MechScape- Is a new MMORPG a good idea for JaGex?

[HyperViper]

***NOTE*** This thread is a rough draft! It may still have grammar errors and some unclear parts. I will revise it tomorrow.

 

 

 

Updates:

 

 

 

11/13- I have decided, based on how many disagreements there are with this topic, I will let this topic stay and gather some opinions before I come to a conclusion of my own, and remake this topic. The new one will still be open for debate.

 

 

 

Also, I've made a questionnaire under the "Questionnaire" section of the tip.it forums. If you would please take it, that would help me out a ton. Thanks!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As most of us have heard, JaGex is most likely comming out with a new MMORPG, called MechScape. If you haven't heard about it, there's a thread with all the details on the official RuneScape forums under the Off Topic Forum. Search for MechScape using the search feature and you should get it. Please learn about it there before continuing on this thread.

 

 

 

Notice, this is a VERY, VERY long topic, and if you don't have the time to read all of it, I have summarized everything to one simple paragraph. If you want more information, you'll have to read everything I've written.

 

 

 

Now, I'm interested myself in this idea, but, like many other RuneScape players, I'm scared at the same time. Releasing this new MMORPG will be a massive change, and there will be many effects on the RuneScape community due to it, positive or negative.

 

 

 

First off, lets talk about the positive.

 

 

 

There are many things in RuneScape that cannot be changed or are difficult to change. A good example of this is the combat system. The combat system is widely ranted for being "unbalanced," and it's difficult to change it because many members have different opinions on how it should be balanced. By JaGex starting over again and making a new MMORPG, they now have the option to fix all the problems that they couldn't before on RuneScape. They can balance out the combat system. They can change the way skills work, ect., and mold a completely new RuneScape to the perfect state that the original should be in.

 

 

 

By this, every problem that we have as of now can be fixed. And not only that, but JaGex can also introduce new features that would've originally been ranted off by RuneScape players because they changed the way the game works too much. For example, JaGex could totally change each skill into a minigame. To mine, you have to click on certain spots on a rock to mine the ore, to woodcut, to fish, you have to cast out your line and click again to reel back in when you get a bite, ect. (NOTE: this is merely an example I thought up) If JaGex were to do this on RuneScape, it would probably be forced off because it would change RuneScape so quickly that the players would be unable to adjust. By starting of a new MMORPG a certain way, the players don't have to adjust, they just have to learn a new game.

 

 

 

JaGex can also introduce new controls. Maybe MechScape won't be point and click anymore. Maybe you can use the arrow or the WASD keys to move, open up different menus with shortcuts like F for friends, or I for inventory. JaGex can also offer new ways to get around.

 

 

 

The next con of making MechScape is that it will bring in new players. We all know what the majority of people say about RuneScape. Yes maybe part of it is true, but if they were to play RuneScape for longer, maybe they would notice that, when you get passed the graphics and the animation, RuneScape is actually a good game. Maybe MechScape will attract new players to the community. Sure, they didn't like RuneScape, but MechScape is a new game...

 

 

 

Summary Let me use a story I've heard to summarize this. A potter makes a clay pot and finds it to be perfect. He then puts it in the oven to harden, but when he pulls it out he finds that the pot is cracked in many different places. He tries to fix the pot by filling the cracks with clay and reheating the pot, but it just forms new cracks. Noticing that he cannot fix the pot, he makes a new pot, this time more carefully. The potter is JaGex, the cracked pot is RuneScape, the cracks are faults, and the new pot is MechScape. If you don't want to figure this out yourself, look at it this way. JaGex made their first MMORPG but made some mistakes. So they're making MechScape to make a new MMORPG without these faults.

 

 

 

Now, we'll talk about the negative.

 

 

 

The basic idea behind the cons of introducing MechScape is that it could damage or kill RuneScape. Even though this sounds like one simple problem, it is very, very serious.

 

 

 

Many RuneScape players are afraid of MechScape being released because it could steal players from RuneScape, causing RuneScape to fail and die off, basically. This is very possible, and it's a scary thought.

 

 

 

But what if JaGex doesn't do a great job on MechScape? What will happen? Chances are, MechScape will die and RuneScape will survive. But what if the worst happens?

 

 

 

When I say worst, I mean this scenario: JaGex introduces MechScape to the public. Of course, under excitement, many members playing RuneScape transfer over to MechScape to play it, maybe temporally, maybe permanently. RuneScape loses many players, but there are still some players on keeping it up. But, soon, players will quit RuneScape. They'll say "Now that MechScape is here, there's nobody here to play RuneScape, and it's not the same." RuneScape will lose player after player, until only a very few remain. Over on the MechScape side, players notice that MechScape isn't as good as they thought it was going to be. They don't like it, it's not as good as RuneScape. So they quit, going back to RuneScape, only to find it abandoned. They say to themselves, "RuneScape is gone; MechScape is worthless. I don't care anymore. I'm moving on." Soon after, JaGex is unable to keep up with RuneScape and MechScape financially, and they go out of business.

 

 

 

This is a worst case scenario, of course, but this is where Murphy's Law comes in: If it can go wrong, it will. It could be possible that if this were to happen, maybe the players of MechScape would react quick enough and return back to RuneScape, before it dies.

 

 

 

It is possible that MechScape will actually be connected to RuneScape (there would be a time portal or something, and you could transfer from one game to the next). But then again, this would be strange if MechScape is supposed to be different than RuneScape. But if this were true, RuneScape and MechScape would be basically the same game, and this wouldn't be a problem.

 

 

 

Summary Basically, MechScape will steal players from RuneScape. So what will happen next. Here's the most likely possible endings:

 

1. MechScape is not introduced, and nothing new happens.

 

2. (Best Possibility) RuneScape loses some players, MechScape is successful. Both MMORPG's stay and are unharmed.

 

3. MechScape is introduced. Many players switch to MechScape and RuneScape loses a good amount of players, but MechScape becomes successful.

 

4. RuneScape is removed, MechScape replaces it.

 

5. MechScape is introduced, players switch from RS, remaining RS players remain, MechScape is successful.

 

6. (Worst Case Scenario) MechScape is introduced. Majority of RS players switch to MS, remaining RS players quit due to lack of players, and MS quit MS when they decide that it wasn't as good as RS. Both games die.

 

 

 

So let's conclude...

 

We don't know what will happen, but it is possible that things could go anywhere from wonderful to terrible. That's why I've opened up this debate. Is a new MMORPG a good idea for JaGex? In my opinion, it depends. If I were to give JaGex some advice, I would tell them this: "Make DAMN sure this game is good, because if it's not, you will fail."

[dkw0101]

there is a big problem, i saw somewhere saying the sites jagex registered regarding mechscape and looking at them, they had same names as a lot of rs fan site, is this jagex' idea of ridding all fansites?

[HyperViper]

Well, JaGex Is mostly concered for scam and real world trading sites. They did add RuneHQ (or MechHQ, I should say), and I have no idea why they didn't make a tip.it/mechscape... Maybe they like us?

[Freesia]

Okay, I'll state my 2 cents first. NO game company would release two same games with exact/similar content. I'll use Blizzard as an example . Blizzard has 3 games, Diablo, Warcraft and Starcraft series, not one of them is similar to one another. You may argue about Warcraft and Starcraft as RTS, but both content are in fact different (different races makes a difference).

 

 

 

If Jagex hires game developers interested in sci-fi (i think) for Mechscape, Runescape would be different from Mechscape.

 

 

 

Many RuneScape players are afraid of MechScape being released because it could steal players from RuneScape, causing RuneScape to fail and die off, basically. This is very possible, and it's a scary thought.

 

Not really, with updates, Runescape will always tend to attract new players to play it. Some people may not even be interested in how Mechscape can suit their gaming expectations. They'll probably play a bit, maybe not like it, and return to RS.

 

 

 

 

 

 

But what if JaGex doesn't do a great job on MechScape? What will happen? Chances are, MechScape will die and RuneScape will survive. But what if the worst happens?

 

 

 

When I say worst, I mean this scenario: ...

 

A bit too pessimistic here? Jagex would probably have 2 crew work on both different games, each one of them getting updates on their own. I personally don't think they would make a mess of Mechscape like you describe, and we can only just speculate.

 

 

 

 

So let's conclude...

 

We don't know what will happen, but it is possible that things could go anywhere from wonderful to terrible. That's why I've opened up this debate. Is a new MMORPG a good idea for JaGex? In my opinion, it depends. If I were to give JaGex some advice, I would tell them this: "Make DAMN sure this game is good, because if it's not, you will fail."

 

The Runescape Jagex has worked on for almost a decade.. Jagex wouldn't let it die. I believe they intend to attract new gamers for Mechscape, even if some Runescape players switch to Mechscape (maybe p2p feature resembles rs), Revenue still goes to Jagex. Jagex stands to lose nothing financially except costs for development of Mechscape.

[Time_Kitten]

I have to say, the reasoning of OMG, JaGex is stealing players from JaGex, doesn't make any sense in my mind. Sure, runescape my slow down it's growth, but it is already HUGE, and mechscape will seem huge to start with, but after a few months, things will settle down, players will divide their time between both, pay twice to have members on both, steampunk and scifi fans will come, I will be one of the major players, and everything will be for the better.

[unorclan]

Jagex is creating Mechscape for those who appeal to more futuristic and space-type games than middle-ages type games.

[Makoto_the_Phoenix]

First, the only real way that this game would affect the RS community is if a large number of players from the RS community went to that game instead. Even then it wouldn't make much of an impact. I doubt they'd have some cockamamie rule that said you can't have an account on both games.

 

 

 

Second, the problems that exist in RuneScape can be resolved, but not just as quickly or easily as many of us would like them to be. Creating a new game doesn't solve a damn thing; just creates a host of new problems for another platform.

 

 

 

Third, and using the Blizzard example, neither Starcraft[iI], Diablo II, or WoW/Warcraft have damaged one another when they were announced, developed or released. Each has its own communities, with members playing one or more of those games. None of those games really has had any serious decline in their quality, that I'm aware of (Starcraft II is in development, and Battle.net is being maintained seriously well).

 

 

 

Finally, if a company is going good with a platform, why not extend it? Everything from sequels to expansion packs have been an intrinsic part of our gaming experience. While MechScape can't be considered an expansion of RuneScape, it certainly does not mean that RuneScape won't be receiving nearly as much attention as this new game (since, and this is quite smart, companies usually hire separate staff to handle each game).

[dkw0101]

Jagex is creating Mechscape for those who appeal to more futuristic and space-type games than middle-ages type games.

 

 

 

exactly since everyone doesn't like the same style of games, me however, i'll play w/e so long as it has a good response from other people.

[tuggernongy]

Actually.....

 

 

 

Best scenario: The majority of newbie players migrate over to mechscape and get rid of all the spammy ugly chat on runescape. Less newbies = less annoying people. Sure we were all at that stage at one point, but still. :P

 

 

 

Best Scenario (cont): autoers / gold farmers realise they can make more money IRL on Mechscape, and leave RS alone.

 

 

 

 

 

Now that would be nice

[Atroxide]

there is a big problem, i saw somewhere saying the sites jagex registered regarding mechscape and looking at them, they had same names as a lot of rs fan site, is this jagex' idea of ridding all fansites?

 

No thats jagex's way of stopping phishing sites.

 

 

 

Since a name like mechscapecommunity will be instant hit no matter who owns the site (be it a phisher or the owner of runescapecommunity). Jagex already registered it to stop from the chance of a phisher site.

[chris1gati]

Well, JaGex Is mostly concered for scam and real world trading sites. They did add RuneHQ (or MechHQ, I should say), and I have no idea why they didn't make a tip.it/mechscape... Maybe they like us?

 

 

 

Heh. They couldn't make a tip.it/mechscape

 

 

 

Tip.it is owned by the creators of Tip.it. If the creators of Tip.it wanted to make a mechscape part of their site, then it would be up to them. Tip.it belongs to Tip.it.

 

 

 

If JAGeX wanted to, they could make a mechscape.it... but what would be the point?

 

 

 

 

 

[[Oh gosh, I hope I'm making sence... :uhh: If I'm not, and you somewhat get what I'm saying... please put it in understandable terms for everyone else. :XD: ]]

[dragon312]

Well I don't think the problems you stated are that much of a problem, why? they could make 2 totally different games and as far as I know, most people who like sci-fi games aren't attracted to middle age games and the other way around.

 

 

 

The other thing is, they could make it so, that u have to aim manually on mechscape (like swinging a sword with ur mouse) that way it is a total other game and won't drain that much players from RS2

[The Observer]

If MechScape gets introduced, all the bots will move onto there. The only problem is it will end up just like RuneScape Classic. People will choose not to switch and there will no longer be updates.

[Walk_On2]

Here's all the sites they've made so far...

 

 

 

* mechscape2.com (2005-08-24)

 

* mechscape.biz (2005-08-24)

 

* mechscapecoin.com (2006-05-15)

 

* mechscape.com (2003-12-15)

 

* mechscape.es (2006-07-12)

 

* mechscape.biz (2005-08-24)

 

* mechscape.co.uk (2003-12-16)

 

* mechscape[LikelyScam] (2006-10-04)

 

* mechscape.info (2005-08-24)

 

* mechscape.mobi (2006-09-26)

 

* mechscape.net (2003-12-16)

 

* mechscape.org (2003-12-16)

 

* mechscapecommunity.com (2006-05-15)

 

* mechscapecredit.com (2006-05-15)

 

* mechscapegold.com (2006-05-15)

 

* mechscapeguide.com (2006-05-15)

 

* mechscapehq.com (2006-05-15)

 

* mechscapeinfinite.com (2006-05-15)

 

* mechscape.info (2005-08-24)

 

* mechscapemillions.com (2006-05-15)

 

* mechscapemoderators.com (2006-05-15)

 

* mechscapeproject.com (2006-05-15)

 

* mechscaper.com (2006-05-15)

 

* mechscaperealm.com (2006-05-15)

 

* mechscapeshopping.com (2006-05-15)

 

* mechscapetrades.com (2006-05-15)

 

* mechscapetrading.com (2006-05-15)

 

* mechscape.us (2005-08-24)

 

* mechhq.com (2006-05-15)

 

All of these have been deleted though, just thought I'd give an idea of what they've been doing.

 

 

 

I just wanna see what it's like. Should be good...

[AThousandLies]

What makes you so sure it's an MMORPG?

[Death_Hippy]

there is a big problem, i saw somewhere saying the sites jagex registered regarding mechscape and looking at them, they had same names as a lot of rs fan site, is this jagex' idea of ridding all fansites?

 

You know, I've never found Jagex that smart, so probably not...anyways, this will probably be a good thing....they can broaden their horizons and possibly make a even better game. Before rs came out they has other games to...now they can make another one.

[PumpkinPete112]

OH well if MechScape steals some RS players, theres too many anyway. and then the macroers and goldfarmers can play there.

[why2060]

I'm dreading the day it comes out.I really really hope RuneScape doesn't die :(

[epeeflecher]

I'm thinking...

 

 

 

it might not be that great of a game and people just stick to RS.

[PumpkinPete112]

I'm thinking...

 

 

 

it might not be that great of a game and people just stick to RS.

 

 

 

I think its going to be good, just a diffrent kind of game than Runescape. IT will probably be a combat-only MMORPG and i think it will attract a diffrent audience than RS does.

[Dragonlordjl]

The only way this game will be good is if:

 

 

 

1) Jagex makes the majority of their updates for the high-level player base.

 

 

 

2) Jagex nixes that "higher is not better" bullcrap that holds back RS. If I spend the time getting to a high level, I do NOT want to be beaten by a lower level with far inferior stats. The same applies to skills.

 

 

 

3) Jagex actually expends some money into decent Customer Support. That is one of the biggest problems with RS.

 

 

 

4) Jagex makes the game based on skill, not luck. This ties into the "higher is not better" thing, but is a little different. Everything in RS is based on luck, from performing skill-based activities such as Agility, to drops. Skills are practically worthless for making money in RS, with the exception of Rune Crafting.

[wakka102]

I can't imagine them releasing another MMO, I think it would be a terrible idea on their part. They've already put so much time and money into the game, developing updates, hiring staff and customer support, they barely have enough bank space, server's, and customer support for the current game. Also, it would probably end up that everyone switches over to it and leaves Runescape, sort of like what happened to RSC, it gradually got smaller and smaller and now hardly anyone can/does use it. A new game would most likely loose Jagex a lot of business and be the end of Runescape.

 

 

 

Also, If it was a new MMO it would probably be done in Java again, since that is the main thing they have going for them. This would mean it would have the same limitations as RS in the number of items and strengths that can occur. Level caps would stay the same and little would change in the expanse of the game.

 

 

 

I don't think they are going to make this "Mechscape" into anything like RS is, its probably just going to be some little game they put up, not an MMO.

 

 

 

What might be neat is if it is a continuation of the RS game. RS has no set time period, maybe there will be a futuristic branch of the game? or a game similar that lets you transfer you're stats over to it sort of like between RSC and RS2, this would be sort of like RS3 accept a different game with more.

[Sharane]

What I assume MechScape will be is an action MMORPG where your character has a fully-customisable mech like on Front Mission games (Square Enix) in which different weapons actually show their different effects.

 

 

 

Then again, until we do get some news about this game it's all speculation...

 

 

 

FEAR MY DRILL-HEADED NUCLEAR MISSILES! :lol:

[Nanoha_Takamachi]

Most rs players would jump to ms to be the best/top player. i would to. :P

[jondea0]

you know they will probably make a totaly different department for mechscape and it will get a bit of funding but it will get there on its own, if is steals some players from runescape whats the problem? its like ea games make fifa 08 then they make fia streets

 

 

 

oh noes its going to steal all its player /panic

 

 

 

i really dont see peoples problem with jagex trying to make more games