Role-play (sim) or, Simulator/Role-play

[returner]

Let me say one thing clearly before you vote:
Increasing simulation by no means reduces role-play. Sure, there are ways to increase simulation which would ruin role-play, but it certainly does not have to be this way and anyone in support of sim and RP is not going to favour either more.

So now let me pose the question..
Bearing in mind that this is your personal opinion, not what you observe as a trend or anything.

Would you like to see Cantr put more focus on the Simulation of a Society, with NO sacrifice to Role-Play?

simulation elements*
To explain the asterix, my interpretation of simulation elements are
- Fluid environment: Forests aren't unlimited, but can grow back.. Food, like potatoes, grows faster in particular seasons and can be planted elsewhere if the conditions are right
- Weather: rain, storms, disasters
- More support for society-enhancing elements such as support for monetary systems to WORK
- Support for the integration of towns through new player interfaces
- Reprogramming of animal actions/interactions
- Redesign of map


By the way, my motivation for making this poll comes from a desire to understand what Cantr players feel about furthering Jos' original goal of having a simulation-orientated game.

Cheers all.

[SekoETC]

There might be people who want less roleplay and more simulation, just saying.

[Doug R.]

There might be people who want less roleplay and more simulation, just saying.

Yugo.

[returner]

There might be people who want less roleplay and more simulation, just saying.

They're not welcome to vote!!!!

Jokes. If anyone is truly of this view (and they're playing Cantr? ), post in this thread and I'll make another option.

Yugo.

[Indigo]

I think that "simulation" stuff actually could enhance the RP experience.... Just my opinion.

[returner]

I think that "simulation" stuff actually could enhance the RP experience.... Just my opinion.

Absolutely, that's the point I'm trying to get across.

How?

It creates a plethora of new features, and gives characters more to work with.

Some people are fearful of simulation and I endeavour to help them see otherwise.

What's better, is that the people who would implement simulation are generally staff who love RP.. so, we would not see a weakening of RP.

[SekoETC]

The features would just have to be designed so that they actually mattered. If weather doesn't cause health risks or reduce productivity, people will soon get bored of taking it into account in their rp, especially if it changes several times a day so that if someone at hour 0 says hey it's raining, by the time someone else logs in at hour 4, it'll be nice and sunny. So it would also have to take the slow-paced game aspect into account. There has been talk of making some areas hotter and some colder, and giving clothing protective values, but it should be ensured that people will actually be able to produce some sort of clothes with nearby resources, unless they're living in some impossible place like a desert, mountain, tundra or swamp.

[returner]

Exactly.. And I think you once suggested a massive overhaul of the system, which would create a focus on the Cantrian's wellbeing.. This is very nitty-gritty and can quickly become frustrating if one has to care for 15 character's needs/wants.. of course, it could also be implemented very well and actually work. Bringing this up takes us to my next point...

I should mention that when I speak of simulation, I speak in macro terms, not micro. So I'm not talking about a Sim like the game called 'The Sims', but rather referring to 1) the environment, 2) the interface (it is possible to implement things in the interface to assist town leaders etc, ie management roles, without ruining the game or giving advantage to characters) and 3) interconnectedness of characters (low level), towns (medium level) and continents/islands (high level).

One of the most critical implementations is a less-ugly, less-cluttered update to the current List of Buildings and Vehicles we see. This is a 'simulation' suggestion, I think myself or someone else raised this idea and it was greeted with open arms.. The idea was basically to create several 'plots' of land, so we could visually see the arrangement of buildings.. much easier to locate buildings that way, and just a prime example of how it benefits roleplay too.

Of course, it's all very nice to think of this, but without proper programming support, it's nearly impossible to even consider this ever being a reality.

[returner]

If it would actually be considered, I would love to team up with someone on the forums who shares similar views with me to write some kind of detailed draft/proposal for a massive overhaul of the current system, to have a stronger focus on simulation, without any damage to roleplay.. I think it's essential if Cantr wants to keep up in the market. We already can see that Cantr is reaching a point where role-play is all that's left, and role-play -will- get boring even for the most dedicated of players after a couple of years.

I really, really love Cantr, and I strongly believe it has so much more potential. That's why I'm really pushing to enlighten people to the alternatives available, which will not only increase enjoyment from the game but perhaps attract new players, and bring back famous old players. So much benefit can be had..

[Miri]

I see no option for me here... I want more of both but as the RP can be easily (?) improved by the players themselves, and the simulation needs staff involved I'll go for the first.

[returner]

I see no option for me here... I want more of both but as the RP can be easily (?) improved by the players themselves, and the simulation needs staff involved I'll go for the first.

Well, lol, the question isn't about players improving their RP haha.. but you're right, I probably should have added "or improve" to the end of the first answer.

[Genie]

Don't harm my cantr

[returner]

Don't harm my cantr

Elaborate..?

[Cdls]

If simulation allows me to build a nuke and end Doryiskom, then I am all for it.

There might be people who want less roleplay and more simulation, just saying.

Yugo.

I would like to simulate ending Yugo as well.


Now, joking aside, I am all for more simulation as long as it does nothing to detract from RP. I am also of the mindset that certain elements simulated would increase the chance of RP. Things such as weather, resources becoming scarce as they are harvested and so on. (Nuking Dory would provide X100 RP btw )

[Drael]

Would be great if professions like farmer, or crafter were more interesting to play. I think custom descriptions for items would help with that, as would more simulation elements (like your proposal for things like potatoes.....one could add in fertilizers, and fertilising crops as well and auto-water systems). custom descriptions for items would also solve to whole "art/statues etc" suggestion too. Workable money would also help alot to generate businesses.

I think personally, more diversity/interest in those professions would add alot to society simulation......towns should be full of tailors, doctors, table-makers etc....

But back OT,

im totally for this yes. The sim elements/enviroment etc are what you often RP with. The more fun, interesting things like that we have, the more fun the game.