[Falcon]

Hey everyone,

A friend of mine is doing a paper on social interactions between players in video games and I thought it would be a cool idea to get some real input from a real community! So I'm going to post it here!

This is a post that would mainly be directed towards new players, and to give them advice on how social norms are different in video games versus real life scenarios. Keep in mind this was originally intended for an MMO forum, so some of the verbiage won't apply to JKA.

What I'd like from you guys is criticism of any sort. What you'd add, what you'd change/take away, what doesn't make sense, what works or doesn't work etc.

Without further ado:

New Player Survival Guide for Social Interactions in Gaming-

Most games can be kind of intimidating to a new player. But being a newbie does not mean you don’t have the right to enjoy the game to its full potential. So here are some tips to help you get started.

#1 When you have questions, ask your fellow online players. Many players are quite proud of all of their infinite knowledge of the game you're playing and are usually quite willing to share it. If you find yourself too nervous about being a newbie, simply ask questions in a more inquisitive manner like: what kind of weapon do you guys prefer? Or, what's your favorite kind of equipment build on a character? Ask about their personal preferences as opposed to what is best for you. Those who are online the most will most likely answer your question.

#2 Google is your best friend. If no one can answer your question, google it. Look for one of the games forum sites. There will be some players that are simply reluctant to share knowledge with new players and there will be times where you simply don't get a response in the chat. When in doubt consult the game forums most likely there has been a new player with the same exact questions you have and there will be a discussion board about your particular question. You may even see threads to other questions that are similar that you may have later. Keep in mind part of the fun of the video game is figuring it out on the fly. Knowledge learned is more valuable than knowledge given.

#3 When playing a game you may even notice that people will be giving you “advice” even if it's not wanted. Some players may want you to play with a style or strategy you are unfamiliar with. Keep in mind there's no harm in being a follower rather than a leader when you’re new. Sometimes some of these leaders do know what they're talking about having had much experience playing the game.

#4 Don't put up with personal attacks. If someone is not a fan of your play style or has critique on your methods don't be too quick to get angry. However if it escalates to personal insults there are plenty more good players to play with online. No need to get in long arguments because long arguments never get resolved on the internet. Simply don’t play with them. Odds are you’ll never run into them again anyway. If it escalates look into how to block that player from communicating with you.

#5 Don’t get discouraged and have fun. There will be times other players will make fun of you for being a newbie. But there are also many players who will help you and are looking for more valuable team players. At the end of the day, games are made to play and have fun. So get out there and have fun.

Thanks for reading and your input!

~Discuss~

[Frog]

I'd say it's perfect. I nod my head at everything and stuff, the only thing you could do now was give it the Frog Seal Of Approval X>
I mean, you could add '' Don't lie about your experience in the game '' or '' Keep the rules of the respective game in mind-- Breaking rules won't help with skill ''
Just my opinion, and I actually had to think about that one for a little :>

[jawfin]

There's only one part which confused me: that bit where Falcon says she has a friend... KIDDING!!!! <3

Its all legit, and mostly applies to real-life anyway! Like, a new job / new school / branching out into new criminal activities etc etc

[Gollum]

branching out into new criminal activities etc etc

Sounds like firsthand experience talking.

[Frog]

branching out into new criminal activities etc etc

Sounds like firsthand experience talking.

Takes one to know one.

[Lord Rikan]

This is well written and I do agree with it. I think this should be applied even to day-to-day life.

[Yama]

Seems great after sitting here for thirty minutes and thinking. I came up with this.

#5 Don't take losses or failures personally. Even a experienced player will make a mistake, Don’t get discouraged and have fun. There will be times other players will make fun of you for being a newbie. But there are also many players who will help you and are looking for more valuable team players. At the end of the day, games are made to play and have fun. So get out there and have fun.


I realize that is only a sentence but when i played swotor it was my first ever MMO and I had no idea what to do and i used to be really affected by letting a group down. It actually led to me not playing swtor anymore.

[Frog]

Awwww That's sad, Yama. :\ love that game.

[Jack Skywalker]

branching out into new criminal activities etc etc

Sounds like firsthand experience talking.

Takes one to know one.

But... look at his pic...

[Frog]

It's a lie o-o

[Jack Skywalker]

- Attention, in-topic comment incoming -

@Yama - Well said, we can't be Drama Llamas like you.

[Kirito]

I agree.

Playing a new online game can be intimidating. Especially in mmo's or in large communities and your just trying to get your feet on the ground.

Love it!