Downplaying future theme so that...

[Stardouser]

Originally Posted by Marinealver

Originally Posted by Stardouser
a lot of the people I see throughout the Battlefield community get giddy when told about PS2 and the huge game world, and often, they come back sad saying "future theme"


I think you might miss the point Stardouser, many people are not exactly thrilled about some of the Battlefield type elements they are adding in the game such as the class system and the Single seater tanks.

I consider gameplay elements and theme elements to be two completely separate things. I mean, for example, people who would rather have zoom than aim down sight/scoping, that's not a thematic issue, that could have been done in PS1, it gets done in WW2 games, hell, if there were a game firing crossbows in medieval times, that could have it too.

I should also point out that while my sphere of experience is BAttlefield, I believe this applies to any other shooter. CoD. Hell, even people who are still playing WW2 shooters might feel this way.

And note, when I say downplay, I do not mean change the game in any way, I mean, simply emphasize the things that aren't futuristic.

Here's something for you guys to think about. I notice that when we talk about non-teamplay zergers(let's call them CoD/BF3 players), a lot of you say something that basically amounts to "well we need them to buy stuff from the store to fund the game so the game can exist for everyone". And that's a good attitude to have, because it's true. But when it comes to future theme haters(which to me, is not as bad as non-teamwork players), it quickly changes to "we don't want them". Just something to consider.

Originally Posted by TheRagingGerbil

2142 was brilliant, PS2 is even more brilliant. Your friends loss.

These aren't my friends, I'm talking about general observations of Battlefield players. I spread the word about PS2 everywhere I go, whether that's Mordor forums, while playing in Everquest, or anywhere else, and talking about a massive persistent game world gets their interest until they see the theme.

[Stardouser]

Originally Posted by Vancha

As I asked in the other thread, would these people be happy with any modern-theme? An alternate-universe modernity? Or do they simply refuse to expand their horizons beyond MMS games?

I suppose what I'm asking is, is there a rational basis behind their discrimination, or are they just being ridiculous?

I don't yet understand your inquiry...do you mean, for example, would these people play an MMO RPG if it were modern themed? That I can't say for sure. I can say that most people who I encounter while playing shooters speak pejoratively of MMORPGs, though.

I assume they prefer both shooters AND non-fantasy, non-future theme.

[Neksar]

While I see your point, I still don't think Planetside 2 needs to downplay itself as a sci-fi shooter. I mean, if their primary goal is to draw in the Battlefield crowd, which I don't think it is despite it being a secondary goal, then that'd be fine. Because it isn't a primary goal, though, they shouldn't compromise their vision of the game just to pander to a specific audience.

As an aside, I think the reason your question hasn't been so well-received is because you're basically saying, "Should they change the game in this direction in order to cater to the modern shooter crowd?"

That's heresy 'round these parts.

[Stardouser]

Originally Posted by Neksar

While I see your point, I still don't think Planetside 2 needs to downplay itself as a sci-fi shooter. I mean, if their primary goal is to draw in the Battlefield crowd, which I don't think it is despite it being a secondary goal, then that'd be fine. Because it isn't a primary goal, though, they shouldn't compromise their vision of the game just to pander to a specific audience.

As an aside, I think the reason your question hasn't been so well-received is because you're basically saying, "Should they change the game in this direction in order to cater to the modern shooter crowd?"

That's heresy 'round these parts.

That's exactly why I used the word "downplay". What I mean is in no way a suggestion to change the game in any way, but simply to emphasize to potential players that, yes, sure, we're fighting for bio-domes, but the guns still fire bullets. And I specifically talk about bullets because "OMG lazers?" is one of the things people say. And I tell them I haven't seen any lasers...

If someone could put together a good screenshot montage and a small write-up I would love to post this on some BF forums in an effort to get an even better feel for why they say these things.

[Stardouser]

Originally Posted by WildVS

Bro are you high?

Are you? Your response isn't making a point of any kind. If I've misinterpreted something, asking me if I'm high isn't going to let me know.

Does that mean there are lazers?

[TheDrone]

Don't like the fact that it's sci-fi? Grow up or GTFO.

[Stardouser]

Originally Posted by WildVS

Do you not notice the title of this game is Planetside 2? This is not Battlefield 4 and if you or your friends don't like it then like HMR said GTFO. Asking the community to not talk about futuristic aspects of this game because you buddies don't like it? Who freaking cares?

I'm not asking the community not to talk about ANYTHING. I'm talking about an introductory montage or video that simply explains to potential players that guns still fire bullets and that this isn't Star Trek. I think you guys are completely getting the wrong idea here.

In other words, the first impression a lot of these guys get is an important one. Ease them into it, you know?

[Trolltaxi]

Originally Posted by Bazilx

We don't want them.

Originally Posted by TheRagingGerbil

2142 was brilliant, PS2 is even more brilliant. Your friends loss.

Originally Posted by Felkine

If people don't like the future theme then they shouldn't play this game, its simple as that. There are shitload of games with ww2, cold war, modern day themes. Why would somebody make video that points out the "non-future" stuff, just to get some BF fanboys in game. And have you ever asked yourself that people played PS1 maybe because it was future themed?
Like some people said before me, we don't need those people.Enough compromises were already made to suit bf players.

I wouldn't beg anyone to give a try to PS2 just because they have some anti-bias with the sci-fi theme... but there is no need to build such a rude attitude towards them either.

Who would like to play a game with lots of players, skill-based, team-based, persistant world - with a Hello Kitty setting? Or My Little Pony? Or with a High School Musical background?

This may be an important aspect that SOE needs to consider. And if they manage to address this and manage to attract these people into the game... it is our win. We have more cannon fodders, we have more epic battles!

So give up this "elitism" and try to be constructive... Ringring mentioned that everything resembles WWII or Cold War era technics (or even less, I'd add), others emphasised on gameplay elements. Stardouser needs arguments to convince his buddies - and he has already mentioned something about a welcoming and mature playerbase (correct me if I'm wrong mate!) that they will find in Planetside. Live up to it men!

[Bittermen]

Originally Posted by TheRagingGerbil

2142 was brilliant, PS2 is even more brilliant. Your friends loss.

Exactly.



Big NO to this idea.


If these people cannot except the diegesis they are put in... Then they shouldn't be playing this game. The barrier to entry is NOTHING(except maybe PC specs). There is no reason NOT to try this game. Downplaying Sci-Fi elements would benefit no-one.

[Shogun]

take the gdc video for this purpose. it has very little vs (you know, the lazer and plasmabolt faction) and shows only conventional battle. cut out the floating magriders and you are set.

the problem with this thread seems to be the misunderstanding. sure you can advertise the game to your friends without putting too much emphasize on the scifi aspect, but the threadtitle alone implied that you want to take away some of our beloved scifi theme

and that´s what you are getting all the NOs for

[Bittermen]

Originally Posted by WildVS

I just cannot believe this thread. The game is free to play for fuck sake. Let em try if they don't like it then don't play it. How simple can it be? Ask someone to avoid the "zomg lazers" now and (now this is a very important point of dicussion) AT SOME POINT THEY WILL PLAY THE GAME AND SEE THEM ANYWAY! Done with this thread... it is just stupid.

Feel the same exact way...


This for real?

[Eighm]

Originally Posted by Stardouser

Does that mean there are lazers?

An entire faction (VS) is built around the use of lasers/plasma weapons.

[Stardouser]

Originally Posted by WildVS

I just cannot believe this thread. The game is free to play for fuck sake. Let em try if they don't like it then don't play it. How simple can it be? Ask someone to avoid the "zomg lazers" now and (now this is a very important point of dicussion) AT SOME POINT THEY WILL PLAY THE GAME AND SEE THEM ANYWAY! Done with this thread... it is just stupid.

Clearly you don't understand the point of the thread. Free to play doesn't matter if they won't even download it because of the theme. Free 2 play is NOT an answer to this.

No one is saying change the game in any way. So leave your disbelief at the door.
No one is saying you can't discuss futuristic stuff.

What I'm saying is ease people into the theme gently with videos targeted for that purpose. Get them hooked, and then when they encounter Vanu for the first time, maybe they'll be too hooked to change their mind at that point.

And again, I say- everyone is quick to accept brain-dead CoD zergers because they want the devs to be able to eat, and "because the game must be more mainstream for today's audience" but you'd rather the devs starve and get laid off than make even a mild effort to bring people into the theme gently?

Originally Posted by Eighm

An entire faction (VS) is built around the use of lasers/plasma weapons.

Yes...I know...when I asked that I really meant if there were upper level unlock lasers for NC/TR. I don't have any choice but to leave VS out when talking to the people I'm referring to.

[Bags]

In Planetside 1 the NC BFR had a giant laser cannon, but BFR are out and all of the NC weapons use magnets and TR are traditional bullets.

[Vancha]

Originally Posted by Stardouser

I don't yet understand your inquiry...do you mean, for example, would these people play an MMO RPG if it were modern themed? That I can't say for sure. I can say that most people who I encounter while playing shooters speak pejoratively of MMORPGs, though.

I assume they prefer both shooters AND non-fantasy, non-future theme.

I'm asking two questions, to put them simply...

1. I'm guessing the people you're talking about don't only want a modern-theme game, but a modern military game, correct? I'm guessing they refuse to play anything other than modern military shooters?

2. There's preferences and there's closed-mindedness. I prefer alternate-reality and futuristic, but that doesn't stop me trying out modern or fantasy games, especially if they're free. I'm asking you whether they have a legitimate reason for avoiding futuristic games, because mere "preferences" don't cause that.