alessandroMMOs 'don't give people the tools to build community anymore,' says EverQuest 2 creative director
tiredofsametabI, on the other hand, much prefer being able to play an MMO solo and grouping with people when I decide to be social. Locking content behind grouping is just plain annoying. As with all games, I'm there to explore the world and the story and the less I have other humans involved in that, the better in most cases.
Then why play an mmo
A story set in a universe I like with plenty of content?
“I like multiplayer games without the multiplayer” is oxymoronic
Except there are many things that can be done without groups and more games add functionality to accomplish this (comparing FFXI at launch and today, for instance). Multiplayer could also simply refer to the fact that multiple people are playing this game at the same time, which would fit better with the first statement.
If a game wanted to force multiplayer, they should do it from the start and just not allow doing things solo. Then, you're right, I simply wouldn't play that game.
Then why play something centered around multiplayer content when there are multitudes more single player games focused around that exact play style?
GammaI’m there to explore the world and the story
And avoid 90% of the content and make MMOs feel even lonelier than they already do
Doesn’t sound like the original commenter has that problem!
Locking content behind grouping is just plain annoying.
Literally one of the core design elements of MMOs is group content
Guess it’s not okay to enjoy as a solo player then ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
FreeBooteR69Some people like having others around to talk to, but not necessarily be hand-cuffed and totally dependent on them.
Probably why I actually leave multiplayer on in No Man’s Sky. There’s people around, stuff happens, but there is no need to engage if you aren’t in the mood.
Plus, if you are feeling sociable and want to, you can go to the anomaly and team up for bonuses.
You can have multiplayer influenced worlds and environments, enjoy seeing what others do and create in that world, without enjoying the partying up aspect. MMOs with competitive markets, faction influencing, or competing with players in general rather than direct conflicts.
One can enjoy the world building of MMOs without wanting to be a part of a guild or raid parties.
and grouping with people when I decide to be social.
They literally told you.
It doesn’t have to be all one or the other.
FFXIV lets you do almost all of the main story solo now, making the amazing story accessible to so many people. There are a few instances of having to do an alliance raid or trial every 40 hours of solo content or so, but if you weren’t ok with that, why even play an MMO? It’s in the name, “multiplayer.”