Roleplaying Servers?

[dussan2]

Cryptic opted not to have a dedicated "Official" Roleplaying server for City of Heroes, so the community dubbed a server speciifcally as one. this was much later in the developement cycle of course but do we have any word on whether cryptic will do this?

Cause right now I can see stuff getting REAL ugly, as it often is, when Roleplayers get in the same server with the powergamers.

[Signalsgt]

Cryptic opted not to have a dedicated "Official" Roleplaying server for City of Heroes, so the community dubbed a server speciifcally as one. this was much later in the developement cycle of course but do we have any word on whether cryptic will do this?

Cause right now I can see stuff getting REAL ugly, as it often is, when Roleplayers get in the same server with the powergamers.

No information has been release on the the server set up. It was mentioned at the unveiling in Vegas that a everyone plays in the same Universe would be preferred but nothing since.


As to getting ugly, hopefully most of that gets squashed in the Beta.

[Hagon]

I think it's important to remember, and for some to finally just admit to themselves, that role playing to the extent that how normal players conduct themselves is bothersome has now become an activity only enjoyed by comparatively very few. It's not really worth designating servers "RP" anymore.

I think it's best to just leave it up to the community of people that RP to try and congregate on a given server, but they also need to accept that they can't force others that may be on that server to conform.

[Signalsgt]

I think it's important to remember, and for some to finally just admit to themselves, that role playing to the extent that how normal players conduct themselves is bothersome has now become an activity only enjoyed by comparatively very few. It's not really worth designating servers "RP" anymore.

I think it's best to just leave it up to the community of people that RP to try and congregate on a given server, but they also need to accept that they can't force others that may be on that server to conform.


I think it's important to remember, and for some to finally just admit to themselves, that PvP to the extent that how normal players conduct themselves is bothersome has now become an activity only enjoyed by comparatively very few. It's not really worth designating servers "PvP" anymore.

I think it's best to just leave it up to the community of people that PvP to try and congregate on a given server, but they also need to accept that they can't force others that may be on that server to conform.

Strawman argument, same as you've posted in every other thread of this nature.

[Hagon]

Not really sure where you're coming from, since I've always stated quite clearly that I fully agree with Cryptic in their decision to not have separate PvE and PvP rule set servers, and have always stated quite clearly that I also agree with their decision to have separate areas for PvE, consensual PvP, and open PvP.

I'd also suggest, with the utmost respect for you of course, that you look up what a "strawman argument" is. Just so that you can avoid using it totally out of context again is all. Just trying to be friendly though. You can take my advice or leave it. :)

[Signalsgt]

Not really sure where you're coming from, since I've always stated quite clearly that I fully agree that I agree with cryptic in their decision to not have separate PvE and PvP rule set servers, and have always stated quite clearly that I also agree with their decision to have separate areas for PvE, consensual PvP, and open PvP.

I'd also suggest, with the utmost respect for you of course, that you look up what a "strawman argument" is. Just so that you can avoid using it totally out of context again is all. Just trying to be friendly though. You can take my advice or leave it. :)

:confused:

To "set up a straw man," one describes a position that superficially resembles an opponent's actual view, yet is easier to refute, then attributes that position to the opponent. - I think it's important to remember, and for some to finally just admit to themselves, that role playing to the extent that how normal players conduct themselves is bothersome has now become an activity only enjoyed by comparatively very few.

Condition one satisfied, unless you have market analysis and links to conducted polls.

While a straw man argument may work as a rhetorical technique—and succeed in persuading people—it carries little or no real evidential weight, since the opponent's actual argument has not been refuted. -

It's not really worth designating servers "RP" anymore.

Condition two met, unless you can provide a cost analysis that show's an RP server is not cost effective.

[Hagon]

Well if this were a debate, I'd say that even then you're stretching the definition to an extreme to try and save face.

I'm not debating anyone though, and I think the very fact that most games don't even bother to designate RP servers at all anymore, and those that do have only a very small number of them with low populations, speaks for itself.

In fact I think it speaks so clearly there's not much use in me continuing a dialogue with you since you're blatantly trying to draw me into a flame war, which I have no desire to take part in.

[ParkerHayden]

Read the freakin' FAQ

Q: Will there be PvP, PvE and RP rule set servers?
A: There will not be separate servers for PvP and PvE rulesets. Open PvP will be restricted to designated sectors of space (far-off reaches of unclaimed territory). Consensual PvP and competitive PvE will occur between the realm borders (the Neutral Zone), where players will be competing over territory and resources with the option to PvP.

http://www.startrekonline.com/faq

Granted, it doesn't say much about RP, but judging by what it says, I doubt it.

[mezlabor]

I would like to see an rp server. If there isnt one and the community designates one I will be there. If its all one big server I will gravitate towards the people who are rping.

[Keldaria]

considering Star Trek has the longest running organized collection of fans out of ANY series, movies, game, and the fact that Star Trek formed Roleplayers clubs and "Fan Episodes" more than any other mass following thats only served to EXPLODE with the use of the internet as a self organizing fan base. Toped with the fact that there are a large number of "Fantasy Roleplay Ships" found around the internet in multiplul languages where users Roleplay events and stories without anything more than an inspirational picture of the ship and maybe a signature picture containing their avitar I find it hard to beleave that a RP server wouldn't be included.

were not talking about just any MMO thats drawing from a generic gamer pool to build a fan base from scratch. We're talking about an MMO that already has an extremmely organized and avid fan base with alot of hard core roleplayers that your looking to start with and THEN draw the rest of your fan base from the generic gamer pool with fun and inovative content designed to draw in any gamer not just ST fans

IMO the first server created (providing there are multipul servers) needs to be a roleplaying server, here will house a great deal of the ST fans then add servers as more and more new comers try the game and get sucked in.

I hate to say it but its probibly best to seperate the 100% star trek fan that knows every episode by heart and the genaric gamer thats just looking for a great game, because if you put those 2 together the star trek fan will likly always be rambling on about OH captian kirk did this here or Spock siad this when they were in this situation and the gamer would be like .. umm ok nerd fest i'm outta here. Its sad to say but I'm one of those big time star trek fans and I'd be willing to bet I'd scare off a few new comers easy =P

[Arcturus]

I think an example is prime for this argument, modeling the game so it could have separate pvp servers and isolated areas of pvp destroyed Age of Conan (Among other things) If Conan had only gone with a regular server, and isolated the pvp into borderlands that were much more integrated into the game than they are now, It would have been a better game. But a few hundred boisterous forum goers ruined that.

That said- There's a lot of collective intelligence on these forums that have me very hopeful for a great Star Trek game.

The main point is, pvp server integration has the potential to make or break a game much much more than the addition of a server with rp rules strictly enforced.

[mezlabor]

I think an example is prime for this argument, modeling the game so it could have separate pvp servers and isolated areas of pvp destroyed Age of Conan (Among other things) If Conan had only gone with a regular server, and isolated the pvp into borderlands that were much more integrated into the game than they are now, It would have been a better game. But a few hundred boisterous forum goers ruined that.

That said- There's a lot of collective intelligence on these forums that have me very hopeful for a great Star Trek game.

The main point is, pvp server integration has the potential to make or break a game much much more than the addition of a server with rp rules strictly enforced.

Thats not what Ruined AoC. The game wasnt finished and the basic class designs for alot of classes were very flawed. Features promised to us at launch have yet to be implemented and the games highly touted siege system was broken for months. Couple that with a lack of high level content and broken raids THAT ruined AoC. Right now the ffa pvp servers have the highest pops on that game. Even tho they are relentless gankfests or were when I quit back in june.

[Signalsgt]

The main point is, pvp server integration has the potential to make or break a game much much more than the addition of a server with rp rules strictly enforced.

Couldn't have said it any better.

I'm all in favor of PvP and plan to spend at least 50% of my time doing so but I've seen too many instances where game play was ruined for dozens of people by "l33t noob killerzzz" who were out only to cause grief.

[k.mpok]

We RPing Klingons are sure to drive the weak non-RPers away, from atleast one server (if presented with more then one server, and I hope they do) if they don't give us a RP server to ourselves.





PPL keep saying that they want just one server and that it is the only way to go but to date the only game I have seen that didn't have at least 2 servers, and often one getting named an RP server if only by the community, has only been EvE.

[Signalsgt]

We RPing Klingons are sure to drive the weak non-RPers away, from atleast one server (if presented with more then one server, and I hope they do) if they don't give us a RP server to ourselves.

Klingon's are going to have it the worst I'm afraid. I've said it at least 10 times, people are going to use a personal definition of honor, not the actual definition, play a Klingon and use it as a shield to be griefers.

[Jare]

From previous MMO's I have played on, roleplayers have generally been in the minority and the same goes for pvp'ers. The majority of players seem to dabble a little in both, but primarily participate in PVE, running missions and trying to acquire items of value to them.

It may be a waste of resources to have servers specifically tailored to a particular playstyle when it is likely going to appeal to a smaller percentage of the population. Again, this is based on my observations in other games, so I could be wrong.

Things could be different in STO, but from statements made by the devs, they have no plans to have specific playstyle server types. As often occurs, there will probably be servers that purport themselves to be the unofficial "RP" or "PVP" servers and that seems to work out ok in other games, and it will likely work in STO as well.

[dussan2]

Read the freakin' FAQ

Q: Will there be PvP, PvE and RP rule set servers?
A: There will not be separate servers for PvP and PvE rulesets. Open PvP will be restricted to designated sectors of space (far-off reaches of unclaimed territory). Consensual PvP and competitive PvE will occur between the realm borders (the Neutral Zone), where players will be competing over territory and resources with the option to PvP.

http://www.startrekonline.com/faq

Granted, it doesn't say much about RP, but judging by what it says, I doubt it.

First, your response about reading the freakin FAQ was unneccesary. Second what you posted has little bearing except to show that a question was asked during the inceptopn of the game. I already pointed out that Cryptic has a history of not making Roleplaying servers. So either contribute or STFU, either way we are getting back on topic.

On topic, this is a discussion about a Roleplaying server and from the responses on this forum and from the MASSIVE Trekkie following that this will generate you can bet your ass serious roleplayers are going to want to call this game home. Not a discussion about a PvP server, as faction based PvP negates any and all of the PvP nightmares that lesser MMO's suffer from.

Cryptic is extremely responsive to community input and what I have seen as well is that those who are new to MMO gaming and unfamiliar with their machanics and game design are imprinting their own hopes and dreams for a true Star Trek experience on this game.

Case in point, Player crews.

That is a roleplaying fantasy that many fans of the franchise want to see implemented within the game. This is an EXAMPLE not a discussion. But I may want to be a Klingon purely for the gameplay aspects that have nothing to do with me being a Klingon. I may like blowing up other players and generally making a damn nuisance of myself.

Maybe I want to make my ship have pink trim and call it the IKS Fancy Nancy.

There should be a outlet or a place for like minded players to sit back and play the game within the allowable game mechanics the way they want to play it. With the "Un-Official" Roleplaying server in City of Heroes we were able to clearly state that here be people who like to pretend they are superheroes or super villains without all the griefing. And give the powergamers a place to avoid so they can enjoy the game.

Community makes or breaks a MMO. And I do not want to see gameplay mechanics radically altered, like City of Heroes, Star Wars Galaxies etc to accomodate the vocal few.

[Hagon]

We RPing Klingons are sure to drive the weak non-RPers away, from atleast one server (if presented with more then one server, and I hope they do) if they don't give us a RP server to ourselves.





hehe no disrespect intended, but...... good luck with that. :D

[RanizMurjuri]

From previous MMO's I have played on, roleplayers have generally been in the minority and the same goes for pvp'ers. The majority of players seem to dabble a little in both, but primarily participate in PVE, running missions and trying to acquire items of value to them.

It may be a waste of resources to have servers specifically tailored to a particular playstyle when it is likely going to appeal to a smaller percentage of the population. Again, this is based on my observations in other games, so I could be wrong.

Things could be different in STO, but from statements made by the devs, they have no plans to have specific playstyle server types. As often occurs, there will probably be servers that purport themselves to be the unofficial "RP" or "PVP" servers and that seems to work out ok in other games, and it will likely work in STO as well.

I share this guys Opinion.
You have to look at it from the inside out, rightside in, and then all around it.

What your really looking at is a massive Social Collection Of people who spend 40% of their online time chatting it up with friends they meet in the game.
And 60% Questing with those same friends in PvE environments, not because of wealth, because it gave them the best play Expeireince.
And that's the #1 market these MMO's are targeting.


A person who spends most of their time in PvE lasts much longer in the game than those who PvP or RP.

As a PvP'er will more likely change games when the next big PvP game comes out.
As the RP'er will most likely leave a game because his group had left the game.


But then again i'm a very old school MMo gamer and alot has changed with the public.

[dussan2]

THis is Star Trek, your going to find yourself slipping into your roles.

I bet a 100 bucks that anyone that plays a Klingon is going to roleplay being a Klingon in the game at least once.

[jasonadlai]

I went back and forth on the roleplaying issue, leaning more heavily toward non-RP servers, but upon further reflection... well, for what it's worth, here are my thoughts:

You are going to have people from tons of different backgrounds playing this game. You're going to have the WoW players, the Eve player, people who have never played MMO's before, and the hardcore Star Trek fan - not to mention every variation in between.

Now... I know that all of those people are different. However, fundamentally, they can probably be boiled down into two groups:
a) Those who want to play a fun MMO.
b) Those who want to play Star Trek.

Those two groups are not going to mesh well. I realized this as I've been reading through the forums. Quite honestly, and I don't mean to sound like a jerk, but I don't really want to play with some of the people on the forums. I want a Star Trek experience - not just an entertaining gaming experience. And you can see this division already on the forums. There are those who are very concerned that Cryptic stay tried and true to Star Trek, and there are those who are mostly just concerned that they make a fun game and don't get what all of the (hardcore) Star Trek fuss is about.

If you put these people together in a game, what will likely happen is both groups are going to drive the others off. The hardcore Star Trek fans will get fed up with people just trying to play what they consider a fun game, and the people trying to just play a game will get fed up with the Star Trek fans constantly "whining" (that will be the terminology thrown around, if it isn't a lot harsher) about those who are just trying to play.

Cryptic mentioned that there wasn't any reason not to have one server. I look at it another way: there is no reason not to have two. Really the extra cost is so minimal, it wouldn't make any difference at all. I'll bet Cryptic makes up the cost in the first week of game play. It is also going to satisfy those fans like me. It is also going to satisfy those people who just want to play. There are no "explosive" encounters. People get along happier.

Now, you're right - you can't stop people from not roleplaying on a RP server. But it does happen less on those servers. I would prefer that. I would prefer not to see U.S.S. n00b killerz flying through the universe.

And I can guarantee you that there will be thousands of other Star Trek fans out there who feel the same way. And, quite honestly, I don't see why Cryptic wouldn't want to do this. Every time I watch an interview, I am struck by just how much of a fan they all must be of the series. Why would they want to play in a universe where USS Sexy Baby is flying around? I know that the "other" universe for everybody needs to exist - but why can't we have our own universe, too?

Now, the problem with this is that the non-roleplayer will never truly understand why this bothers the roleplayer so much. The non-RPer sits there and thinks, "What the heck is their problem? Why don't they stop whining and just enjoy the game?"

The best way I can explain this is: Role players don't want to just play the game. They want to play the story. They care about the world. They aren't nerds or obsessive or anything like that - they just want to play in a world where others care about the world the same as they do. They want things to make sense and be realistic. They don't want it to be a glorified chat or forum. They want it to be an experience.

It's like reading a book. You don't want to be in the middle of reading a seriously awesome novel to suddenly find that someone has taken a marker and started writing words and sentences on the side. That someone might say, "Hey, the story is still there - I don't see why you care what I do. Just read the dang book." Well, it's distracting and it pulls you out of the story. It also keeps you from really getting back into the story if the extra words and sentences never go away. You find yourself glancing over the words and not paying attention to the story itself. No one would read a book like that.

I don't see why we should have to play a game like that. Now, I realize, Cryptic can make whatever they want. But when they say that they'll listen to the fans, I hope they do on this point. Because for us, for the role players, it's about the story. And when we get in there, we don't want to be constantly thrust out of the story, distracted from it, and whatnot by Captain Tight Pants who goes running by every once in a while.

And besides, why on earth is this an argument for the non-RPers? It doesn't affect you in the slightest! Just don't play on the RP server if they have one. I don't see why you have to argue for the exclusion of an RP server, though, just because that's not what you want.

Anyway, like I said, for what it's worth, those are my thoughts...

[Cormoran]

i don't really care either way. I enjoy roleplaying and i've roleplayed with non roleplayers quite often, i've found it only becomes a problem if i want to force them to roleplay or they want to force me not to, usually everyone in PUGs i'm in gets a good laugh from my roleplaying.

[Hagon]

Anyway, like I said, for what it's worth, those are my thoughts...Well in all honesty, the same reasonings you used can be adjusted just a little and be used for having a total PvE server. Or a total PvP server.

There's all kinds of players around, and all different degree of Star Trek fan too.

I don't see why one specific group of player needs to be given special treatment over all the rest.

[jasonadlai]

Well in all honesty, the same reasonings you used can be adjusted just a little and be used for having a total PvE server. Or a total PvP server.

There's all kinds of players around, and all different degree of Star Trek fan too.

I don't see why one specific group of player needs to be given special treatment over all the rest.

That doesn't make any sense. No one is asking for special treatment. Just separate servers for separate playing styles. I think a similar argument very well could be made for a totally PvP server (I've never seen a 100% PvE server in any games I've played - they all have PvP zones in them, which you can avoid if you don't like them).

But we're not asking for special treatment. Certainly no special treatment over any else. I don't see how you can come to that conclusion. All we're saying is that we would like different servers set up for different purposes. That's not asking for special treatment. That's just asking for a feature, just like any other feature.

[Hagon]

Well a lot of games most certainly do have PvE only servers., and it most certainly is asking for special treatment.

It's asking for a special designated server for RP, when PvEers won't get one, and PvPers won't get one.

[k.mpok]

Anyway, like I said, for what it's worth, those are my thoughts...

Finally, someone that understands. I commend you. Job well done and I totally agree.

Well in all honesty, the same reasonings you used can be adjusted just a little and be used for having a total PvE server. Or a total PvP server.

There's all kinds of players around, and all different degree of Star Trek fan too.

I don't see why one specific group of player needs to be given special treatment over all the rest.

But you (not necessarily you personally) are asking just that. That one specific group of player (PVE) be given special treatment over the rest (PvP and RP).




I still see a far larger population RPing in STO then is normally found in most MMOs just for the simple fact that it is Star Trek and many of us are Star Trek fans. A good chunk of players will be made up of Star Trek fans and will more then likely slip into RP, often times without even thinking. I, personally, see no reason why they should have only one server other then money (equipment cost) and if they managed to buy out P3 they shouldn't be hurting for money (they do have a popular title under their belt and the funds that it provides). As for the argument that with more servers you have less ppl to play with I don't agree. Maybe if your game sucks, AoC style, it might. For example take a look at EQ, a game that has been around for more then a few years and still fairly popular, and their special servers.

Special Rules Servers
Some EverQuest special servers have different rule sets than the "standard" EQ servers:

Zek - The PvP server.
Firiona Vie (FV) - The "Roleplaying Preferred" server.
The Combine - The Progression Server.

And then you have your Euro server Antonius Bayle, and

your US servers:

Ayonae Ro, Bertoxxulous, Brell Serillis, Bristlebane, Cazic-Thule, Discord, Drinal, Druzz, E'ci, Erollisi Marr, Fennin Ro, Innoruuk, Kael Drakkal (German), Karana, Lanys T'Vyl, Luclin, Maelin Starpyre, Mithaniel Marr, Morell-Thule, Povar, Prexus, Quellious, Rodcet Nife, Saryrn, Stromm, Zek, Tarew Marr, Terris-Thule, Test server, The Nameless, The Rathe, The Seventh Hammer, The Tribunal, Tholuxe Paells, Torvonnilous (to name just a few.)

I am sure same have been merged by now (haven't played in awhile due to annoyance of always having to renew, another reason I support a Lifetime Sub option).

Even with some merges they still have over 6+ servers, not to bad for a game that is over 9 years old.

[Roguee]

In my opinion (and many others), Rp-ers are just a better group of people to be around. I'm a light rp-er and light pvp-er and I can tell you which group I'd rather spend my time around. But, to a point, diluting your player base can cause problems too, and having "set" separate servers does just that.

The basic problem isn't the game, it's the players playing the game. Hard core Trekkies are worried about hard core PVP-ers. I'll tell ya what, I'm in the exact middle there and I'm worried about both sides :( But, a game really needs BOTH types of players to make a good go nowadays. So, people need to rein in their more base tendencies and lighten up a bit on BOTH sides of the spectrum. But, being humans. that's next to impossible so...

And I'm glad I just read that post above mine because, again in my opinion, the only different servers there need to be is timezone servers. Especially if there's going to be any type of faction vs. faction "wars" going on.

But other than that, I think one server is good enough. MAKE people try to get along :) The drama would be GREAT and the forums would be the funniest comedy since Richard Pryor :) And probably about as filthy ;) LOL

[Hagon]

A lot of this is very insulting quite frankly.

Some of you are saying that unless one is a person that wants to RP in the game, they aren't real Star Trek fans, or at the very least aren't as big a Star Trek fans as those that do.

Let me say again like I've said in a few threads here. I've been a Trek fan for around 35 years, I'll stack my "Trek fan rating" up against anyone's, but I don't go to conventions dressed as a Klingon or Starfleet officer, and I don't want to play the game as if I'm living a character. I know there's a whole bunch out there just like me as well (I believe we're the majority of Trek fans that will play this game to be quite honest). Who are some of you to tell us we're lesser fans than you are?

Yes there are some asking for PvE only servers. The same as there are some asking for PvP everywhere servers. By far, most are accepting that there won't be either though, and wherever their preferences lie they're willing to compromise and adapt.

[Jenshae]

Just one server please. I want to knock on airlock doors at horrible hours early on Sunday morning to spread the good acting.

[Kalfear]

Cryptic opted not to have a dedicated "Official" Roleplaying server for City of Heroes, so the community dubbed a server speciifcally as one. this was much later in the developement cycle of course but do we have any word on whether cryptic will do this?

Cause right now I can see stuff getting REAL ugly, as it often is, when Roleplayers get in the same server with the powergamers.

I know, speaking for myself, I dont care about powergamers, its the names on the normal servers that drive me nuts.

I flat out will not respond to people with stupid d00d style names. I just act like they dont exist.

So for that reason I hope there is a RP server from the start.

To be honest, I havent seen anyone really RP on a RP server in well over a decade but the nameing rules makes it all worthwhile.

[ninjakiller1]

it might be for roleplaying who knows, but I do not think so!

[Sorayn]

A definite "Want to have" on that. Not everyone like sto rpg but especially in an ST Universe, I couldn't imagine something I'd rather do. That would be the icing on my St:O cake :)

The immersion, the stories, the fun..damn I'm drooling already!

[ninjakiller1]

not really sometimes if you do a quest it might be a roleplaying

[jasonadlai]

I don't want to play the game as if I'm living a character. I know there's a whole bunch out there just like me as well (I believe we're the majority of Trek fans that will play this game to be quite honest). Who are some of you to tell us we're lesser fans than you are?

What on earth are you talking about? Not one person on this thread as said that you're a "lesser fan" - nor have we said that you have to play the game like us. If you don't want to RP, then there is absolutely nothing that says you have to. I can completely and totally understand wanting to just get into the game and have fun in the Star Trek universe. If you're fun isn't hindered by all of the non-Star Trek like stuff that is going on in that universe, then that is awesome. I salute you, sir. :)

As for me, and many others like me, we would have a lot more fun on a server where everyone playing was "living a character" - or, as others said, at the very least didn't have weird naming conventions. If that doesn't bother you, then great. And I think that you are 100% right - the majority of fans out there are like yourself. But I can also guarantee you that there are A LOT (and by a lot I mean no insignificant number) of fans like me, and quite likely even more "hardcore" than I am. I also have never gone to a convention. nor ever dressed up as a Star Trek character, nor have I played every Star Trek video game, etc. As evidenced by the fact that just eyeballing the Defiant on television I assumed it was around 250 meters long - in another thread, that was shown to be quite idiotic on my part. I have a feeling you and I are quite similar in many regard.

I just want to role play in the Star Trek world. And, no, again, we're not asking for special treatment. If there was a large enough PvP base, then I think they ought to have a server, too. As it stands, I'm sure the largest two bases will be "normal" PvE players and RP players.

Besides which, there are certain design mechanics regarding the game itself that have to be taken into account if you plan on having a PvP server - you need to set up safe zones and all kinds of other things so that a fleet of Klingon (or Federation) vessels can't just sit there and pick off newcomers. Plus, the way that the designers describe the "three leveled" space (or however you would describe it) with one being a solar system view where everyone can talk to each other and stuff and then another being what appears to be a more "private" view of the solar system (kind of like in Guild Wars, I guess) - I'm not sure how well PvP would work for that.

I'm not saying it isn't worth trying to create. However, asking for a RP server is different, in that all we're asking for is the exact same thing that the "normal" server is, but with some rules and regulations on the RP server. That's it. Not asking for anything else.

Again, if you don't want to RP, then don't! I still don't see why you would want to keep others from RP-ing, though. It doesn't make any sense at all.

[ajaco3025]

According to some people on these forums they address us PvPers as the "minority". I would say the RPers are like the PvPers. I personally think Rpers are much smaller in number compared to the rest.

Why spend so much money on another server just to make a small number of people happy? I wouldn't want my monthly subscription wasted on helping to pay for that server, the maintenance, and other expenses to keep it going.

[Nimisis]

Dedicated servers to fit a players specific play style is a waste of time, money and resources, sry but that is just the facts of that without having to have too long of an explanation.

I have stated this in another thread about RP & PvP, my game style and play will definitely change over time with the development of my character, the community and the friends I meet.

I will want to enjoy all these aspects at certain times in the cycle I play STO, and I wouldn't want to have to make a new character and/or dedicate my time to 1 place or another just cause I feel like I have reached that level to where I can be a RPer or PvPer. It's best to just be able to choose that when I am ready with the character I love, create and spend my time on developing.

I am sure many others feel this way.

Besides, the galaxy will be large enough with enough players that which ever play style you like and choose to do you will be able to do it. Just because when you login and the servers has an RP logo on it doesn't actually mean %&$#@, it's still a server with players who are gonna do as they choose.

Less servers = more players
More players = more opportunities

[jasonadlai]

Actually, running a server doesn't take nearly the amount of resources (time and money) as you might think. I mean, it definitely does take time and money - but considering how much a good MMO pulls in each month (as far as money is concerned) it's really quite a moot point.

my game style and play will definitely change over time with the development of my character

That's great. And a non-RP server might be better for you, then. But for those of us who already know we want to RP, the added server would be great.

Again, I don't really know why this is an argument. If enough people want a RP server that the devs decide to give us one, then we get it. If the devs don't think that there are enough people for this to be a viable option, then other RPers like myself have to deal with what we've got. I really don't know why there is so much argument against a RP server, though.

[Kalfear]

According to some people on these forums they address us PvPers as the "minority". I would say the RPers are like the PvPers. I personally think Rpers are much smaller in number compared to the rest.

Why spend so much money on another server just to make a small number of people happy? I wouldn't want my monthly subscription wasted on helping to pay for that server, the maintenance, and other expenses to keep it going.

Dedicated servers in other games would disagree with you on your assumption.

RP servers are ALWAYS the top populated servers of a game, followed by normal Servers and no pvp servers (DAoC had this idea and it was a hit), followed by the lowest population servers being the PvP server.

As I pointed out though, I think RP servers are popular because of the naming rules and lack of d00d players on them more then because of people role playing.

I know over the last 17 years I havent seen many people role playing on dedicated RP servers.

Anyways, I really think die hard PvPers shouldnt think of their low population as a insult. DAoC and others proved most people do want to pvp at times, they just dont wanna live it 24/7 like on open pvp servers.

As for the different type of servers. As long as those servers not running 100 players at the popular times, whats the harm in different servers being made for different play styles? I fail to see a problem. Long as they are reasonably used, I think they worth the resources.

Personally speaking, I always play RP servers for the naming and conduct rules. I dont live my character so to speak but I also dont go running around forcing my political veiws on other players (as a example) and guildmates (one of the many reasons I left my old guild of 16 years. Had a rather pushy and vocal democrate in their ranks and no one was willing to tell her to just shut up). Point is I pick the RP server because it allows me to play the game normally.

[Hagon]

What on earth are you talking about? Not one person on this thread as said that you're a "lesser fan" - Oh?

[I hate to say it but its probibly best to seperate the 100% star trek fan that knows every episode by heart and the genaric gamer thats just looking for a great game,


We RPing Klingons are sure to drive the weak non-RPers away,

I still see a far larger population RPing in STO then is normally found in most MMOs just for the simple fact that it is Star Trek and many of us are Star Trek fans

... and from you....

Now... I know that all of those people are different. However, fundamentally, they can probably be boiled down into two groups:
a) Those who want to play a fun MMO.
b) Those who want to play Star Trek.

Those two groups are not going to mesh well. I realized this as I've been reading through the forums. Quite honestly, and I don't mean to sound like a jerk, but I don't really want to play with some of the people on the forums.


It's not just here either. In thread after thread there's this small group that keep making posts intimating that anyone that doesn't want to "LIVE" Star Trek, as in play a character as if it's real and existing in Star Trek, is a lesser fan. That those that do somehow deserve more consideration than those that don't. Quite often with people stating quite plainly that they think those types of people are the ONLY true fans of Trek.

It's all getting a bit tiresome.

There's all kinds of fans of Trek, and no one kind deserves special consideration over the other. The same as there are all types of people excited about this game. Trek fans or not. All of those people deserve the same amount of consideration as well in my opinion.

[RanizMurjuri]

THis is Star Trek, your going to find yourself slipping into your roles.

I bet a 100 bucks that anyone that plays a Klingon is going to roleplay being a Klingon in the game at least once.


you wanna send me that money now?

[Keldaria]

Oh?

I hate to say it but its probibly best to seperate the 100% star trek fan that knows every episode by heart and the genaric gamer thats just looking for a great game

... and from you....


It's not just here either. In thread after thread there's this small group that keep making posts intimating that anyone that doesn't want to "LIVE" Star Trek, as in play a character as if it's real and existing in Star Trek, is a lesser fan. That those that do somehow deserve more consideration than those that don't. Quite often with people stating quite plainly that they think those types of people are the ONLY true fans of Trek.

It's all getting a bit tiresome.

There's all kinds of fans of Trek, and no one kind deserves special consideration over the other. The same as there are all types of people excited about this game. Trek fans or not. All of those people deserve the same amount of consideration as well in my opinion.


Thx for taking my quote out of context. The reason I siad that was I was mearly pointing out that if you take a long time, avid, star trek fan, And a person that doesn't watch star trek but likes to play games and you sit them down together in a star trek MMO, many issues will likely ensue that would likely drive the non fan gamer away before they could give the game a non bias chance.

Its not about "Special Consideration" IMO its about not overwhelming and intimidating non star trek fans with the over zelous, over geekyness of some of the more "dedicated" fans out there. were looking to attract both Star Trek fans and Mr. Average Joe to this game. I beleave it can be done and I beleave that STO is a extremmely useful tool in reigniting the Star Trek Fan base and maybe getting a few more movies and shows made. the Star Trek Movie coming out next year will go along way to reignite the fan base but this game has to expand on that IMO and has the potential to do this providing US Avid fans don't chase them all away before they can truely explore the IP

[k.mpok]

chugh jIH chaw' Daq jatlh tlhIngan ghIq vaj taH
Daq ghobe', Do'Ha'

Human mubogh SoSwI'
tlhIngan jIH. 'e' vIqap








If you say that and thought, "what a freak/nerd" or "Im don't even care what that is", then you have just seen why we need an RP server.

[Keldaria]

chugh jIH chaw' Daq jatlh tlhIngan ghIq vaj taH
Daq ghobe', Do'Ha'

Human mubogh SoSwI'
tlhIngan jIH. 'e' vIqap








If you say that and thought, "what a freak/nerd" or "Im don't even care what that is", then you have just seen why we need an RP server.

Actually I see that and think, man Razor's gonna slam him for not speaking in english as per the language rules lol

[Thibor]

chugh jIH chaw' Daq jatlh tlhIngan ghIq vaj taH
Daq ghobe', Do'Ha'

Human mubogh SoSwI'
tlhIngan jIH. 'e' vIqap







If you say that and thought, "what a freak/nerd" or "Im don't even care what that is", then you have just seen why we need an RP server.

I'm guessing it's Klingon but I bolded my thoughts. And no, at best it's merely a reason to request no cap on the in-game ignore list.

Like any subset of the playerbase, if you go about your playstyle in a fun manner and respectful of others, there's not really a problem. Elitist idiots can be found though in every aspect of the game.
Simply put:
You can type fluently in Kilingon? Happy for you.
You don't treat me any differently because you can and I can't? We have no problem.
You want to give me grief because your learning a fictitious language in your mind makes you a better person/player/fan than I? [Ignore]

[jasonadlai]

It's not just here either. In thread after thread there's this small group that keep making posts intimating that anyone that doesn't want to "LIVE" Star Trek, as in play a character as if it's real and existing in Star Trek, is a lesser fan. That those that do somehow deserve more consideration than those that don't. Quite often with people stating quite plainly that they think those types of people are the ONLY true fans of Trek.

Uh... Your quotes don't say anything at all about being a fan of Star Trek. In fact, that was furthest from my mind when writing that post. I was talking about how people would play the game, now about who was a more dedicated fan. I'm not going to argue with you, though. I don't think of you as a lesser fan from any other Star Trek fan, nor anyone else for that matter. I don't even know what the heck constitutes a "lesser" or "greater" fan of Star Trek. Seriously, as far as I'm concerned, those are words that have no meaning.

I'm talking exclusively about how people will play the game. I could see someone who has gone to every Trek convention, appeared as a cameo in the show, memorized the tech manuals, and knows Klingon still playing in a normal PvE server depending on what they were going for in the game. Just as I myself have not done any of those things and want to play on a RP server.

I'm not talking about fans. I'm talking about how people play. And I won't argue that point with you further.

EDIT: To further make my point, I actually have a friend who has only seen about a dozen Star Trek episodes in his entire life. He's not really a fan of Star Trek. However, he is interested in the game, but he can't stand MMO's because of the d00d people (as someone on here called them) running around. He likes a more role playing type environment.

In that sense, you're right, I spoke out of turn. I should not have boiled it down to those two classifications. However, I meant nothing hostile by it. My friend would play on a RP server. If there is no RP server, I can actually say with 99% certainty that he won't be playing at all. Now, I know that he is far in the minority, but he is an example of someone who wants to play on a RP server, and he's not even a fan of Star Trek! Again, I'm not talking about fans. I'm talking about gamers.

[k.mpok]

I'm guessing it's Klingon but I bolded my thoughts. And no, at best it's merely a reason to request no cap on the in-game ignore list.

Like any subset of the playerbase, if you go about your playstyle in a fun manner and respectful of others, there's not really a problem. Elitist idiots can be found though in every aspect of the game.
Simply put:
You can type fluently in Kilingon? Happy for you.
You don't treat me any differently because you can and I can't? We have no problem.
You want to give me grief because your learning a fictitious language in your mind makes you a better person/player/fan than I? [Ignore]

As you say you immediately thought of /ignore

Yet all it says is If you wish to speak Klingon then so be it. But IMO it did well to present my point. There are many players that will want to play with others of like mind and avoid any hassle. Hassle that can go both ways.

For me I am Human by birth, Klingon by choice.

[Warp_Six]

I would like to see an rp server. If there isnt one and the community designates one I will be there. If its all one big server I will gravitate towards the people who are rping.

The above will be my answer.

I have been an avid roleplayer in every MMORPG that I have ever played. I don't think that I could not be one if I tried. That said I have encountered the spectrum of situations between those who do and don't roleplay, and game company staff who do, don't, or are neutral to supporting roleplay. These experiences have led me to the conclusion that, even under the best circumstances, the enjoyment of roleplay is ultimately a function of the willpower of the roleplayer. Whether they be dedicated servers or communities within a neutral server one's ability to ignore non-immersive behavior is the main factor. There will always be griefers or players whose roleplay standards sharply differ from one's own regardless of server designation.

With that in mind I will not be demanding a separate Roleplay Server. As stated in the above quote, if it happens then fine. If it doesn't that's fine too. Neither scenario is the deciding factor for a positive or negative roleplay experience in my book.

[ajaco3025]

The above will be my answer.

I have been an avid roleplayer in every MMORPG that I have ever played. I don't think that I could not be one if I tried. That said I have encountered the spectrum of situations between those who do and don't roleplay, and game company staff who do, don't, or are neutral to supporting roleplay. These experiences have led me to the conclusion that, even under the best circumstances, the enjoyment of roleplay is ultimately a function of the willpower of the roleplayer. Whether they be dedicated servers or communities within a neutral server one's ability to ignore non-immersive behavior is the main factor. There will always be griefers or players whose roleplay standards sharply differ from one's own regardless of server designation.

With that in mind I will not be demanding a separate Roleplay Server. As stated in the above quote, if it happens then fine. If it doesn't that's fine too. Neither scenario is the deciding factor for a positive or negative roleplay experience in my book.

An RPer that understands and thinks outside of the box...and his ego. I like you. I ensure you that your death will be swift and honorable, and that your crew will be given the same fate.

These experiences have led me to the conclusion that, even under the best circumstances, the enjoyment of roleplay is ultimately a function of the willpower of the roleplayer.

I like it!

[LordDave]

An RPer that understands and thinks outside of the box...and his ego. I like you. I ensure you that your death will be swift and honorable, and that your crew will be given the same fate.

These experiences have led me to the conclusion that, even under the best circumstances, the enjoyment of roleplay is ultimately a function of the willpower of the roleplayer.

I like it!

As do I.
It's accurate really. Even the WoW RP servers don't have that much in the way of role playing. I honestly couldn't tell the difference between the RP server and the normal ones, except that when I acted in character, no one told me to go to an RP server. lol.

[Thibor]

As you say you immediately thought of /ignore

Yet all it says is If you wish to speak Klingon then so be it. But IMO it did well to present my point. There are many players that will want to play with others of like mind and avoid any hassle. Hassle that can go both ways.

For me I am Human by birth, Klingon by choice.

Yes and no.
I thought of the /ignore option mostly because Cryptic has stated they're aiming to only have one server so in keeping with that idea, a limitless /ignore feature is the next best option imo.

Someone wishing to type in Klingon is not a reason for me to put them on /ignore.

If I group with someone and they insist I type in Klingon and when I choose not to, explaining I have not clue one about the Klingon language, and they give me a bunch of crap about it, then yes, they're going right on the list. It has nothing to do with particular aspect of the game (in this case communicating) but the attitude of the player I encounter.

And like I said, the elitist idiots are everywhere in the game, whether it be the raid-or-die crowd insisting you spec a certain way or you're a no-nothing-n00b, the gear-is-god crowd that wants to rip you for not having the absolute best gear, the red=dead-PvPer who kills anyone for no other reason than it gives them jollies regardless how honorless the kill and trashes anyone who favors PvE, or the avid fan of the IP that RPs to the hilt and criticizes anyone else that RPs but doesn't live up to their standards of it.

Granted, the fans of the ST intellectual property are legion. But, "fan" can be anything from the casual sci-fi person who enjoyed a couple of the series/movies to the full on fanatic that knows every episode, wears their ST uniform on casual fridays at work, owns every movie on DVD, goes to the conventions, speaks fluent Klingon, knows the inconsistencies in the canon from show-to-show/series-to-series, had lunch with Gene, etc. etc.

Across that range of "fan-dome" you're going to have various degress of RPing within the game. And even if confined to their own servers, the elitist idiots are still going to be there giving those "not as into it" crap about it.

So if Cryptic is set on putting us all in one big universe (server), they hopefully will give us a very lengthy ignore list.
That said, I often within about 1-2months of starting a new game, finding it easier to turn off public chat channels and keep to just guild chatter and immediate vicinity (/say.) Much easier to filter out the idiots that way.

[k.mpok]

I agree but that is why I support servers geared for those types of players. A PvP server will draw those that desire PvP more and vice versa. My main question is why all the support for a single server. Do ppl really fear that there will be so few players that if they have more then 1 server that there will be no one to group with.

Ever other MMO I have seen to date has supported/near demanded multiply servers, they may very on how many but they all support having more then one. So why the hatred for multiply servers here I wonder.

Those in support have many reasons ranging from naming policies, playing with players of a like mind, to rule sets that better support the player base demographics. Those against it seem to only have two concerns, lack of players and equipment cost for Cryptic.

1) I will guarantee you now that STO will have more then enough players to spread between atleast 3 server types (PvE, PvP, and RP) and still have plenty of members left over. I would hate to see us end up with just a single server and there being a line queuing up just to visit the local bartender. Now serving #3921

2) If you think a few more servers will bankrupt Cryptic Studios, owners of now 4 MMO gaming titles raking in large sums of money (CoH, CoV, Champions, and now STO) your wrong. They made plenty of money when they sold rights to CoX (CoH and CoV) to NCsoft. Have no fear, Cryptic isn't going to go broke anytime soon.

[Urantia]

In any MMORPG I have ever played I never really considered myself a roleplayer...granted there has never been an MMORPG for my favorite sci-fi of all time Star Trek either. While in many way I like the idea of one large server, I have to admit I would like to see a RP server as well. If having an RP server means I will not have to here common BS chatter such as people's real life drama, people will respect me for how I play, and can avoid lame attempts at comedy (God I had jokers) then I am down.

I like serious minded players that act in a professional,mature, and respectful manner...a real commodity in most MMORPGs. If anything I really like to keep my feelings of disgust and aggitation to a minimum.....I do not care whom is the best RPer or whom acts one way or the other, but I would rather deal with extreme fanatics than "1337" speaking retarded robot 12-year-olds any day of the week.

[Hagon]

I agree but that is why I support servers geared for those types of players. A PvP server will draw those that desire PvP more and vice versa. My main question is why all the support for a single server. Do ppl really fear that there will be so few players that if they have more then 1 server that there will be no one to group with.

Ever other MMO I have seen to date has supported/near demanded multiply servers, they may very on how many but they all support having more then one. So why the hatred for multiply servers here I wonder.

Those in support have many reasons ranging from naming policies, playing with players of a like mind, to rule sets that better support the player base demographics. Those against it seem to only have two concerns, lack of players and equipment cost for Cryptic.

1) I will guarantee you now that STO will have more then enough players to spread between atleast 3 server types (PvE, PvP, and RP) and still have plenty of members left over. I would hate to see us end up with just a single server and there being a line queuing up just to visit the local bartender. Now serving #3921

2) If you think a few more servers will bankrupt Cryptic Studios, owners of now 4 MMO gaming titles raking in large sums of money (CoH, CoV, Champions, and now STO) your wrong. They made plenty of money when they sold rights to CoX (CoH and CoV) to NCsoft. Have no fear, Cryptic isn't going to go broke anytime soon.Well to tell you the truth I've never thought about the costs of having multiple ruleset servers. I'm as sure as you are that Cryptic could afford to have them.

I just see it as a waste of resources, and frankly time. I quite honestly don't think there's enough people that need to have their special rule set servers. I think most people are perfectly fine just playing on one type.

As far as RP servers go, I don't buy into this theory that STO will have more RPers than most any other game either. I know that it might be hard for some that think that will be the case to accept, but this very same stuff has been said about just about every game that's come down the pipe in the last few years. Before release the forums for LOTRO, PotBS, AoC, and WAR were inundated by repeated posts from small groups of people claiming that because of the IP, or in PotBS' case the setting, these games would be overflowing with RPers, but in the end this great wave of RPers just never materialized in any of them.

.

[rjwills2006]

i agree on quite a few of these posts yes sometimes it would be good to just have a rp specific server but then non rp gamers would still come on and anoy the hell out of you then again for those who just want to pvp you dont need a specific server just flag yourself for pvp and your off you can get blasted away by anyone else who is also flagged for pvp so as far as i can see there is not really any way around this we can always want a rp specific server or pvp but in the end pvp players are still going to be going on the rp server

[ajaco3025]

i agree on quite a few of these posts yes sometimes it would be good to just have a rp specific server but then non rp gamers would still come on and anoy the hell out of you then again for those who just want to pvp you dont need a specific server just flag yourself for pvp and your off you can get blasted away by anyone else who is also flagged for pvp so as far as i can see there is not really any way around this we can always want a rp specific server or pvp but in the end pvp players are still going to be going on the rp server

I shall become a forum doctor so we can perform surgery on posts that need it.

FIXED:

i agree on quite a few of these posts. Yes, sometimes it would be good to just have a rp specific server, but then non rp gamers would still come on and annoy the hell out of you. Then again for those who just want to pvp, you don't need a specific server. Just flag yourself for pvp and your off. You can get blasted away by anyone else who is also flagged for pvp. So as far as i can see, there is not really any way around this. We can always want a rp specific server or pvp, but in the end, pvp players are still going to be going on the rp server

The extremely long run-on sentence was about to hemorrhage. I think I stopped the bleeding.

[LordDave]

Guys, guys, guys: The issue of single vs multiple servers is not about cost. Why? Because if one server can handle all the players, then you can easily run two instances of the same game world on that one server. Well... ok you'd need more then what one game instance would require, but not that much by comparison of what the server could do anyway. So really it comes down to design decision:
Do you want to segregate the people or do you want everyone to feel like they're all playing the same game?

WOW has many, many servers probably because of their global reach. Their server farms are in different areas of the world physically so that people won't have to connect from the other side of the world.
Or they just felt they wanted to manipulate different "realms" individually. Also they do have different rules for the PVP and PVE realms. (ie. open PVP vs Flagged) STO isn't going to have that so having multiple servers vs one single server is a choice made based on the decision of the game designers and what they want.

[willriker09]

I plan to take this game pretty seriously. Unlike WOW where I clicked through miles of dialogue and storyline, I intend to read every letter of what STO has to offer. Please please have a RP server so I can do this in peace lol.

[LordDave]

I plan to take this game pretty seriously. Unlike WOW where I clicked through miles of dialogue and storyline, I intend to read every letter of what STO has to offer. Please please have a RP server so I can do this in peace lol.

I'm confused by this.
How would a server with the title of "Role Play" have any meaning to how peaceful it is? You played WoW, you should know that an RP server is no different then a regular ones, except that when you talk in character no one yells at you.

[Ltfngr]

The only real difference in 'rules sets' on a PVE server and a PVE-RP server (or PVP vs PVP-RP) is usually restrictions on the way one names their character. Most RP servers I've seen have otherwise been the same.

If we have one virtual server that everyone plays on, the point is moot. If we have, say, three servers (North America, Europe, Asia), again the point is moot.

I do, though, expect more RP on this game than I have ever seen before no matter how the servers are configured. It is much more the nature of the fan base to be more apt to 'immerse' themselves into the game. I can just imagine the Star Trek convention in Las Vegas in two years, when the game is out, and the amount of discussion going on concerning STO.

[LordDave]

I do, though, expect more RP on this game than I have ever seen before no matter how the servers are configured. It is much more the nature of the fan base to be more apt to 'immerse' themselves into the game. I can just imagine the Star Trek convention in Las Vegas in two years, when the game is out, and the amount of discussion going on concerning STO.

Like SWG?
Although a KOTOR MMO is in the works and that should fix the SW MMO universe nicely since you can have 1,000 Jedi running around without breaking canon.

[jasonadlai]

As far as RP servers go, I don't buy into this theory that STO will have more RPers than most any other game either. I know that it might be hard for some that think that will be the case to accept, but this very same stuff has been said about just about every game that's come down the pipe in the last few years. Before release the forums for LOTRO, PotBS, AoC, and WAR were inundated by repeated posts from small groups of people claiming that because of the IP, or in PotBS' case the setting, these games would be overflowing with RPers, but in the end this great wave of RPers just never materialized in any of them.

Straw Man Argument. :P No one has said that the game will be "overflowing" with RPers. We simply said that given the nature of Star Trek and many of the fans out there, there will likely be more RPers for STO than for most other MMO's. That said, I (for one) have absolutely no illusions about the fact that the majority of people will not be RPers. That said, I think that there would be enough of an RPer-base to warrant a server set up for them.

Also, LotRO, PotBS, AoC, and WAR all lack RP servers, so I don't see how you can say that RPers never materialized - they were drowned out by a world of non-RPers! That really is a terrible argument. In LotRO there was even an attempt to designate certain servers (by players) as RP servers, and it was no small number that tried to do the designating - they were a large enough number to cause issue with other players. Maybe if LotRO had had one RP server (just one!), those issues would never have materialized.

I have played multiple MMO's now that have a dedicated RP server. They were never empty. They were never the most populated server, but neither were they the least populated server. There was always enough people to warrant having them. Star Trek Online would be no different - and I still maintain that there would be more RPers for STO. But at the very least, I'm sure it would be no different.

[LordDave]

I say...
Why not just RP regardless of your server?
It's not like everyone you meet in an RP server is going to be in character anyway.

[ajaco3025]

The above will be my answer.

I have been an avid roleplayer in every MMORPG that I have ever played. I don't think that I could not be one if I tried. That said I have encountered the spectrum of situations between those who do and don't roleplay, and game company staff who do, don't, or are neutral to supporting roleplay. These experiences have led me to the conclusion that, even under the best circumstances, the enjoyment of roleplay is ultimately a function of the willpower of the roleplayer. Whether they be dedicated servers or communities within a neutral server one's ability to ignore non-immersive behavior is the main factor. There will always be griefers or players whose roleplay standards sharply differ from one's own regardless of server designation.

With that in mind I will not be demanding a separate Roleplay Server. As stated in the above quote, if it happens then fine. If it doesn't that's fine too. Neither scenario is the deciding factor for a positive or negative roleplay experience in my book.

Warp_Six has a good answer to this RP issue. It isn't a server issue. It is a player issue.

Straw Man Argument. :P No one has said that the game will be "overflowing" with RPers. We simply said that given the nature of Star Trek and many of the fans out there, there will likely be more RPers for STO than for most other MMO's. That said, I (for one) have absolutely no illusions about the fact that the majority of people will not be RPers. That said, I think that there would be enough of an RPer-base to warrant a server set up for them.

Also, LotRO, PotBS, AoC, and WAR all lack RP servers, so I don't see how you can say that RPers never materialized - they were drowned out by a world of non-RPers! That really is a terrible argument. In LotRO there was even an attempt to designate certain servers (by players) as RP servers, and it was no small number that tried to do the designating - they were a large enough number to cause issue with other players. Maybe if LotRO had had one RP server (just one!), those issues would never have materialized.

I have played multiple MMO's now that have a dedicated RP server. They were never empty. They were never the most populated server, but neither were they the least populated server. There was always enough people to warrant having them. Star Trek Online would be no different - and I still maintain that there would be more RPers for STO. But at the very least, I'm sure it would be no different.

A common response to something that ****es someone off is Straw Man. I'm gonna start using it.

[RanizMurjuri]

Straw Man Argument. :P No one has said that the game will be "overflowing" with RPers. We simply said that given the nature of Star Trek and many of the fans out there, there will likely be more RPers for STO than for most other MMO's. That said, I (for one) have absolutely no illusions about the fact that the majority of people will not be RPers. That said, I think that there would be enough of an RPer-base to warrant a server set up for them.

Also, LotRO, PotBS, AoC, and WAR all lack RP servers, so I don't see how you can say that RPers never materialized - they were drowned out by a world of non-RPers! That really is a terrible argument. In LotRO there was even an attempt to designate certain servers (by players) as RP servers, and it was no small number that tried to do the designating - they were a large enough number to cause issue with other players. Maybe if LotRO had had one RP server (just one!), those issues would never have materialized.

I have played multiple MMO's now that have a dedicated RP server. They were never empty. They were never the most populated server, but neither were they the least populated server. There was always enough people to warrant having them. Star Trek Online would be no different - and I still maintain that there would be more RPers for STO. But at the very least, I'm sure it would be no different.


LotRo: Rp'ers equaled 10% of the total population, It's not a small number, but then it's not a big number either. Since LotRo had an In game Voice IP the amount of roleplaying that could be done, with a PUG was decreased. ANd it was the only factor to which the RP'ers had an arguement to base a RP sever assignment.
But the argument is shot down if programs like Team speak and Ventrillo exists.

On the other side of the argument was the RP'ers using the Server status to force RP on those who do not want to roleplay. Which assigning a RP server does Exclude players from playing on that server, same goes for a PvP server.

naming such servers As RP and PvP. will cause and does cause inaccuracies with cost effectiveness. Naming these servers comes with the responsibility of choice.
We saw this first hand on Asheron's Call, with the closing of certain servers. If you name a certain server you lose the ability to close it down and intergrate that server into another. As that server was designed to a task and reguardless of cost effectivness, that server cannot be shut down.

PotBS: the number of Rp'ers was smaller.

On defense of your point neither game had total PvP servers either.

It's really not a debate for us players to have. The only debate the RP's should be having is which server to RP on.
The debate rests on the Game makers on how to better organize their own servers for future use.

[willriker09]

I'm confused by this.
How would a server with the title of "Role Play" have any meaning to how peaceful it is? You played WoW, you should know that an RP server is no different then a regular ones, except that when you talk in character no one yells at you.

I never role played on WOW because (as you may have guessed by my clicking through the story and dialogue) I didn't care for it. I have never played on an RP server period and just expected that it would allow me to immerse myself in the story of the game without PENI$FACE69 coming up to me and begging for some gold pieces or some crap like that. I guess I should have set my expectations lower, thanks for crushing my dreams. :(

[Tremere]

From all the so called RP servers that Ive been playing on in Different MMO's, in reality its just a tag *RP*. It seems to make people happy and that's about it.

Seriously I know people that do RP. But the MAJORITY that play on RP servers don't RP. It's true I wasn't born yesterday. And of course the DEV's never enforce the rules on names. Seen a guy running around the RP server Chaos Wastes on Warhammer, named Scrooge Mcduck...

You think that kid is going to be RPing? yeah right...

I think its a joke really. In STO I bet you my house people are going to pretend its Star wars, and say "This is Obi-wan Kenobi of the USS Death Star, what is your destination?" :eek:

[Hagon]

Straw Man Argument. :P No one has said that the game will be "overflowing" with RPers. We simply said that given the nature of Star Trek and many of the fans out there, there will likely be more RPers for STO than for most other MMO's. That said, I (for one) have absolutely no illusions about the fact that the majority of people will not be RPers. That said, I think that there would be enough of an RPer-base to warrant a server set up for them.

Also, LotRO, PotBS, AoC, and WAR all lack RP servers, so I don't see how you can say that RPers never materialized - they were drowned out by a world of non-RPers! That really is a terrible argument. In LotRO there was even an attempt to designate certain servers (by players) as RP servers, and it was no small number that tried to do the designating - they were a large enough number to cause issue with other players. Maybe if LotRO had had one RP server (just one!), those issues would never have materialized.

I have played multiple MMO's now that have a dedicated RP server. They were never empty. They were never the most populated server, but neither were they the least populated server. There was always enough people to warrant having them. Star Trek Online would be no different - and I still maintain that there would be more RPers for STO. But at the very least, I'm sure it would be no different.First, you know it might not be the best idea to make an arbitrary "strawman argument" statement that no one has been saying that the game will be overflowing with Rpers and rely on me not going and finding a page full of quotes that essentially say that very thing. It has been said, a lot, and is still being said, a lot.

You're really going to say that you think that Star Trek would have more RPers than LOTRO? The most famous fantasy IP that's ever been, in a genre that's clearly heavily slanted toward games with fantasy settings?

Or Age of Conan? Maybe for a some people born within the last 20 to 25 years it's easy to miss just how popular that character and the Hyborian world created by R.E. Howard has always been for @ 80 years. With that character, along with a couple of others, the man created created the sword and sorcery genre. No really. Look it up if you don't believe me.

Or PotBS, a game geared toward attracting people that would want to play at being pirates. That's PIRATES. Not only pirates, but set in the early 1700s where people could play at being a historical figure captaining a sailing ship? You do know how popular historical role play is compared to all forms of role play don't you, and how popular that time period is to role play?


WAR? You might want to look up a company called Games Workshop and just do a little bit of reading on them too while you're at it. The popularity of the TT game, and the Warhammer Fantasy IP has been around for 35 years, and easily outdoes ST as far as rpers, lore, and such.

I think maybe it's a case of some people not lifting their heads out of the clouds and taking a look around. Star Trek most certainly doesn't have the market cornered on IP strength and it getting translated into a MMOG. I mean as I've said a number of times, I'll put my love for all things Trek up against anyone's here, but you know, reality has to be a factor too.

[DarkOrion69]

I think there should be a single server as in EVE Online, it makes the game feel more vital if everyone has to share the same Galaxy. Let the role players role play but don't make it a requirement for a server. Frankly, I think most players will prefer some role play given the shows this MMO is based upon.

[LordDave]

I never role played on WOW because (as you may have guessed by my clicking through the story and dialogue) I didn't care for it. I have never played on an RP server period and just expected that it would allow me to immerse myself in the story of the game without PENI$FACE69 coming up to me and begging for some gold pieces or some crap like that. I guess I should have set my expectations lower, thanks for crushing my dreams. :(

Sorry, I shouldn't have assumed you played on an RP server.

But... yeah. RP servers in WoW are no different then normal servers. Yes they do have RP guilds, but when your wandering through town or in an area, the same kind of chat appears.

[jasonadlai]

First, you know it might not be the best idea to make an arbitrary "strawman argument" statement that no one has been saying that the game will be overflowing with Rpers and rely on me not going and finding a page full of quotes that essentially say that very thing. It has been said, a lot, and is still being said, a lot.

I'm not sure we're reading the same Roleplaying Servers? thread, because... I can't seem to find these "pages full of quotes" that you speak of. :)

You're really going to say that you think that Star Trek would have more RPers than LOTRO? The most famous fantasy IP that's ever been, in a genre that's clearly heavily slanted toward games with fantasy settings?

Perhaps I was unclear. I didn't mean that there would be more RPers than LotRO, but more than the number of RPers than on the games I played which had a dedicated RP server (the two most notable being DAoC and WoW).

But now that you mention it, yes, yes I do believe there would be more RPers in STO than LotRO. Or, at the very least, I think they would be about equal.

Or Age of Conan?
Oh, definitely more than AoC.

Or PotBS
Yeah, I think there would be more RPers in STO than PotBS.

You do know how popular historical role play is compared to all forms of role play don't you, and how popular that time period is to role play?
Well... it's popular, but it's not, like, anything to gawk at. Not that particular age period, anyway. You see a whole lot more classical fantasy role players and modern to sci-fi role players than you do 18th-19th century role players. My head is certainly not in the ground on that point. :) This is my business.

WAR?
Again, they'd probably have the same number of RPers, at least.

I think maybe it's a case of some people not lifting their heads out of the clouds and taking a look around. Star Trek most certainly doesn't have the market cornered on IP strength and it getting translated into a MMOG. I mean as I've said a number of times, I'll put my love for all things Trek up against anyone's here, but you know, reality has to be a factor too.

More straw man arguments. No one said Star Trek had the market cornered on IP strength - at least, no one in this thread. In fact, there are a whole lot of threads regarding why Star Trek has lost market strength in the past several years. And I don't see anyone arguing in those threads that it hasn't.

My point is simply that there are going to be a lot of Star Trek fans who aren't going to want to deal with (as willriker09 so eloquently put it) "PENI$FACE69" coming up to them and asking for money, or if they want to group, or anything else for that matter. Those people may not role play in the same way that others do, they may not "live their character" - but I'll bet they'd appreciate at the very least naming restrictions to keep those people out.

Now, I would appreciate it if this discussion could remain a bit more civil. I don't appreciate my intelligence being called into question, and I don't see what bearing that has on the topic at hand. Whether my "head is in the clouds" or not does not have any bearing on the truth of the words I speak. Even a madman can espouse truth. I'm not insulting you. Please, don't insult me. If you wish to point out logical inconsistencies in my thought processes, then by all means, go ahead. But claiming that my "head is in the clouds" is really just uncalled for.

Thank you. :)

[Hagon]

Now, I would appreciate it if this discussion could remain a bit more civil. I don't appreciate my intelligence being called into question, and I don't see what bearing that has on the topic at hand. Whether my "head is in the clouds" or not does not have any bearing on the truth of the words I speak. Even a madman can espouse truth. I'm not insulting you. Please, don't insult me. If you wish to point out logical inconsistencies in my thought processes, then by all means, go ahead. But claiming that my "head is in the clouds" is really just uncalled for.

Thank you. :)If you want a civil discussion that you could stop accusing someone of using strawman arguments. First you could learn what those are actually. Then if you can't at least do that, you could quit throwing it out there and turtling under the protection of either trying to limit my examples to within this one small thread, and constantly revising your statements with "Oh this is what I said, but what I meant was....".

If you want people to not insult your intelligence, which no one has done by the way, than maybe it would be a god idea to not try and prop up a weak position by poo pooing some hard cold FACTS in such an offhand manner so that anyone with any awareness at all can see you plainly don't know what you're on about. Your business? Give me, and the rest of us, a break please. :rolleyes:If your business is gaming related, then I sure hope you didn't mortgage your house or something like that to start it, because you'll soon be living in a box.

[jasonadlai]

<all comments deleted>

Upon further reflection, if this is all that this thread is going to degenerate into (us not talking about the thread's topic, but rather defending our own person), then I don't think this is the place for that. If you would like to PM me to continue this conversation, I would be more than happy to speak with you. However, if you would like the last word on this publicly, be my guest. I harbor no ill feelings toward you, and I would rather put this argument to a rest before it turns personal. Thanks. :)

[Tabor]

Cryptic opted not to have a dedicated "Official" Roleplaying server for City of Heroes, so the community dubbed a server speciifcally as one. this was much later in the developement cycle of course but do we have any word on whether cryptic will do this?

Cause right now I can see stuff getting REAL ugly, as it often is, when Roleplayers get in the same server with the powergamers.

I'm sure there will be one for star trek, I mean who wouldn't want to RP a Vulcan, or a Romulan.

[Debaser]

The above will be my answer.

I have been an avid roleplayer in every MMORPG that I have ever played. I don't think that I could not be one if I tried. That said I have encountered the spectrum of situations between those who do and don't roleplay, and game company staff who do, don't, or are neutral to supporting roleplay. These experiences have led me to the conclusion that, even under the best circumstances, the enjoyment of roleplay is ultimately a function of the willpower of the roleplayer. Whether they be dedicated servers or communities within a neutral server one's ability to ignore non-immersive behavior is the main factor. There will always be griefers or players whose roleplay standards sharply differ from one's own regardless of server designation.

With that in mind I will not be demanding a separate Roleplay Server. As stated in the above quote, if it happens then fine. If it doesn't that's fine too. Neither scenario is the deciding factor for a positive or negative roleplay experience in my book.


Best. Reply. Yet.


If you have the desire and wherewithal to build a backstory and roleplay a character, then you have enough to ignore those who don't. (or don't wish to)

[christian]

My concern with the "all on one server" scenario is that players dont act the race they choosen. With this I mean a Human player acting agressive and choosing force before trying to use a friendly solution to the problems at hand. I like the Idea of one big server since there will never feel empty even if only 5% of the game population is online at the same time. What I dont like is a Star Trek universe turned upside down were there roams blood thirsty Vulcans and kitten like Klingons. With the RP server solution most of the dedicated Star Trek fans will choose these to avoid the scenario I portrated but could lead to low populations and dead space. The game is said to release in a 3 year period of time and much can happened and even after release when more players join the hardware might not be sufficient and more servers is needed then we might have dedicated RP servers if there is a problem.

I've not really decided what race I would like to play, maybe Human, Vulcan or Klingon. The question here is what race am I or act? Will I cut it as a war hungry Klingon or am I a logical Vulcan? Does it matter at all? Does anyone else think like this, I know most of u already choosen a race to play an Im conviced that you will do it as seen in the series but those so called newcomers that will come across the game when it has been out for a while with one or two episodes of Star Trek in mind starts, will the game be ruined or will there be a series of rules for all races that has to be followed to ensure correctness?

[LordDave]

My concern with the "all on one server" scenario is that players dont act the race they choosen. With this I mean a Human player acting agressive and choosing force before trying to use a friendly solution to the problems at hand. I like the Idea of one big server since there will never feel empty even if only 5% of the game population is online at the same time. What I dont like is a Star Trek universe turned upside down were there roams blood thirsty Vulcans and kitten like Klingons. With the RP server solution most of the dedicated Star Trek fans will choose these to avoid the scenario I portrated but could lead to low populations and dead space. The game is said to release in a 3 year period of time and much can happened and even after release when more players join the hardware might not be sufficient and more servers is needed then we might have dedicated RP servers if there is a problem.

I've not really decided what race I would like to play, maybe Human, Vulcan or Klingon. The question here is what race am I or act? Will I cut it as a war hungry Klingon or am I a logical Vulcan? Does it matter at all? Does anyone else think like this, I know most of u already choosen a race to play an Im conviced that you will do it as seen in the series but those so called newcomers that will come across the game when it has been out for a while with one or two episodes of Star Trek in mind starts, will the game be ruined or will there be a series of rules for all races that has to be followed to ensure correctness?

In all honesty, you'd get that on an RP server as well. I wouldn't let it worry you.

[christian]

In all honesty, you'd get that on an RP server as well. I wouldn't let it worry you.

Maybe u missunderstood me Dave. Im confident that with RP servers we will get correctnes of behavior of the races. Its with the "one server" solution im a bitt worried.

[LordDave]

Maybe u missunderstood me Dave. Im confident that with RP servers we will get correctnes of behavior of the races. Its with the "one server" solution im a bitt worried.

No I understood you fine.
I'm just saying that, even if you had separate RP servers, there would still be people who behave out of character.
Most people pick a character based on themselves rather then basing their actions on their character.

[Hagon]

No I understood you fine.
I'm just saying that, even if you had separate RP servers, there would still be people who behave out of character.
Most people pick a character based on themselves rather then basing their actions on their character.Not to mention the plethora of players that decide they're going to "be unique" in how they RP, and so come up with some convoluted backstory to explain why their character acts completely contrary to what would be considered normal.

As well, I've rolled on RP servers before, and have rolled on "un-official RP servers" as well, and to tell you the truth I have never been able to see much of a difference. The only thing that stands out as being different is that despite the exact same topics of conversation, same types of questions, and same petty arguments and insults scrolling by in world and area chats as there would be on a normal server, just about everything is wrapped in the old OOC (( ....... )) . It's actually quite funny.

[christian]

Your both probably right but It might be diffrent for STO or maybe not, time will tell. But if we say that there will be a "one server" system and we'll all share the same universe there must be some control of behavior from the fraction councils. A good thing would be to create a system were your NPC crew mutinates if u misstep to much from the "correct way" of handling your ship/char of your fraction and throw u in the brig, returning u to your homeworld leading to loss of your command and a setback in "levling"/carear. This sounds a bit harsh, but I want this game to be as Jack Emmert said, a place were the Star Trek fans can enter the world of Star Trek and stop being just a spectator not just a game were the goal is to get as many as possible to play it. It needs to stay Star Trek!

[FelFox]

I don't think it will matter for seperate servers or not. On one server you have everyone in the game to meet and it actually makes space feel more full and lush what with the amount of thousands of people flying around. In this regard you'll always have someone to play with and the immersion will be much greater :3

In a seperate servers, more often then not you will still attract the designated people, but you also attract a much larger force of people trying to futily get away from immaturity. By futile I mean if taken from CoX's virtue server example (the unoficial RP server) The designated RP spots in Virtue were often attacked by RP haters and griffers screaming innane things over broadcast or using powers and jibberish in local chat.

So it's a double edged sword and I personaly don't mind whatever they choose. As someone said, if there is an official server then sure, if there isn't well then just find some RPers and have a good time.

Also finding RPers is rather easy, when PuGing, just get into character yourself, you'll usually get one (or more) of these four types of responces: Get told the shut up, no responce at all, have others start chuckling and having a good time with your antics, or they'll join in too in character. If you get either of the first two well consider that maybe you were being irritating or they just don't RP, these people are probably best to avoid or suck it up and enjoy the ride anyway. If you get the later two, then enjoy it and have fun =^^= If you get the last one then friend them or remember them because at least you know you can maybe get them into character again for a good time (never force anyone though!)

It's all willpower and what you throw in it, I admit to having bad days and just talking in (( )) because I don't feel like RPing but sometimes all it takes is some person's interesting quirks and antics to get you back in the mood or make you feel more comfortable to try RPing yourself. PvE, PvP, RP, in the end you're usually bound to do them all at some point so why not enjoy them for what they are :p

One or more server, it doesn't matter, bring your own experience with it and those that share it will follow :)

[Mr_Terrian]

My concern with the "all on one server" scenario is that players dont act the race they choosen. With this I mean a Human player acting agressive and choosing force before trying to use a friendly solution to the problems at hand. I like the Idea of one big server since there will never feel empty even if only 5% of the game population is online at the same time. What I dont like is a Star Trek universe turned upside down were there roams blood thirsty Vulcans and kitten like Klingons. With the RP server solution most of the dedicated Star Trek fans will choose these to avoid the scenario I portrated but could lead to low populations and dead space. The game is said to release in a 3 year period of time and much can happened and even after release when more players join the hardware might not be sufficient and more servers is needed then we might have dedicated RP servers if there is a problem.

I've not really decided what race I would like to play, maybe Human, Vulcan or Klingon. The question here is what race am I or act? Will I cut it as a war hungry Klingon or am I a logical Vulcan? Does it matter at all? Does anyone else think like this, I know most of u already choosen a race to play an Im conviced that you will do it as seen in the series but those so called newcomers that will come across the game when it has been out for a while with one or two episodes of Star Trek in mind starts, will the game be ruined or will there be a series of rules for all races that has to be followed to ensure correctness?

God I hope not, I don't RP or PvP and if I don't make my own race, I'll be playing both a Human and a Klingon and I'll be playing them both the same way.

As for a RP server, I don't think so, cause if everything goes right, we'll be all on one server and if not, all the servers we have, will be the same rules but with the players making the server different...

[Xuth]

If it does come to the one server option I wont be devistated. I am a keen RPer and trekkie so I know that I will have a lot of fun with likeminded players, but in the same case I am a keen gamer and will love the PvP and PvE elements.. in a way a unified server will greatly beinifit my playing style: in allowing me to RP when I want but still find dedicated Pv-Whatever players to game with. ,I just ask for a method to allow RP minded players (when in the right mood.) to find and contact each other. Just something as simple as a Lord of the rings online tag. (Type in /rp and [RP] appears in your name.) and an option to search for RP active players.

If we extend this to the wider community, a site similiar to EA Sports world or Sporpedia in which characters can write backstories and comment on each others ships etc.

In my own experience a RP server (such as with WoW.) although it allows players to RP without feeling silly.. its not always the case that it works. My plea is for all players to accept it and even just play along :).. and for cryptic to officialy aknowleage the RPing community to make it easier for us. So I am an advocate for a single server mode as long as it is handled to accomdate all players equally.

I doubt that all players will be 100% satisfied at the end of release or anytime beyond.. it may be up to the player to make the most of the community and the strcture of the game to play it in the best way to suit themselves.

[Trekkie]

I support the idea of a single server, but if there are indeed separate servers then I really hope that one of them is designated as a roleplaying server.

[Sindahive]

Bump.

Would love to see a RP server as an active RPer myself. Sure, you could have RP on normal servers, but it's not nearly as immersive.

[Scyrone]

I would also like to see an RP only server. I want to immerse myself in Star Trek without seeing "STisFunz0r5" flying by.

[Father_Origin]

If all things are equal, I would go with cryptic's 1 server idea......but it is not equal.

RP players like to RP and can overlook...very, shall we say, anti-RP players

Trekies will not...they will scream, long, loud, and often.


If for no other reason, they should have 2 servers, 1 RP, 1 normal just to keep the peace.

[LordDave]

If all things are equal, I would go with cryptic's 1 server idea......but it is not equal.

RP players like to RP and can overlook...very, shall we say, anti-RP players

Trekies will not...they will scream, long, loud, and often.


If for no other reason, they should have 2 servers, 1 RP, 1 normal just to keep the peace.

I would also like to see an RP only server. I want to immerse myself in Star Trek without seeing "STisFunz0r5" flying by.

HA!
Do you people think a server with the words "RP ONLY" on it is going to actually DO anything? There is no filter, there is only people. Sorry but even if you had a server with RP Only, you'd have some funky names, some people shouting in general for gold, and god knows what. The ONLY thing you wouldn't see is people complaining when you role play.

[RanizMurjuri]

HA!
Do you people think a server with the words "RP ONLY" on it is going to actually DO anything? There is no filter, there is only people. Sorry but even if you had a server with RP Only, you'd have some funky names, some people shouting in general for gold, and god knows what. The ONLY thing you wouldn't see is people complaining when you role play.


I dont complian about them roleplaying, they can do that all they want.


I complian when they expect me to roleplay back!

[Arcturus]

A normal server is going to be terribly interesting in STO because I think there will be higher numbers of the community interested in RP then other games.

It would be terribly interesting if in certain pockets of dense rpers, someone playing casually, but perhaps not how a Starfleet captain, or a Klingon captain would act, would end up being the minority given a quizzical look much like Rpers on the established MMOs do now.

If there is a roleplay server, I'll be there. I think the griefers mentioned before will be maybe 4% of server density, and easily dealt with.

"Arcturus to Pwnzerz, come in! Your signal is rapidly degrading... /ignore "Damn lost contact." *snaps fingers and continues along* :D

[Father_Origin]

I am sure that the Trekies could police an RP server..and as the non-RP players get bounced
out, they will give up and use the regular server...or end up getting banned.

DAOC has a similar deal, they have a few RP servers..if you refuse to RP, they ban you from that
server...simple

[DanSeale]

Hmmm If I didn't know better I'd say this over all discusion still boils down to a revamped question of multiple servers. I can think of only two reasons for multiple servers:

1. RP types. Nothing wrong with it really. I don't personally care for it. BUT then again I am not going to stand by and pass judgement on those who do. Do RP set-ups need a seperate server? Can it all be handled by on server with different access codes (or what ever) .. Sorry that is stuff that I really have no business attempting to answer. BUT if Cryptic has a mind to seperate the two I think it would probably be a good thing. IMHO it is not good or bad either way. It is simply a matter of wheather or not the developers wan it that way. Over all I would say yes. This gives the best available to a larger audience there by resulting (hopefully) in a larger base of satisfied customers.

2. Multiple servers for different groups or personalities. Sorry .. I wish I could state this another way. BUT the simple fact is that not everyone gets along with others around them.. Personality conflicts are inevitable wheather it be within guilds, RP vs non RP .. PvP conflicts or other forms.


If there is one thing I have learned in the last 18 months playing WoW is that players and guilds are going to come and go. Sometimes things just happen and someone decides to move on. Having multiple servers gives folks a place to go when things just don't work out as they should. This is a better option as opposed to just simply quitting the game because there is no other place to go. If you insist that EVERYONE is on just one server that is going to create difficulties in the long run. How many more? That's impossible to say. But I do see a need for this and I hope the rest can please understand where I'm comming from.

That said : ALL servers should be opperating within the same rules and other guidelines.
Yeah .. I know .. telling people to just "deal with it" and grow up, or banning them should fix a lot of stuff... but that is just not the case.

BTW... please don't take this as a rant ... Just a couple of thoughts that's been on my mind after reading a few different threads regarding multiple servers and related subjects.

Thanks

[bkm250]

Please make two huge servers..one for rpers and the other one for everyone else...please oh please..

[ajaco3025]

Please, oh please make one large server for rpers and everyone else. Please stay within budget and don't over-extend youself for unnessecary additions. I don't want to pay for other equipment that isn't needed.

[DanSeale]

Please, oh please make one large server for rpers and everyone else. Please stay within budget and don't over-extend youself for unnessecary additions. I don't want to pay for other equipment that isn't needed.

Recoil !

DUDE !

How's it going ?

Are we at opposite ends of the stcik on yet ANOTHER ONE ????

LOL !

I do know that many MMO's have more than 1 server. BUT, there is more than one reason for having just 1 server available. It can be a good thing. I DO agree that more than a couple of each should not be opened up until the game is more established.

Having a choice can be a good thing. OH! almost forgot .. all servers use the same rules, ships, drops, etc, etc.

[ajaco3025]

Recoil !

DUDE !

How's it going ?

Are we at opposite ends of the stcik on yet ANOTHER ONE ????

LOL !

I do know that many MMO's have more than 1 server. BUT, there is more than one reason for having just 1 server available. It can be a good thing. I DO agree that more than a couple of each should not be opened up until the game is more established.

Having a choice can be a good thing. OH! almost forgot .. all servers use the same rules, ships, drops, etc, etc.

HAHA. We meet yet again to disagree on yet another topic!!!

I'm sure everyone here has read some of the RPing threads that are on the forums. I like to RP as a Klingon but I'm not a hardcore RPer. I just do it when it suits me and if I feel like talking trash in a Klingon way so I can get away with it. :eek:

I've played games with multiple servers. I've already explained how I feel about WoW, SGW, Vanguard. and other "multi-server" games. Personally, I think some games could have been better if they had focused resources more on the game itself and not whether 200 people out of 1 million wanted a server by themselves.

[DanSeale]

HAHA. We meet yet again to disagree on yet another topic!!!

I'm sure everyone here has read some of the RPing threads that are on the forums. I like to RP as a Klingon but I'm not a hardcore RPer. I just do it when it suits me and if I feel like talking trash in a Klingon way so I can get away with it. :eek:

I've played games with multiple servers. I've already explained how I feel about WoW, SGW, Vanguard. and other "multi-server" games. Personally, I think some games could have been better if they had focused resources more on the game itself and not whether 200 people out of 1 million wanted a server by themselves.

Belive me when I tell you that I understand what you are driving at. And to a point I would almost agree. However, I think perhaps the numbers would be a bit different.

NO, I dont have any statistical analysis info at my finger tips to support my view .. kinda wish I did .. but the fact is I dont. Let's face it, truthfully I'm certain that the DV team has a team of experts (or access to one) that can crunch the numbers and tell them up front if it were something to do or not. I will support their decision either way. My only point is that IF it were decided to do so .. I think for those who do RP stuff ( I dont ... never have .. probably never will) it would be a good thing.

I also think that having more than one server for STO is a good thing as well.

[wolfing]

count me as one that wants a RP server. In fact, I would go further and say that I would like this option to cost a little extra (say, $1 extra a month if you want access to RP servers). It'd be a deterrent for non RPers since they'd be paying extra for nothing that benefits them, and for RPers it'd be just a small price to pay to enjoy a better playing experience.
Believe me, this game will definitely see a considerable amount of RPers. This is not WoW we're talking about. A separate RP server will actually be in their interest to have. And by the way, RP would not have any different ruleset (i.e. it shouldn't be RP-PvP for example) so there is no extra development time on it.

[Mad-Max]

But what the hell is there to roleplay anyways? Star Trek is set around future earth, so it'd be safe to say you can be yourself. You'd be roleplaying a future "you" so to speak. It's not Everquest. We don't need to speak in bad British literated accents.

[UfcFan78]

But what the hell is there to roleplay anyways? Star Trek is set around future earth, so it'd be safe to say you can be yourself. You'd be roleplaying a future "you" so to speak. It's not Everquest. We don't need to speak in bad British literated accents.

If I was an RP'r in Star Trek my choices could be.......gorn, klingon, romulan, orion.....etc, etc Plus, you can create your own race in this game.

Not sure what you are trying to compare.

[ajaco3025]

But what the hell is there to roleplay anyways? Star Trek is set around future earth, so it'd be safe to say you can be yourself. You'd be roleplaying a future "you" so to speak. It's not Everquest. We don't need to speak in bad British literated accents.

I'm not "myself" if I were to roleplay a Klingon. In real life I don't go around shooting everyone with phasers for glory and the "it's a good day to die" attitude.

(Well, I did in the Army but then all NCO's think they are 10 foot tall and bulletproof) EDIT: Sorry, this mentallity is reflective of the Marines. Only ...they don't use phasers and are often just 6 foot tall.

[Cormoran]

But what the hell is there to roleplay anyways? Star Trek is set around future earth, so it'd be safe to say you can be yourself. You'd be roleplaying a future "you" so to speak. It's not Everquest. We don't need to speak in bad British literated accents.

I could play me in the future, i could even play me as an alien, but that isn't the extent of roleplaying. Others have mentioned other species but even roleplaying a Human you're not necessarily roleplaying yourself. I could roleplay any number of characters. I may wish to play out the role of captain Hideo Nakimura, or Zachariah Mosely. I'd play out each character very different to the other, they'd make different decisions, they'd have different goals in life and the game, they'd speak differently and so on.

And remember, thou dost not needeth to speak like thou art stuck inside a shakespearian play to take upon the role of thine imaginary peers.

[Mad-Max]

I could play me in the future, i could even play me as an alien, but that isn't the extent of roleplaying. Others have mentioned other species but even roleplaying a Human you're not necessarily roleplaying yourself. I could roleplay any number of characters. I may wish to play out the role of captain Hideo Nakimura, or Zachariah Mosely. I'd play out each character very different to the other, they'd make different decisions, they'd have different goals in life and the game, they'd speak differently and so on.

And remember, thou dost not needeth to speak like thou art stuck inside a shakespearian play to take upon the role of thine imaginary peers.

Despite the fact that it's called role-playing, playing a role is entirely different than playing a different personality. Sure you can be a captain, but what if you're a crazy serial killer captain? That makes a difference.

You have to take into consideration that all of the races from the series were based on regular human personalities in one form or another. Think about it, they all spoke English, dead give away. All the character's personalities weren't much different from the actors themselves. Look what happened to Shatner - same guy.

I used to roleplay in WoW, EQ, all that godness, but the way I look at it is that it would be perfectly normal for someone to play themselves under the appearance of say a captain or klingon - everyone's come or been to earth by the time STO starts up. Everyone's different, and that makes up a character's role unto itself.

Now, I can understand how this can be different with Vulcans - no personality is not a human characteristic. I actually support Vulcan roleplaying, but you should definately not exceed past "minor" roleplaying of a human - you'd just make yourself seem lame and corny.

Just my 2 cents

[Cormoran]

Despite the fact that it's called role-playing, playing a role is entirely different than playing a different personality. Sure you can be a captain, but what if you're a crazy serial killer captain? That makes a difference.

I'm not sure what you're trying to say. A personality is just a part of the role you play.

You have to take into consideration that all of the races from the series were based on regular human personalities in one form or another. Think about it, they all spoke English, dead give away. All the character's personalities weren't much different from the actors themselves. Look what happened to Shatner - same guy.

Yes, they are human personalities, but humans have different personalities. A romulan personality isn't necessarily my personality, so i must change to a personality that fits. I have no idea what speaking english in a tv show has to do with it, they were playing the show to an english speaking audience, it was hardly going to be in french. And yes, Shatner is Shatner. I personally find Kirk was a lot more dignified than he is, they're very different characters.

I used to roleplay in WoW, EQ, all that godness, but the way I look at it is that it would be perfectly normal for someone to play themselves under the appearance of say a captain or klingon - everyone's come or been to earth by the time STO starts up. Everyone's different, and that makes up a character's role unto itself.

I could play myself but to be brutally honest i'm one boring, lazy guy. Playing myself in a game would be about as interesting as clipping my toenails. I'd never go out and explore. If i did i'd instantly be playing a different character because i know deep down if i was in that universe, if i couldn't beam there then i couldn't be bothered going. The mere idea of me commanding a starship (or anything for that matter) is a complete reversal of my personality, so even playing myself in that universe requires some changes and roleplaying of an essentially different character.

I've found that when i do roleplay myself in a game, i actually roleplay what i'd like myself to be, which, when i consider the acts of goodwill and selfless heroism i've performed as myself in a game, is actually nothing like me at all.

Now, I can understand how this can be different with Vulcans - no personality is not a human characteristic. I actually support Vulcan roleplaying, but you should definately not exceed past "minor" roleplaying of a human - you'd just make yourself seem lame and corny.

Just my 2 cents

That's likely the main reason people want a roleplay server. Even yourself, someone who's roleplayed themselves within a different universe, considers it lame and corny to take on a completely new character. Well, there's many who either don't think so, or don't care that it is and they'd rather go about it without constant comments of it being lame and corny.

[Banaticus]

In every MMORPG that I've played, I've pretty much gone for the roleplaying servers. By and large, I've found them little different from the nonroleplaying servers. People mainly communicate through OOC chat channels. People communicate using the same terms, describe difficult encounters in the same words. Individual people roleplay things that are not associated with the game itself -- they'll make up their own quests, etc., but that happens on every server.

I think Star Trek should be like LotRO, in that it doesn't matter what server you're on, naming conventions are somewhat enforced and a respect for the gameworld is generally present. I think that multiple servers, of any stripe or type, would only serve to fragment the player base.

[Lateo]

If i read between the lines correctly here

Q: Will there be PvP, PvE and RP rule set servers?
A: There will not be separate servers for PvP and PvE rulesets. Open PvP will be restricted to designated sectors of space (far-off reaches of unclaimed territory). Consensual PvP and competitive PvE will occur between the realm borders (the Neutral Zone), where players will be competing over territory and resources with the option to PvP.


Then (at a guess) the server architecture wont be.

Alpha quadrant (PvP)
Beta quadrant (R.P)
etc
etc

but instead each server will have the same rulesets Open PvP will be restricted to designated sectors of space (far-off reaches of unclaimed territory). Consensual PvP and competitive PvE will occur between the realm borders (the Neutral Zone) and instead will be "home" to certain sectors of "space".

(servers are really, just the hardware (a computer system) required to hold the current game state -for- the players to connect to and the client version of the players game trade information with regarding things like individual PCs location, worlds location, etc).

So STO wont be like WoW in that regard, PvP/consenual PvP/PvE will -only- depend upon your location ingame and not which server your client version of STO has connected too.

which to me at least makes sense, mechanics and playwise. (also means if you -do-/-dont- want to PvP, instead of going to/avoiding a server, you just head your ship to the appropriate part of space (long range sensors woohoo!)

This keeps the playerbase "together" and there will probably be "safe guards" (Federation/Klingon NPC ships) to deal with those who will try to PvP in a "secure" sector (like the Sol system).

( please note this is -just- guess work)

[Hagon]

If it does come to the one server option I wont be devistated. I am a keen RPer and trekkie so I know that I will have a lot of fun with likeminded players, but in the same case I am a keen gamer and will love the PvP and PvE elements.. in a way a unified server will greatly beinifit my playing style: in allowing me to RP when I want but still find dedicated Pv-Whatever players to game with. ,I just ask for a method to allow RP minded players (when in the right mood.) to find and contact each other. Just something as simple as a Lord of the rings online tag. (Type in /rp and [RP] appears in your name.) and an option to search for RP active players.

If we extend this to the wider community, a site similiar to EA Sports world or Sporpedia in which characters can write backstories and comment on each others ships etc.

In my own experience a RP server (such as with WoW.) although it allows players to RP without feeling silly.. its not always the case that it works. My plea is for all players to accept it and even just play along :).. and for cryptic to officialy aknowleage the RPing community to make it easier for us. So I am an advocate for a single server mode as long as it is handled to accomdate all players equally.

I doubt that all players will be 100% satisfied at the end of release or anytime beyond.. it may be up to the player to make the most of the community and the strcture of the game to play it in the best way to suit themselves.
I don't think it will matter for seperate servers or not. On one server you have everyone in the game to meet and it actually makes space feel more full and lush what with the amount of thousands of people flying around. In this regard you'll always have someone to play with and the immersion will be much greater :3

In a seperate servers, more often then not you will still attract the designated people, but you also attract a much larger force of people trying to futily get away from immaturity. By futile I mean if taken from CoX's virtue server example (the unoficial RP server) The designated RP spots in Virtue were often attacked by RP haters and griffers screaming innane things over broadcast or using powers and jibberish in local chat.

So it's a double edged sword and I personaly don't mind whatever they choose. As someone said, if there is an official server then sure, if there isn't well then just find some RPers and have a good time.

Also finding RPers is rather easy, when PuGing, just get into character yourself, you'll usually get one (or more) of these four types of responces: Get told the shut up, no responce at all, have others start chuckling and having a good time with your antics, or they'll join in too in character. If you get either of the first two well consider that maybe you were being irritating or they just don't RP, these people are probably best to avoid or suck it up and enjoy the ride anyway. If you get the later two, then enjoy it and have fun =^^= If you get the last one then friend them or remember them because at least you know you can maybe get them into character again for a good time (never force anyone though!)

It's all willpower and what you throw in it, I admit to having bad days and just talking in (( )) because I don't feel like RPing but sometimes all it takes is some person's interesting quirks and antics to get you back in the mood or make you feel more comfortable to try RPing yourself. PvE, PvP, RP, in the end you're usually bound to do them all at some point so why not enjoy them for what they are :p

One or more server, it doesn't matter, bring your own experience with it and those that share it will follow :)I just feel it's important to acknowledge excellent posts when one sees them, and these are a couple of excellent post. Kudos to you both for the healthy attitude, and stating your thoughts in such a succinct manner. (Although I don't advocate the one server. I advocate the one server type)

If everyone, RP, non-RP, PvP, etc etc, could play the game with this attitude these games would be that much more fun to play. :cool: (pipe dream I know, but one can always strive)


Hmmm If I didn't know better I'd say this over all discusion still boils down to a revamped question of multiple servers. I can think of only two reasons for multiple servers:

1. RP types. Nothing wrong with it really. I don't personally care for it. BUT then again I am not going to stand by and pass judgement on those who do. Do RP set-ups need a seperate server? Can it all be handled by on server with different access codes (or what ever) .. Sorry that is stuff that I really have no business attempting to answer. BUT if Cryptic has a mind to seperate the two I think it would probably be a good thing. IMHO it is not good or bad either way. It is simply a matter of wheather or not the developers wan it that way. Over all I would say yes. This gives the best available to a larger audience there by resulting (hopefully) in a larger base of satisfied customers.

2. Multiple servers for different groups or personalities. Sorry .. I wish I could state this another way. BUT the simple fact is that not everyone gets along with others around them.. Personality conflicts are inevitable wheather it be within guilds, RP vs non RP .. PvP conflicts or other forms.


If there is one thing I have learned in the last 18 months playing WoW is that players and guilds are going to come and go. Sometimes things just happen and someone decides to move on. Having multiple servers gives folks a place to go when things just don't work out as they should. This is a better option as opposed to just simply quitting the game because there is no other place to go. If you insist that EVERYONE is on just one server that is going to create difficulties in the long run. How many more? That's impossible to say. But I do see a need for this and I hope the rest can please understand where I'm comming from.

That said : ALL servers should be opperating within the same rules and other guidelines.
Yeah .. I know .. telling people to just "deal with it" and grow up, or banning them should fix a lot of stuff... but that is just not the case.

BTW... please don't take this as a rant ... Just a couple of thoughts that's been on my mind after reading a few different threads regarding multiple servers and related subjects.

ThanksWell I agree with most everything you say here. I just don't agree with the need for separate rule set servers.. You make an excellent point about how multiple servers will give players options in finding the server atmosphere that best suits them. It's something that I've been saying for quite awhile now regarding the one huge server idea.

I still maintain that a separate RP server isn't needed. As has now been clearly shown in AoC and WAR, separate RP servers aren't worth the time to create. In fact they do more harm than good, since due to their low populations they're the first that need to be merged, which looks bad for the game overall. They're also just a huge headache for the companies to have to deal with due to the whining and complaining that goes on from the few that partake of these servers. Providing the separate RP server just gives RPers some overblown sense of entitlement, and I really pity the GMs that are tasked with these servers.