Ok, I'm going to speak completely as a non-DC guild member and just as a player here of a game. I'm directing this to those who wonder why they can and can't be a part of the story, or why they think they should be able to change everything. This little editorial just defines some of the basics of what I think is the limits of interaction for players regarding AO:
1. If one guild managed to do get some attention through participating in events in-game, why can they all not get attention like this? Proof in point: The Black Alliance has got a bit of attention on the latest event, the capture of Portman, it's up to them to decide how far they want to take it. I haven't even heard of the Black Alliance till yesterday. So this seemingly unknown guild to me has taken center stage. Good for them, and as the months progress, I'm sure all guilds, both clan and Omni-Tek, will have their chance to make an impact on the story. It won't happen all at once though, and more guilds then others may get some attention if they try harder then most. I don't think everyone will always agree with who is choosen to affect the story. A good example of this is: Lots of people disagree with DC, the way they do things, maybe they're losers/lamers/gimps/ooc/morons, that's their opinion and they're welcome to it. It shows me that FC isn't bias toward hard-core roleplayers, and I think that's a good thing. I disagree with a lot of things my own guild does, but I think every guild, no matter who is in it, should have their chance to get the spotlight.
2. Will you be able to change what happens in the cinematics? Extremely doubtful. Should I defend Funcom on this point? I don't know - on the one hand, it sucks that the HUGE part of the story is not going to be changable. The leaders of the two factions will be 'untouchable' by criticism, in-game events, or violence. With the exception of what they say in press releases (I believe Ross issued a statement regarding a player action), you cannot change this. On the other hand, the cinematics are an extremely creative portion of the game (assuming you have broadband), and I applaud Funcom for trying something different with a MMORPG. This story may not be Shakespeare, but it's the best I've seen in a massively multiplayer game of this magnitude, and it's nice that they are doing this visually and not just on text.
Consider the alternatives for cinematics when you judge Funcom:
- Issuing 'press releases' to define every single event? Gets boring after a while. I'm already sick of press releases.
- Having the meetings and such happen in-game (IE: Radiman/Ross meeting)? That's great and all, but realistically, you are going to have a LOT of players who want to see those events, and they would be rendered unenjoyable by low FPS, limited interaction, OOC blathering, and overall the 'granduer' of the moment (like the simplicity of a chess game) simply couldn't be captured as well as a cinematic. With the cinematics, at least everyone has a chance to 'keep up' with the story.
- Written stories released by the site? Great and all, might be one alternative, but I personally was never much into reading about events. Being raised on American culture, I'd much rather see something on TV then in a book.
Conclusion: I don't think anyone will ever be able to affect the major characters in a profound way. The story is going to be in groups like Red Freedom, or when the Council may/may not make decisions to go to full war (which you absolutely will be able to participate in), etc. I DO wish there were things like taking over towns, mayhem in Tir, Omni, etc, and who knows, maybe they're yet to come. Seeing screenshots from places like the Island of Jobe shows me FC has a lot of tricks up their sleeve yet to be revealed.
Opinions welcomed. =)
-Lowburns player