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is a plot really necessary?

Started by syn_apse Jul 21, 2003 at 9:19 PM 7 replies 1.5k views

Original Post

Jul 21, 2003 at 9:19 PM

or rather, is a single player campaign really necessary? i''m not talking about an exclusively MMORPG, but rather a normal RPG/RTS hybrid wherein your goals are personal, and campaigns or missions are taken up at your discretion, rather than imposed upon you (more like a multiplayer campaign). i am not adverse to having a MMORPG version of this game (in fact, i intend on it, if this ever reaches completion), but i don''t want it to be the only option. i just have trouble with the concept of having a mandatory storyline. for some background: this game takes place on earth about 300,000 years in the future after our civilization was wiped out by an extra-terrestrial impact. humans have repopulated the planet with retrofitted future societies popping up all over the globe in a manner consistent with our own history (there will be arabic cultures, roman cultures, mayan cultures, chinese cultures, etc., etc., all vying for power). these societies, however, have forgotten the past (history turned to religion, religion turned to legend, legend turned to myth, and the myth has largely been ignored since). the player''s character simply exists in this world and deals with conflicts as the player sees fit (if/when war comes you can join the fight or you can run and hide) basically, there is a plot, but your character is not an inherent part of it. will the game suffer as result?

Cypher Ae

Jul 22, 2003 at 1:24 AM

Background stories are great to have. They involve the player and show that you pay attention to detail. Gamers will have fun just exploring this world and finding out about it then adding greatly to the lifespan.

TechnoGoth

Jul 23, 2003 at 9:36 AM

Plot is basically essential to any game thats purpose is anything other then simple gameplay, even then many players will want a good plot.

If its a sports game is doesn''t need a plot.
If its sim then is doesn''t need a plot.
if its anything else it needs one.

People like a purpose for doing things and reasons to keep doing them. Fancy graphics will only hold someones interest for so long.

syn_apse

Jul 23, 2003 at 8:56 PM

oops. that was me above.

does everyone else here have to constantly reeneter usernames and passwords with every post. i mean, the login/logout button currently says logout, so, logically, i must be logged in. whats the deal?

Waverider

Jul 23, 2003 at 9:06 PM

I think plot gives the player something else to watch unfold as they play, even if they aren't an integrated part of it.

Freespace 2 has a linear storyline, and you can't advance if you fail a mission. But in the meantime, you see your fleet suffer, command trying to resolve problems, pilots questioning the authority of the leaders (and others being faithful, some of which you develop a rapport with).

A plot is just another way to get involved. Personal progress is one way. Playing with others counts, too. A living, breathing story is another.

[edited by - Waverider on July 23, 2003 10:07:09 PM]

syn_apse

Jul 23, 2003 at 9:15 PM

quote:
Original post by Waverider
But in the meantime, you see your fleet suffer, command trying to resolve problems, pilots questioning the authority of the leaders (and others being faithful, some of which you develop a rapport with).

this is a good idea. i''ve thought of the implications of morale, loyalty and trust on groups of people, especially militias and similar organizations. i''m sure i will implement something like this.

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