-- BEGIN: Introduction by Vexon The lights go up and Vexon steops forward to the podium smiling. Brody golf claps. Crossbow cheers wildly. Colchek ketchup bottle claps. Vexon says, "Hello and welcome to this year's Innovations in Text-Based Gaming Conference." Vexon says, "This is my second year coordinating the conference, and I'm very pleased to say our line-up this afternoon is as good, if not better, than in past years." Vexon pauses for a minute. Vexon continues, "But, before you go off to see the presenters, a little history.." Vexon says, "Three years ago, right around this time of year, a wizard named Matt and a PennMUSH developer named Talek put together the first of these conferences. Since then, a similar one has gone on every year. Let me get a little round of applause to the 'fathers' of ITBG." Crossbow applauds. China grins, and applauds. Arathas claps. Codex clap Codex remebers the s Arathas says, "The s?" Brody cheers Balerion applauds. "Woo." Vexon grins, "Alright, now, just a few last-second notices:" Vexon says, "One speech has been added to the lineup.. check the schedule in the lobby and backstage (for presenters) to find out more. Halls and times may have changed slightly, so beware." Vexon pauses for a beat and then declares, " Vexon says, "Let the learning begin." Brody claps Vexon steps down from the stage. Crossbow applauds. China applauds. Codex applauds with gusto. -- END: Introduction by Vexon -- -- BEGIN: Storylines & Keeping Players by Brody -- Vexon smiles, "Ladies and gentlemen, Brody and Colchek from OtherSpace!" Grinna applauds loud and long. Codex applauds Vexon steps to the side stairs, into the audience Crossbow cheers, "Woohoo OtherSpace!" Brody waves the the gang. Malak waves Brody says, "Thanks for coming out today. I'm Brody, creator of OtherSpace, and my partner in crime up here is Colchek, our RP Coordinator. Our topic: Storytelling and Player Retention." Brody is actually quite glad Colchek could make it. "Because long before he was an RP coordinator, he was in the batch of players who first joined OtherSpace for the original story arc in 1998." Brody says, "We're now up to Arc IX, and the story keeps on going. And people keep coming back, because they want to know: What happens next. And that's a VERY handy carrot to dangle in front of players, regardless of your theme." Brody says, "We're here today to share what we've been doing, but in a context that should be useful, no matter if you run an original theme SF game, a fantasy game, or a theme based on an established franchise, such as Star Trek or Star Wars." Brody says, "Simply put: We're doing what soap operas have done for decades. We get characters into a theme. We start the ball rolling with a story. We have a general idea of which way we'd like things to go, but we see what the players do, and roll with them. In soap operas, sometimes an actor leaves the show - and ends up having their character fall down an elevator shaft :). This format doesn't have to be limited to soap operas, and hasn't been. Hill Street Blues did it. NYPD Blue does it. ER does it. Babylon 5 did it."" Vexon chuckles Brody says, "But the effect is the same in all of these. Look at the ratings for the shows in question. Well, except for Babylon 5 - but don't blame JMS - Sci Fi Channel is giving B5 new life! :)" Brody says, "If you have a constantly evolving story, your players - like viewers of these TV shows - are encouraged to keep coming back, to see what the next twist and turn will be." Brody says, "Doing this requires foresight and planning, and a lot of mental flexibility. It also requires help, especially as the player base grows." Brody says, "Now, all that said, I'd like to open the floor for the audience. I can babble on for a while, but I want to make sure you're finding out what *you* want to know. Col and I will field the questions." Brody nods to Vexon. "Go ahead." Vexon stands up, "I've always been amazed at the plotlines that end up occuring on your MUSH. How do you make sure players will evolve the storyline well, and not garble up things?" Brody chuckles. "Well, the point isn't for them to go along with them. They haven't always. At the end of the original story arc, for example, the plan called for forcing the players to kill a child who they had come to adore - he had been possessed by the evil Hive Minders." Brody says, "The players went ballistic OOCly and ICly." Brody says, "So, we came up with a way for the players to save the kid." Vexon nods Brody says, "The short answer: Their actions don't have to conform. But they DO have to accept IC consequences from them." Colchek nods. "And during the second arc, the Vanguard Commander in Chief, who had been involved in an illegal cloning scandal, was supposed to stand trial for his crimes, but instead was killed through player actions. The Arc continued, on a different path, yet still achieving the end effect. Which is usually the goal, to achieve a particular state of events." Brody nods. Brody says, "Right." Brody nods to Codex. "Your turn." Codex says, "I'm curious about something you mentioned earlier... characters falling down elevators. Do you mean NPCs, or do you allow/encourage PCs to take that role? I've found that players who are willing to sacrifice their hard played characters for RP create remarkably memorable scenes and have a huge impact on storylines." Brody grins. "Good question. Actually, a lot of times it is an NPC that ends up getting the shaft, but some players *do* ask to be written out in some blaze of glory." Brody says, "Several characters died in the end of Arc V, as I recall, defending against an alien invasion." Brody says, "They had known in advance that this was the likely outcome, but wanted to be heroes." Colchek nods. "A great many. Which, as you pointed out, left a memorable event behind." Brody nods. Brody says, "Any other questions? Boddy had one and left, I think." Brody nods to Vexon Vexon stands up again, "This sounds a bit funny, but how _do_ you come up with such interesting and complex arcs? Is there any special process you go through?" Colchek says, "Most of the time, Arcs build off the events, hooks, and situations presented by the previous Arc. The first Arc was based entirely off the theme of Otherspace as Bro had written it, and it literally evolved independently from there." Brody nods. "Well, it's an interactive process more than anything, and it's fluid. I have an idea for a situation to throw at the players. Early on, it was just me coming up with the ideas, spinning the situations, and seeing what happened, rolling with the punches. As players like Colchek came along who *got* what it was I was doing, and could do the same, I started brainstorming with other folks. But the process remains about the same: We come up with the situation. We throw it at the players. We see what comes back. Brody says, "Best way to describe it is interactive improvistational storytelling." Brody nods to Crossbow Vexon nods and retakes his seat. Brody says, "Er, improvisational" Crossbow says, "I know, on Otherspace as on most MUSHes, each faction has a head admin, do they play a part in getting the RP Arcs rolling, or do they just take care of players needs such as weapons etc.?" Brody lets Col field that one. Colchek says, "They are very much responsible for stirring up RP in their respective regions, and play a very integral part in Arc events. They also field questions and concerns, like any other admin, but we try to encourage the RP responsibility as part of the overall whole, for it is the primary focus." Brody nods. "Our staffers also play NPCs within their regions, to help move the story along." Crossbow nods, "Thank you." Brody says, "Any other questions?" Brody says, "If not, I thank you very much for coming to join our discussion. If you want to know more about OtherSpace, you'll find the theme info and RP logs at www.otherspace.org. Enjoy the rest of the conference! :)" -- END: Storylines & Keeping Players by Brody -- -- BEGIN: The Future of Text-Based Gaming by Vexon -- Vexon steps up to the podium, looking at the audience for a moment. Vexon says, "Well, I'd like to introduce myself. I'm Vexon, a long-time MUSHer, and an admin here at M*U*S*H." Vexon says, "I, like all of you, take pleasure in our gaming platform of choice: the MU*." Vexon continues, "The MUD has been around quite some time, as far as the concept of time is relevant to the age of computers. Since MUD1 in the early eighties, the platform of multi-player online games has grown like wildfire." Vexon smiles slightly, Vexon says, "Now, in my (very biased) point-of-view, PennMUSH is the most advanced and modern continuation of that platform, that is still true to the original." Vexon says, "What I mean by that is, although games like Ultima Online and other graphical MU*s have come along, they are either a) for-profit, or b) non-textual. In my opinion, that makes them not true to the original(s)." Vexon says, "So, the question is: where do we go next? What happens now that will keep us true to the old platform, but take it into the future succesfully?" Vexon clears his throat, "The first change I think that needs to be made is to diversify the server-bases that already exist. I adore MUSHes, but it is time to bring them up to date. We need to start using more object-oriented programing for servers, so that they become compatible and flexible like so many other programs out there." Vexon says, "I comment projects like OOMUS (Object-Oriented Multiple-User Server) for attempting to break the text-based game platform into a new era." Brody nods. Vexon says, "However, as the developers of OOMUS have discovered, starting fresh is very difficult. That project in particular has suffered delays, and may yet take some time to be available in a usable form." Vexon says, "The point is, though, that someone is at least moving towards this more flexible and modern implementation of a game that must not be allowed to go extinct." Vexon breaks for a moment, then continues, "Another aspect of brining MU*s up to date that we must address is expanding the player base. Although there are new players who enter MU*dom every day. However, I think that there are patterns forming that may be slowing the growth of the new player demographic." Vexon says, "Not to say that there aren't many people out there who are helpful and welcoming to newbies. But there is a sort of exclusivity in the MU* community that can be ignored. We need to do everything possible to break down this exclusivity, as it is a barrier to the furtherment of the platform." Codex nods at Vexons words Vexon says, "Unfortunately, within groups of 'advanced' and knowledgeable MUers, there is always a stigma of the newbie: an annoying person who will never learn anything about the platform." Vexon says, "Yet, because one is that 'advanced' person, they themselves had to have been a newbie once. Because of this we need to treat newbies -- even the ones who get under our skin- with respect, and do whatever we can to encourage them to learn more about the wonderful world of MU*s." China nodnods. Vexon pauses again. Vexon says, "The third and final aspect of bringing MU*s into the future succesfully is administration." Vexon explains, "I'll be frank about it, because its the truth: there are a great deal of MU*s that fail because their administrators are not ready nor capable of running a game. I know this because I did it myself once, several years ago." Brody nods Vexon says, "Thus, I think before anyone dives into a game they really need to be prepared and contimplate the theme and all other related things. That is why we have the 101 Schoolhouse, and this conference. It is a matter of the right people listening, and taking advantage of the information that is offered." Brody nods and mutters, "Amen." Vexon grins at Brody's comment, continuing, "And with that, I'll field any questions you have about my opinions, or where MU*s are going." Vexon looks around ('raise hand' to ask a question) Vexon nods to Brody, "Go ahead." Brody stands. "Given the proliferation of MU**es of every stripe - lately, because the code bases are available to everyone who wants it - do you see the text-based gaming culture reaching some kind of critical mass before something major happens to fold it all together? It seems to me that the ease of access makes it so much easier for people who aren't qualified to hang up a shingle." Vexon nods slightly and hmms. Vexon says, "Well, I do think we are headed down a path to a 'critical mass' of sorts. Whether we reach that or not is hard to tell. I think it's very probable that, at some point, we will see a decrease in the number of malformed games, once people start learning more about the platform in general, and as it becomes easier /to/ learn." Vexon says, "Does that answer your question?" Brody nods. "Sure does, thanks." Brody plops back down in his chair. Vexon nods, and looks to China, "Go ahead." China says, "do you think, as one game I began in had a mentor assigned to each newbie, under a mandatory school worked into the theme, that such might solve some of the newbie problems?" Vexon nods emphatically, "Absolutely: that's one of the aims of the Schoolhouse, and I'm glad places like that exist. Education and friendliness from the beginning is what will make for better MU* patrons." Vexon looks to the next raised hand, pointing at it. Vexon says, "Go ahead Kovak." Kovak says, "It might be that part of our problems in dwindling user bases is indicative of a change in social patterns online." Vexon hrms, "How do you mean?" Kovak says, "The ages of newbies for one are quite different from oldies. So there's a difference in perspective about the environment that we should take into consideration." Kovak says, "As oldies go on with their lives, the next generation of MUSHers will view MUSHing quite differently from oldies, unless steps are taken to provide for continuity, which you had indicated as a step at arresting this decline." Vexon ahhs, "That's a good point. As computers become more accessable and widespread, there will of course be more younger people entering the world of MU*. That is something that will definitely become of issue in the next few years, when I suspect we'll see even more 12-and-under players." Vexon says, "(And by 12-and-under I speak generally.)" Kovak nods. Vexon nods again, "Alright, next question from.." Vexon says, "Arathas." Arathas says, "Are you concerned about competition from graphical mu* type games? What strategies might be necessary to lure players from those games to text-based environments?" Vexon grins slightly, "I'm glad you asked, because I meant to address that in my presentation." Arathas smiles. Vexon says, "I honestly don't think that the text-based community should do anything to 'lure' players from other games. Firstly, I think that the players of graphical online games also play text-based games, to fufill different wants. Text-based gaming will always have the allure of being very imaginative and as such, I think we can expect role-players to flock to it for years to come."" Arathas nods. Vexon looks out at the audience for any stragglers, "Any other questions?" Vexon smiles, "Alright then. Thanks for being such a great audience, and make sure to stick around in this hall for the symposium!" Brody waves and applauds Codex claps China applauds again, smiling. Vexon steps quietly down into the audience. Vexon goes down the few steps to the seating area. Kovak says, "So we simply do nothing to promote text-based games and wait? Shouldn't the community be more aggressive in promoting the strengths of text-based environments and not just sit back?" China says, "they seem to me to be two different mediums." Vexon says, "I suppose. But, really, does the text-based community do that now? From what I see, people join MU*s with little prodding and without advertisements. And the platform is more popular than ever (look at +who)." Brody doesn't think *he's* sitting back and waiting. "I'm just not trying to win the exact same audience." Brody says, "Well, advertising does help - if you know how to do it." Brody says, "Word of mouth is always best, tho." Vexon nods Arathas says, "Are there any official stats on mu* numbers and demographics? Aside from just looking at thelistings on mudconnect?" Kovak nods. Arathas would love a pointer on that. Vexon says, "Not that I know of Arathas, but that is an interesting possibility. With the platform grows, a study or statistic-gathering mission would be intruiging." AdamDray knows that he loses some players to graphical games. I hear people tell me that they're going to log off and go play Civilization or Quake or Baldur's Gate II. But they seem to come back. I think network analysis would be an excellent research topic for the Journal of MUD Research, or whatever it's called these days. Kovak says, "I don't see the text-based community dying... much as video/television/radio/movies never replaced books. But MU*s don't get as much coverage in media as do IRC, the web, etc." Brody nods. "Yep. No pictures." Arathas says, "I do know that mudconnect lists some 1500 mu*, up from 500 in the mid-80s." Brody says, "CNN will run DOOM clips all day long." Vexon says, "As I see it, MU*s to graphical games is like books to television. They fufill different purposes." Brody nods to Vexon AdamDray says, "Do mushes compete with tabletop gaming?" Vexon says, "Coincide is a better adjective, if you ask me." China says, "and books don't get promoted like tv shows/movies do. But nothing compares to a couple days enjoyment submured in an enviorment that a book can give you, over the 'quickie' tv show/movie." Brody nods. "I know I treat OS like an Internet tabletop game most of the time. Nymeria has never had that impression, but then again, never was personally interested in tabletop gaming, so is biased there. Brody says, "The arcs are just campaigns :)" Balerion says, "Everyone knows about books. Not everyone knows about MUSHes, MUXes, and other such MU*s. Somewhat more people know about the hack & slash MUDs." Jamie says, "MUDS serve their own purpose to, not so much as RP but getting a group of people together to kill stuff." Brody noddles. Vexon nods, "Now that is where I see more of a problem: dividing MUSHes from MUDs." Jamie says, "which can be fun. ;)" Brody says, "Traditional MUDs face the danger from the graphical games" Nymeria says, "The first issue the first Swedish internet magazine had an article on MUDs, but I have never seen MUSH specifically mentioned." AdamDray says, "And I heard discussion about the increased accessibility of text-based games increasing the number of young kids on games. It will also likely increase the number of older adults. I think the mush population has been typically represented by young adults between the ages of 17 and 30. I'm seeing more folks in the 30+ range lately." Brody nods to Adam. "Same here." Jamie says, "funny thing is I got into MU*s because of an article on TOS TrekMUSE that I read in a 'Trek on the Net' book." Vexon nods China says, "I think you'll find anohter issue involved here too, which is the social aspect one which mp games and muds don't have." Jamie says, "MP games are getting it though." Kovak says, "They are, with IRC style chat windows." Vexon says, "Not on the same level of intelligence, though." Kovak says, "They introduce tools for building community." Balerion says, "About advertising . . ." Jamie says, "Ultima Online has been used as a place for good RP as well as the graphical hack'n'slash of others. However RP on UO shards/games is not as widely accepted as it is on MU*s." Balerion says, "If you walk into a mall, you're going to come across a bookstore. Yet, after a quick check, one can try searching for "Star Wars game" (to pick a random example of a popular game theme) in Yahoo and only one of the many SW MU*'s shows up on the front page (and it barely makes it -- last one on the first page). No MU* makes the default on Google. And so on." Balerion says, "So, as far as advertising goes, if you're going to have a web presence (and I think it's necessary as a source of advertising, information, and recruiting), it's vital that you work hard to make your site visible." Brody nods to Balerion. Kovak says, "Of course we're aware of those strengths that MU*s have. But I think the issue for concern is building awareness about those strengths to non-members of text-based communities." Brody says, "I've actually gotten players by advertising on Usenet groups like Interactive Fiction and Science Fiction-Written. Not just the MU** oriented lists." AdamDray says, "Or combating the weaknesses to make text-based games less intimidating to the uninitiated." Brody says, "You have to go find the pond that isn't being fished in :)" Jamie has noticed Brody's advertisements in usenet. ;) Nymeria says, "That probably works best for non book-themed, though, at least if you are in the situation that you have to be careful not to do anything that might look like standard fan-fiction." AdamDray says, "Of course, I'd warn against rampant advertising unless you're well aware of your growth curve and are prepare for the influx of new players." Balerion says, "Join a WebRing or three (but not too many -- tacky) that have to do with MU*'s and, more generally, with the theme of your game (a fantasy webring for an original fantasy game, etc). Word of mouth in web bulliten boards, Usenet, and so on, is good as well. And submitting your site to search engines, web directories, and related sites would be wise as well..." Brody noddles. Nymeria says, "Or original themed, rather, to cover other things than books." Balerion nods to Adam. "That's a good point." Brody says, "There are also general SF and general fantasy Usenet groups. It can't *hurt* :)" AdamDray says, "You can only /afford to grow/ if you have in place a plan to expand staff as needed, areas as need, plots as needed, etc. It CAN hurt to advertise if the growth brings in an influx of new participants for whom you are not prepared." China says, "what's your average active player base, Brody?" Brody says, "These days, we're up to 25-50 during busy times." Jamie says, "at worst it'll get you added to somebody's kill filter Bro. ;)" Brody nods to Jamie. "And how bad is that? :) I only do it once a month or so." Jamie says, "well you do it at least tastefully, I havent kill filtered you yet. Some people on the other hand are a bit twinkish with it, sending 20 or so posts at one time." Brody nods. "That's where you have to be careful." Brody says, "Advertise, but don't piss people off." Nymeria says, "Sounding desperate is never a good idea either. ;)" Brody noddles Brody says, "Be confident, tell em what you've got, and let it go." Codex says, "One important factor is making sure that people new to your game and MUSHes in general can quickly get into the flow of the game once they come to try it out. Waiting for days for character approval, or even to get someone to talk to you quickly kills the appeal. That turned me off of MUSHes when I was first exploring them." Jamie says, "they're either interested or they're not." Brody says, "Oh, if you folks aren't there yet: www.topmudsites.com. Get listed, and get active in the discussions." Brody says, "That site is getting a lot of hits." -- END: The Future of Text-Based Gaming by Vexon --