7 Things I Learned from the MMORPG Industry

March 7, 2008 · Filed Under Level Up, Musings, MMOments, Marketing 

I’ve been in the local online games industry for four (4) years now. Time really flies when you’re having fun. That’s what Freestyle Brand Manager Hector Sagrado said in his latest blog post. And I agree.

During these 4 years, there have been ups and downs. I’ve been involved in some of the best marketing coups, plans and events for the top and the best online games in the country. I’ve seen great talent come and go. Sadly, they have to move on. But their contributions to the industry will not be forgotten.

A few years ago, there was just one dominant online game here in the Philippines - Ragnarok. Now, there are almost a dozen companies trying to get a share of the pie. This is welcome, in my opinion. It allows me, and the rest of my workmates, to stay on our toes and not to be complacent. Business is a tough… you win some battles, you lose some. But the war rages.

I’ve decided to compile a few things about what online games have thought me during those years.

After one more click…

7 Things I learned from the MMORPG Industy (GM Tristan) 

  1. The truth will set you free - being transparent and being honest to the community is key. They will appreciate your efforts for it.
  2. The users are number 1 - You have to make all your efforts to satisfy your users. They bring home the bacon. If they’re not happy, they won’t pay. It’s that simple.
  3. Technical problems will rain on your parade - If you think you’ve prepared for everything. Think again. The unthinkable technical shiat will give you a headache. This is guaranteed. Prepare for every crisis and you’ll sleep well during the night.
  4. Friends are the best treasure - The scores of new friends I’ve met through online games are the most treasured of all. There have been good friends and there have been critical ones. Nevertheless, it’s these guys that make me want to go to work everyday to share all my ideas to make the product and the experience worthwhile.
  5. Share - if you have any talent… writing, drawing or even editing videos, share it! For me, the social aspect of gaming and the power of the Internet is one awesome mix. Don’t keep those talents or ideas to yourself. Some of the best ideas for online game planning came from the players themselves too.
  6. Word of Mouth is the most powerful - you can spend millions on TV ads, bllboards, Internet advertising or even magazine ads. But if you do not culivate a good product and a solid community, everything will fall like dominoes. Content is indeed king, but community management is the powerful Queen. Word of mouth will be your most powerful weapon to grow your game and the userbase.
  7. Customer Service - Personally, this is one “growth area” that the industry should focus on. I’ve heard hundreds of horror stories. Enough of it to be taken seriously. After the NG-LU merger, the new guys at Customer Care are always looking to innovate and streamline processes so that we get answers to your questions, dear gamers, fast. This won’t happen overnight… but we’re getting there.

That’s about it. 7 lessons learned. I’m looking forward to better plans, events and projects in the months and years to come. And guess what, that’s not for personal gain… the end goal is to make our users and customers happy. Do that and success in business is bound to follow.

GM Tristan

www.gmtristan.com

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Comments

3 Responses to “7 Things I Learned from the MMORPG Industry”

  1. lionel on April 17th, 2008 7:15 am

    Brilliant.
    Love these lists and tips. More power to ya!

  2. GM T on April 17th, 2008 2:03 pm

    Ey old friend!

    Nice to seeya here. Do visit often. How are you?

  3. Game Management Wisdom | gmtristan.com on June 14th, 2008 9:34 am

    […] the almost 5 years I’ve been in the gaming industry, I learned a lot of things. How to do things right and, in the course of handling the different aspects of the games and the […]

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