[ feature suggestion ] Player Mentor Program

[rothimar]

I know how suggestions can sometimes be received by some (teasing), but I figured I'd throw an idea that occured to me this morning. It's something I've seen in a few other games, and due to the nature of Ryzom's large landscape, it could be very helpful here.

Offering the ability for veteran players to flag themselves as a mentor (with a toggle command like /mentor), might be a boon to the new players seeking assistance. Much like the /who GM feature which details what GM's and Guides are online at the time, a /who Mentor command would show what players are available for questions for new players. Might even be helpful to include faction/race/level with the resulting list of players participating as mentors.

This is just a thought, something that might be beneficial. I've seen a few threads from new players who have decided to leave due to a feeling of being "all alone". There are a lot of people who would be willing to help, but the /universe channel isn't always that helpful with conversations about movies, SWG *groan*, and what other off-topic chatter might be scrolling by.

Something like this could very well give new players a more focused point of reference, and those intimidated by contacting a GM with questions (not me... lol) would have a less "official" and more "relaxed" resource.

Thoughts?

[zanthar]

Hey what's wrong with talkin about SWG in Universal Chat? LOL JK bud and guilty as charged!! Anyhow I think this is a very good idea! It would do newr players good to see people out there!

[acridiel]

We on Leanon did a sticky thread in the newcommer Forum, where everyone inclined to answer questions to newbies can insert his/her name and declare his willingness to help.

Seems to work quite fine

But it´s a pretty nifty idea nonetheless.

Acridiel

[mugendo]

I hope you added this idea in the suggestion thread.
Personally I am in favour of any information on a player that is OPTIONAL for them to display.


I would really really really like to have the option to .......
ADD NOTES ON PLAYERS IN MY FRIEND LIST !!!!!.

*puppy eyes to devs*

[danlufan]

Universe chat was intorduced with help function, so wouldnt be needed.

[elvigy1]

Universe chat was intorduced with help function, so wouldnt be needed.

Actually, no. There are some things that are best handled by having someone right there to show you around, lead you to a decent hunting/foraging place, etc. Several times I've seen questions asked that were immediately responded to with the comment "Best to ask that question in region chat". However, region chat in Yrkanis is comatose if not dead and most questions asked in region go unanswered. The usual followup I see to questions asked in region chat is "Anybody?" followed by "Guess no one is available." I'm not sure if this is because no one is paying attention to region chat because they are in guild chat, or just don't feel like answering, or whatever.

Sure there are some questions that can be asked/answered just fine in Universe. But having an additional option of people tagged as willing to help out can't hurt.

The initial shock of going from RoS to the mainland is pretty severe. Anything that can help newcomers and, thus, retain those paying players, can only be a good thing.

[truce1]

I know how suggestions can sometimes be received by some (teasing), but I figured I'd throw an idea that occured to me this morning. It's something I've seen in a few other games, and due to the nature of Ryzom's large landscape, it could be very helpful here.

Offering the ability for veteran players to flag themselves as a mentor (with a toggle command like /mentor), might be a boon to the new players seeking assistance. Much like the /who GM feature which details what GM's and Guides are online at the time, a /who Mentor command would show what players are available for questions for new players. Might even be helpful to include faction/race/level with the resulting list of players participating as mentors.

This is just a thought, something that might be beneficial. I've seen a few threads from new players who have decided to leave due to a feeling of being "all alone". There are a lot of people who would be willing to help, but the /universe channel isn't always that helpful with conversations about movies, SWG *groan*, and what other off-topic chatter might be scrolling by.

Something like this could very well give new players a more focused point of reference, and those intimidated by contacting a GM with questions (not me... lol) would have a less "official" and more "relaxed" resource.

Thoughts?

=p

I think it’s a good idea. Something similar worked in EQ2.

[rothimar]

=p

I think it’s a good idea. Something similar worked in EQ2.

One of the only things that worked in... er... uh... nevermind

[elvigy1]

It also worked great in SWG. The first time I logged into SWG one of the mentors there (I forget what they were called-player helpers?) showed me around a lot, showed me how to summon and use pets and mounts, showed me the mission terminals, etc. It was a fantastic introduction to the game and she ended up being one of my best friends in the game. She literally spent more than an hour of her time giving me a tour and showing me the possibilities in SWG. I cannot emphasize enough the positive impression this left on me of that game. Which they then destroyed....but I digress...

[rushin]

nothing can ever beat being shown around by a helpful homin, no doubt about it. I think a lot of people will do just that from requests made in region, the downside is not many hang arond in the starter area's so it can be counter productive for such an idea

maybe asking for a bit of mentoring in universe would be ok? I dont see why not