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Online games and MMORPGs are here to stay. That’s a fact.
Like any world, be it virtual or real, there’s politics. And in an online game, this is specially true.
Here in this country, politics is governed by the rich and powerful. These kinds of “trapos” or traditional politicians rule with guns, goons and gold. They have so many promises, they kiss babies, visit the wakes of the recently dead and even contribute to drinking sprees in the “kantos” (sidestreets) especially during or near an election period.
How come they’re “everywhere” whenever they need something from the masses?
Is the same true in an online game? Click below to find out…
WHERE IT BEGINS
The quest for power is so great in an MMORPG that people often employ other dudes to “pilot” their account. Some even make a decent living out of this. For some games, especially World of Warcraft, there are even both legal and illegal outfits where you can “Power Level” your character or farm for a fee. In some regions, especially cliques in Internet Cafes, some groups often ply the “internet strips” to offer services similar to the above.
Where am I getting at? The point is that “power”, more often perceived to be the highest, the strongest, the richest or the most famous, is a goal commonly shared by many so that they can get followers to “do their bidding”. Much like a “Galactus-syndrome”, to me.
While some with good or benevolent hearts try to achieve power to become servants and achieve even greater goals like forming the best guild while trying to empower others to achieve their own individual goals. But sadly, some just want to either rule the race, the faction, the server or the entire game.
These perks come with being on top or number one – especially in either online or offline rankings. The system of ranking, levels and general “digit-crunching” is essentially a tool so that the gamer always feels that there’s still light at the end of the rainbow. The better games are designed with this in mind, rather than giving content in the low to mid-levels, “Life begins at 70″ is a common phrase you will hear amongst WoW players. That’s the beauty of that game – which, hopefully, is mimicked by Perfect World.
At any rate, wherever you are in the MMORPG “rat race” the lure of power and politics is always there.
FACTIONS
It’s always normal for factions and enemies to develop in an online game. In a game such as RF Online - which is designed as a 3RvR (Three Race vs. Race) model, it is perfectly okay to see the Accretia always hate the Cora. What’s sad is when those within the same race squable and fight for ultimate control of their race. Loyalties fall and their strategies suffer as a result. Tsk tsk tsk.
The poitics start within guilds. There will be vocal leaders or even those who “pretend” to be leaders. Like what I always say “respect is earned, not bought”. Some feel that if I invest a lot in an individual or a group, I’ve “earned” their trust and loyalty. Not!
This very notion creates rifts within the organization. People will rally behind individuals and sooner than you think, the entire guild will disband or the group will leave and form their own. I’ve seen this happen A LOT in the 4 years I’ve been in the industry. All would’ve been solved if the parties involved just talked… sigh…
The next time this happens to your guild, ask yourself “what was the root cause of the dispute?”, “was it a petty thing?”. If it’s something that you think is trivial, speak up and let one of the leaders know. In the end, you either have to take a side or be in the middle of a war between hot-headed avatars!
When politics threaten the end of a guild, talk to the other members. Ask them if disbanding the guild or leaving en masse is the wise thing to do. This may just weaken your group and bring your competitors to the forefront of MMORPG-World-Domination.
We don’t want the resident “Galactus” bullying us, do we? Take note that even monkeys can play video games… rawrr!
Strength and Honor!
GM T
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