Roleplaying and MMORPGs (PlaneShift)

[CheatCat]

It seems that PlaneShift is one of the few really REALLY free MMORPGS. No payment are required for anything at all. PlaneShift are a pretty advanced game as well compared to the other really REALLY free games. Dual wielding, magic, quests, inventory management, character outfitting (armor), races, skills, crafting and much more. Almost as in a subscription MMORPG game. And the best of all, PlaneShift are open source and that is the only MMORPG that is that, I think. Maybe there are more but it does not matter.

Also I have not find any game that relay so hard on role playing as PlaneShift do. I have played MMORPGs that have "roleplaying" and very few roleplay at all. You are required to have a name on your character that is a name one would have in that world and for joining a guild (optimal) you are required to play your role and submit a story about your character. That is about it. In planeshift your are not required to roleplay, but as I understand if you want to tell anyone anything you have to stay in character. There seem not be some kind of Out Of Character (OOC) channel where people can talk with each other locally or globally as I understand, correct me if I am wrong. Also even if you do not choose to roleplay you have to follow the role players rules or be banned.

Everyone, obviously, seem to enjoy that kind of play except me. If you do not like it, well play another game that have an monthly expensive subscription where special item cost real money. What is wrong with me? Why cant I enjoy this kind of role play game? Or why cant I be rich enough to play another payforeveryting game? (Just kidding)

I do not question the decision to took the non roleplay game server down. After all, it only had a few players anyway. I do not think that the main server should be changed in any way either. And after all even if I would think that, well nobody else would agree. Planeshift have something unique I think, every MMORPG are the same but PlaneShift have some interesting elements that I do not see in the mainstream games. I just asking, is the only real deal the role playing part in the game. Is that the reason that you play this game?

[Zalya]

To answer your question, I personally play for the roleplay. I don't like the skill system, or the stats or combat. The community is what really draws me in. I love the roleplay aspect and I could never ever play in the non RP server. Other games just don't have the depth and great people Planeshift does. I used to play WoW and the first person I saw in an RP server was named "OhioState" In Planeshift the players, and GMs care about that. Maybe its just me but the RP is what brings it all together.

Oh, and there are OOC channels. There is of course the gossip channel, and depending on who you are talking too, there are also whisper channels that can be OOC and most guild chats are OOC.

[LigH]

We had a second server where roleplaying was optional, where reckless powerlevelling and PvP combat was possible, as well as a more loose naming convention.

This server was just revoked from public access because hardly any players used it. I believe that tells an own story about the PlaneShift community.

[Adash]

Illarion is a 2D isometric version online game that also has a great Role Playing System.

[bilbous]

You don't have to role play in PS, plenty of people go about their business without such interaction when it suits them. You should respect the main chat rules about in-character dialog but you are also free to never use the main channel. Most people come around to role play if they do not leave because there is only so much fun you can have using the game mechanics after which similarities between the things you can do starts to pale. Then again, the same goes for gaming in general. After a while interest tends to fade.

[Volki]

You don't have to roleplay. You can be one of the many dialogue-less NPCs that also inhabit other RPGs. :D

[Cairn]

Pretty straightforward - you don't pick a FPS to trade cards. PlaneShift's server is currently designated as an RP-based server, so that's what you should be expecting. I understand your concerns on all points, however, but if you'd like to stick around then you can at least try out the RP. Who knows, you might really like it 

[verden]

Considering the OP was 2011, I don't think they stuck around.