MMO Gaming

What follows is a double rant. Technically speaking, a rant on two generally different subjects that just happen to be mildly related. This being the case, I’ve combined them into one rant because I am lazy that way.

Now then, on to it. Darren decided to put up a post about Age of Conan and it’s sometimes lackluster reception by people. The argument here is that there is finally a mature game coming out and adults, who claim they don’t want to deal with the hassles of a WoW-esque community, aren’t biting that much.

The comments pretty much sum up all the problems with that. The world of Conan is filled with 2 things: Sex, and Violence. I’m not saying that’s all there is too the lore, or that it is a shallow experience or that it doesn’t touch on other issues, but that is what Funcom is selling this game as. Come check out our game filled with sex and violence. And people are curious as to why the adult community isn’t impressed? Here’s a hint, if I am going to have a mature conversation with someone, it probably isn’t about either of those two things. That appeals to young boys, and that is, sadly, the market they will get (because hey, the majority of parents don’t give a crap what there kids are playing and don’t bother to check.)

This brings me to my general rant on the fact that game rating is based on a stupid version of movie ratings. The rating system needs to be completely re-written so people understand it. Better yet, use movie ratings and judge games and movies on the same scale. This game is going to get an “M” rating. “M” being, of course, “Mature.” Sorry, but that’s a misnomer. I have yet to see a mature “M” rated game. What I see is games whose content is based on things you don’t want a certain age group to see. Which is fine, but let’s not label something foolishly.

As a side point to all this, MMO gamers complain about whatever community they happen to be a part of (WoW’s, Warhammer’s, AoC’s, etc.) so let’s just face it, most people are asses who don’t deserve to waste space on this planet with their nonsense. Because these people undoubtedly play games, every community sucks (if you think your community is good you are simply not playing with all the possible people.)

Anyway, back on topic, whatever that topic was. Right, so, I think the rating of “R” is far more accurate a description of what we want to say. Restricted. You can’t see this because you haven’t spent enough time on this planet yet. Unless your parents say so, of course.

So, what it boils down to is this. Don’t show me a rating and say “Look, it’s for mature adults” when it isn’t. It’s for the 18-25 year old crowd, most people will tell you, these aren’t the mature adults of the world.

age of conan, mature, m rating, mature rating, common sense gamer