A few weeks ago, I saw an MOP commenter remark that MMOs had the advantage over single-player games because single-player games are too boring, specifically because you can’t show your progress to others. “That’s what makes MMORPGs interesting,” he wrote. “Showing your big numbers.”
There was a some gentle pushback against the idea; one commenter bluntly replied that other people simply do not care about your big numbers as they are too busy playing Fashion Wars.
I loved how this two-comment exchange neatly pointed out the dichotomy in playstyle and motivation in MMOs. I fully admit I don’t care about other people’s “big numbers” or achievements or whatnot in MMOs, unless they’re friends or allies. I don’t find that interesting at all, and I certainly don’t play MMOs for that. But I do care a lot about, for example, the things other people build, and that extends to both multi-player and single-player titles.
But I’m curious what other folks think. Do you care about other people’s achievements in MMOs? How much attention are you paying to the “big numbers” and victories of the people around you in an MMO?
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!
