Not much else to say  really.  I’ve done my research have read both bills.  And have to agree. SOPA and PIPA will put everyone at risk of going to jail.

Let’s face it.  We all link to copyrighted material at one time or another.  And if you think you’re above that sort of thing.  And kid yourself by saying, “I NEVER pirate anything!” then ask yourself how many times have you watched some video on YouTube then shared the link on Facebook or in your email?

I know people who routinely share copies of news broadcasts, their favorite music artists, and even amazing replays from their favorite sports teams.

Yes, all of these ”COULD” be considered forms of piracy.  But where today they’re usually viewed as either “Fair Use” or even a form of grassroots publicity.  These would now be considered a felony offense carrying with it a prision sentence.

Sorry folks, that’s not exactly what I have in mind.  I really don’t feel like going to jail because I linked to some cartoon or picture I found on the Internet.

As I said before SOPA and PIPA will put EVERYONE at risk!  Let’s Stop SOPA and PIPA NOW!

I’ve tried to express my feelings about how today’s MMOs don’t seem to have the sense of adventure they once did. Oh sure, we’re seeing promises of new whizz-bang game mechanics and cool features. But once you get past the initial Oooos and Aaahhhs they always come down to the same basic concept.

Basically, a Game Developer creates an interesting story. Then they create an interesting setting with cool out of this world races and characters.  Then it’s up to the players to level a character, gain equipment and skills. Then somewhere along the line, someone sends them off to kill an some power hungry, egocentric, evil doer that suffers from Mommy and Daddy issues saving the world from an apocalypse.  HURRAY!!

It would seem that this formula would allow for an infinite amount of possible story ideas.

Then why do MMOs today seem tired and worn out? I don’t mean comfy old jeans worn out either. I mean the annoying hole in the crotch, busted button, stuck zipper kind of worn out!

Math – The Root Of All MMO Evil

I’m sure everyone has a theory on this. So here’s mine.

I think what causes everyone to eventually feel “Meh!” about their favorite MMO is one four letter word… Math!

Yes, I know! This is nothing new.  People have been saying this very same thing for years.

Yes, I also know computers are basically complex calculators.

And yes, YES! I know Math has been a critical part of Role Play Gaming since its humble beginnings.

Fine!! I’ll compromise. Maybe it’s not the existence of Math that’s the issue, but HOW Math is used!

Here, let me try and explain.

Under the layers of user interface, storyline, and quest delivery mechanisms we can basically say every encounter is based upon a simple formula.

Player Damage > NonPlayer Character Total Health + Heals

Once we know what our Total Damage output, we can then establish what each player’s Damage Per Second should be in order to achieve the desired result within the shortest amount of time. After that, it’s all a matter of being able to execute this result repeatedly.

NO WONDER WE GET BORED!!!

Seriously, does anyone like to do the same thing over and over again? Oh sure, maybe a few times is cool but eventually we all want to experience something different. Otherwise how do you explain Altitis?

Make Your Old MMO Shine Like New

I propose a simple concept. One that would take us back to our RPG Roots and insist Developers replace predictability with randomness.

Yes folks, I’m saying throw away those spreadsheets and bring out the dice! It’s time to throw the bones and let fate decide!

WHOOA! Hold on now! Don’t get your panties in a boil. And I don’t need more j-ello thank you very much! And trust me, I promise it won’t kill your prescious Progression.

For you who never played D&D and don’t have a clue what I’m talking about, simply put, everything in the game is based upon two things: Dice Rolls and Modifiers. Yes, I mean everything.

From the beginning when you create your character, to your leveling skill and stat bonuses. And yes, even NPC Encounters are based upon an act of randomness. EVERYTHING!

Well, maybe not everything. I do admit there has to be some consistency. For example, Racials and Level Modifiers are typically static.  So I’m not completely sure where the line needs to be drawn between something being static and predictable and random chance with an establish modifier.

That said, I do think it would be better to have the dice determine things like the following:

• Item stat bonuses
• NPC encounters
• Player DPS and HPS.

Sure, maybe the random(20) command said the healer fumbled causing a wipe.  So what! We’re battling a crazed lunatic that will do anything to destroy us. As in real life, we should expect mistakes and random events to occur. (How else can you explain Oswald and The Magic Bullet?)

Another benefit of adding a 1d12 throw to gear stats, we’re no longer bound to specific dungeon grinds. We’d be able to run our favorite dungeons not because of the loot table, but for the excitement and adventure! No longer would everyone’s stats and specs matter because everyone would be naturally balanced. Sure, someone with the same item and spec could do more or less damage. But again I would say wouldn’t that be expected? Has NO ONE ever heard of David and Goliath? (No, I don’t mean the show about a boy and his dog!!)

Like I said, I’m not sure exactly where the line between Random vs. Predictability needs to be drawn. However, I do honestly believe the more Predictability we replace with Randomness the more excitement we would all experience with the games we love.

After all, isn’t variety the spice of life?

Star Wars: The Old Republic is the MMO for RPG Gamers who are more concerned about their own character than the adventure.

There I said it. And even though I have only had a very limited time playing the Beta. I have read a ton of reviews and player diaries. And I can’t tell you how many YouTube videos I’ve watched. All of this trying to find a something to spark an interest in playing this game.

See, I like the Star Wars universe. No, I can’t say I love it, but I do really like it. I’ve read a dozen or so Star Wars books. I’ve watched every Star Wars film enough times to I get groans from family when I suggest it. Heck, I’ve even grown to like Jar Jar Binks! But for some reason, I just have no real desire to play The Old Republic.

Then it dawned on me. That the reason I don’t like The Old Republic is really the same reason I’m having a tough time with MMO’s in general. Games today fail to deliver the feeling one is part of an epic, do or die, group adventure.

Oh sure, The Old Republic has group play with Flashpoints. But the storyline isn’t really do or die. (Well, not from what I have seen anyways.)

Everyone talks about how amazed they are by the story. Players go on and on about how much they identify with THEIR CHARACTER. How each choice they make impacts their characters INDIVIDUAL development.

Basically, the impression I get is when you play The Old Republic is, “It’s all about ME!”

Where’s the dynamic of your party heading off on an adventure to save the world? (Or in this case the galaxy.)

And like I mentioned before, this isn’t just an issue with TOR, it’s the same with World of Warcraft and in a lesser degree Rift. Every single MMO today focuses on creating a game that individual players feel special.

Where, individual players can save the day. Oh sure, maybe we need to group up with our guild mates to clear a Dungeon or Raid. But other than that it’s all about me. Simply put, every game we call an MMORPG today is nothing more than a Single Player Role Playing Game with Co-Op play.

And if I’m correct, this explains why Star Wars will be such a huge success. It’s an epic story about each character fulfilling their own grand adventure coming together and Co-operating only when they have to. It’s a perfect game for those who prefer individual character development with optional group play.

Simply put, gamers today don’t want to be simple adventurers, they want to be gods!

Original cartoon by Clay Bennett

Have you ever thought about how much everyone cheats now-a-days? Long gone are the days of, “If everyone else jumped off a cliff, would you?” Today’s you’re more apt to find someone asking, “How is it cheating if everyone else does it?” It used to be there are only two certainties in life, Death and Taxes. But I think now we have three, Death, Taxes and Everyone Cheats.

This past week the gaming community found out that one of the most successful World of Warcraft guilds was found guilty of cheating. Seemed Paragon got suspended for exploiting a new in-game feature in achieving their World First.

And though I don’t play WoW anymore, I found this particular story intriguing. See, I’ve been talking about this topic with one of my Rift Riders co-hosts, Josh. We’ve been going back and forth on what constitutes cheating. And I guess we’re not alone because Mike Norton lit Google+ on fire with his own post about it.

The biggest issue seems to stem over what exactly is cheating.

If you found out using something within the game or system differently than intended, is that cheating?

If you use tools available to anyone to achieve an objective, is that cheating?

What about using hints and detailed information from outside resources? Is that cheating?

Or could it be that cheating is purely a question of legality? Is the only way one is cheating is if they’re breaking established rules?

In the gaming world this question isn’t a black and white as it might seem. It seems there are about as many definitions for the term cheating as there are ways to cheat.

And you know what? This really scares me.

Why?

Well, if a society can’t decide where to draw the line on what is or is not cheating, then how can we set a moral compass and define right from wrong?

By no means am I asking for us to return to some puritanical way of life. But I do think we need to think just how far down this slope we want to slide. At some time we need to draw a line so future generations can know which way is up. Otherwise, how can we, the parents of today, have hope that life will be better for the children of the future?

Ponder that one and let me know what you think.

Since Christmas is right around the corner I thought it would be kinda cool to put together a list of Christmas gift ideas for the Geek in your life.

And trust me, this is in no way the a definitive list but I think it’s a pretty solid one and anything on here would make a true geek happy.

10. APPLE II

Oh sure, there are more powerful and better computers. But there isn’t a true geek out there who wouldn’t love one of these for Christmas. Besides, what better way for you to help the Geek in your life keep the memory of Steve Jobs alive than get them the computer that made him famous.

9. VIP Behind The Scenes Tour of Disneyworld

Ever wanted to know what Mickey does on his break? Or why Tinkerbell never runs out of pixie dust? And just where is Uncle Walt’s brain? Okay, maybe that last one is a bit weird even for me, but I can personally attest that going behind the scenes of Disneyworld is a must for any Disney loving geek!

8. Guy Version: Victoria Belmont and Felicia Day’s Autographed Pic

If you really want to make your Guy Geek happy get him a A personalized autographed picture of Victoria Belmont and Felicia Day. Just promise me you won’t get mad when he replaces that old wedding photo on his desk with it.

8. Girl Version: An Autographed Picture of Dr. Who (Matt Smith)

Guys? Don’t think you get all the fun. Make sure you get the Girl Geek in your life a picture of The Doctor. Oh! And yes, the same rules appies to you when you notice you’ve been replaced on the mantle.

7. Tickets to Comic-Con

I really should have to explain the epicness of this one. Oh sure, BlizzCon is awesome for the World of Warcraft or Diablo fans and E3 would be super cool. But EVERY geek worth his salt wants to go to the mecca of Geekdom and have a pick with their favorite slave girl.

6. R2D2

R2D2 one of the most loved characters from the Star Wars franchise. He’s even made special guest appearances in other movies like Close Encounters of The Third Kind and Star Trek! Not only that but this lil makes an awesome wingman! Not only can he fix up your XWing but he’ll make sure you always have a beer!

5. TRON Arcade Game

Awesome arcade games could be a post by itself. Between PacMan, Space Invaders, Astroids, Dragon’s Lair (What? Do NOT sit there and tell me you didn’t waste your lunch money trying to save Princess Daphne from the dragon!)

Anyways, I digress… Everyone knows that Geeks and Technology go together like Peanut Butter and Chocolate. Anyways, it’s way safer for them to play Light Cycles on an arcade game than in real life.

4. Spy Gear Spy Video TRAKR

I dare you to lie and deny ever wanting your very own remote control spy camera car. I just dare you! But just remember, it’s not a stealth car so those girls at the sorority house might hear it if you’re trying to plot winning the Greek Games.

3. The Jedi Path: A Manual for Students of the Force or The Book of Sith: Secrets from the Dark Side

Really? You need an explanation?? Come on! It’s Star Wars! And you can be a Jedi or Sith Lord!? Need I say more?

 2. Galaxy Nexus

Yeah, yeah.. I know. This one isn’t fair because the Galaxy Nexus isn’t even officially available yet. But let’s face it, if The Woz wanted a Nexus the EVERY Geek out there needs to have one!

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1. Slave Girl Bikini

Wait?? Don’t kill me on this one. Just trust me ladies. This will ultimately turn out to be a gift for you. Wear this and you’ll have every geeky guy in the world at your beck and call. And if you combine it with #7 who knows, the possibilities are endless!

Sometimes I have the sneaky suspicion I think way too much. Then I realize, sure dummy, that’s really all we do. Well, besides eating, sleeping and our daily visit to the pooper. Hell, even then most of that time is probably spent thinking about something. And that’s when I came to realize that maybe I should start writing some of these ponders down as Brig’s Ponders.

It may surprise you that I’m a man who holds pretty strongly to his religious beliefs. Laugh, scoff as you might, but I truly believe all of us believe in something. Even if that something is chaotic chance, then we all hope that our dice will role 7 or 11 and that the roulette wheel of life will stop on 00.

That said, I always find it interesting how many people can say they believe or not in something and then get defensive when someone dares challenges not their belief itself, but the representation of that belief.

Here’s an example, this weekend at our family’s weekend Bible study we were discussing Jesus’ first sermon as written in Luke (Luke 4:14-30). (No, I’m not turning this into a sermon, bear with me for a moment.)

What’s interesting is how the crowd at the temple reacted to this sermon. And it made me realize something.  If I think Jesus is an antagonist. Then that would have to mean that it’s possible that Antagonists don’t necessarily have to be evil.

If that’s the case, then maybe not only is a foundational element of many people’s faith is challenged, but also our views on storytelling.

Is it really required for the Antagonist to always be evil? Could not our hero be the Antagonist?

This got me thinking and it hit me as such a revelation that I knew I had to ask if I was right about this? The responses were awesome.

Take for example what Joe Wilson  (The awesome genius behind Vampire Mob.) had to say:

“The hero doesn’t have to be a good guy, but there needs to be conflict, which can come from an antagonist.” – Vampire Mob (by Joe Wilson)

And he’s not alone.  Danslatable had this to say:

“Most certainly not. Although the antagonist would be perceived as “evil” even if they are the heroic type.” – Danslatable

Of course this sets off a whole new set of questions then.

If we change our views so that the role of the antagonist is no longer evil but good, and that of the protagonist is no longer good but evil. How much of our own world view change? What about those we think of being criminals? And of course what about those who’s beliefs are so very different from ours.

Makes you ponder doesn’t it? How such a simple shift in something so simple can have now really wondering, “What makes the bad guy bad and what makes the good guy, good?” (And people wonder why I prefer independent television and movies!)

I’ve probably needed to do this for a long time. But in all honesty I really believed people knew me better and how I felt than they really do. So let me just say for the last time, I DO NOT HATE WARCRAFT! 

Oh, I know you’re sitting there with god knows how many tweets of me spouting off on Twitter picking on WoW.   Yes, I admit to calling WoW a Child’s Game and a lot of other not so nice things.  So I can see why so many people would sit there and accuse me of being full of trollish hate towards this game.   So here’s my official attempt to put the record straight.

First off, let me apologize to everyone out there who I’ve offended by my comments.   You know, saying things like:

#Blizzard unofficially admitted that they are a child’s game w/ #MistsofPandaria. Be an adult and play #Rift! The #MMORPG for grownups! – Eddie aka Brigwyn, 10/21/2011

and

Woah! Blizzard states #WoW Subscriptions are at 10.3M that’s a -1.7M from their highest reported. WTG #RIFT! – Eddie aka Brigwyn, 11/9/2011

Though, I’m sorry that to have offended people and am saddened by the loss of some I considered friends by saying that.  I won’t take back what I said.  Soften it? Maybe say it in some less offensive way? Sure.  But I stand behind my what I said then and my assertions now of not hating WoW.

How can I make such a claim? Well, pretty easy really.

First off, it would be impossible for me to look back at the 6 years I spent playing World of Warcraft and now say I hate the game.  Oh sure, there’s many things I dislike about it.  And to date there’s just nothing that Blizzard has announced or shown me that remotely intices me to go back and play it again.   Honestly folks, I just don’t find the game interesting or challenging anymore.

See, somewhere along the way I just lost interest in the game.  I’ve often said how the changes to the game and my favorite class (Which was being a Hunter in case you didn’t know.) caused me to no longer related to my ingame character.  Brigwyn was no longer a vibrant, go get ‘em, stay up all night drinking mead then go out slaying threats to Azeroth, but kicking, skirt chasing Dorf.  He just felt, well, like any other generic game character for any <insert name here> game.  He just wasn’t me!

Now if you’re wondering what all this has to do with all the sarcasm, bad mouthing and admittedly wow bashing?  Easy. One word, Rift.

See, when I started playing Rift it honestly felt like Brigwyn was reborn.  I don’t know.  Maybe it had something to do with the being an Ascended and brought back to life by the Vigil or something.  What ever it was, Rift gave Brigwyn back what WoW had taken away.  (I really wanted Handel’s Messiah to just play as you read this so you could really experience the HALLELUJAH moment. maybe click and read as it plays? *shrug*)

So here I am.  I’m no longer Brigwyn, WoW Hunter Extraordinaire! I’m Brigwyn, The Rockinest Ranger in Rift! (Yeah, that’s corny, but let’s face it, so am I. lol) 

Wanting to share my newfound gaming passion, I went off and created a new podcast and blog, Rift Riders.  And that leads to the real reason for all the negative WoW comments.

It’s purely for promoting Rift.  Honestly, that’s it.

I truly NEVER intended it to be taken that I, Eddie Carrington aka Brigwyn, personally hates World of Warcraft.  Yes, I have ill feelings and some resentment for the loss of friendships that the game changes caused.   But for the last time, I DO NOT HATE WORLD OF WARCRAFT.

Well, hopefully that ends that and we can move on and talk about other cool stuff.  You know, things like “Why is Brig so tall and fat in SWTOR?”

Hold on now, don’t go celebrating that your favorite hunter is back playing WoW.   Trust me, I hate to burst your bubble, but I’m just loving Rift too much at the moment to even consider going back.  I’ve moved on and from what I can tell by their last cinematic, it seems Blizzard has decided to move on also. But other that than that? Oh yeah, Brig is back baby!

It really feels good to be writing again.  Strange, to think that I actually took off 8 months off from doing anything other than Rift Riders.  Heck, even that has had its moments of touch and go

I think the reason I’ve been away from blogging so long has more to do with my own personal state of mind.  Oh sure, the pro’s will tell you to just keep writing when you have writer’s block.  Others will say it’s just a matter of focus and discipline.  And those are all well and good when you’re know you have something you should be saying but just can’t seem to figure out how.  Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case on my part.

Honestly? I just didn’t feel like writing.  Why? Well, let’s just say we all have our own BS to deal with and why should I fertilize your garden of life with mine? (HEY! You know what I mean. Geez.. sure go ahead and pick on my writing in my first post. ><  lol)

So what’s changed? Well, I don’t know really.  Maybe it’s just the time of year.  Maybe it’s a change in diet.  Or heck, maybe I just needed to recharge my batteries.

Either way, Brig is back, baby!!