MechScape Post #13 - 30 May 2009, Editorial: Codename MechScape Rating Options

[mike470]

Issue #13 - 30 May 2009

Codename MechScape
Written by Oscar

I would like to welcome everyone to the 13th installment of the MechScape Post and my second editorial. I shall be discussing MechScape as a name (or codename as we know it now to be), and converse the possible pros and cons to the name choice of Jagex’s upcoming MMORPG.

The first known usage of the name 'MechScape' dates to December 2003 when Jagex registered the domain MechScape.com.

When we first came up with the idea for our new game it was primarily focused on robots known as “mechs”, hence the name MechScape made perfect sense. It drew on the main theme of the game, and also played on the “-scape” brand which we had established with RuneScape. Okay, we thought, we have the name sorted, so now let’s get on with the exciting bit of development.
Source: Jagex: Regarding The Name Of Mechscape (Mark Gerhard / MechScape World, 2009)

It was this name, MechScape, that Ren discovered way back in the Autumn (Fall for you Americans ) of 2007, and until very recently it was used undoubtedly as the name for Jagex’s up-and-coming MMORPG. It is around the codename ‘MechScape’ that all of today’s fansites, obviously including ours, formed, using it in various ways to title each site. Thus, MechScape has gained an iconic status among those who have heard of the game. Even though shadows have been cast over it being the true name of Jagex’s next MMORPG, it is under the name ‘MechScape’ that all new information is discovered and presented. As you can tell, the association between Jagex’s new MMORPG and MechScape is already very strong.

In an e-mailed conversation between Ren and CEO Mark Gerhard it was confirmed that MechScape is no longer necessarily the name of the game, having been downgraded to a codename.

And so we grew fond of the name, and some fans found out about it and many of them got invested in the name too, and therefore we believed that the name was definitely going to be MechScape. But recently we decided to re-evaluate it, which is why we referred to it as just a “code name” Source: Jagex: Regarding The Name Of Mechscape
(Mark Gerhard / MechScape World, 2009)

This opens possibilities to other names being used, the most popular being Stellar Dawn; opinions have already formed on how Jagex should name their new MMORPG. The arguments are fairly simple, but will have a huge impact in the early days of the game’s release.
• Pros: In my opinion, and I personally believe many people agree with this, Stellar Dawn is a far catchier name than MechScape. It also helps to solve Jagex’s problem of people thinking of it simply as RuneScape in space, since people will automatically associate it with RuneScape due to the suffix “-scape”. Using the name Stellar Dawn could bring it away from some of RuneScape’s weaknesses, most notably its reputation as a game that caters for an immature, young demographic.
• Cons: All of the current fansites are geared around the name ‘MechScape’, and it is this name that is stuck in the minds of those who have heard of it. For example, if you were to travel around RuneScape asking whether anyone had heard that Jagex were making a new MMORPG, few would answer with a yes, but those who had would instantly think of MechScape. It is even less likely that anyone, unless they are extremely well researched or a member of a fansite such as ours, would know that it is doubtful whether or not the name will be MechScape.


However, it is my belief that Jagex will have a very difficult job disassociating the codename MechScape from their new MMORPG, and the game may even suffer in them doing so, as all of the hype has been generated around MechScape. Having a name change would also confuse many of those who only know the game as MechScape.

The name change could also have an effect on the number of players MechScape has after the release. Since RuneScape is a popular game and has quite a lot of followers, once hearing the similar name they will jump to the chance to play – assuming that the game will be like RuneScape due to the title of the game. This would cause the release to be more popular than if it were named Stellar Dawn, as it is a completely different name and may not interest others as much. On the other hand, people who aren’t a fan of RuneScape may be more inclined to try it if it is named Stellar Dawn because it would not seem as associated with RuneScape.

What are your thoughts on MechScape as a name and the potential Stellar Dawn has to replace MechScape? Do you think it would be a good or bad move by Jagex? Feel free to discuss below!

- Oscar


MechScape and Community News


Particle Effects and Lighting In MechScape:
It has been announced that MechScape will have particle effects and specular lighting. (Read more)

MMOHub's Interview With Mark Gerhard:
MMOHub's Brendon had an interview with Jagex's CEO, Mark Gerhard, in three parts. The first part consisted of knowing more about Mark Gerhard, and Jagex. (Read More) The second part consisted of RuneScape's past, present, and future. (Read More) The last part gave information about "MechScape" and funOrb's newer game, Armies of Gielinor. (Read More)

"ThirdScape" Canceled:
ThirdScape, the nickname for Jagex's third MMORPG, has been canceled. (Read more)

Previous Issues:
MechScape Post #12: The Importance of Music to MechScape as a Game
MechScape Post #11: How MechScape Will Appeal to an Older Demographic
MechScape Post #10: "Dynamic" Combat in MechScape
MechScape Post #9: Freeplay in MechScape
MechScape Post #8: The Future of MechScape World
MechScape Post #7: Situational Awareness: How the Concept Applies to MechScape
MechScape Post #6: Removing the Need To RWT
MechScape Post #5: The Hype Surrounding the Release Date of MechScape
MechScape Post #4: Gerhard's Influence on MechScape and Jagex
MechScape Post #3: A Great MechScape Flood?
MechScape Post #2: The MechScape Environment and Concepts
MechScape Post #1: MechScape Clan Leadership

Footnotes
Contributors: Brenden, Ed5, Ren (Content Research Team); Max, mike470, zepherusbane (Writing & Editing Team).
Disclaimer: The views expressed by members of staff do not necessarily represent the view of MechScape World.

[Lukes]

Since they are making this for an older demographic I think they should change the name so all the idiots won't follow from Runescape.

[ProMetaAnaTelo]

I would prefer the name Stellar Dawn over Mechscape, personally.

I just like the name. :)

[Aves]

I think they should change the name, and fast. At least fansites and gans will be able to adjust in time.

[Pliigi]

Well one of the main points why it probably won't be Stellar Dawn is that StellarDawn.com forwards to FunOrb.com. I think that should have been mentioned in the editorial.

Also there's a small typo:

Fall for you Americans :toungue:

[killrrhubarb]

Well one of the main points why it probably won't be Stellar Dawn is that StellarDawn.com forwards to FunOrb.com. I think that should have been mentioned in the editorial.

Also there's a small typo:

Fall for you Americans :toungue:

Good point, Pliigi. Well, if it isn't Stellar Dawn or Mechscape, It has to be something else, based on the game but maybe not an essential part of it, as runes are not eseential for runescape.

Anyone for Pliigiscape?

[Pliigi]

Anyone for Pliigiscape?

That would be awesome.

The main way to figure out what the name will be is to watch this page to see if they've submitted anything new.

[Lord John]

I don't care if they change the name. Personally, I agree that removing the idea that it is Runescape in space is a good thing, thus the name Mechscape should be changed. I personally hope MS or whatever it is called, is aimed more at older people. Sure, Jagex say that now, but remember, Runescape was essentially 13+ or apparently the older demographic for a while. I just hope the whole community doesn't degrade into one such as Runescapes which is why I don't want MS to be associated with Runescape.

Perhaps I just have the ideal view that it will be like RSC when very few played so people were far more friendly.

This post has been edited by Lord John: May 31 2009, 12:57 AM

[zepherusbane]

Great work Oscar! I have no idea what the final name will be, personally I hope they stick with MechScape.

[SuperStevee]

I'd rather they not have the name MechScape. It would be like WoW adding "of Warcraft" to the end of all there games. Besides like stated in the post it has a childish feeling and many of the immature players of RS would make the game repetitive with spam and a large egos.

[Dracul]

Maybe they could call it Star Worlds

[Zylvurx]

I like the name "Stellar Dawn." It sounds like it suits science fiction and what is incorporated with it more than MechScape. MechScape sounds like a planet full of mechs, while Stellar Dawn sounds like it incorporates a solar system, full of races, and is much more intriguing than MechScape.

This post has been edited by Zylvurx: May 31 2009, 06:43 AM

[Pliigi]

Maybe they could call it Star Worlds :P

That would sound like a blatant Star Wars rip off

[Rick Astley]

The name is a big part of the game, i hope they won't screw it up.

[Shock]

I'm kind of undecided on this issue. I like the name Stellar Dawn better, and it will have less RuneScapers at the beginning; but I also like the name MechScape, and changing the name will lead to difficulties.

Either way, I'm going to play and enjoy the game.

[nich]

Bleh, at this point I really could care less what the name is going to be. I just want the darn thing released. As for the fear that if it isn't called Mechscape the regular players of runescape won't come - garbage. It won't be as many in like the first hour, but news spreads very quickly, and Jagex really hasn't been releasing a lot of content that truly excites RS players anyways. They will jump at this, because it is new.
The only thing that I could see making a huge difference is the attitude of other MORPG communities. WOW players, for the most part, hate everything about Jagex and Runescape. I asked my friend if he knew about a new game coming out called Stellar Dawn, and he seemed very excited. (He is a huge WOW player) I then let slip that it was by Jagex and he immediately said he would never play it then. Naming the game Stellar Dawn could possibly broaden the spectrum of gamers who try out the game.

[Shock]

Naming the game Stellar Dawn could possibly broaden the spectrum of gamers who try out the game.

I agree with you on that. It would not only make the game more appealing to WoW fans, but less appealing to Jagex fans (at least the ones that like the repetition and grinding).

[ForeverOath]

I don't really like the name Stellar Dawn. I'm not sure why-- I just don't. :]

I'm undecided on whether or not they should keep the name Mechscape, though I think at the moment I'm leaning towards them changing it. I think that using 'Mechscape' would make people who aren't informed think it was a sequel to Runescape or something. On the other hand, the transition into a new name would be hard for everyone, because all the hype has been for the release of "Mechscape" not "Stellar Dawn" or anything else.

[DragonsRage]

i like stellar dawn but i have a bad feeling if the name was stellar dawn...there will be some rants on the 1st week about kids ranting about the name so i got a little suggestion

some games have double names like World of Warcraft-Wrath of the Lich King.

Maybe Jagex can do something like MechScape-The Stellar Dawn or something like that idk

[bonziiznob]

The benefit of a wiki is that we I believe we can change our sites name and URL with just a few simple edits. Although I like the name Steller Dawn, I feel the name, MechScape, should stay. It's what we know and I think it'll just confuse players who are expecting the game about what it really is.