The Dilemma of Level vs. Skill In MMOs 463
Karen Hertzberg writes "Since MMORPGs became a mainstream medium, players have debated the two primary methods of advancement. Which is better? Is it the level-based system that is so dominant in today's MMORPGs, or the lesser-used skill-based system? This has been a strong subject of debate on many forums, blogs, and gaming sites for as long as the genre has existed. Ten Ton Hammer's Cody 'Micajah' Bye investigates the two concepts and gathers input from some of the brightest minds in the gaming industry about their thoughts on the two systems of advancement."
Relatedly, I've seen a growing trend of players saying that such games don't really take much skill at all. The standard argument is that it just boils down to "knowing how to move" or "knowing when to hit your buttons." In the MMO community, people often make references to FPS or RTS games, saying they have a higher skill cap. However, the same complaints also come from within those communities, with comments like "you just need to know the map," or "it's all about a good build order." At what point does intimate knowledge of a game's mechanics make a player skilled?
The Breakdown (Score:5, Funny)
FPS: Knowing where the power weapons are on the map. (Halo 3: Shotgun whore wins)
MMORPG: Its knowing which class is overpowered. (Vanilla WoW: Nerf Warlocks)
RTS: Its all about who is Korean. (I'm new to SC, want to play? I'm a nub go easy)
Re:skill? (Score:2, Funny)
I'd say thats the definition of skill for any game, online, offline, PC, board game, card game, drinking gaaaaaa well maybe not drinking games.
Re:Editor didn't read the article (Score:3, Funny)
His name is Soulskill. He has been waiting his whole life for this moment. Don't ruin it for him.
Re:and baking is just knowing the recipe (Score:2, Funny)
Re:and baking is just knowing the recipe (Score:1, Funny)
Master Chef is awesome, he's got the coolest helmet.
Re:Dear irate Slashdot user (Score:4, Funny)
There's a word at the beginning of the editor's first sentence that clarifies this, but apparently that wasn't enough.
So, let me get this straight, you're expecting Overly Critical Guy to be fair in his criticisms?
Re:and baking is just knowing the recipe (Score:3, Funny)
In a skill based game (fighting, FTP)
Oh, I am bad-ass at FTP. I send those files like a MAD MAN. WOO HA!
Re:and baking is just knowing the recipe (Score:3, Funny)
Gamefaqs.com might explain it for you.
Heh heh.