John Romero Developing a MMOG 107
bmarklein writes "According to computerandvideogames.com, John Romero is to developing an MMO. He doesn't divulge any details, but does say that it's 'the most money I've ever spent on a game' and that it's 'very different from any other MMO for some special reasons.' Will this live up to the hype, or is history repeating itself?"
MMOGs are dead, long live MMOGs? (Score:3, Insightful)
I have an intense high speed connection on my cell phone (the Samsung t809 [blogspot.com] -- 150kbps EDGE download speeds, Java capability, great screen. MMOG occupy a lot of home-office time of my friends who are addicted, to the point that they might blow off good live concerts or events to play. If someone finds a way to get the MMOG world onto the high speed cell phones out there, I think Allstate will have higher premiums for drivers after paying out all the accidents caused by using the cell phone for more than talking.
And what about developing more cross platform mini-MMOGs? I'm not just talking about getting it working between the X-Box, the PS3 and the PC, I also mean older platforms and even PDAs, laptops, cell phones, who knows what else? Java is pretty standardized, and I think it should be able to handle the performance if the server-side does a good job of filtering out more update information than the bandwidth can handle. I don't see why these games need to be tied to a high speed high power computer at home.
Other things I'd like to see are MMOGs that set some time limits to equalize the time allotments for older players. I know I can't compete as well as the 15 year old can, so I don't play. I don't have that kind of time. A 1 hour a day time limit might be interesting, though, especially if the game works on any of my many platforms I use daily.
While MMOGs seem to have hit a plateau of sorts, there is still room to grow once they find the new markets. I know MMOGs will be mainstream when we have a reality TV show dedicated entirely to the lives on digital people. Can you imagine the market of geeks who would watch it? Yeesh.
Probably be modded down for this, but... (Score:5, Insightful)
Please check out
Yeah, so basically John started Ion Storm and made a couple turds. The problem wasn't the creative portion, it was the project and technical management.
What use to make id so great was the combination of John C. and John R. C had the technical know how and ability to push a project ahead with realistic technical goals. R had the creative vision to bring together original and fun game play / storyline.
Personally I feel that id has landed just as many turds since Romero left. The reason it seemed to go unnoticed is because of the big stiffy game mags / teens have for OMGR33TGRFX!
Anyhow, back to my point. John Romero has been involved in MANY very good, and successful games in the past (before Ion Storm). I don't see why he can't bring us more terrific games, if he manages to surround himself with the right kind team. Not sure if that's the case this time around, but either way I'm willing to bet this new MMO will actually be an original take on the genre.
Re:Probably be modded down for this, but... (Score:3, Insightful)
Romero is just a bit of an egomaniac who seems to have no clue these days and is past his selldate with everything. Why should we trust him?
new mod score (Score:3, Insightful)
I first read this as "John **Carmack** developing new MMOG?"
Re:Probably be modded down for this, but... (Score:3, Insightful)
Did he steal your lunch money, or something? Why should you trust him? I don't know how to answer that question, because I honestly don't understand how he hurt you so.
I trust in his ability to bring forth the 'gamePLAY' portion of a game. As I said before if he has the right management / technical people with him, I trust he can live up to his track record. That record being VERY good with the exception of a few games made at Ion.
zerg (Score:3, Insightful)