To Reward or Not to Reward? How to Create a Positive Community in an MMO World

Speakers: Jack Emmert

Track: Game Design

Format: Lecture

Experience Level: All

Description: What encourages altruistic behavior in gamers? Socializing and "playing well with others" is vital to a massively multiplayer game, but all current online games are trapped in a model of rewarding achievement rather than socialization. Because the MMO experience is deeply hinged in community-building, game designers must leap beyond quests and raids, and find ways to reinforce positive communal gaming behavior. Co-founder of Cryptic Entertainment and lead designer of the hit MMO titles "City of Heroes" and "City of Villains," Jack Emmert evaluates reward systems for current massively multiplayer titles and discusses possible solutions to acknowledge the player who goes beyond call of duty to create a positive gaming experience for their guild or group.

Idea Takeaway: Attendees better understand what motivates players in games, as well as new ideas on rewarding positive player behavior in an online community.

Intended Audience: This lecture is intended for parties in game development and anyone interested in creating online games with a strong community component.