Making a killer MMORPG 3

THIRD TOPIC "Will I allow basic modifications?"

Some MMORPGs (Like Everquest) stick you to the character models in the game. However, some people may prefer making their own character models. By allowing them to do so, not only do you increase your possible player community, but you add the ability to be original. Some general concepts on this:

- Have the actual models, once completed, hosted on your server under your control. That way, you can keep shitty or porn models out, and keep there from being stupid loading sequences.

- Keep the size reasonable. Even if you have a base 10 models, expect 90 more by your playerbase. So don't let character models be 1 meg each- I would reccomend something along the lines of a max of 50kbs (It depends on how many frames you're using, however).

- MODERATE. Some player's first inclination is to make a nude skin. Don't let them.


FOURTH TOPIC "Am I sure this game will survive?"

Think of 5 years down the road. Will your game exist? Not all MMORPGs last forever. You cannot theoretically keep running a server on your shitty Dell and expect your game to grow. At some point, you might have to start hosting advertisements or charging. However, let me give some guidelines for that:

- Charge the lowest amount you can. $3 a month would be a great fee, and with 15 players, would easily pay for an extra internet line for your server to your house. 100 players per month ($300)? You could rent a bigass server. However, depending on what kind of server you need and how many players you have, you may charge $5 a month. This is fine, considering games like FFXI are $13 or more. People will pay for good material.

- Allow donations. DONATIONS. Not for items. One of my pet peeves is to see games where you pay for items. Let people play the game without worrying about getting that +5 sword for $50. Of course, you can offer little donation bonuses such as a "Gold Account" or something extraneous, but NEVER EVER force people to donate for something they need in the game.

- When you hire people to the team, make sure they know all the money goes toward the game itself. It's completely understandable for a developer to give gifts or small amounts of cash toward the main developers. However, extra people (Graphics guys that sign on after development, people hosting servers, etc) should never be paid. This is not a business, it's a game.




Next Killer MMORPG, I'm going to be going over some more key issues with MMORPGs that you should think through- from basic rules to game structure. Expect it soon!

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