by Jeremy Waxman on Jan 12, 2011
Take a journey through the history of character customization in the MMOG industry. From the early days of EverQuest's loot-driven appearance system, to the endlessly customizable appearances available in modern day superhero MMOGs, we'll take a look at how the outward look of a gamer's avatar can affect everything from their social standing and self confidence, to their continued motivation to pay a subscription fee.
Almost immediately, something snapped inside me. If I wanted to be as visually unique and awe-inspiring as this warrior, I was going to have to work for it! That is the day that I became a raider. It was Rubicite Fever all over again, but this time the palette was much larger than just red. I left EQ2 behind me, and dedicated myself to learning the ins-and-outs of the proper specs, group dynamics, sought out the very best quest rewards and dungeon drops, and eventually began seeking my own wearable status symbols by forming a raiding guild that would follow my every whim.
Forward! For glory! And for Fashion!
Vanity is rampant in this industry. But it's only right that it is, since Everybody's Crazy 'Bout A Sharp Dressed Toon.