What is Digg?Sponsored by Travelzoo
Take Advantage of Ridiculously Low Holiday Airfares view!
travelzoo.com - Flights $52 and up for Thanksgiving, Christmas & New Year. But move on it now.
82 Comments
- Augie1969, on 10/12/2007, -4/+76Actually the game is quite fun. I am sick of paying a monthly fee, that's all.
I have quit recently myself as well, as my girlfriend wanted a wii. Now she and her girlfriends play tennis in my living room and I get to see real life boobies bouncing around instead of Night Elves. Hell of a trade-off :) - swin101, on 10/12/2007, -1/+34Best part of the article:
"This site, johnaugust.com, is really just me running back to the newbie lands and giving away what I can. There’s no financial incentive in it for me. I could certainly put my advice in a book and charge $15.95 for it. But I see it as the take-a-penny, leave-a-penny flow of information. On a daily basis, I find myself searching the web for answers on topics in which I’m a newbie (Flash programming, DC mythology, teaching toddlers to swim) and leaving thankful that someone out there took the time to write a tutorial on exactly what I needed. So in exchange, I write up what I know about screenwriting.
If everyone took the time to build a site about the areas of their expertise, the world would be significantly cooler. " - aguita, on 10/12/2007, -14/+351. Kill injured monsters first
When facing multiple bad guys, the temptation is to go after the one who’s hitting you hardest. This is often a mistake. That injured razorback, the one who is running away? He’ll be back in 15 seconds, likely with other baddies in tow. So take a few clicks to kill him now. Once he’s dead, you can focus completely on the guy who’s smacking you.
2. Grinding is part of the game…
In WoW parlance, “grinding” is the process of killing a bunch of fairly easy monsters, one after the other, strictly to rack up loot and experience. There’s no adventure to it, no real challenge. It’s tedious and mindless, but it’s often the fastest way to level up, which is why everyone does it.
3. …But grinding is not the game
W It’s easy to confuse what you’re doing with why you’re doing it. Just remember: you’re not paying $15 a month to kill the same set of spawning critters. Grinding is a means of achieving a specific goal, whereas the game itself is supposed to be entertaining. So once you level (or get enough deer skins to fabricate that armor), stop grinding and start exploring.
4. Give away stuff to newbies
You start the game with almost nothing: a weapon and the shirt on your back. Each new piece of gear you accumulate is tremendously exciting. Cloth armor seems luxurious. But as you level up, that early gear becomes increasingly irrelevant and basically worthless. It’s not worth the trip to the store to sell it. So don’t. Instead, run back to the newbie lands, find the first character of your class, and hand him all the stuff you don’t want. It will take two minutes of your time, but give the newbie a tremendous head start. (Not to mention building your karma.)
5. Keep track of your quests
WoW is refreshingly open-ended–you could spend all your time skinning bears, if you felt like it. In order to provide a sense of structure, the game helpfully provides quests: multi-step missions, generally to collect, kill or deliver something. While the system does a solid job tracking these official endeavors (”13 out of 25 tusks”), most of the time what you’re really trying to do (”find a better shield”) is frustratingly amorphous. The trick is to identify these unofficial quests and break them down into distinct steps:
* browse the auctions to compare prices
* pick preferred shield
* sell off unneeded linen to raise needed cash
* bid
At any given point, you may have 10 of these pseudo-quests, and unless you take charge of them, you’re liable keep running around, cursing your stupid shield.
6. Storage is costly
Perhaps sensing that messy teenage boys are a key demographic, World of Warcraft won’t let you leave something on the ground. If you don’t pick up that fallen warhammer, it will vanish, never to return. So one quickly learns the importance of storage: belts, bags, backpacks and chests. Unfortunately, there’s never nearly enough space, and adding more becomes ridiculously expensive. (That’s by design, clearly. The developers want to minimize hoarding.) So always keep in mind the carrying costs. If you never use that second bow, get rid of it, and use those slots for something you need.
7. Overthinking takes the fun out of it
Remember, the game is supposed to be fun. Yes, you can spend hours pouring through the forums, finding exactly the right talent tree. Or you could wing it: explore some new lands and kill some big monsters. Obsessive planning won’t make the game more enjoyable. It will just make it more like work. - cheeze_ballz, on 10/12/2007, -2/+21@fake -- did you read the article? from the first analogy:
"The real world may not have druids and paladins, but it’s chock full of monsters. They’re called “term papers” and “errands” and “mysterious car problems.” At any given moment, there may be one monster that looms larger than all of the others, who clearly needs to be attacked. But before you do, look around for injured monsters — the half-finished tasks that probably need only a few more minutes to complete. If you don’t deal with them now, they’ll be a constant distraction, and may eventually come back stronger."
that doesn't sound like tips on how to play the game -- unless it's the game of life. - swazooe, on 10/12/2007, -1/+16http://duggmirror.com/movies/Seven_Things_I_Learned_from_World_of_Warcraft_2
- nickbender, on 10/12/2007, -1/+14I was a guild leader since the release of WoW until just 2 weeks ago... experiencing just about everything the game has to offer, and building a community with hundreds of members.
I quit without regret, however, because while many of the relationships I forged in game bled into RL (including the one I ended up quitting for), the fact of the matter is when you look at your /played... and realize that's enough time to master almost any craft, be it music, sculpture, poetry... anything... that's when you realize that it's not a complete waste, but that life itself is calling.
I'm not going to get on a soap box and tell you all that WoW is bad... but I will tell you all that if you can truly find a reason to quit... you wont look back. - daborg, on 10/12/2007, -1/+13Except that the interesting part of the article was how he relates those points to real life.
- nocturne, on 10/12/2007, -10/+22Regarding monthly fees:
I've played WoW on and off since the first day it was out. And I have to say, I spend less money when I AM playing WoW. Same goes for everyone in my guild. When I'm playing WoW I don't really buy other videogames. Brand new games cost $50. WoW costs $15 a month. So buying ONE new videogame costs the same as 3.33 months of WoW.
Say what you want about WoW itself, but for most people, I've found WoW to be the cheapest way to game. - thcobbs, on 10/12/2007, -5/+16@augie
Now you just need to get them drunk and topless... and let the fun ensue. - DreKor, on 10/12/2007, -2/+13I feel sorry for you. But, chances are, it's not WoW that's holding you back.
- ophilye, on 10/12/2007, -1/+11I have no idea why someone would dig you down. That is a perfect assessment on why the internet is so wonderful. Never before have I realized that there aren't just one or two experts in something. there are MILLIONS of people that can make beautiful art, BILLIONS that have reared children & have figured out when not to let your child have crayons, and THOUSANDS that are entertaining with a camera.
Everyone has knowledge.. whether good or bad, it's time to share it. :) - technogenius, on 10/12/2007, -1/+10I play a MUD---text based and free. I've been playing the same one for 10 years, it's always changing---still fun and still free
- ophilye, on 10/12/2007, -1/+9or...
4) If she plays wow, play a character with her so she actually feels connected to you in some way, you selfish bastard. It is NOT all about you. - Crosshare, on 10/12/2007, -1/+9This works, you just have to wait a second
- demigod, on 10/12/2007, -1/+9@nocturne
so true. Though all my MMO days (uo, daoc, wow, etc..) i always spend less per month on entertainment when playing an MMO then when im not. Buying console/computer games, renting movies, etc.. adds up to a lot more each month then the $15 or what ever I pay to play an MMO. As long as it doesnt take over your life, its a very cheap form of entertainment IMO. - trekkie, on 10/12/2007, -1/+8@nocturn
Exactly. I ended up having a bit more extra cash each month after not buying one or two $50 games per month. - dunezone, on 10/12/2007, -3/+9I hate the idea that you have to pay for the software first, then pay for a subscription, this isn't horrible yet for WoW since theirs only the game and the expansion, but I do believe Everquest had a crap load of expansions.
- Leo21k, on 10/12/2007, -8/+14Things I learned about a WoW players love life.
1. WoW will prevent you from getting a girlfriend
2. If you already have a girlfriend she will leave you because you play WoW too much.
3. If your girlfriend plays WoW she will leave you or cheat on you with the guild leader or some other player she constantly flirts with in game. - mlvassallo, on 10/12/2007, -2/+7I play WoW. I got a girlfriend. I showed Girlfriend WoW. She didn't get it. She Played WoW. She got hooked. On December 16th Girlfriend became my Fiancee. On August 25th she will become my wife.
Your theory is bogus. - inactive, on 10/12/2007, -2/+7@FakeFakerson:
obviously you didn't really read the article too well.. under each 'tip' is a way it could be applied to real-life situations...........so.... yeah. shut up. :) - nickbender, on 10/12/2007, -0/+4it appears being a guild leader has it's perks.
kek. - nickbender, on 10/12/2007, -3/+7wow is a choice... thus you're choosing to not get laid...
- alteratti, on 10/12/2007, -0/+38. Girlfriend will kill you,
if total hours spent exceed (insert hours according to girlfriend's tolerance level here). - KragTheDigger, on 10/12/2007, -1/+41. Kill injured monsters first
(see Lean Manufacturing)
My own:
8. It's a social thing !
Both WOW and life are much less appealing without social interactions with people you care for.
~K - DenTPuzz, on 10/12/2007, -0/+3@technogenius
Please share the name and url of the MUD you play! - musntSurfatWork, on 10/12/2007, -1/+4Play world of warcraft: Learn maybe seven things...
Don't play world of warcraft: Live life and learn infinte amount of things. - demortes, on 10/12/2007, -0/+3You can find multiple MUD's online. Check out http://www.mudconnect.com
Some of my favorites? Aetolia, Imperian, PowerMUD, Firefly (at least the idea of, I'm in the process of building.) - nickbender, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2LOL the ignorance of that statement is astounding... clearly you've never experienced all the idiocincratic life lessons that are rampant in WoW and other games.
see my post above... but don't discount it as worthless. - Funksalad, on 10/12/2007, -1/+3@leo
Is this just an outtake of your life story... I played WoW forever and never had a single one of your problems.
I feel for you man, I really do. - atmablue, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2[[4. Give away stuff to newbies
You start the game with almost nothing: a weapon and the shirt on your back. Each new piece of gear you accumulate is tremendously exciting. Cloth armor seems luxurious. But as you level up, that early gear becomes increasingly irrelevant and basically worthless. It’s not worth the trip to the store to sell it. So don’t. Instead, run back to the newbie lands, find the first character of your class, and hand him all the stuff you don’t want. It will take two minutes of your time, but give the newbie a tremendous head start. (Not to mention building your karma.)]]
From my experience, almost everything (armor and weapon-wise) binds on equip... so how do you give it away once you wear it? - hoowahman, on 10/12/2007, -5/+7Well done augie1969, well done!
- adriankeith, on 10/12/2007, -2/+4I've seen a lot of relationships die from this game. People really need to get out more.
- technogenius, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2@dentpuzz
Materia Magica:
www.materiamagica.com - HeartlessNobody, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2Also going with bogus. My wife and I were engaged when I started playing WoW. She had seen plenty of WoW since we got married, and she didn't mind one bit that I played it. Recently, however, I she took the step in creating a character and guess what...she loved it and we play together all the time now.
No, neither of us are addicts, neither of us forfeit real life for Azeroth, but its something we enjoy together. - encognito, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1I have never played WoW and I doubt I will ever play it. And tonight was the first time I realized that PEOPLE ACTUALLY PAY $15 ***** DOLLARS A MONTH TO PLAY A VIDEOGAME? Simply amazing. I just can't fathom the pay-to-play entertainment model. WoW wants $15 bucks a month, Tivo wants $13 bucks a month, NetFlix wants $5 bucks a month, etc...
- nickbender, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1Here's my real rebuttle to this blog...
http://www.digg.com/gaming_news/6_things_REAL_LIFE_things_I_learned_from_World_of_Warcraft
digg me. - inactive, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1I quit about 4 months ago. I found the game to be populated with *****, including my very own guild. I was the raid lead and busted my ass to get around 50 active players on the same page each raid only to have them resent you and eventually stab you in the back.
As in life...WoW is full of manipulative, selfish *****. 'Nuff said. - BobMysterioso, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1Grinding I've always taken as necessary evil in RPGs.
I suppose that was my issue with FFXII. I knew I was close to the end, so I got a small walkthrough and did lots of the almost obvious stuff that you might miss. After grinding for hours and hours, I was like - what am I supposed to do again? Oh yea, obliterate the last baddie - which I did handily.
So to point #3 - good one. - OverloadUT, on 10/12/2007, -2/+3Guys seriously, read the article. This crap aguita posted is only the first part of each point, and as daborg said, what makes the article interesting is how he relates each point to real life.
- jclin, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1It depends on what (s)he looks like. It could very well be out of his/her control....
- rcomegys, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1I really want to give WoW a try, but damned if I need something to get hooked on. I'd only be able to play it for 2 months before I had to give it up, and something tells me it won't be that easy.
- ZomgWarlocks, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1Chess is also a game and nothing else, right? Yet we hear and read many analogies drawn to chess in literature and discussion of strategy. Just because it isn't blessed by academia doesn't mean it is devoid of applicable meaning although for many people, such meaning will inevitably escape them.
- Funksalad, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1I do agree with number 7 though... it was much more fun that way (even though I did leave the game with full T2)
- shanimal, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1alteratti:
You just need to find a g/f who actually likes WoW- then it's all good! :) - luigi1015, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1@augie1969
"Now she and her girlfriends play tennis in my living room and I get to see real life boobies bouncing around instead of Night Elves."
hey augie, can I come by and play tennis with your girlfriend's friends sometime? - henjay, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1There's also stuff you pick up but never equip (so it never binds to you). That could be what he's talking about. But even the crappy gray and white stuff is worth something to a true beginner.
I remember some guy gave me a bag when I really needed a few more slots. That helped a lot in that first hour or two of playing. I made sure to pass it along. - Boraxus, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1I found this concept of "wasted time" interesting. A year ago I decided to see what I could do with the time I used.
considering two articles:
http://blogs.parc.com/playon/archives/2005/07/leveling_time.html
and
http://www.wowinsider.com/2006/12/19/three-hundred-days-played/
I figure, still playing today, I've played probably over 100 hours in 2 years. I also got a B.A. and wondered how higher education hours would equate with play time.
For a certificate, a 2 semester, 5 courses a semester (i made 4 credit for argument sake - overkill) I figured out the required courses and study time for most people to get a B average (subjective from personal experience)(equal hours homework vs class - if i went twice hours homework I would get A's)
Classes hours/wk weeks homework Total hours Total days
10 4 16 2Xfactor 1280 53.33333333
Therefore, for a diploma, it would be twice = 106 days, for a BA just over 4 times that = 213 days.
Think about what you could do with your time??!!! The guy that logged 300 played days could have a masters...in World of Warcraft? And why is this on the front page? Because over 8 million players world wide could be a factor...
Latest Character: 58 pally, FurnaceFace, Burning Blade. killkillkill.... - mikepictor, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1because people dugg it?
Not me I mean, I don't think it's newsworthy, but some people seem to - SLIPSTR3AM, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1I played SWG a sick amount and spent too much time on it, thus hurting my previous relationship a bit. Thankfully, we broke up on different terms outside of an MMO. But I learned a lot with time management with RL and playing an MMO with that and City of Heroes. I've been playing WoW now for over two years and can quit for a week without regret. I don't simply because a lot of my real life friends play it, thus I do. We have a lot of fun, and constantly talk and interact using Skype. It is possible to find balance. It goes with anything that could be considered 'bad' or 'ruinous' of life [alcohol, watching television all day]. It just takes balance, and I KNOW it's hard, but a simple grasp on your goals in life can keep you on track, while still being able to play an enjoyable game like WoW. I'm a casual gamer myself, and I'm saddened by some of my friends who have become so elitist and join guilds that take up their whole life raiding. When it becomes a job, I stop playing.
- rickmaria, on 10/10/2007, -0/+1i find any game where i'm not holding a light-saber as a weapon is beneath me
-
Show 51 - 82 of 82 discussions
Catch all of your favorite Digg shows in one place, including Digg Dialogg, Diggnation, The Digg Reel and More!
© Digg Inc. 2009
— Content created and posted by Digg users is