Instancing in Online Gaming

Essential Timing · 11-30-2005, 09:28 AM

Well I am glad Brad doesn't agree to it =p. Man I do hope this game is challenging.

Pirotess · 11-30-2005, 10:06 AM

Me too but I hope they can pull it off in a non tediious fashion. Thats really the crux of the situation. Its a thin like to walk but we shall see!

Aredhel · 11-30-2005, 02:50 PM

The ONLY time I've liked instancing, really, is when I'm playing alone. A lot of times, it's cuz I'm just in the mood that I don't want to deal with others, but need to have some fun and not be bothered. GW is good for me in that way! But in a game like this, let's keep the world a real world with all the good and bad that comes with it!

Siencyn · 12-01-2005, 11:56 AM

Meh, I have read the articles and responses on the vanguard site and I still think that instancing done right would work even in Vanguard.

World events, random rare spawn dungeons (ie. a hole in the side of a mountain, a sliding random bookcase in an old keep) would make the world more immersive.

I do agree that static instancing as it has been done, with all it's good intent, just does not work.

Gotty · 12-01-2005, 06:38 PM

For me, instancing has had very little appeal.

Within EQ1 they have made nearly, if not all, instanced zones accessible by groups only. That leaves the casual solo player unable to experience the zones. Within EQ2 they have addressed this issue and solo players are able to enter the zones and have an enjoyable time - similarly with DAoC. However, I feel that instanced zones have a very distinct feeling of isolation which robs the player of that important 'immersion' in the game world. Yes, it removes the issue of camping a specific mob as everyone can have his or her own mob to fight but the cost to 'believablity' is severe. With a game world that promises to have a rich environment I feel that there is no need for instanced zones.

Just my 2cp worth

Greymain · 12-01-2005, 06:51 PM

I look on instancing as just another tool in the designers tool kit. It is how the tool is used that is good or bad not the tool its self.

I could think of a zillion ways to use instances, some terrible, some would improve immersion. One thief sneaking into a castle flitting from shadow to shadow to avoid being detected by the guards is exciting. 150 thieves trying to do the same thing at the same time is just stupid, especially if they have to queue up to kill the key dropping guard at the end of the corridor. In reality no-one would flit, there would be no tension, just a mad race to be first at the guard with any resistance en-route totally overwhelmed.

Just because Vanguard is group orientated does not mean that I must cease to exist as an individual!. A Hero is a single person not a group.

Nunda · 12-02-2005, 11:13 AM

I agree with Greymain,

It can be used to enhance the game or detract. Depends on how its used.

Sho Pi · 12-03-2005, 05:46 AM

I’m against instancing in such a large world like Vanguard. I can understand why there is instancing in EQ2 because the world is so tiny that if the dev’s did not do it, then the zones will be too over crowded.(and the lag would be bad)

The AES encounter system is the way to go for special/epic quests.

Only time I might not mind instancing in Vanguard might be the interior of my home as I wouldn’t like the idea of someone being able to look inside or break in.

Nabren · 02-01-2006, 04:56 PM

I wouldn't mind having a few things instanced like class quests and REQUIRED content, but the rest of the game, especially dungeons, I don't want instanced in any way.

Aegis · 02-01-2006, 05:18 PM

Its been pretty much laid-out that there won't be any "required" content, and one could get to cap level in any sphere without so much as partying at all, nor doing any quests. In that respect, you have nothing to worry about, so be happy, and rejoice at the lack of instances!

/me loathes instances.