I have a very difficult time doing group content without group finders. This may come as a surprise to readers, but I’m actually a bit shy and reserved much of the time; I don’t have a great deal of confidence when it comes to reaching out and enlisting people. It’s something I work hard to overcome, but it means that I have a bit of a rough time striking up conversations and engaging with other people in a game. Final Fantasy XI was rough, yes.
The net result, of course, is that when people who have that problem are reluctant to get involved, the only people left who are forming groups are boisterous and outgoing, which just leaves the shy and reserved people more certain that they’re not welcome in groups. But even with group finders, you can find yourself unsure. What’s the culture in this game? What’s the custom? If I say I need this item and roll on it, will that be selfish? What if I screw something up?
In short, social anxiety is a gift that keeps on giving, for a given definition of “gift” and “giving.” But what about you, dear readers? Are you reluctant to get involved in group content? Not necessarily progression, which is a whole different ball of wax, but just grouping up with strangers to try something new?
Every morning, the Massively Overpowered writers team up with mascot Mo to ask MMORPG players pointed questions about the massively multiplayer online roleplaying genre. Grab a mug of your preferred beverage and take a stab at answering the question posed in today’s Daily Grind!
