Downplaying future theme so that...

Stardouser · 2012-04-11, 08:09 AM

As I've mentioned, a lot of the people I see throughout the Battlefield community get giddy when told about PS2 and the huge game world, and often, they come back sad saying "future theme" after they look at screenshots. A good chunk of BF players won't even try 2142.

Now, the game IS future theme, nothing can be done about that. But perhaps this could be downplayed? Perhaps some of you who are good at making comparison videos or screenshot montages would be interested in putting something together that emphasizes the non-futuristic aspects? ie, guns still fire bullets. And one thing that impresses me is that at least visually, what we've seen of tanks looks a lot more BF-ish than PS1.

Unfortunately, some things have to simply be avoided, for example, the buildings - none of those look like modern buildings.

Anyway, I know this might not really be possible to do until open beta, but it's something to think about.

Bazilx · 2012-04-11, 08:25 AM

Originally Posted by Stardouser

a lot of the people I see throughout the Battlefield community get giddy when told about PS2 and the huge game world, and often, they come back sad saying "future theme"

We don't want them.

TheRagingGerbil · 2012-04-11, 08:27 AM

2142 was brilliant, PS2 is even more brilliant. Your friends loss.

Bittermen · 2012-04-11, 11:48 AM

Originally Posted by TheRagingGerbil

2142 was brilliant, PS2 is even more brilliant. Your friends loss.

Exactly.

Big NO to this idea.

If these people cannot except the diegesis they are put in... Then they shouldn't be playing this game. The barrier to entry is NOTHING(except maybe PC specs). There is no reason NOT to try this game. Downplaying Sci-Fi elements would benefit no-one.

Sardus · 2012-04-11, 02:18 PM

Originally Posted by TheRagingGerbil

2142 was brilliant, PS2 is even more brilliant. Your friends loss.

My feelings exactly. That was the best one they ever made.

Eighm · 2012-04-11, 09:19 AM

Originally Posted by Bazilx

We don't want them.

Not to sound like an ass, but I agree with this. If they're not open to a future setting why would we want them playing a game set in the future? I for one don't see what the problem is with a future setting full of made-up tech. One can only fire virtual M4s and AKs before everything starts to look and play the same.

kaffis · 2012-04-11, 01:23 PM

Originally Posted by Eighm

I for one don't see what the problem is with a future setting full of made-up tech.

You can't pretend your awesome K/D ratio translates to being leetly SWAT skilled in real life, ready to handle and fire any weapon you come across in a combat situation.

Eighm · 2012-04-11, 04:30 PM

Originally Posted by kaffis

You can't pretend your awesome K/D ratio translates to being leetly SWAT skilled in real life, ready to handle and fire any weapon you come across in a combat situation.

Wha?

Felkine · 2012-04-11, 04:47 PM

Why do you even pay attention to these people? Do we lack players or something, i just don't get it. You are indirectly saying to us to trick these "bf players" into playing PS2. I mean who gives a f**k about them, they can play whatever they want, if we want to play PS it doesn't mean that the whole world wants to. This game will be free as far as we know, and anyone will be more then welcome to try it out, but to waste time and go to bf forums to try to make them play its just plain stupid.

Destroyeron · 2012-04-11, 02:19 PM

Originally Posted by Bazilx

We don't want them.

^

Vancha · 2012-04-11, 08:28 AM

As I asked in the other thread, would these people be happy with any modern-theme? An alternate-universe modernity? Or do they simply refuse to expand their horizons beyond MMS games?

I suppose what I'm asking is, is there a rational basis behind their discrimination, or are they just being ridiculous?

Stardouser · 2012-04-11, 11:28 AM

Originally Posted by Vancha

As I asked in the other thread, would these people be happy with any modern-theme? An alternate-universe modernity? Or do they simply refuse to expand their horizons beyond MMS games?

I suppose what I'm asking is, is there a rational basis behind their discrimination, or are they just being ridiculous?

I don't yet understand your inquiry...do you mean, for example, would these people play an MMO RPG if it were modern themed? That I can't say for sure. I can say that most people who I encounter while playing shooters speak pejoratively of MMORPGs, though.

I assume they prefer both shooters AND non-fantasy, non-future theme.

Neksar · 2012-04-11, 11:33 AM

While I see your point, I still don't think Planetside 2 needs to downplay itself as a sci-fi shooter. I mean, if their primary goal is to draw in the Battlefield crowd, which I don't think it is despite it being a secondary goal, then that'd be fine. Because it isn't a primary goal, though, they shouldn't compromise their vision of the game just to pander to a specific audience.

As an aside, I think the reason your question hasn't been so well-received is because you're basically saying, "Should they change the game in this direction in order to cater to the modern shooter crowd?"

That's heresy 'round these parts.

Stardouser · 2012-04-11, 11:35 AM

Originally Posted by Neksar

While I see your point, I still don't think Planetside 2 needs to downplay itself as a sci-fi shooter. I mean, if their primary goal is to draw in the Battlefield crowd, which I don't think it is despite it being a secondary goal, then that'd be fine. Because it isn't a primary goal, though, they shouldn't compromise their vision of the game just to pander to a specific audience.

As an aside, I think the reason your question hasn't been so well-received is because you're basically saying, "Should they change the game in this direction in order to cater to the modern shooter crowd?"

That's heresy 'round these parts.

That's exactly why I used the word "downplay". What I mean is in no way a suggestion to change the game in any way, but simply to emphasize to potential players that, yes, sure, we're fighting for bio-domes, but the guns still fire bullets. And I specifically talk about bullets because "OMG lazers?" is one of the things people say. And I tell them I haven't seen any lasers...

If someone could put together a good screenshot montage and a small write-up I would love to post this on some BF forums in an effort to get an even better feel for why they say these things.

Trolltaxi · 2012-04-11, 11:46 AM

Originally Posted by Bazilx

We don't want them.

Originally Posted by TheRagingGerbil

2142 was brilliant, PS2 is even more brilliant. Your friends loss.

Originally Posted by Felkine

If people don't like the future theme then they shouldn't play this game, its simple as that. There are shitload of games with ww2, cold war, modern day themes. Why would somebody make video that points out the "non-future" stuff, just to get some BF fanboys in game. And have you ever asked yourself that people played PS1 maybe because it was future themed?
Like some people said before me, we don't need those people.Enough compromises were already made to suit bf players.

I wouldn't beg anyone to give a try to PS2 just because they have some anti-bias with the sci-fi theme... but there is no need to build such a rude attitude towards them either.

Who would like to play a game with lots of players, skill-based, team-based, persistant world - with a Hello Kitty setting? Or My Little Pony? Or with a High School Musical background?

This may be an important aspect that SOE needs to consider. And if they manage to address this and manage to attract these people into the game... it is our win. We have more cannon fodders, we have more epic battles!

So give up this "elitism" and try to be constructive... Ringring mentioned that everything resembles WWII or Cold War era technics (or even less, I'd add), others emphasised on gameplay elements. Stardouser needs arguments to convince his buddies - and he has already mentioned something about a welcoming and mature playerbase (correct me if I'm wrong mate!) that they will find in Planetside. Live up to it men!