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Jeff Grubb has published a new article over on the official blog with Jeff and Ree Soesbee talking about the connection between players and their avatars:
Ree: "I think one of the first things any game has to do is to encourage the player to connect with their avatar in the game. In order to get the player to invest in the game world and think of the NPCs as compelling characters, the player has to think their own character is interesting and worth spending time with."
You can read the rest of the dialogue here.
Comments
#1 Arava
Sylvari Specialist
Posted 31 July 2012 - 06:51 PM
I care about them and the world. So I would say: Yes, they did a great job in creating the base for the emotional connection. Or I am just a bit over-invested ;D
#2 dss_live
Golem Rider
Posted 31 July 2012 - 07:11 PM
#3 shanaeri rynale
Seraph Guardian
Posted 31 July 2012 - 07:27 PM
#4 Maarius
Sylvari Specialist
Posted 31 July 2012 - 07:55 PM
#5 dss_live
Golem Rider
Posted 31 July 2012 - 08:02 PM
I'm confused, how does this post say anything about the state of character creation? They talk about story and how your character fits into that story to create the emotional connection needed.
#6 Maarius
Sylvari Specialist
Posted 31 July 2012 - 08:09 PM
hm It seems I misread a part:
Quote
so still nothing official
#7 asbasb
Sylvari Specialist
Posted 31 July 2012 - 08:10 PM
Jeff said:
Just no. I never ever think the character I'm creating are ME. I don't want that. I control them, I'll live vicariously through them, but I'll never be as delusional to feel the need of inserting my own self into a fictional universe. Ugh.
Thankfully, you have full control over how your character looks and acts, so you're free to make one doesn't represent you in any way or form.
#8 el hefe
Seraph Guardian
Posted 31 July 2012 - 08:16 PM
#9 Krynn
Asuran Acolyte
Posted 31 July 2012 - 08:17 PM
#10 Massive Jawbone
Sylvari Specialist
Posted 31 July 2012 - 08:17 PM
You can see that in every Guardian video, 90% of the people choose the shoulder pads with the Ankh because it looks better than the silly helmet. 90% choose the Thief cowl over the headband and 90% choose the Engineer backpack over the goggles.
Same goes for the Mesmer's sad mask that most players don't like to wear and many other examples like these.
That bugged me from the first moment I saw videos of character creation, people valued design over actual story.
Does that work as intended?
#11 Maarius
Sylvari Specialist
Posted 31 July 2012 - 08:23 PM
You can see that in every Guardian video, 90% of the people choose the shoulder pads with the Ankh because it looks better than the silly helmet. 90% choose the Thief cowl over the headband and 90% choose the Engineer backpack over the goggles.
Same goes for the Mesmer's sad mask that most players don't like to wear and many other examples like these.
That bugged me from the first moment I saw videos of character creation, people valued design over actual story.
Does that work as intended?
there isn't really a story-decision linked with the cosmetic gadget decision...
#12 Massive Jawbone
Sylvari Specialist
Posted 31 July 2012 - 08:25 PM
Thankfully, you have full control over how your character looks and acts, so you're free to make one doesn't represent you in any way or form.
Many people I know have avatars that represent action heros whos fate they can control and not themselves as CG clones.
Otherwise how would one explain the success of game where you can't change your avatar's look or character.
If that would be such a big deal African-American kids would never buy 99% of all released computer games, because to this day most heros are white male caucasians...
#13 Maarius
Sylvari Specialist
Posted 31 July 2012 - 08:29 PM
#14 Red J
Sylvari Specialist
Posted 31 July 2012 - 08:33 PM
Thankfully, you have full control over how your character looks and acts, so you're free to make one doesn't represent you in any way or form.
Agreed. During my first attempts to role play subconsciously projected my personality into my characters and I noticed all of them were more or less the same person. This is not a good way to play Role Playing Games. I am not role playing myself. I merely control totally different person with totally different morals, ethics and personality quirks.
#15 Ramei Arashi
Golem Rider
Posted 31 July 2012 - 08:39 PM
I'm choosing guardian helmet, I don't like the shoulder pads. And my engineer will go with the monocle.
#16 Mocha
Vanguard Scout
Posted 31 July 2012 - 08:58 PM
My characters are not me in the game, but rather, they are characters I create and guide through their existence.
Perhaps, somewhat like a diety, or a stage director in a play.
And with those characters, there can evolve an emotional bond, perhaps more with some than others.
During the last day of the 3rd beta event, I decided to try the Engineer profession, and made a female human character. Somehow, for whatever reason, I began to feel a strong attachment to this character, and it was not based on build potential, or theorycrafting, but rather, a genuine liking for this character.
I managed to take a screen shot, and will recreate this character at headstart, and most likely will play her through the game.
Of course, there will be other characters, and I will also, likely form a "bond" with them.
Whatever ANet did to try to make us like our characters seemed to work, at least for me.
Edit: minor typos, etc.
#17 nick the man
Asuran Acolyte
Posted 31 July 2012 - 09:32 PM
Oh crap you're right, I guess we are stuck with those sucky back and forths between the characters, I wanted a better more cinematic experience, oh well I guess thats what you get for sixty bucks.
#18 CharrGirl
Seraph Guardian
Posted 31 July 2012 - 09:32 PM
#19 el hefe
Seraph Guardian
Posted 31 July 2012 - 09:36 PM
i think they're fine. they serve their purpose. the majority most likely skips them, so that's money/time better spent somewhere else.
#20 MisterB
Sylvari Specialist
Posted 31 July 2012 - 09:38 PM