[MUD-Dev2] [DESIGN] Newbie Player Retention

[Nicholas Koranda]

Based on my own experiences and what I have read others say, I have a
theory that a player is much more likely to stick with an online game if
that player has one of the following:

1) A fellow friend who shows them the ropes of the game and/or gives
them stuff to start out
2) Meets someone in the game shortly after starting who does the what a
friend does in #1

Does anyone know of statistics or studies on player retention for those
that have a friend in game already or meet someone that helps them
shortly after starting versus going it alone?  I would be real
interested to see that information.

If that theory is correct, I would be wondering why game designers are
not putting systems in place to achieve this, such as rewards for
veteran players who help newbies, or guilds with similar purposes.  It
could do a great deal of good towards retaining players.