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@kingpotato, @killamch89 and @skyfire and I were talking about FPS weapons of choice here. And in another thread, we were talking about issues with camping in FPS games. The thing is, if you use a sniper rifle, rail gun, etc., from a tactical standpoint, it seems to me like camping is ideal. But at the same time, obviously camping can get to be an irritant. For those who prefer sniping, how do you usually approach this issue when playing online? Are you just a really precise aim, and you can run-and-gun with a precision weapon and still hit things (unlike me)? Or do you camp for a couple minutes at a time in different nests, but move around enough to try and not annoy other players? Or do you camp as long as you want and not care about the issue?

A great and highly specific example! :)

I remember there was a thread where we were talking about how in open world games, typically the world revolves around us. Like in Skyrim, everyone is fascinated by the Dragonborn, who saves the world. In Fallout 3, you can save the Capitol Wasteland, and Three Dog gives radio reports on you all the time. In linear games, one tends to have earth-shaking significance as a character as well. In some ways, I like this, because it is cathartic to be able to save the world, as that is something most of us can’t do IRL. But as we were talking about in that thread (I wish I could find it), it can get a bit old. Because it is unrelatable, and in an ironic way, a little disempowering. It reinforces the feeling that if you aren’t a mover-and-shaker, you can’t make a difference at all. It also makes the world feel much smaller when everywhere you go, you are the running topic of conversation. It would be cool if there were more games, especially open world games, where we are relatively insignificant on a global scale, but can still make real differences, maybe more in a “butterfly flaps its wings” sort of way. But I wonder if there would be a lot of resistance to this concept among gamers? Because I am so used to hearing complaints about games where a player’s sense of agency is restricted. I.e. lots of people complained about not having any meaningful choices in BioShock Infinite (even though I don’t think having them would make sense with the story/philosophy of the game). And lots of people hate on how in DA II, Anders makes a decision the player can’t control which does change the world. So, how do you feel about games that restrict player agency? Is it a lack of choices that is annoying, or an overall lack of power? Would an open world game where you have lots of choices but limited agency be something that would excite you? What about a game where you had lots of power to change the world, but weren’t “famous” or “important” to other characters? Do you think there is a market for this type of thing? @kingpotato @killamch89 @DylanC @skyfire @Alyxx @The Blackangel

Yes! I am glad you agree. That sounds really awesome. I've always been interested, but haven't played it. You raise a good point. In Skyrim, you essentially have been given a shortcut to influence rather than having to build it yourself. Of course, I think it frequently works that way IRL too. But that’s exactly the point. Since most of us weren’t handed money and fame on a platter by chance, we want to relate to a story which helps us believe we are capable of climbing in influence through our own hard work or cleverness.

DrakeWars – the first free-to-play strategy collection game where YOU own everything in it. Here’s a few things you should know before you get started. First-up, all content is player-owned. Most games have a closed, managed economy. You put in time and money, and you play within the system. You have some fun, but the developers control everything in it. In Drakewars – everything you build, develop, evolve, and battle is YOURS - not ours. You can keep it, you can customize it, you can give it away, or you can take it out of the game into the real world. It’s your property – and you can do whatever you want with it. Next – at its heart, DrakeWars is an economic strategy game. You can breed, evolve, and customize dragons through careful strategy and management - but you’re the one designing all the content. Finally – this game is all about unlimited customization. We’re talking MASSIVE- with over 1 billion possible Dragon builds. When you take those Dragons into the PVP Arena against other players - that’s over quadrillion ways to win (or lose!) So, if you love a good challenge and like to keep what you play - welcome to DrakeWars. You’re in the right place.

DrakeWars: Episode 1 - Breeding your dragons

In Q3A, if there is a BFG, I grab it, because it is too big and fun an advantage to ignore. Otherwise, I use the plasma gun whenever possible. If I can’t grab that, shotgun or rocket launcher if I am in tight quarters. If there are some fun sniping spots, the rail gun. If there aren’t, I avoid it like the plague, cause I am a dreadful shot. If I am playing bots, I do also spend a ridiculous amount of time trying to gauntlet everyone. In UT2004, I usually prefer the link gun or the minigun.

I had to look this up, as I didn’t realize it was a meme. It seems that the major complaint is the volume level of Meridia’s voice. I suppose I can see how that could catch a person off guard, especially with headphones on. But really … they are making quite a big fuss about it IMO. I actually prioritize this quest, and am happy when it shows up as early as possible, because I want that sword. It is one of my favorite weapons in the game. It’s effective and it’s a (literal) blast to use. The dungeon is pretty “average” to me in terms of play, but I do like visiting the place because I like the statue of Meridia and the view on the roof.