unforum

[notgordian]

Hey all, just wanted to point out that a lot of these issues came up during Deus City, and the eventual conclusions that were reached were as follows:

-UF was an out-of-game space: while people may have acted as characters on the in-game websites, through email interactions, and the game's private messaging system, it was most definitively "in-game"

-As a practical matter, there's nothing stopping a player from using information posted in the forums for your particular side's advantage unless the game developers introduce disincentives or roadblocks to prevent that from happening. While it is entirely within your ability to withhold information for that reason, games tend to progress and issues tend to get resolved when people share information anyway.

-If you're concerned about that previous point, a number of players of Deus City established a workaround/shortcut. If the character-you had the capacity of figuring out the information (whether through discussions/friendships with other players or equal access to information), use it. If not, don't use it. Again, there is not (and should not be) an enforcement mechanism for that unless it's one the designer imposes.

-Finally and most importantly, don't let the whole competition aspect (if there really truly IS competition) get to your head, either in-game or out of game. This should be fun. And games aren't fun if people aren't displaying at least a modicum of courtesy at all times.

I haven't read all of the threads so this advice may not be entirely pertinent, but hopefully hearing it helps at least a little.

Sidebar: another earlier game to employ a competitive roleplaying element was Lawn Games for Life: while I never played that game, Rowan created an excellent walkthrough of the game.

[Syncopal]

[3REV]

OK as most of you know I am newb here and have said so in numerous posts on the the subject. I did read uF's TOS and was very confused about the amount of RP going on in HERE for Purity Towers. I think the Mods should have stepped in earlier to remind everyone about the rules. I'm sorry to see that a lot of people had hurt feelings and some people even wrote me to complain about other players actions! Even though I'm playing the game at arms length, I have a very limited role in Recon and I'm fine with that. BTW I freely admit being one of the ones who immediately went paranoid when I learned that there were players who were playing "against" me (GU), as such I limited my comments on uF and pretty much have played via PM's and reading what others have posted here. I never had any ill will towards any other player or gone down into name calling RP or otherwise. I'm here for the Mystery and the puzzle and the teamwork aspects of ARGS, I have other games for RP.

That said, I had posted my reservations and feelings about this earlier. But after playing for little bit I can honestly say that the I think the PM's made big mistake by splitting the players (you and me) into competing factions.
Even though their goals (as far as I can discern) are noble. (Getting two opposing faction to come together to defeat a common enemy) I believe Funnel reached too far and did not realize the depth to which some some people will play to WIN. And yes, it's game and while a games objective is to have fun, when you introduce a competitive element "Winning" is part and parcel of that. We cannot underestimate Human nature and as humans we take sides and play to win, we are hardwired for it. Sure one might be ethical and have the best of intentions but frankly if I have easy access to info that will help my team or help me reach an in game goal I will use it, and so will others. (Raise you hand if you read every spoiler txt!)

What can we do to to avoid this situation? Well very little as it was the PM's who set the tone for the game and divided us against each other and set the paranoia factor to HIGH. Also Following the TOS and keeping RP out of this will also help. That's what the NING forums were so good for.

As for myself This (and TGH) will most likely be the last ARG(s) I play that I will knowingly compete or take sides against other Players. I have other games I can play if I want to PvP (or do RP). I mention TGH because despite it's Sith vs Jedi nature it has been pretty unorganized and none of the material presented give either side an advantage as far as in game goals, this may change later at some point so I will withhold judgment.



Keeping that in mind, I really do not believe it is possible for Players to be able to Play against each other in an ARG like PT AND be able to maintain an OOG neutral forum where nobody from either side will try and take advantage of the situation/information presented. I think Human nature really does not allow for it, it is a sad fact. Some people will play both sides, and or some Troll(s) will come along to spoil it because that's how He/she gets their enjoyment. As ARG's become more popular and that uF Community grows larger it will only gets worse unless we as a community are vigilant.

So I think there are many lessons to take away from this, both Funnel and the uF Community alike. Hopefully we can all put the bad parts of this experience behind us and work together in the manner that I think the PM's wanted and come to a fun conclusion of the Game.

[3REV]