Raph's Website » What are the lessons of MMORPGs today?

What are the lessons of MMORPGs today?

February 24th, 2006 (Visited 65911 times) Tags: game design, vw design

Lone heroes can’t slay dragons. It takes an army.

People are only good at one thing.

That’s why it takes six people (all doing different jobs) to kill most anything.

You never, ever, ever change jobs. If you want to, you probably need to die.

You can be the best in the world at your job.

But so can everyone else.

And you will all do it exactly the same way.

Intelligent beings who have civilizations and languages of their own are generally evil and should be slain.

Many, if not all, wild creatures are highly aggressive and will attack on sight.

Evil is not redeemable; good is not a choice. Your morals are innate.

Killing is the only real way to gain people’s admiration.

Well, you can make stuff too, but you won’t earn the same kind of admiration.

In fact, there are only two kinds of admiration in the world, and they can be quantified.

Having a hobby will probably reduce your admiration.

All that hoorah about endangered species is like, a total exaggeration. There’s plenty of everything.

You not only can’t go home again, you probably don’t have one.

If you do, it’s mostly to store stuff, not to live in.

You never have people over.

Telepathy is normal.

Staring at someone who is talking the politest thing you can do. Because the only other option is to not look at them at all.

Running past or away from people while you are talking to them is also polite.

If you don’t keep up with the Joneses, you will never see them again. In fact, if you don’t keep up with your friends, you will never see them again either.

There are no children.

Death doesn’t really sting. Nerf, however, is incredibly painful.

There is always a demand for couriers and assassins.

Moving frequently is normal, and never going back to your old stomping grounds again is the way of things.

There are no such things as social progress or technological advancement.

In fact, evil will always be lurking at the edge of the village.

On the other hand, it will never invade.

There are no governments. Thus there are no laws. Instead, there are laws of physics.

There are gods, and they are capricious, and have way way more than ten commandments. Nobody knows how many because everyone clicked past them.

Sports are stupid, because everyone’s body is the same.

Charity is not a virtue; in fact, it’s frequently physically impossible.

You should not associate with those of lower social standing than yourself.

You can’t be in two places at once. But places can be in two places at once.

Parallel universes are obvious.

Walking is stupid.

Actually, in general, taking your time is counterproductive.

The most important thing in the world is slaying something that will be back the next day… before anyone else gets to slay it.

You should probably have entrance and résumé requirements to join your circle of friends.

Hunting is the noblest profession.

I take that back; hunting is only noble until you’re good enough to switch to murder.

Robbing the dead of indigenous cultures is how you make money.

There is no such thing as obesity.

All women are beautiful and all men are either handsome or darkly mysterious.

Somehow, this means that nobody is beautiful and there is no mystery.

There is no need for bras.

People have sex a lot.

People never touch.

Nobody reads.

They’ve never heard a brand new song.

In fact, inventing is either forbidden or impossible. Sometimes both.

Most people don’t have families.

If they do, they probably don’t have mothers and fathers, only brothers and sisters.

Nobody’s really from here, they just live here.

The tide never washes in and out.

The birds never migrate.

Strawberries are never in season.

Night’s really short.

Nothing sleeps.

Nothing dreams.

There is art and beauty in the world, but you can’t be responsible for any of it.

There is no death; there is simply a failure to show up.

Because of this, there is also rarely any mourning.

I realize this list may seem like a cutesy joke. But it isn’t. Go back, and re-read it. It’s actually a lament.

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Ravings | The Cesspit. wrote on February 25th, 2006 at 12:35 am:

[...] Pragmatism Submitted by Abalieno on February 25, 2006 - 07:12. Best post from Raph. Totally unexpected. [...]

Faith wrote on February 25th, 2006 at 7:10 am:

[...] Comments [...]

Guild of the Zodiac Forum - What are the lessons of MMOGs today? wrote on February 25th, 2006 at 8:24 am:

[...] What are the lessons of MMOGs today? I thought this was worth sharing: http://www.raphkoster.com/2006/02/2…-mmorpgs-today/ __________________ You took my skies, I took my $15/month. [...]

A Clockwork Mind : Raph Koster wins wrote on February 25th, 2006 at 11:27 am:

[...] Raph Koster wins Just go read it. And weep, for this is the truth. Published Saturday, February 25, 2006 7:26 PM by Cael [...]

Gleeful Gecko » Blog Archive » Lessons from Online Games wrote on February 25th, 2006 at 12:00 pm:

[...] Raph Koster is one of the leading lights among online game designers and he has posted up his lessons from online games. As usual with gaming posts it will mean nothing to you if you haven’t played them, but you know exactly what he is talking about if you have ever played any of them. I admit these are lessons, but to me the key lesson is that these games are in their infant state, you have to expect some limitations. That doesn’t mean you should stick to a game forever even if you are bored with it, but expecting the holodeck experience is a waste of time in these games. [...]

Harold's Corner wrote on February 25th, 2006 at 12:21 pm:

On a pas fini de parler des jeux massivement multijoueurs onlines… Mais surtout, vivement qu’il y ai du neuf. Parce que là, ça tourne à la blague …[IMG]

Broken Toys » Blog Archive » Learning the right things from people who are afraid we learned the wrong things when they learned other wrong things. wrote on February 25th, 2006 at 8:19 pm:

[...] http://www.raphkoster.com/2006/02/24/what-are-the-lessons-of-mmorpgs-today/ [...]

Steve Jackson Games Daily Illuminator - February 26, 2006 wrote on February 25th, 2006 at 10:31 pm:

[...] February 26, 2006: He’s Right. It’s A Lament. Check out Raph Koster on the state of MMORPGs today. I don’t think I have ever recommended Koster’s A Theory of Fun here. But even if I have, I’m recommending it again. If you’re interested in game design, get it and read it.– Steve Jackson [...]

datacloud wrote on February 26th, 2006 at 4:15 am:

Everything I need to know I learned in WoW Raph Koster posts a list of life lessons learned from MMORPGs . Here are a couple: You can be the best in the world at your job. But so can everyone else. And you will all do it exactly the same way. Intelligent beings who

datacloud wrote on February 26th, 2006 at 4:17 am:

Corpnews :: View topic - LUM SELLS OUT ALL OVER AGAIN...AGAIN! wrote on February 26th, 2006 at 12:23 pm:

[...] Will he be able to rant about the things he, himself fucks up? Quandry. Raph Koster still does, though he doesn’t necessarily blame himself in particular. _________________J. http://www.damnedvulpine.com/ Ultima V: Lazarus : Out now! Get your Dungeon Siege CDs out! [...]

Pandering, Pondering, Pillaging Pointlessly wrote on February 26th, 2006 at 12:58 pm:

here

Art Black - Post a comment wrote on February 26th, 2006 at 3:11 pm:

[...] User Info lederhosen @ 09:47 am: Lessons of MMORPGs Via Daily Illuminator: What are the lessons of MMORPGs today?You never, ever, ever change jobs. If you want to, you probably need to die.Many, if not all, wild creatures are highly aggressive and will attack on sight.Killing is the only real way to gain people’s admiration.Well, you can make stuff too, but you won’t earn the same kind of admiration.In fact, there are only two kinds of admiration in the world, and they can be quantified.There is always a demand for couriers and assassins.There are gods, and they are capricious, and have way way more than ten commandments. Nobody knows how many because everyone clicked past them.Exercise since last update: 20 km (12 miles), which would be more impressive if it wasn’t spread over nearly 3 weeks. Have been annoyingly sore in my exercising bits lately for no very good reason. (Also, somewhat apathetic this last week due to a couple of annoyances at work. Total 138km/83mi puts me somewhere in the Old Forest; another 12 miles to go before Old Man Willow.Read CommentsReply From:Anonymous OpenID Identity URL: Log in? LiveJournal user Username:Password:Log in? Subject: [...]

Rotational » Blog Archive » links for 2006-02-26 wrote on February 26th, 2006 at 3:22 pm:

[...] Raph’s Website: What are the lessons of MMORPGs today? A lament on MMORPGs. Check comment 5, about games telling us everything’s quantifiable. Bruce Sterling’s spimes are about the same thing. We seem to be lapsing into thinking the world’s clockwork and in our grasp. Bolderdash. (tags: MMORPGs society culture videogames) [...]

F = qv x B wrote on February 26th, 2006 at 6:42 pm:

. It has photos, diagrams, and fabric swatches from every costume from the six Star Wars movies. It even came with a patch of fabric actually used in Darth Vader’s robe! The thing is hudge, about 20 pounds. Ralph Kostler on The State of MMORPGs today

Gamers Continuum :: View topic - Bad predictions: More of the same wrote on February 27th, 2006 at 4:09 am:

[...] Raph Koster’s “What are the lessons of MMORPG’s today?” *sings off key…* Too many people Making too many problems And not much love to go round Can�t you see This is a land of confusion. This is the world we live in And these are the hands we�re given Use them and let�s start trying To make it a place worth living in. Ooh superman where are you now When everything�s gone wrong somehow The men of steel, the men of power Are losing control by the hour. … Wendy_________________lemon-loud kaleidoscopic sensation on an infinite canvas reduced to monochrome scratchings. words. ——————— [...]

GamerGuy wrote on February 27th, 2006 at 4:21 am:

A very interesting article

archangelbeth: Yay, kid back in school... wrote on February 27th, 2006 at 8:34 am:

[...] but don’t change anything!” I think we’re going to keep on having some of those problems . . .(Reply to this) copperbird 2006-02-27 03:36 pm UTC (link) I grok the complaints, but sometimes it is likethan a static world. Because if you leave them to their own devices, they will bully each other.(Reply to this) Log in now.(Create account, or useOpenID) [...]

Guardians of Dawn :: View topic - Return of the Stupid Link (retry with commitment) wrote on February 27th, 2006 at 10:15 am:

[...] I thought this was funny, then sad, then truthful… http://www.raphkoster.com/2006/02/24/what-are-the-lessons-of-mmorpgs-today/#more-346 The most important thing in the world is slaying something that will be back the next day� before anyone else gets to slay it._________________Uceda, 60 Fury, 60 Alchy Laggalicious, 60 Sage, 26 Zerker Cidknee 34 Wiz Maluc 27 Guardian, 21 Prov Dethrj 23 Pred, 30 Jewel [...]

I’ve Never Been Good With Lessons at MMOG Nation wrote on February 27th, 2006 at 10:52 am:

[...] Raph has a post up entitled “What are the lessons of MMORPGs today?” As a commenter says, it’s a ‘whats wrong with those damned renderMUDs nowadays’ post, and it comes off as kinda cranky. Or, at least it makes me a little cranky. Witness my crank-fu after the cut. [...]

the lounge - MMORPG Lament wrote on February 27th, 2006 at 11:21 am:

[...] MMORPG Lament From http://www.raphkoster.com/2006/02/2…-mmorpgs-today/ Lone heroes can�t slay dragons. It takes an army. People are only good at one thing. That�s why it takes six people (all doing different jobs) to kill most anything. [...]

People who still like me wrote on February 27th, 2006 at 11:44 am:

[...] daedeross We got this increadible book you just have to see. It is the collectors’ edition of Dressing a Galaxy. It has photos, diagrams, and fabric swatches from every costume from the six Star Wars movies. It even came with a patch of fabric actually used in Darth Vader’s robe! The thing is hudge, about 20 pounds.Ralph Kostler on The State of MMORPGs todayTheories on hyperspaceLEGO Pinball, ’nuff said [...]

Where Worlds Collide wrote on February 27th, 2006 at 4:47 pm:

Why I don’t play MMORPGs I’ve never got into Massively Multiplayer Online RPGs like Ultima Online or Warcraft. Raph Koster’s lament explains why… The most important thing in the world is slaying something that will be back the next day… before anyone else gets to slay it.

Raph’s Website » What is your ideal MMO? wrote on February 27th, 2006 at 10:12 pm:

[...] The discussions on the lessons make me curious. [...]

Wonderland: The Other Place wrote on February 28th, 2006 at 9:28 am:

[...] .. is a funny old place. Raph has a lament, and it’s a thing of great humour, beauty … and sadness. There are gods, and they are capricious, and have way way more than ten commandments. Nobody knows how many because everyone clicked past them.Best thing I’ve read all day. [...]

Order of the Blue Gartr :: View topic - real-life lessons from FFXI wrote on February 28th, 2006 at 10:19 am:

[...] from http://www.raphkoster.com/2006/02/24/what-are-the-lessons-of-mmorpgs-today/ Running past or away from people while you are talking to them is polite. You can be the best in the world at your job. But so can everyone else. And you will all do it exactly the same way. If you don�t keep up with your friends, you will never see them again. Death doesn�t really sting. Nerf, however, is incredibly painful. The most important thing in the world is slaying something that will be back the next day� before anyone else gets to slay it. Robbing the dead of indigenous cultures is how you make money. All women are beautiful and all men are either handsome or darkly mysterious. There is no death; there is simply a failure to show up. [...]

Unwritten Legends Forums :: View topic - Everything I ever needed to know... wrote on February 28th, 2006 at 10:19 am:

[...] … I learned from MMORPGs. http://www.raphkoster.com/2006/02/24/what-are-the-lessons-of-mmorpgs-today/_________________~~~ Somyr: “If people can’t think flexibly, they need to stop trying to think for other people.” [...]

Immortal :: View topic - "What are the lessons of MMORPGs today?" wrote on February 28th, 2006 at 10:28 am:

[...] “What are the lessons of MMORPGs today?” http://www.raphkoster.com/2006/02/24/what-are-the-lessons-of-mmorpgs-today/ I thought the author* made some interesting/funny points. He claims it’s a lament, but he takes this way more seriously than I do. Course, given his credentials, this might also be a case of sour grapes. *”Raph Koster — lead on Ultima Online, creator of Star Wars Galaxies, Chief Creative Officer of Sony Online Entertainment, and author of A Theory of Fun (a kind of Understanding Comics for games)…”_________________Meritus - Paladin - lvl 60 - Knight [...]

DM4114: Game Dev :: View topic - Raph Koster wrote on February 28th, 2006 at 10:37 am:

[...] Caught this on boingboing…the Theory of Fun author put up an amusing look at MMORPGs on his site. What are the lessons of MMORPGS? [...]

Bitty Browser XML Feed wrote on February 28th, 2006 at 10:51 am:

[...] Evil is not redeemable; good is not a choice. Your morals are innate. Link (via Wonderland) [...]

Comments for: First Post! - ja.zz wrote on February 28th, 2006 at 10:52 am:

[...] [...]

Chronision: Forums / The Funny Bone / I thought this was funny wrote on February 28th, 2006 at 10:53 am:

Lessons of MMORPGs wrote on February 28th, 2006 at 10:57 am:

[...] What are the lessons of MMORPGs today? [...]

Tribal Fury :: View topic - mmorpg lessons... wrote on February 28th, 2006 at 11:14 am:

Image Comics :: View topic - What can we learn from MMOROPGs wrote on February 28th, 2006 at 11:31 am:

[...] Raph Koster has a list of things I suppose we might learn from MMOGs HERE. Some of his observations are quite right on the mark and seem ridiculous when pointed out._________________ Time Tunnel Employee of the Month [...]

People I Know wrote on February 28th, 2006 at 11:37 am:

[...] city_of_heroes[urban_bohemian]A cute (and in some ways, sad) list of MMORPG “lessons”What are the lessons of MMORPGs today?The first 3…Lone heroes can’t slay dragons. It takes an army.People are only good at one thing.That’s why it takes six people (all doing different jobs) to kill most anything.Replacing kill with “arrest” on the heroes side, obviously. And replacing kill with.. um.. “kill” for the villains side.x-posted to cityovillains Link9 comments|Leave a comment [...]

Critical Hits » Blog Archive » More bitching about WoW (and other MMORPGS) wrote on February 28th, 2006 at 11:44 am:

[...] Anyway, Ralph Koster, an executive in the MMORPG industry, posted a hilarious list of things that can be learned from MMORPGs. [...]

TribalWar Forums - Funny view on the current state of MMORPGs by Falhawk wrote on February 28th, 2006 at 12:30 pm:

[...] by Raph Koster…whom I really don’t like but it is a good read anyhow http://www.raphkoster.com/2006/02/24…mmorpgs-today/ Quote: [...]

www.gwgoen.com :: View topic - Haha! wrote on February 28th, 2006 at 12:35 pm:

[...] http://www.raphkoster.com/2006/02/24/what-are-the-lessons-of-mmorpgs-today/ Quite funny, check it out! [...]

What are the lessons of MMORPGs today? - Vanguard Forums wrote on February 28th, 2006 at 12:39 pm:

[...] What are the lessons of MMORPGs today? My 10 second scan revealed nobody has posted this yet (at least, not with the proper title…) so here you are… http://www.raphkoster.com/2006/02/24…mmorpgs-today/ A few snippets I liked… how many will still apply to this "next generation" MMORPG, aka, Vanguard? The most important thing in the world is slaying something that will be back the next day� before anyone else gets to slay it. You should probably have entrance and r�sum� requirements to join your circle of friends. Lone heroes can�t slay dragons. It takes an army. People are only good at one thing. That�s why it takes six people (all doing different jobs) to kill most anything. If you don�t keep up with the Joneses, you will never see them again. In fact, if you don�t keep up with your friends, you will never see them again either. There are no such things as social progress or technological advancement. In fact, evil will always be lurking at the edge of the village. On the other hand, it will never invade. [...]

Friends of Friends wrote on February 28th, 2006 at 12:43 pm:

[...] Exactly why I don’t play online RPGs.Lessons of MMORPGs TodayMy favorite:There are gods, and they are capricious, and have way way more than ten commandments. Nobody knows how many because everyone clicked past them. [...]

wtfcomics.com :: View topic - What are the lessons of MMORPGs today? wrote on February 28th, 2006 at 12:49 pm:

[...] http://www.raphkoster.com/2006/02/24/what-are-the-lessons-of-mmorpgs-today/ some of these are so true_________________ [...]

The HonourableSouls :: View topic - What are the lessons of MMORPGs today? wrote on February 28th, 2006 at 1:07 pm:

Lessons learned from MMORPGS wrote on February 28th, 2006 at 1:12 pm:

[...] From Raph Koster — lead on Ultima Online, creator of Star Wars Galaxies, Chief Creative Officer of Sony Online Entertainment… My favorite: "People are only good at one thing. That�s why it takes six people (all doing different jobs) to kill most anything." http://www.raphkoster.com/2006/02/24/what-are-the-lessons-of-mmorpgs-today/ [...]

the Prodigal Geek - There is no death; there is simply a failure to show up. wrote on February 28th, 2006 at 1:32 pm:

[...] Fascinating… in a variety of different ways. Mostly if you *don’t* think of these in terms of a game.What are the lessons of MMORPGs today? back to top Comments euterpe35 2/28/06, 08:22 pm transcribe vox-casting Link [...]

Pixel Kill » Raph’s List of MMORPG Lessons wrote on February 28th, 2006 at 1:38 pm:

[...] Raph Koster being as pretentious as ever, though for once I agree with him somewhat. Thing is, surely he’s in a better position than just about anyone to change things. Um, go on then. Games [...]

LostExplorers.com :: View topic - What are the lessons of MMORPGs today? wrote on February 28th, 2006 at 1:44 pm:

[...] http://www.raphkoster.com/2006/02/24/what-are-the-lessons-of-mmorpgs-today/ Interesting and funny read. Enjoy!_________________ [...]

What are the lessons from todays MMORPGS? - Bloodmourne Forums wrote on February 28th, 2006 at 1:47 pm:

[...] What are the lessons from todays MMORPGS? credit Raph’s Website What are the lessons of MMORPGs today? Lone heroes can�t slay dragons. It takes an army. [...]

Ghost Recon 3 : de nouvelles dates wrote on February 28th, 2006 at 1:49 pm:

[...] var pseudo = ‘Visiteur’; var userid = ‘0′; var redacteur = false; 22:43 carwin : [url] 22:43 nitoo : toof> Hey ! C’est chouette, c’est de qui ? 22:42 nitoo : mwahaha, t’inquiètes j’ai pris du galon depuis l’temps^^ 22:40 Niko : Y’a intert :] 22:37 nitoo : Niko> Bientôt !La skool me prend vraiment trop de temps, j’attend d’être bien OP pour chier un truc qui tue un max 22:29 Niko : J’ai signé, je suis fan 22:28 hohun : [url] encore quelques signatures ! haut les coeurs ! 22:23 Niko : nitoo> Terrible ! Et puis, comme ça, tu pourra nous faire un header en flash pour ta skin. Au fait, elle arrive quand ? 22:18 hohun : 21:50 > pas mal 22:12 nitoo : enfin scool koi… hum 22:12 nitoo : 22:01 > xetllent 22:12 nitoo : 22:01 > trop bien^^ 22:01 Geeze-Us : Trop bien [url] 21:51 nitoo : prise de tête juste pour une merde pareille…flash, sai l’horreur 21:50 nitoo : Mon partiel flash [url] 21:47 toof : voilà un clip qu’il est bien : [url] 21:24 Joule : DoubleJ> Chez nous aussi incessamment sous peu 21:18 DoubleJ : [url] 21:18 DoubleJ : Trailer (38 Mo) de Superman Returns (le jeu) chez GameInformer 19:36 nuitn0ire : wedge> normal, mais y a un bouton pour la détacher et qu’elle soit lisible. là c’est juste un raccourcis. [...]

Sneaky Buffalo :: View topic - What are the lessons of MMORPGs today? wrote on February 28th, 2006 at 1:54 pm:

[...] Via BoingBoing: “Raph Koster — lead on Ultima Online, creator of Star Wars Galaxies, Chief Creative Officer of Sony Online Entertainment, and author of A Theory of Fun (a kind of Understanding Comics for games) — has published an hilarious series of aphorisms under the title “What are the lessons of MMORPGs today?”" http://www.raphkoster.com/2006/02/24/what-are-the-lessons-of-mmorpgs-today/ Entertaining list. A little depressing too, as a commentary on the state of most MMOGs. [...]

Temerity Forums - GuildPortal Guild Hosting wrote on February 28th, 2006 at 2:06 pm:

[...] Amusing:http://www.raphkoster.com/2006/02/24/what-are-the-lessons-of-mmorpgs-today/– Kyth, Officer of Temerity Random quote: (Click here to view all quotes) [...]

Gregarius » Boing Boing wrote on February 28th, 2006 at 2:12 pm:

Guild Valour Discussion Forum - Lessons Learned wrote on February 28th, 2006 at 2:20 pm:

[...] Quote Modify Via BoingBoing: "Raph Koster — lead on Ultima Online, creator of Star Wars Galaxies, Chief Creative Officer of Sony Online Entertainment, and author of A Theory of Fun (a kind of Understanding Comics for games) — has published an hilarious series of aphorisms under the title "What are the lessons of MMORPGs today?"" http://www.raphkoster.com/2006/02/24/what-are-the-lessons-of-mmorpgs-tod ay/ Some Funny stuff! but sad in a way. [...]

LinkMoTron v0.987 wrote on February 28th, 2006 at 2:24 pm:

[DHT]clan Forums-viewtopic-What are the lessons of MMORPGS today? wrote on February 28th, 2006 at 2:26 pm:

[...] ( http://www.raphkoster.com/2006/02/24/what-are-the-lessons-of-mmorpgs-today/ ) What are the lessons of MMORPGs today? Lone heroes can�t slay dragons. It takes an army. [...]

Boing Boing: February 2006 wrote on February 28th, 2006 at 2:31 pm:

feed on feeds - Boing Boing - new items wrote on February 28th, 2006 at 2:42 pm:

the prime time of your life wrote on February 28th, 2006 at 3:08 pm:

TheEmpires wrote on February 28th, 2006 at 3:15 pm:

[...] Clicky_________________————– Take Care, Bink CoH: CaptainMayhem, NaomiArmitage, Captn Randomizer, JordanBarbarian, Murky Thecat, Captain Meanie CoV: Professor Junk, Oasis the Lost, McFlurry, Kitten-Killer, Wherez Waldo Global Handle = @BinkDeBook [...]

Victors :: View topic - Raph Koster and others on MMO game design wrote on February 28th, 2006 at 3:24 pm:

[...] Couple of links I thought you folks might find to be interesting: The Laws of Online World Design - some general rules of design from various people, but primarily from the MUD-Dev list: http://www.raphkoster.com/gaming/laws.shtml What are the lessons of MMORPGs today? - some humerous rules we have learned: http://www.raphkoster.com/2006/02/24/what-are-the-lessons-of-mmorpgs-today/_________________“The computer allows you to make mistakes faster than any other invention, with the possible exception of handguns and tequila.” -Mitch Ratcliffe [...]

Mohtalim :: View topic - What I learned from playing MMORPGs wrote on February 28th, 2006 at 3:28 pm:

[...] Actually, what Raph Koster learned: http://www.raphkoster.com/2006/02/24/what-are-the-lessons-of-mmorpgs-today/ I’m sure I’ll think of some later. [...]

Virsoul :: View topic - What are the lessons of MMORPGs today? wrote on February 28th, 2006 at 3:35 pm:

[...] http://www.raphkoster.com/2006/02/24/what-are-the-lessons-of-mmorpgs-today/_________________Computer Love [...]

Badly Influenced wrote on February 28th, 2006 at 3:40 pm:

[...] (Push the button, Max) cityovillains [ urban_bohemian ] 1:32pWe’re supposed to learn something?! A cute (and in some ways, sad) list of MMORPG “lessons”What are the lessons of MMORPGs today?The first 3…Lone heroes can’t slay dragons. It takes an army.People are only good at one thing.That’s why it takes six people (all doing different jobs) to kill most anything.Replacing kill with “arrest” on the heroes side, obviously. And replacing kill with.. um.. “kill” for the villains side.x-posted to city_of_heroes [...]

Misfits of Thelanis :: View topic - Bits of Humor wrote on February 28th, 2006 at 4:09 pm:

[...] Watch this… and then See the inspiration. And then, you might want to check out What MMO-RPGs are teaching us. -H [...]

ParagonCity.net - The Conglomerate Supergroup Alliance - Memes of the Day wrote on February 28th, 2006 at 4:18 pm:

[...] Lessons from MMOs WoW’s lessons will make you appreciate CoH more Sorry kids, not a flash/video this time. __________________ Anasai: 44 Fire/Eng (Mayhem CEO) Awa: 50 FF/Dark (PMC) Lady Eishan: 22 Rad/Rad (PHI) Carrie Conglomerette: 17 Dark/Eng (rah!) Peppermint Poofie: 16 WS (MI) Angel Dusted: 12 Kin/Elec (MI) Mrs. Recluse: 27 Mind/Psi (STI) Icy Stare: 17 Ice/Thermal (CE) Kihou: 16 Robot/FF (HI) [...]

Blackdagger: The World of Avlis | :: View topic - Lessons of MMORGs (if the real world were like Avlis?) wrote on February 28th, 2006 at 4:39 pm:

[...] Funny set of lessons from MMORGs: [...]

In the eyes of my friends wrote on February 28th, 2006 at 4:44 pm:

Talionis :: View topic - The lessons of MMORPGs today wrote on February 28th, 2006 at 4:50 pm:

kei wrote on February 28th, 2006 at 5:00 pm:

SANQUA ~ Voir le sujet - Une lamentation sur les MMORPGs. wrote on February 28th, 2006 at 5:03 pm:

[...] Une fort belle fa�on de d�crire les MMORPGS d’aujourd’hui. http://www.raphkoster.com/2006/02/24/what-are-the-lessons-of-mmorpgs-today/ C’est en anglais, c’est un peu long, mais c’est vraiment tr�s bien dit et vous �tes un vieux con si vous n’avez pas 2 minutes pour lire �a : [...]

AusGuard - The Oceanic Vanguard SoH Community :: View topic - Raph Koster strikes again wrote on February 28th, 2006 at 5:16 pm:

[...] Like I said I dont think he is a great designer, but the man is a great thinker about MMPORGs. Have a think about this little list he has posted on his website._________________AusGuard: The ANZAC Vanguard Community The Raids of Southern Armada [...]

Raph’s Website » What are the lessons of MMORPGs today? wrote on February 28th, 2006 at 5:59 pm:

Titanium Debtinators :: View topic - What are the lessons from MMORPGs? wrote on February 28th, 2006 at 6:14 pm:

[...] http://www.raphkoster.com/2006/02/24/what-are-the-lessons-of-mmorpgs-today/ What are the lessons of MMORPGs today? Lone heroes can�t slay dragons. It takes an army.
_________________
Johne (Phy) Cook | phywriter.com aka Gresh Firebrand / aka Phritz / aka Greyswandir [...]

Backwards City wrote on February 28th, 2006 at 6:16 pm:

the lessons of massively multiplayer online role-p… . (via Boing Boing)

Diary of a Web Monkey wrote on February 28th, 2006 at 6:28 pm:

Sad, but true.

What are the Lessons of MMORPGs Today? — Defiance Inherent Website wrote on February 28th, 2006 at 6:43 pm:

[...] Quote [...]

Fear Not Armageddon wrote on February 28th, 2006 at 6:43 pm:

Lessons of MMORPGs Today

Legion of Freedom Forums - GuildPortal Guild Hosting wrote on February 28th, 2006 at 6:45 pm:

[...] …I learned from MMORPGs.http://www.raphkoster.com/2006/02/24/what-are-the-lessons-of-mmorpgs-today/ [...]

www.myspace.com/aboleth wrote on February 28th, 2006 at 7:01 pm:

[...] GeneralI quit MMOs until they stop being boring. I guess I have no interests now. Addendum: Raph Koster recently posted this in his blog, which sums up a lot of my dissatisfaction with (most of) our currently available virtual worlds. But not everything.highlightInterests(”ProfileGeneral”);Musicsee Wrecked DistrohighlightInterests(”ProfileMusic”);MoviesCluehighlightInterests(”ProfileMovies”);TelevisionTwin Peaks, DegrassihighlightInterests(”ProfileTelevision”);HeroesConstance Steinkuehler, Kevin Blechdom, Lynda Barry, Kelly LinkhighlightInterests(”ProfileHeroes”); [...]

Infinite Loop at Mental Mitosis wrote on February 28th, 2006 at 7:19 pm:

[...] That kind of “lather, rinse, repeat” philosophy has yielded a post from Raph Koster which could double for one of those “Everything I need to know I learned in…” posters that people have hanging in their office next to the posters of kittens on screen doors with motivational sayings like, “Hang in there!” [...]

General Any Topic - Everything wrong with MMOs today wrote on February 28th, 2006 at 7:21 pm:

[...] Lone heroes can�t slay dragons. It takes an army.
__________________ [...]

The Assassinated Council wrote on February 28th, 2006 at 7:22 pm:

Friends wrote on February 28th, 2006 at 8:03 pm:

[...] A cute (and in some ways, sad) list of MMORPG “lessons”What are the lessons of MMORPGs today?The first 3…Lone heroes can’t slay dragons. It takes an army.People are only good at one thing.That’s why it takes six people (all doing different jobs) to kill most anything.Replacing kill with “arrest” on the heroes side, obviously. And replacing kill with.. um.. “kill” for the villains side.x-posted to city_of_heroes [...]

wapnews/corbie/Boing Boing wrote on February 28th, 2006 at 8:06 pm:

Friends wrote on February 28th, 2006 at 8:30 pm:

:: View topic - Lessons of MMORPGs today (link) wrote on February 28th, 2006 at 8:49 pm:

Sailor Soldier of Love and Justice wrote on February 28th, 2006 at 8:51 pm:

I Wish U Were Here wrote on February 28th, 2006 at 8:55 pm:

plus tôt ? Carrément indispensable pour ma part. - Parce que depuis que j’ai arrêté LA drogue, je ne me réjouis toujours de ces petits moments mesquins où je peux rire de mes anciens camarades. Gniarrk. - D’ailleurs, même les professionnels de la profession le disent. Ce jeu c’est

reddiggdot.us - reddit + digg + Slashdot + del.icio.us wrote on February 28th, 2006 at 8:58 pm:

[...] Raph?s Website � What are the lessons of MMORPGs today? [...]

Crash Master Systems - Another Nifty Geeklog Site wrote on February 28th, 2006 at 9:08 pm:

[...] I got this from BoingBoing: Raph Koster — lead on Ultima Online, creator of Star Wars Galaxies, Chief Creative Officer of Sony Online Entertainment, and author of A Theory of Fun (a kind of Understanding Comics for games) — has published an hilarious series of aphorisms under the title What are the lessons of MMORPGs today? I’ve looked at his “Theory of Fun” book and it looks very interesting. I think I’ll pick it up one of these days. Some of the best items:Killing is the only real way to gain people�s admiration.Well, you can make stuff too, but you won�t earn the same kind of admiration.If you don�t keep up with the Joneses, you will never see them again. In fact, if you don�t keep up with your friends, you will never see them again either.There are gods, and they are capricious, and have way way more than ten commandments. Nobody knows how many because everyone clicked past them. [...]

Black Berets :: View topic - Welcome to the bar! wrote on February 28th, 2006 at 9:28 pm:

[...] What are the lessons of MMORPGs today? Some of these are certainly true of UD: [...]

digg / gaming / digg wrote on February 28th, 2006 at 9:35 pm:

[...] Lessons of mmorpgs today… [...]

Unwritten Legends Forums :: Topic review - Everything I ever needed to know... wrote on February 28th, 2006 at 11:03 pm:

VN Boards - OT: Lessons of MMORPGS today wrote on February 28th, 2006 at 11:07 pm:

[...] Interesting read, funny at best. http://www.raphkoster.com/2006/02/24/what-are-the-lessons-of-mmorpgs-today/ [...]

Things we learn. wrote on February 28th, 2006 at 11:18 pm:

jmcgready’s generic universe » MMORPG food for thought….. wrote on February 28th, 2006 at 11:23 pm:

Clan Acciaio: sito ufficiale :: Leggi il Topic - What are the lessons of MMORPGs today? wrote on March 1st, 2006 at 12:52 am:

Small Voltage Motor Schematics :: View topic - What are the lessons of MMORPGs today? wrote on March 1st, 2006 at 1:59 am:

c/koen wrote on March 1st, 2006 at 2:17 am:

[...] woensdag, maart 01, 2006 moest ik zo ongelooflijk om lachen:#You can be the best in the world at your job.#But so can everyone else.#And you will all do it exactly the same way.Via via.

World Wide Wang wrote on March 1st, 2006 at 2:19 am:

out there: Tokyo Wonderfest Photos via Flickr. [IMG] If u don’t know what this is parady-ing then u aint interweb savy/cool enough. [IMG] Lessons learned from MMORPGs , by Rolph Koster. Well that’s it for today, we’ll see how the new corporate masters* treats the wang in the coming

FateSealers :: View topic - The lessons of MMORPGs wrote on March 1st, 2006 at 2:41 am:

blog dot funtax dot org wrote on March 1st, 2006 at 3:48 am:

[...] Raph’s Website » What are the lessons of MMORPGs today? Good stuff. Some of it is a tad goofy and a lot of it is pure fluff, but there’s also a great deal of (very amusing) truth in it. (tags: gaming mmorpgs raph_koster) Filed under Uncategorized [...]

Long Lost Pals wrote on March 1st, 2006 at 4:25 am:

m wrote on March 1st, 2006 at 5:00 am:

lessons of MMORPGs

Eric the .5b wrote on March 1st, 2006 at 5:11 am:

Raph’s Website » What are the lessons of MMORPGs t…

Wonderland wrote on March 1st, 2006 at 6:00 am:

mogul sim The Movies. Despite slightly lacklustre sales though, the developer is pushing ahead with its first pla Raph’s Website » What are the lessons of MMORPGs t… BRILLIANT! God, why read anyone else? John’s Adventures: John’s Background Switcher Excellent: pull in a flickr feed, and

hippoblog wrote on March 1st, 2006 at 6:02 am:

[...] is simply a failure to show up.Because of this, there is also rarely any mourning.via Boing Boing * 3/01/2006 01:12:58 AM document.write(”); [...]

Creation Robot wrote on March 1st, 2006 at 6:56 am:

RSS del.icio.us Why Windows Vista Won’t Suck Encyclopodia - the encyclopedia on your iPod Raphâs Website Â» What are the lessons of MMORPG… ZoomClouds iPod HiFi How to Import Archived Outlook Email Into GMail Using GML - WikiHow 10 Tips for Becoming a Great Corporate Blogger

Multiple Mentality wrote on March 1st, 2006 at 6:57 am:

MMORPG Lessons

…

Templars Edge Forums :: View topic - Blender wrote on March 1st, 2006 at 7:04 am:

[...] Likewise for this one. Here’s an excerpt: [...]

DeMented33のLJです。 wrote on March 1st, 2006 at 7:17 am:

blogdex - the weblog diffusion index wrote on March 1st, 2006 at 7:22 am:

Raph’s Website » What are the lessons of MMORPGs…..

blogdex - link diffusion - raphkoster.com/2006/02/24/what-are-the-lessons-of-mmorpgs-today wrote on March 1st, 2006 at 8:17 am:

[...] raphkoster.com/2006/02/24/what-are-the-lessons-of-mmorpgs-today This site was found on following weblogs, on the given date: March 01, 2006 thisboyistoast.nu lessons of MMORPGs today » track this weblog [...]

apocalinks: why am i still hungover? wrote on March 1st, 2006 at 9:39 am:

[...] information throughput device (oletheros) wrote in apocalinks,@ 2006-03-01 12:20:00 why am i still hungover? jean-paul satre cookbookkinky barbiecapsule review of grizzly mana species search enginesix possible ways that tony soprano could get whacked in the grand finale see also: blood brotherswhat are the lessons of mmorpgs today?bio med researchers have developed an implantable system that can form and stabilize a network of blood vesselsmonkey research: all it takes to form a culture is a consistent source of food and a stable social groupguitar phoneawesome landscapes painted on naked female backs(Post a new comment) solipsistnation 2006-03-01 05:39 pm UTC (link) As somebody points out in the comments on the MMORPG list, A Tale In The Desert addresses almost all of the societal issues and most of the technological ones. Of course, it has about 1400 regular players, where WoW has, what, two billion regular players? (Reply to this) Log in now.(Create account, or use OpenID) [...]

dria.org » Games. Rather, game. wrote on March 1st, 2006 at 10:09 am:

[...] Raph Koster, who is apparently some sort of MMORPG guru or something, wrote a little ranty blog post today called What are the lessons of MMORPGs today? If you’ve played any of those sorts of games you will laugh. Bitterly. And when you stop laughing bitterly, you might look grumpy for a little while when you think back to how much damned time you wasted playing the blasted things, trying to find the “fun” that you lost when you figured out the game mechanics. (Once you figure out the core mechanics it’s all just rote time-filling, which is a lot like, oh, work.) [...]

Freunde (Feeds) wrote on March 1st, 2006 at 10:39 am:

Grandeur - What are the lessons of MMORPGs today? wrote on March 1st, 2006 at 11:29 am:

[...] What are the lessons of MMORPGs today? SRS BSNS!1!11! __________________ ~*Brighella*~ <Inconceivable> 60 Night Elf Warrior [...]

Lessons learned from MORPGS... - LOA Forums wrote on March 1st, 2006 at 11:50 am:

[...] Lessons learned from MORPGS… Read. Learn. Understand. Edit: THAT’s the right link… [...]

Terra Nova: March 2006 wrote on March 1st, 2006 at 11:56 am:

[...] Longtime TN reader and Second Life resident Kolby Granville points us to recent musings of Raph Koster on the subject of MMORPG design. Fine material from a top thinker. [...]

ITEC :: View topic - Ralph Koster on MMORPGs wrote on March 1st, 2006 at 12:36 pm:

[...] This is from the Ralph Koster website: lessons of mmorpgs today A few of my favorites: [...]

amhorach: You might be the best, but so is everyon wrote on March 1st, 2006 at 1:05 pm:

[...] but so is everyone else.http://www.raphkoster.com/2006/02/24/what-are-the-lessons-of-mmorpgs-today/(Post a new comment) Log in now.(Create account, or useOpenID) [...]

MMODIG » Blog Archive » Someone call the WAAAAAAmbulance. wrote on March 1st, 2006 at 1:38 pm:

[...] Just came across Raph Kosters so called lament. It’s rather hilarious to be sure, but what the hell is the guy complaining about? He joined a crap-lets-not-innovate-game-dev-house after his work on UO. [...]

The Encyclopedia Gamia Blog » Blog Archive » News Flash: MMORPGs =! Real Life wrote on March 1st, 2006 at 1:52 pm:

[...] From Raph Koster’s site; some commentary is, of course, completely needed on some of his points. It’s basically a list not unlike “everything I need to know I learned in kindergarten,” just flavored with some MMO love. [...]

Reclamation :: View topic - What we learn... wrote on March 1st, 2006 at 3:06 pm:

[...] Stumbled across this on another forum, seemed fitting: http://www.raphkoster.com/2006/02/24/what-are-the-lessons-of-mmorpgs-today/ and just to draw attention to his note at the end. [...]

GridStream Productions :: View topic - Couple of random links wrote on March 1st, 2006 at 3:07 pm:

[...] Messages on walls What we have learned from MMORPGs (Having scrolled through further that first one contains the odd rude word as it’s pictures of intriguing graffitti…) [...]

Avian Gamers Network :: View topic - What I hate about WoW (and SWG and EVE and every other MMO) wrote on March 1st, 2006 at 4:20 pm:

[...] by Raph Koster (note, the subject is my title, not his) From: http://www.raphkoster.com/2006/02/24/what-are-the-lessons-of-mmorpgs-today/ What are the lessons of MMORPGs today? Lone heroes can�t slay dragons. It takes an army. __________–That’s MASTER Yak to you. [...]

friends wrote on March 1st, 2006 at 4:23 pm:

[...] archangelbethBoo, hafta wake up earlier. O:pCold cold cold. Dickens is playing cloak-mouse with my elbow, since I have my light cloak on.INwatch: no changes, 182, 144, 117. It’s weird. Weekends seem to be the times of least sales.Amusement — and sometimes sadness — with What do MMORPGs teach? link6 comments|post comment [...]

Phantom Stories wrote on March 1st, 2006 at 5:07 pm:

Everything I need to know I learned from MMORPG

Radio Free Eddie wrote on March 1st, 2006 at 5:28 pm:

speakers of secrets wrote on March 1st, 2006 at 5:48 pm:

[...] Sent from a friend - it is harshly appropriate. I think anyone who plays an MMO might feel the pinch:http://www.raphkoster.com/2006/02/24/what-are-the-lessons-of-mmorpgs-today/some of my favorites:If you don’t keep up with the Joneses, you will never see them again. In fact, if you don’t keep up with your friends, you will never see them again either.Walking is stupid.There is no need for bras.There is art and beauty in the world, but you can’t be responsible for any of it.Tags: link (1 secret | tell a friendly secret) Wednesday, March 1st, 2006 @ 01:11 pm [...]

Reign of Elysian - What are the lessons of MMORPGs today? wrote on March 1st, 2006 at 5:50 pm:

[...] What are the lessons of MMORPGs today? I find it kinda funny, I find it kinda sad Enjoy! __________________ Theda ~ 60 Human Warrior Carramia ~ 56 Dwarven Priest *~ Elysian ~* Non illegitamus carburundum http://aimsbrain.blogspot.com [...]

Blue's News - All the carnage that's fit to post! wrote on March 1st, 2006 at 5:54 pm:

Welcome to the World of Queuecraft. Thanks Scott. What are the lessons of MMORPGs today ? By Raph Koster. Give A Workout To More Than Just Your Thumbs on Killer Betties.

Prism! Forums-viewtopic-What you can learn from MMORPGs wrote on March 1st, 2006 at 5:58 pm:

GameHoppers Community Forums -> Life Lessons tought by MMORPGs wrote on March 1st, 2006 at 6:25 pm:

[...] http://www.raphkoster.com/2006/02/24/what-…-mmorpgs-today/ ——————– [...]

Wheeee » Blog Archive » What are the lessons of MMORPGs today? wrote on March 1st, 2006 at 7:24 pm:

[...] Linky [...]

MMORPG.COM - MMORPG Gaming Forums - Everquest, Final Fantasy XI, World of Warcraft & More! wrote on March 1st, 2006 at 7:26 pm:

[...] Elite Member Registered: 12/31/04 Posts: 646 So I just got done reading the latest article on Raph Koster’s website and thought it was freakin’ hilarious. I just wanted to share with you all. As a side note, This sums up the reasons I’ve returned to MUDs. [...]

Post Comment wrote on March 1st, 2006 at 9:04 pm:

[...] And speaking of games, what are the lessons that MMORPGs teach us today?(Read comments)Post a comment in response: From:Anonymous OpenID Identity URL: Log in? LiveJournal user Username:Password:Log in? Subject: [...]

MMORPG.COM - MMORPG Gaming Forums - Everquest, Final Fantasy XI, World of Warcraft & More! wrote on March 1st, 2006 at 9:13 pm:

[...] Elite Member Registered: 12/31/04 Posts: 649 So I just got done reading the latest article on Raph Koster’s website and thought it was freakin’ hilarious. I just wanted to share with you all. As a side note, This sums up the reasons I’ve returned to MUDs. [...]

Pugglechump 2006-02-28 22:27 wrote on March 1st, 2006 at 9:34 pm:

[...] <grue> “Welcome to IRC. Where the men are men, the women are men, and the little girls are FBI agents” Surprise: people don’t want a-hole legislation posted by spinfire at 2006-02-28 22:27 ( permalink ) http://uncyclopedia.org/wiki/Main_Page posted by grue at 2006-02-28 22:09 ( permalink ) Jabber posted by spinfire at 2006-02-28 22:01 ( permalink ) awesome parody of that Bravia ad with the bouncy balls posted by dyfrgi at 2006-02-28 19:47 ( permalink ) The plot thickens! posted by spinfire at 2006-02-28 19:21 ( permalink ) Java, just like it’s name, is bloated. posted by Xavier at 2006-02-28 18:03 ( permalink ) If Microsoft designed the iPod packaging posted by dyfrgi at 2006-02-28 16:01 ( permalink ) convergence virtual/reality game prop designer position posted by dyfrgi at 2006-02-28 15:54 ( permalink ) lessons of MMORPGs today posted by dyfrgi at 2006-02-28 14:52 ( permalink ) amusing Cragslist engineering post posted by dyfrgi at 2006-02-28 14:44 ( permalink ) ah, the crookedness posted by spinfire at 2006-02-28 13:34 ( permalink ) <– that’s the class posted by chillywilly at 2006-02-28 13:29 ( permalink ) http://action.aclu.org/site/DocServer/know_your_rights.pdf?docID=161 posted by tweakism at 2006-02-28 05:14 ( permalink ) http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/waydowntown/ posted by xkcd at 2006-02-28 05:09 ( permalink ) http://www.collisionservices.com/csicatalog/images/PR9918.jpg posted by tweakism at 2006-02-28 05:06 ( permalink ) http://www.commonplacebook.com/humor/love/clonesong.shtm posted by xkcd at 2006-02-28 04:35 ( permalink ) http://www.boingboing.net/images/boycottsmartfilter.jpg posted by tweakism at 2006-02-28 04:26 ( permalink ) [...]

Jotain hauskaakin v�lill� wrote on March 2nd, 2006 at 3:01 am:

[...] en tied� onko wanha mutta ottakaa opiksi http://www.raphkoster.com/2006/02/24/what-are-the-lessons-of-mmorpgs-today/ [...]

What are the lessons of MMORPGs today? - Codewolf Systems, Inc. wrote on March 2nd, 2006 at 3:51 am:

[...] What are the lessons of MMORPGs today? || 03/01/2006 || What are the lessons of MMORPGs today? - What are the lessons of MMORPGs today?From cw Add a Comment! [...]

Fallen From Grace :: View topic - Things we can learn from MMORPGs wrote on March 2nd, 2006 at 4:15 am:

[...] Click!_________________”Ok, let it be recorded in history that he [Verginis] is the best warlock, the most powerful summoner of evil gribbly things, the most hax of all the leet” - Vermillion _ “Shiney, Lets be Bad Guys” [...]

Katastrophes wrote on March 2nd, 2006 at 4:34 am:

Seofon Forum - mmorpg lessons wrote on March 2nd, 2006 at 5:29 am:

Ghost :: View topic - Important Lessons wrote on

What are the lessons of MMORPGs today?

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