Inspired by this thread:
http://forums.graalonline.com/forums....php?p=1500096
Era has a pretty decent player count these days but I can assure you that it could be higher. New players lose interest in the server if they don't know what to do upon logging on.
Put yourself into their shoes. You just downloaded Graal and Era happens to be the server with the highest player count so you connect. You are instantly thrown into the game without the slightest idea of what to do or where to go. Maybe the weapon shop sign catches your eye so you walk into the store to see what you can purchase, only to realize you don't have any money. Then what? Depending on how eager you are, you may wander around to find an area to make money but I'm sure after a while you'd give up and log off.
Think about how many possible frequent Era players we are losing because of this. The average player count will rise if newbies are guided into the game.
I have a few ideas that could help fix this issue.
Newbie course.
A series of levels that are separate from Era's gmap should be made for the purpose of teaching new players the controls along with certain aspects of the game.
Have the tutorial teach the following:
- The controls such as equipping an item, opening up the inventory, dropping and picking up items, etc.
- Each section of the GUI.
- Buying items.
- Picking and recycling trash.
- Picking flowers and making bouquets.
- Mining rocks and processing them.
- Chopping down trees.
- The dangers of PK zones.
- The concept of gangs and businesses.
Beginning quest.
Before exiting the tutorial, the NPC that guides you through should tell you something like, "See my friend Frankie after you reach the main island and he will help you get started." The quest could be simple tasks such as talking to other NPCs around the map this way the player will get familiar with certain key locations such as the hospital, flower shop, seashell shack, etc.
Upon finishing the quest you will be rewarded with an uzi and 25 boxes of ammo. This will keep the new player entertained for a while and will make him or her want to log back onto the server and play more, I guarantee it.
GPS.
This is a modern server. It would be cool if the map was turned into a GPS interface. You could select from preset locations which would then activate an arrow on screen to guide you to the location. Lets say you learned how to dig shells in the tutorial but upon finishing you don't know where the seashell shack is. Press M, select "seashell shack" and you are then guided to your location.
You could also implement your own way points if you wanted to be guided to a location that isn't listed as a preset. This would be convenient so you don't have to constantly check the map to see where you're going.
These 3 things will help new players get into the game. A tutorial and beginning quest will increase the amount of time a new player spends on the server from 5 minutes to up to an hour before logging off.
If you have any other ideas or want to build upon mine, please post.
06-18-2009, 12:21 AM
Hybrid Mode
