[prof1515]

Not everyone enjoys role-play for a variety of reasons. Some simply aren't good at it. Some don't have the patience for it. Some are really only interested in more arcade-like functions. It really comes down to the personality of the player.

Many don't want to develop a character because they just want arcade-gameplay. Hack'n'slash, score points and "win". Some are lazy and don't want to take time to do anything; they want instant gratification. Some are simply incapable of developing a character be it on account of a lack of creativity, lack of an adequate attention span or laziness about going through any sort of creation process. Again, it boils down to the personality of the player.

Different strokes for different folks. My issue is with those who don't want a particular type of game but then go and play it and try to change it into something different. For example, players who don't want to develop three-dimensional characters and are really only interested in combat and PKing playing RPIs. If you don't want to role-play, go play a non-RP MUD. Don't complain when your actions get squashed by staff because you're just H&Sing your way through the gameworld.

Games that fail to enforce their own style in order to attract or satisfy new players typically lose the players that made them popular in the first place. One need only look at the RPIs who've lost so many of their veteran players by dumbing down their role-play standards and enforcement. The best RPI today doesn't hold a candle to the worst RPI of ten years ago. Looking at all of the great players who've walked away from RPIs because of this drop in quality can be painful, especially when compared to what passes for players and staff nowadays on some RPIs.

Long story short: Players, play the games that suit your personality and gameplay style. If it's not a match, don't try to change the game, go look for another. With hundreds of games out there, you're likely to find one that does match what you're looking for. Staff, remember that a larger playerbase isn't everything especially if you end up sacrificing what made your game worth playing in the first place to achieve it.

Take care,

Jason aka Falco