[MUD-Dev] Affecting the world

[Jon A. Lambert]

On 17 Sep 97 at 14:27, Nathan Yospe wrote:
> 
> We've been dealing with four elements lately: group dynamics, methods of
> play/advancement toward goals, social dynamics, and world dynamics. As far
> as I can tell, S/HnS is zero GD, combat-oriented goals, unspecified SD, 
> and generally minimal WD.

Would this be a good way to analyze a given feature or function
as opposed to the game in general?
Assuming it might, I'll lump in my earlier mechanics into the
areas you identified and also include an area we have considered a 
given.

1) Individual Dynamics - ID
2) Group Dynamics - GD  
3) Social Dynamics - SD
4) World Dynamics - WD
5) Play Dynamics - PD

The first four I think can be represented as scalars like a simple 
numeric scale from say (0-5) or unspecified/unknown.  The last one, 
which I called Play simply to make a distinguishable abbreviation, 
refers to methods of play/advancement towards goals can be viewed as 
both a scalar quantity linked to a specific method of goal 
achievement.

What specific types of PD are there?
Here are a few guesses. 

1) Combat
2) Quest
3) Puzzle-solving 
4) Adventuring
5) Knowledge (research/training/skill improvement)
6) Role-play/Acting
7) Resource management (aquisition/wealth)
8) Player managment (diplomacy/leadership)
9) Building/Creation

I assume "fun" to be implicit to any of these play styles YMMV.
Any others?

OK, now an example feature with some questionable ratings: 

Let's say you are considering implementing a global chat channel
with no limitations on it's use.

ID-0, GD-3, SD-5, WD-unk., PD-(2,roleplay; 5,player mgmt.) 

It's likely to not add anything to solo-play, it facilitates group 
interaction or cooperation, the social values are very high, the 
effects on the world may be negligible or dramatic depending on other 
unknown factors, those pursueing goals of roleplay and influencing 
players would have additional means to effect their goals. I ranked
RP effects lower since in many cases it is conducted on a local 
scale/stage, although there are exceptions.

Is this useful or not?

--
Jon A. Lambert

If I'd known it was harmless, I would have killed it myself.