Greetings all - its been some time since I posted on these boards... But this thread was so interesting, and I think I may have a perspective to add.
I belong firmly in the box labelled ´high-RPer´. I play Ryzom almost exclusively to RP - apart from the occasional digging to unwind
. You must understand that immersion is THE thing Im after when playing SoR. The details of the lore, the living, breathing ecosystems, the machinations of my fellow homins, the personal relationships (be they friendly and/or hostile) between my characters (I have several) and other homins - all these are the things that make me play this game.
Its been really fun to read others describe RPers like myself as ´part of the setting´ of the game. Like the NPCs. I dont mind that at all - in fact Im glad that even though some dont RP, they still see some value in others doing it.
I find it even more fun because I regard PvP and the OP battles in much the same way - it is not something I participate in, but it provides a nice backdrop for the game I play. Without PvP and the intrigue that surrounds it Atys would be a poorer world.
However, Im also one of those RP´ers who RP almost exclusively with other high-RPers away from the public eye of other players. Why, you may rightfully ask? There are several reasons for this.
- The first is immersion: While I can apply a mental filter to many things, it does make my game experience poorer when Im surrounded by too many people, typing in leet or heavy jargon, with out of place names. Please note that I have NEVER berated or corrected another player. We just play the game in different ways and I respect that. If someone writes to me in leet or jargon I return with a full sentence. But since It diminshes my enjoyment of the game to be surrounded by out of place names or lingo I often prefer to RP in less populated locations.
- A second reason is intensity: Ive hosted and GMed a few events for small groups of other RPers in the Ring. When you have some knowledge of the background and motivations of the other homins involved, you are able to tailor the event to the persons present - put the players in a situation that ´make them tick´. In a small group it is also more easy to make everyone feel they are important and played a crucial part in the event.
- A third reason is intimacy: From the point of view of the homins I play, some conversations are simply not fit to be yelled out in public.
- Fourth reason (sadly) is the fear of harassment and ridicule from other players: In the last 12 months Ive only had a single really bad incident on Aris, but it shure made me loose the joy of playing for some time. You may call me sensitive - I am - because I invest a lot in the homins I portray.
So is RP a dying art form? No, I dont think so - but it is not thriwing either. There used to be a lot more RP going on in public places. It is a question of critical mass - I think you need a certain level of general RP´ishness in the game to attract new RP´ers and introduce new ones to that style of play. SoR used to be above that threshold of critical mass (one of the reasons I got drawn here in the first place). Currently I think we are below.
As someone noted earlier, I also think many RPers are currently inactive, awaiting some proper news on the future and development of SoR before they consider returning. The game is currently in limbo - some certainty might entice more RPers to either return or give Ryzom a first try.
Kudos to the community and everyone still playing despite all odds! You keep Atys alive.
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Edited for clarity.
