Tradeskills in Future Games

[Cantatus]

MMOGs are approaching a new generation. Graphics are improving, code is allowing for things that couldn't be doing before, developers are learning from the mistakes of past MMOGs, and most importantly there is a lot more competition which requires companies to strive harder for success. Not surprisingly, many of these MMOGs that are coming out are approaching tradeskills in various ways. Some are making loot totally relaint on tradeskills. Others are limiting players to one tradeskill. Some are making tradeskills a seperate class altogether.

I figured this, likely being the biggest MMOG tradeskill community, would be the perfect place to get a discussion going on this. After playing EverQuest and likely experience tradeskills in a few different MMOGs, what exactly would you like to see tradeskills in MMOGs reflect? What did you like about them in previous games? What didn't you like? What would you love to see? What ideas do you have that haven't been done before?

[Cerpicio]

I would really like to see trade skills producing useful results from beginning to end. It's annoying having to pracitce making something you are just going to throw away. I guess a little bit isn't too bad, but it can get pretty bad in EQ.

I played Ultima Online for a few years, and really like the ability to add a Maker's Mark on high quality items you made. It's fun seing people running around wearing gear with your name on it. It also allows people with exceptional skill to distinguish themselves from others. (Unlike EQ where a anyone with enough money and patience could get a trophy, regardless of skill).

Actually, in UO I liked going out mining for ore, chopping trees for wood, and killing deer for hides. I can see where not everyone would like this though. But you were very likely to get good results for your effort. It seems like hunting for hides in EQ is a real pain. Some ores, too, are hard to acquire.


Just a few thoughts,
-- C.