Musings from a writer and a developer.

[Linchpin]

In relation to Defiance, other players that immerse themselves in the world of Defiance and see a gap in what it offers, or, feel that there's so much more it can achieve is motivation enough for them to log into the forums and serve up their views, but would it be enough for player to learn how to grasp code and leave their own mark within Trion's offering?
I mean to say - will players' individual drive to want items or features or aspects in games they love encourage them gain an education in gaming/coding and secure employment in gaming companies and make their dreams come true? I was inspired. Maybe you can be, too.

[SymbolicGamer]

Okay, whatever you say Pinocchio.

[Remag Div]

Good job ruining Mass Effect, ***.

[Notturno]

Okay, whatever you say Pinocchio.

Agreed, there's no way someone with this level of communication ability worked in a professional industry.

I think what he's trying to say, or at least what I've deciphered from that last monumental run-on sentence, is that players should actually contribute to the development of the game. It's a ridiculous suggestion for a few reasons:

• We are customers, it is not our business to be working a second job if we are paying for a service.
• This game is an MMOG, meaning allowing players to access the server code would allow for private servers. Trion simply would not do that with their current business model.
• This game does not support modding because everyone connects to the same game server. If someone wanted to make a Star Wars mod for Defiance, then that means everyone or no one uses it. This game was not built with modding in mind.
• Allowing amateur programmers to work on the game would just introduce more headaches and problems than there already are within the game.

Point being, volunteer programming isn't even a remotely feasible idea. If this person actually worked in the gaming industry, they would be able to understand the difference between publicly hosted multiplayer servers and MMOG architecture.

[Linchpin]

Agreed, there's no way someone with this level of communication ability worked in a professional industry.

I think what he's trying to say, or at least what I've deciphered from that last monumental run-on sentence, is that players should actually contribute to the development of the game. It's a ridiculous suggestion for a few reasons:

• We are customers, it is not our business to be working a second job if we are paying for a service.
• This game is an MMOG, meaning allowing players to access the server code would allow for private servers. Trion simply would not do that with their current business model.
• This game does not support modding because everyone connects to the same game server. If someone wanted to make a Star Wars mod for Defiance, then that means everyone or no one uses it. This game was not built with modding in mind.
• Allowing amateur programmers to work on the game would just introduce more headaches and problems than there already are within the game.

Point being, volunteer programming isn't even a remotely feasible idea. If this person actually worked in the gaming industry, they would be able to understand the difference between publicly hosted multiplayer servers and MMOG architecture.

Sigh. That wasn't my intent at all. Do I really need to spell it out for you? Do I need to talk slower, as well? Wow, you misunderstood, and not just a little - but A LOT. OR maybe it's my fault for thinking that you were smart enough to comprehend my meaning.

[Linchpin]

Okay, now that I've had a moment to calm down and rethink my response, let me first apologize, Notturno. I cannot fault you for misunderstanding me to a large extent. It annoys me greatly, but I digress.

I, in no way, meant for the customers to involve themselves in MODDING Defiance, or allowing amateur programmers or volunteer programming to even remotely touch Trion's Defiance. NOT AT ALL!

I meant for those wishing to make a mark in the gaming industry because they love it so much and want to see their ideas come to fruition, they would learn coding and what it is to be a developer, become FULLY qualified (!!!) and eventually GAIN EMPLOYMENT in ANY PROFESSIONAL GAMING COMPANY (not just Trion) and embark on a career where the only limitation is one's imagination.

THEY WOULD WORK UNDER COMPLETE DIRECTION OF THEIR EMPLOYER. None of what Notturno said in his response to my post. With my sentiments written, I hope what I've said is much clearer. In regards to the words in capitals letters, I guess that part goes without saying, but I didn't want to assume anything, especially with Notturno's comprehension skills. I apologize for the capitals but I honestly thought I would be understood.

[Nyako]

If your job is as mine is, Original Poster, which for all members (volunteer, intern, staff, whatever) were not to talk about the game we were working on or about the community for that game, or even our GM/Admin actions taken. This is true for the last 2 games I've worked on, to the point that even I can't mention their names nor anything about the game community or anything.

It makes me wonder if you even worked with the company since you both named the company and the game, and even claim to name a situation about the development of the game. You do realize that you just broke pretty much all companies out there policy about no disclosure of anything related to development of the game and actions taken by management and/or GMs. I've came close to breaking this, but I always just use an example that is not game specific. Just be careful.

[Linchpin]

If your job is as mine is, Original Poster, which for all members (volunteer, intern, staff, whatever) were not to talk about the game we were working on or about the community for that game, or even our GM/Admin actions taken. This is true for the last 2 games I've worked on, to the point that even I can't mention their names nor anything about the game community or anything.

It makes me wonder if you even worked with the company since you both named the company and the game, and even claim to name a situation about the development of the game. You do realize that you just broke pretty much all companies out there policy about no disclosure of anything related to development of the game and actions taken by management and/or GMs. I've came close to breaking this, but I always just use an example that is not game specific. Just be careful.

Hey, I know you - you wrote about crossbows and bows and arrows, even submitting links regarding how the military is still employing these weapons.

I understand what you are saying, Nyako, and you are right. It's been a while since I was employed by them and I didn't think before I wrote this. Guess I was lost in my thoughts, like usual.

[SymbolicGamer]

Agreed, there's no way someone with this level of communication ability worked in a professional industry

You never know. He could have been BioWare's custodian.

[Nyako]

Linchpin try to maintain a professional image and be careful that you don't break company policies.

You do realize this Linchpin, if you are trying to help people that are looking to get into the game design, game development, game A.I. development, etc., then provide them with advice without breaking what those that are professional developers know as being company secrets and policies. In no way will I ever mention the names of the games I've helped out/worked on, no names or player IDs of people that I met or had anything to do with them, the actions I've done in my time at those companies, etc. I will admit that I acted in a volunteer role at both companies (one because I played it and was able to prove my talent with A.I. development and weapon content creation; the other because a person that knew my boss, and knew that I could solve their company's issue asked for my help). I can't go into more detail.

Advice is this, keep doing what you're good at (graphic design, A.I. development, content development, etc.) and get some experience in open source games. Then you can use those means to help you land a gaming industry job. Although, it does help to know people already working at the companies that are willing to speak up for you in order to land those types of jobs. Just saying, a word from the wise... (people wiser than me... lol).