User and NPC shops for an MMO

Good basic principles that unfortunately no game applies:

1) If an NPC can do it, so can a player
2) If a player can do it, so can an NPC
3) If a player can't do it, an NPC can't either.

If you were really capable of making an MMO (or more accurately, on a team that could), then you would be at a skill level where this kind of thing is no problem.

As it is, you're struggling to even communicate the problem. What exactly is it that you can't figure out?

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If you were really capable of making an MMO (or more accurately, on a team that could)

There is no need for a big team or great resources to make an MMO.
You only need such a thing when you want to make an AAA one.

The problem is that your question is too general. Are you asking for help with an "NPC system"? Or a shop system? Or an NPC-based shop system? You'll need to choose one.

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Original post by loufoque Good basic principles that unfortunately no game applies: 1) If an NPC can do it, so can a player 2) If a player can do it, so can an NPC 3) If a player can't do it, an NPC can't either.

So if there's a dragon NPC, then I have to let players be dragons, too? No, I don't think these are good rules. They might apply in some, very specific cases, but as "basic principles" they completely fail. Would Mario be very good if a mushroom could jump ontop of and squish you just as easily as you could jump ontop of and squish it? Would Mario be good if I you got instant-hit kills on enemies just because there those balls-on-chains get instant-hit kills on you? Your rules are, at best, over generalizations and at worst stifling to creativity and gameplay.

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Original post by loufoque Quote: If you were really capable of making an MMO (or more accurately, on a team that could) There is no need for a big team or great resources to make an MMO. You only need such a thing when you want to make an AAA one.

Your definitions clearly differ from mine, then.

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So if there's a dragon NPC, then I have to let players be dragons, too? No, I don't think these are good rules.

Where did I say that?
I said that if a NPC can do something, so should a player be able to. A dragon can attack a player, so can another player.
However, it is true you can't allow a human to breathe fire, since this is race-specific.
What I meant is that there should be no difference between an NPC and a player as far as game mechanics are concerned. In particular, if an NPC can set up a shop in town and sell his wares, why couldn't a player as well.