtue and read the Virtue forums often, and the concept of an "enforced" RP-server is unrealistic and even absurd? Why? Because even RPers can't agree amongst themselves what valid RP is.

How many times have we seen players complaining about another player's backstory? Because they made themselves into a god or wove there tale into the game mythos that someone didn't like. Someone didn't like when someone was RPing as a jerk or aggressively. Others get upset when people Mature RP. The rock in the park was named after so-and-so? That's bogus. She can't participate in the battle because she is RPing a pregnancy? Someone boot her from the team.

RPers get so wrapped up in the way they think things should be that it causes conflict with those who see it differently. In PvP, you know you kill the other guy before he kills you. Not much room for differences of opinion on the matter. Because RPers can't even agree themselves on what is the correct way to RP, you can't enforce it.

[Farahl]

RPers get so wrapped up in the way they think things should be that it causes conflict with those who see it differently. In PvP, you know you kill the other guy before he kills you. Not much room for differences of opinion on the matter. Because RPers can't even agree themselves on what is the correct way to RP, you can't enforce it.


Things are getting WAY off on a tangent here.


Enforcement does NOT nessicarily mean setting up strict rules by which to RP by. Enforcement would be something as simple as making sure OOC chatter doesn't enter an IC channel. That's all. No talking about game mechanics in an IC /say. Individual rules and avoiding godmodding ****s would be up to the individual and their peers.

People are assuming too much about a simple concept. *goes to edit the first post again*

[thatsmystapler]

Things are getting WAY off on a tangent here.


Enforcement does NOT nessicarily mean setting up strict rules by which to RP by. Enforcement would be something as simple as making sure OOC chatter doesn't enter an IC channel. That's all. No talking about game mechanics in an IC /say. Individual rules and avoiding godmodding ****s would be up to the individual and their peers.

People are assuming too much about a simple concept. *goes to edit the first post again*

If RPers were complaining about this on an Unofficial non-enforced RP server, how much worse do you think it's going to be on an enforced RP server? Do you really think it's not going to happen? You give RPers too much credit then.

[Silverblade]

No RP servers is my vote and I'm a RPer. It's too hard to manage and takes away from dev resources that could be used on content and gameplay, which is ultimately more important. RPers found a way on Virtue and they'll find a way here.

Just designate one or a few as RP preferred and let the community work it out.

[OniDaimyo]

As if non RPers aren't just as bad, or PvPers.

[Malaclypse]

No RP servers is my vote and I'm a RPer. It's too hard to manage and takes away from dev resources that could be used on content and gameplay, which is ultimately more important. RPers found a way on Virtue and they'll find a way here.

Just designate one or a few as RP preferred and let the community work it out.

Valid points. I just wish that someone was trying to figure this out for long-term. I wonder if there isn't some grad student out there wrangling with a related thesis.

[Farahl]

Valid points. I just wish that someone was trying to figure this out for long-term. I wonder if there isn't some grad student out there wrangling with a related thesis.

I wish I could have done my bachelor's thesis on studying internet communities, but it had to be an actual scientific experiment. Went and did this whole crazy thing on semantic priming and nearly melted my brain doing the statistics.

****ed science.

[Silverblade]

Valid points. I just wish that someone was trying to figure this out for long-term. I wonder if there isn't some grad student out there wrangling with a related thesis.

The problem mainly lies in the fact that RPers are a niche and will become more of a niche as MMOs become more mainstream...if RPers continue to segregate themselves into RP servers. By exposing RP to non-RPers, you validate the concept. On Virtue there are many players who never RPed but gave it a shot after observing some. Now they are hooked.

Not to be on a soapbox here but if RPers want better RP environments, they need to make sacrifices. They need to take the blows from the rest of the population and offer a great and fun concept with great patience. Otherwise, these kinds of debates will rage forever and RP will never be welcome and will always remain niche.

Believe me, I would love a server that is full of RP but there's a long road before that happens legitimately.

[Malaclypse]

Oh, and just in case, since I don't think I picked up on that early on....

/signed for a dedicated RP server in whatever form it may take

[Farahl]

Believe me, I would love a server that is full of RP but there's a long road before that happens legitimately.


It's never going to happen unless we fight for it and voice ourselves now. Look what happened in WoW. Sure there are RP servers, but take a look at ANY old RP server and try to find random RP. You can't. Why? Because blizz did nothing to curb the non-RP'ers from rolling and becoming the majority, forcing the RP'ers out to other, new, servers.

The cycle keeps repeating over and over and RP'ers can't seem to get together and get a loud enough voice or enough passion to fix it. Everyone says they wish they could change it, yet they do nothing.

With Champions we have a chance to suggest and hope that the devs do things RIGHT. If we just sit around and say it'll never happen, or that it's impossible..nothing will ever get done.

[thatsmystapler]

It's never going to happen unless we fight for it and voice ourselves now. Look what happened in WoW. Sure there are RP servers, but take a look at ANY old RP server and try to find random RP. You can't. Why? Because blizz did nothing to curb the non-RP'ers from rolling and becoming the majority, forcing the RP'ers out to other, new, servers.

The cycle keeps repeating over and over and RP'ers can't seem to get together and get a loud enough voice or enough passion to fix it. Everyone says they wish they could change it, yet they do nothing.

With Champions we have a chance to suggest and hope that the devs do things RIGHT. If we just sit around and say it'll never happen, or that it's impossible..nothing will ever get done.

You're a minority. Learn to live with it. I'm all for concepts and playing in characters. I just watched too many CoX RP-ers cross over into the creepy category with it. There was too much fighting over it and eventually in CoX, too many resources dedicated to it.

In Wow, the RPers still have a strong base. They just aren't hanging out in PDP or anything like that. They have RP guilds and you can create your own RP channels and that's where they hang out. If you are hanging out with other RPers, who cares if the guy in the same zone as you is RPing or not? Are you not capable of staying in character at that point? Put the guy on ignore. It's not like RPers are made to ride at the back of the bus in the magical world of WoW. I played on a RP server when I first joined WoW, and there were plenty of people playing in character. The difference between them and the CoX RPers is they were not nearly as weird or anal-retentive.

[Malaclypse]

The problem mainly lies in the fact that RPers are a niche and will become more of a niche as MMOs become more mainstream...if RPers continue to segregate themselves into RP servers. By exposing RP to non-RPers, you validate the concept. On Virtue there are many players who never RPed but gave it a shot after observing some. Now they are hooked.

Not to be on a soapbox here but if RPers want better RP environments, they need to make sacrifices. They need to take the blows from the rest of the population and offer a great and fun concept with great patience. Otherwise, these kinds of debates will rage forever and RP will never be welcome and will always remain niche.

Believe me, I would love a server that is full of RP but there's a long road before that happens legitimately.

Hmm. I feel tempted to dissect all of that, but I don't think I could do it at the moment without getting quarrelsome. Let me just put myself down as disagreeing with *counts* seven and a half of your points. I sort of agreed with about one and a half, vaguely.

[Farahl]

I played on a RP server when I first joined WoW

From what you're saying you haven't had the opportunity to watch first hand the 'fall' of them from RP paradise to normal servers like any other totally devoid of RP'ers. Anyone who's started on a new RP server and stuck with it for over a year will probably tell the same story.

And calling RP'ers a minority is a bit odd. MMO players in general are a minority. Anyone who plays an MMO that ISN'T World of Warcraft is a minority. I imagine the precentage of disenchanted RP'ers in WoW is bigger than the entire subscription base of some other MMO's. I'd love to get my hands on some hard numbers but I don't really want to start making pie charts.

The point is that Cryptic or any new MMO coming out is going to need to lure as many players as they can, hopefully taking a dent out of WoW. By targetting RP'ers with a