Don't bring your forced grouping over here, buddy.
Sandra over at Elder Game wrote an excellent post which effectively communicates the feelings of many players who like to play in a social world... by themselves.
Ethic at Kill Ten Rats recently wrote a post called Where Did the Social Go? that laments the increasing focus on solo play in MMO games. In particular, he seems to feel that supporting solo play reduces the socialization in these games.This is unfortunately an attitude that Ive run into all too often. As a player who prefers to solo almost exclusively, I vehemently disagree. The simple fact is that I dont like to group but I do like to:
* Chat with other players both in-game and out (via blogs, websites, and forums).
* Share game knowledge and help other players.
* Be part of a guild of friendly, helpful people.
* Hang out in town admiring other characters armor, pets, and wit.
* Participate in world events side-by-side with other players.
* Roleplay.
* Participate in the economy, both as a wheeler and dealer and as your friendly neighborhood crafter.
* Start new characters on new realms and race against others to level 20.So tell me again how Im anti-social? All of these activities involve engagement with other players and none of them necessarily involve grouping.
Continue reading and see pretty charts at Elder Game, and then come share your 2 cents at the ongoing discussion.
