Greetings all!
I wanted to post my own ideas for player expectations in business. This is a set of rules that, if players think about being avoided, ignored or broken, they would rise up and take community action for redress.
The idea is simple, just like forming guilds before the release of the game, expectations such as the one I'm going to list below will be posted in early community forums. We could look for a central area to digitally sign our agreement, or a post in which those who agree sign on.
The core concept is that when the game is threatened by bad management or bad behavior, we would rise up to act. Letter writing campaigns, no spending days, blackout days, there are many ways to be heard. First is establishing what is important to us.
So I present for consideration, The first draft of a Player Observations, Wants, Expectations, and Rights.
P.O.W.E.R. to the people.
Longevity:
We the unified players want the game we play to be successful and profitable. To this end we expect a reasonable reinvestment into the game so as to ensure its continued growth and longevity.
Loyalty:
When the success and profitability of a game is threatened, all efforts to shore up and defend the viability of the product should be made.
Honesty:
Communicate as directly and with as much detail as is reasonable for a business. This includes available and receptive community liasons, and company policies which foster a spirit of openness with the company and its customers.
Growth:
Massively Multiplayer Online games exist as living worlds, and as such a meaningful portion of all reinvestment into the game should be directed to expanding on the game experience.
Accountability:
'Should unfortunate circumstances necessitate the cancellation of the product, a business should compensate players for real money investment.
Understanding:
Be accepting of player feedback. The more understanding a company has of its players wants, the more well armed it is to make a compelling and enjoyable product which will stand the test of time. Understanding and interest in the player community results in a stronger game in whole.
Respect:
When one is in the business of entertainment, fostering an open and welcoming atmosphere should extend to customer service as well as the game experience. An expectation of respectful treatment is fundamental.
Caution:
When looking to expand the games appeal, a business should do so with a cautious eye to not unduly damaging the player base they currently have. Any changes made to expand or alter the appeal of the game should be done with all due caution to make sure that the current players are not put out, diminished, or driven away.
If we can spread this or something like this around, it could become the seed of something greater. But first, it must have a broad appeal. Does anyone have anything they'd like to add, tweak or modify?
