Nov 25 2008
WoW: The Argument of Casual Vs. Hardcore
MMO-Champion’s BlueTracker caught my eye today, with a topic from the English (NA) forums titled “Stop Appealing to Casuals.” In it, the original poster argues that “I can literally roll my face on the keyboard and take away epics. . . As it stands, a brainless chimpanzee could play this game and complete all the PvE content.” Ouch for the obvious exaggeration.
However, I’m going to side with Zarhym on this. WoW has certainly become easier to play as it’s progressed from the original game to its second expansion. However, that doesn’t mean the game has become easier, muchless mindless to play (nor is it fair to imply that casual gamers are simple-minded retards that don’t understand basic video game concepts.)
I think it’s fairer to say that WoW has become easier to understand for casual players; however, it has retained all the min/maxing, theorycrafting glory that has kept hardcore players intrigued. Nor has game play simplified itself to face-meet-keyboard; after four years, WoW players are still running into tanks who don’t know how to keep aggro or taunt, hunters who don’t know how to trap, rogues with no lockpicking skills, and warlocks who use soulshatter at the beginning of a fight before even starting DPS.
I think Zarhym said it best: “I would assume a game would primarily be something fun and engaging that exercises the body or mind.” What constitutes “fun” and “engaging” is different to different people. Casuals may prefer hanging out with friends, exploring the land, being part of the lore; hardcores may prefer the challenge of beating heroic raids at 2am in the morning on 8 cups of coffee and a few Red Bulls. If you aren’t finding that enjoyment, then the game no longer offers something for you, and your playstyle. But that isn’t necessarily the game designer’s fault; no game can appeal to every man.
Personally? I’m still loving the game and think it has plenty of challenges and fun to offer. I’m impressed and pleased by what’s already come my way, and I’m only 74 at the highest. I think WoW has at least this expansion to live out before it falls to the wayside.
