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The Dilemma of Level vs Skill - How Old Became New Again

Since MMORPGs became a mainstream medium, players have debated the two primary methods of advancement. Which is better? Is it the level-based system that is so dominate in today's MMORPGs or the lesser used skill-based system? This has been a strong subject of debate on many forums, blogs, and gaming sites for as long as the genre has existed.

From the article:

Although MUDs and MOOs had been around for years, using a variety of different systems derived from popular pen-and-paper RPG systems of their day, Ultima Online really started the modern massive gaming craze. Unlike the persistently popular Dungeons and Dragons, Ultima already had roots in a usage based skill progression system, which many gamers grew to know and love.

But when EverQuest was released, it used a level-based character advancement system that focused the majority of a players power on their overall level rather than their skills. This dichotomy has caused quite the stir in MMORPG gamers, and blogs posts in every corner of the internet have brought the argument to their readers.

This week Cody "Micajah" Bye investigates the two concepts and gathers input from some of the brightest minds in the gaming industry about their thoughts on the two systems of advancement.

Read it in The Dilemma of Level vs Skill - How Old Became New Again, for premium members only this weekend!

Get Prizes

We're almost ready to begin another round of major beta giveaways, but while you're waiting, thanks to our swag patrols at E3 we have a huge t-shirt prize pack giveaway for you in the following sizes.

• Small: Global Agenda
• Medium: Global Agenda (x2), Battlefield Bad Company
• Large: Star Wars: The Old Republic, Global Agenda, Trion, APB, Runic Games, Heroes of Telara
• Plus sizes: No shirt love from E3, but I have 3-packs of red, white, and blue CrimeCraft bandanas for you (x5)

To enter, send your size and shirt preference to jeff@tentonhammer.com with "E3 shirt giveaway" in the subject line. I'll pick out random winners for each size next Wednesday (7/8), awarding preferences in order of the pick, and work with you if I can't give you your first choice.

Just a reminder that you have until July 8th to pick up your WonderKing Online beta key and Ultimate Soccer Boss prize pack.

Get Involved

Shayalyn's Members Only
Epic Thread of the Week

We all have our pace when it comes to leveling in a MMOG.

Some of us like to be among the first to race to the level cap--power gamers all the way. Others would love to be competitive, but can't devote as much time to gaming and are casual players by necessity.

Still others prefer to relax, explore, and take all the enjoyment they can from the game, even if the levels creep by.

So, what's your pace? Vote, then discuss.