Slashdot Mirror
Fantasy Trumps Sci-Fi For MMOs
simoniker writes "Mythic's Mark Jacobs, whose MMO company is being acquired by EA, has commented in detail on why fantasy MMOs sell better as part of an extended interview. He suggests of MMOs: 'Fantasy is easier than sci-fi. Want to know why? It's simple. A gun. What's a gun? A gun is impersonal. A gun can shoot somebody from across the room... Part of the challenge we found with Imperator is how do you make a combat system based on lasers and energy weapons, compelling to an RPG audience. The other challenge with a sci-fi game is that fantasy is very well defined in our minds ... I also think there's something I can't explain, which is that people are more willing to play a fantasy game that's not as good online, than they are willing to play a sci-fi game that's not as good online. And I'm not sure why that is.' Suggestions?"
The following is simply my opinion, so don't flame me for it, cause I'm allowed to have it...
IMHP/experience is comes down to this. Nerds like magic. Geeks like tech. Nerds don't have social skills (And spend their time playing Everquest/Wow). Geeks have (In some cases) people skills and hang out with real people.
I'm playing WoW as I write this, and I honestly don't know why. What's the point? Hmm.