If you look past 15-year old Goldshire memes you will discover a whole new dimension of content. That content is WoW RP.
So why bother with RP?
Well, first of all for immersion reasons. A server with RP in it feels more alive and “real”. Just think about it, you wander around the streets of Stormwind… What is more immersive? Player characters talking like real characters around the streets or the same NPC who repeats the same phrase every few seconds?
Secondly, some player-created narratives and adventures/stories can be far more interesting than the world quest you will complete in 5 minutes for the 20th time.
Lastly, I really believe more focus on the RP aspect of the game will do wonders for RPers and non-RPers alike. Yeah, that’s right, a non-RPer can take part in an RP session/adventure without stressing himself/herself with typing IC (In-Character) all the time. The only thing a non-RPer needs to consider is not ruining an RP event. And you never know, you can try yourself some light RP in the future if you like what you see. The majority of the RP community is doing light RP anyway.
I could write more, but I will leave it at that as I don’t want to write a mega post no one will bother reading.
If you want more info on the subject, consider watching this video. He is one of the best YouTubers when it comes to RP related content in WoW.
P.S.: I know some players will never bother with Role playing. However, I am sure there are some players out there who don’t know what WoW RP is really about.
Thank you for this Vomlir
Although I have been a staunch RP fan for a lot of years, especially table top such as Vampire the Masquerade and Shadow Run, I have yet to seriously try RP in Azeroth, with others I might add.
Let me clarify, narratively speaking I am always thinking and creating based around my many characters and their place in the world. Not the lofty heights the game narrative would have you identify me with, but the simple Hunter, her goals and overall place in this sprawling world.
Just recently I have been roleplaying just myself, some people join in at time, and often I get a giggle, but it’s still something that I like.
However I wish Blizzard would invest more thought into the RP elements of the game. First and foremost housing, it just seems illogical given the huge role they expect each individual to play I am basically homeless. Even the garrison I command doesn’t even have a bed for me…really, let alone a room. I suppose I just never sleep…
What’s more, Housing done using the same level of customisation as WildStar, but given
a boost by Blizzards talent and flair would allow those who like to create but also those who like to RP to create their own sets, their own environments and if open to the public could create organic and multi-faceted game events.
I hear how the world feels empty, but that’s because while you have players whom are only interested in end game progression, I know that there are a lot of others that would probably enjoy hanging out in a bustling scene, even if its just to watch and be entertained. We just need a reason to congregate!!
It will probably take a while, but I truly think it’s coming as games are having to adapt to a lot of different mindsets now, many diversities of players with multiple interests. I think there is room for us all, I really do!!
I had an attempt at role playing with a military style guild back when Sylvanas was still in power. Quite an awesome experience.
The only role play I was ever interested in was the angry, bitter Forsaken who’s only purpose was to server the Queen. Well I guess that didn’t age well.
Thank you for your kind words. At this point I need to clarify I have barely done any RP in WoW myself. I have played some DnD and Pathfinder myself with friends IRL.
My first RP experience in WoW was during faction invasions in BFA. I joined a group to complete some world quests and to my surprise it was a group of roleplayers. We played the game normally, we completed the quests and did some wPvP. But, everyone was speaking in character. That tiny detail really added to my immersion and made the whole world quest procedure more enjoyable.
To my disappointment though WoW doesn’t do enough to support RP and this is why I never bothered again for a while. Untill… I found out about TRP 3. This is really what every RPer would be really asking for. If Blizzard ever adds even half its features in the game, RP is going to explode IMO.
Nothing wrong with the “lofty heights” the game would have you identify with IMHO. The beauty of RPing is that you can alter that. For example, a DeathKnight could just be a member of the Ebon Blade, not the Deathlord himself. After all, during Legion even the game itself, – while it named the DK player “Deathlord” --, it wanted you to pretend that is not the case for the rest of the DK players who were roaming around the class hall. (Btw, the class hall idea was so good).
I have done the same since I am not playing in an RP realm (at least for the moment). If Blizz gave me the tools to create and share my own campaign though I would definitely do it. Sometimes people want to have fun by being part of a story without expecting to get rewarded with some irrelevant gear at the end.
Funny thing is even non-RPers have been asking for player housing fir a while now. This is one of the many cases where the demands of the RP community can be beneficial to non-RPers as well.
Totally agree! And I want to clarify I am not advocating for the removal of solo content. Solo content has saved the MMORPG genre after all. I just would just love it if the game encouraged optional socialization somehow. Rewarding novel temporary buffs to people who stay a while and talk to each other, is a good way to encourage taht behaviour without making it mandatory.
It will certainly take a while, but I think eventually we will see even more RP elements in the game. The new zones are full of RP potential after all. Roleplaying games in general got a lot more popular the recent years, Blizz should capitalize on that.
You are more than welcome my friend.
As far as I am aware the Moon Guard equivalent in EU is the server Argent Dawn.
Sadly, I am not in that server yet so I cannot vouch for their activity. I made a trial character, entered Argent Dawn and asked around. People were telling me they did some RP events and RP within guilds is common.
I think that WoW has never really tried to supply the RPG content in MMORPG. It’s the same basic loop of gear and grind for many years and it hasn’t changed in my opinion. I’d love to see proper player housing and the ability to furnish it with crafted items and the ability to do all of the crafting professions on 1 character would be amazing and bring it more up to date. Also mini meaningful games to play in your home or an inn? Why aren’t we playing Hearthstone in WoW? Why isn’t inscription crafting card gaming items? Why don’t we have a woodworking profession that crafts housing items and gaming boards/pieces? Why don’t we have some kind of well thought out race in Tenaris? Why don’t we have gaming hubs in Orgrimmar and Ironforge ran by goblins/gnomes?
I’ve never felt that WoW is a competent at supplying rpg content and any/all rpg is self made within the very limited box that is WoW.
The only game I’ve felt is immersive is New World but that’s because it does feel extremely realistic and you have a real connection with the space around you. Dense trees make you feel claustrophobic, open areas feel massive! The sounds are spot on and realistic. The sight and sound of trees falling when you chop them down or the sound of ores when you mine them…. It all feels very real. In WoW everything just feels like something to click on and nothing more. Even with the new expansion I’m expecting it to feel very dated to be honest. I do hope that I’m wrong but I don’t think I will be.
AD does have a larger alliance playerbase but RP can be found within both factions. If you’re interested I’d recommend looking through the Argent Dawn server forum.
RP servers definately feel better than normal servers. It really is cool to come across a big RP event and to wander the streets of Stormwind with all the RP going on. I know people who dont RP but solely play on AD purely for how alive the cities feel.
If you want to get into RP there are a fair few beginner guilds that can help and i am sure many of the others would be happy to also show you the ropes.
your right op it’s not its a bunch of creepers as my short stay on AD taught me though for the record the horde was mostly normal people the real wierdos was on the alliance side
There’s absolutely more Alliance than Horde, but don’t let that deter you — there are still plenty of Horde roleplay guilds on AD that might be to your liking. Check the realm forums like Palivar mentioned.
though for the record the horde was mostly normal people the real wierdos was on the alliance side