Why Online Gaming Isn't As Fun As It Should Be

Thanks to GameSpot for their 'GameSpotting' editorial discussing why online gaming can often be more frustrating than fun. The columnist finds two main reasons for frustration - firstly: "I don't like getting trounced by someone who is either flat-out, hands-down better at a game than I am or has simply invested many more hours in getting good at the game than I have." He also has issues with impolite players: "I think online gaming brings out some really despicable behavior in people, which I don't particularly mind but that I certainly don't like." Some possible solutions are mentioned, such as "effective player-matching services", but what can and should be done to make playing online a delight?

Comments

No fun in online games

[jsse]

I don't see why anyone would think playing online games is fun. No nice Game Over screens, no consistant aim; have to spend thousands hours of meaningless labour, not to mention paying forever to keep playing.

Yeah, right...

If you excuse me, I need to make arrows out of the wood I harvested an hour. I kinda need them to fight dragons in dungeon Deceit.

Die too fast to get better

[Anonymous Coward]

My problem with some of these games is some of the people online are so good, pretty much as soon as they see you you are dead. It doesnt give a good chance to get better at the game if you die before you can really do anything.

Re:Online Gaming Improvements

[big_groo]

You should try Wolfenstein: Enemy Territory. Linux client as well. Has all the bells and whistles: kick, mute, restart, shuffle by XP (all voting based). The game is *free*, servers are plentiful, and it's TEAM based. You don't work as a team - no matter HOW good you are - you don't succeed.

Splash Damage really outdid themselves on this one. Check it out.