When it comes to making combat in video games feel real and visceral, there are only so many tricks in a developer’s bag. The team can make the screen shake, add some punchy sound effects, and throw huge floaty numbers as if a mathematics piñata just exploded, but the barrier between the player and the game is still fairly significant.
Another way that some non-MMOs have attempted to communicate the hits and explosions during in-game encounters is through rumble packs on controllers and haptic feedback. To my PC gaming knowledge, I don’t know of any MMORPGs that currently offer this, although I’m willing to be informed in the comments (surely there are a few console MMOs and mobile MMOs that do?).
But my question to you today is this: As MMOs seek new ways to make combat interesting and enjoyable, is it worth investing time into vibration, rumble, and haptic devices for that extra little buzz?
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!
