How MechScape Will Appeal to an Older Demographic
Written by Psioptics


Welcome to the eleventh issue of the MechScape Post brought to you by me, Psioptics. This week I’ll be looking at how MechScape will appeal to an older demographic – a topic that will no doubt affect many of us. It seems to be a point that Jagex are keen to get across seeing as almost every time they do an interview or press release concerning MechScape, the topic of it appealing to an older demographic is at the very least mentioned.

It’d probably be a good idea to start by clarifying what Jagex mean by ‘older’. The most specific quote for this comes from Henrique Olifiers, saying “[MechScape] is aimed at an older, more advanced audience (if the ‘sweet spot’ for RuneScape is early teenagers, MechScape is aimed at people in their 20s)” (source). This differentiation between RuneScape is elaborated upon by Geoff Iddison as he states “[Jagex] are hoping to collect a lot of those people [who] graduate out of RuneScape to [their] new MMO” (source). So then, if MechScape is to be aimed at a different market to RuneScape just how exactly will they go about accomplishing this and what shape will it take within the game?

One end of the spectrum to look at is why MechScape won’t contain the things that a retail game carrying an adult rating does. The first thing to establish is why they’re rated as such, a simple enough question as you’re usually informed on the packaging as to what they contain, which will probably consist of one or more of the three most common themes: graphic violence, strong language or sexual references. The important thing to understand here though is the difference between something that’s aimed at an older audience and something that’s only suitable for an older audience. The aforementioned themes are things that are deemed unsuitable for a younger audience; the ratings are in place merely to protect anyone underage from being exposed to something that could potentially traumatise them. For that reason MechScape isn’t likely to include any of those aspects in it.

Technology and graphics are sure to play a part in MechScape’s appeal. It’s a subject that’s always been an issue in RuneScape, primarily because of Jagex’s self-imposed constraints to keep the game accessible they’re unable to go all out with the graphics. MechScape is set to be different, we’re told in an article on Massively that “[MechScape] is going to be the next step or two beyond RuneScape HD in terms of technology, and a slightly more mature product” (source). These technological improvements made during MechScape’s development have also directly resulted in some of the novel features recently implemented in RuneScape, for example RuneScape's newest HD launch was made possible by the advancements in MechScape (source).

It’s also been confirmed that there will be a higher polygon count (implying enhanced graphics) that could lead to the game having a higher set of minimum system requirements (source). RuneScape was often criticised for its child-like, cartoonish and generally poor appearance which would often immediately put off an older player before they even had a chance to experience the game. In MechScape this shouldn’t be the case as it’s set to contain more realism and generally better graphics, in which “players can expect to see an extremely different looking game to RuneScape”, according to Adam Tuckwell (source).

The next important area to discuss is that of the core gameplay. The main difference we've been told to expect will come with the removal of the grinding mechanic that's so inherent with MMORPGs (source). It’s something that RuneScape especially suffers from and is a major contributor to the vast number of young players; gameplay that’s simplistic, involving a lot of “click, watch, wait, repeat”, and requiring no thought process is much easier to grasp than pretty much anything else out there. The introduction of varied, complex or difficult gameplay that runs throughout the game, as suggested by the quote “MechScape will [provide] a science fiction world and more complicated gameplay” (source), would immediately put off those who were only interested in or able to complete simple, repetitive tasks.

What this complex gameplay will consist of could be anything from having a more detailed set of tasks, items and interfaces that require a higher level of micromanagement, more puzzle or logic based content that requires you to think outside the box or even dynamic content that’s unique to each player. I’d also like to hope that difficult content would be so in the sense that it’s physically challenging to the player, requiring skill, rather than just taking a long time to do. If this is the case then we could well see a large number of older, competitive gamers vying for the highest score, quickest time, etc.

Another gameplay aspect that’s often more appealing to an older audience is team-based or cooperative content. MechScape content developer Oscar G mentioned that he had “been trying to find ways that [Jagex] can take the genre forward in terms of storytelling and player grouping” (source), suggesting that they’ve been trying to include some truly multiplayer features in MechScape. Boss fights that can’t physically be won without a multitude of people performing various different roles, missions that require working with a friend, relaying messages and commands to each other and generally having a greater reliance on teamwork are all things we could see in the game. Clear and concise communication would be vital here in order to succeed, something that a younger person may not be so proficient at doing.

Coupled with the changes made to gameplay will be the storyline, something Jagex seem to have put a lot of emphasis on when creating MechScape, as shown in Alex Janaway’s assertion that “the establishment of strong, interesting and exciting story arcs are critical and fundamental to what we are trying to achieve” (source). In RuneScape we see a game that focuses on various different ways of grinding to obtain things, providing you the optional extra of completing fairly feeble quests in order to discover unsatisfying and often unfinished plotlines. Only recently have Jagex made an attempt to improve quests by bringing together loose ends with a central ‘Mahjarrat’ theme. MechScape promises to be different, if not simply for the reason that the game "centres around the tension among four distinct species, each with their own look, abilities and back stories. Throughout the game, players can choose their alliances, which shape the path of their adventure” (source).

When you first enter the world of MechScape you’re sure to be bombarded with plot information and posed with big choices to make, then as you progress you’ll slowly discover how each species “interweaves seamlessly” via Jagex’s “multidimensional approach to storytelling” (source). It should also be worth noting that, as I briefly mentioned earlier, Jagex are aiming for a certain level of realism and believability: “We respect our players and don't want to fob them off with utterly improbable plot devices/justifications. So we spend a lot of time ensuring that the science in our science fiction has at its roots in science fact/theory” (source).

Speaking of science fiction, the fact that MechScape utilises the genre is highly significant to its appeal for an older audience who seek more substance than a fantasy game like RuneScape can offer, and to sci-fi fans in general. Adam Tuckwell states “[Jagex] have designed the game so that it will appeal to everyone who is interested in Science Fiction [and] believe that the content will appeal to an older demographic” (source). The sci-fi genre is known for the interesting, sophisticated and controversial topics it tackles, something that Jagex appears to understand when they mention that “as players grow older with the fantasy product, they're going to want something a little more in-depth, deeper” (source).

Originally the game was going to be based around Mechs (as the name suggests), it was later expanded to “encompass the wider possibilities of the sci-fi genre”, according to Mark Gerhard (source). This will allow for the exploration of interesting underlying themes such as religion, war, politics and technology, whilst giving us the opportunity to analyse the human psyche by being put into thought-provoking situations regarding our own morality. The scope is simply immense and, if done correctly, MechScape promises to be an exciting game rich in lore and genuinely fun for older players and sci-fi fans alike.

Which of these aspects do you find most appealing? Is there a particular part of science fiction you hope to see in MechScape? Do you think Jagex will succeed in appealing to an older audience?

MechScape and Community News


Jagex's Fansite List
Jagex has released a list of recognized fansites on their official forums; these fansites are allowed to be discussed both in-game and on the RuneScape Official Forums. Of this list, MechScape World was one of the fansites to be listed. (Read more)

Community Project
As summer approaches, a MechScape World community project has begun. We are wanting to make a community quilt that all of our members can submit a piece of artwork to. In addition to this, there will be a special surprise if 100k posts are reached by June 1st. (Read more)

Previous Issues:
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, Psioptics, zepherusbane (Writing & Editing Team).
Disclaimer: The views expressed by members of staff do not necessarily represent the view of MechScape World.

Interesting read, Psioptics.

alright. I dunno if Mechscape appeals as much to me now as before with all the logic to puting in the game. I'm not sayin' i don't wanna think to get something done, but that's kinda the point. it's to grind your way to get higher levels. of course we've been doing this for years and years and years. and it's about time we do something different about this. who knows. maybe some other company will pick up Mechscape's gameplay. it does bring an interesting "spark" into it afterall, and I'd give anythin' to see somethin' new.
now that mechscape is bein' revealed more and more. I think it's about time. 'cause now that we know, i don't think Jagex can change it all now.
now we simply wait for a release date. -_-'

fun read

so if theres going to be different roles in mechscape, i hope you have a choice to be all of them. not like you have to be a guy with a gun throughout the whole game or a swordman throughout the whole game. cause then this is like world of warcraft...

in WoW you have to be an archer and you cant be a mager or warrior or monk or whatever. i dont like that thing so i hope mechscape has good teamwork and player positions and you can combine roles too.

Great job Psioptics!

Excellent job Psioptics!

Awesome read! If your correct, team based quests and events would be awesome. Group questing was actually something I found fun in RS. It turned seemingly boring/long quests such as Mourner's End into an enjoyable social and teamwork event.

this is really interesting. i am looking forward to the group reliance you've mentioned, it seems like a lot of people in runescape go around and train skills or kill things alone, which isn't the purpose of a "multiplayer" game. not that skilling alone is bad, but teamwork would make it more fun.

Yeah, this will also really enhance the clan world.

I think that Mechscape will succeed in hitting the older demographic that it is aimed for, particularly because of the more harder questing and gameplay there may be. A lot of other reasons could be tied into it, but I think this is the main reason that will stop the younger generation from playing the game.

Hmm just because it is "aimed" at an older audience won't keep little kids away, in fact it might just bring in more. What it should do is keep the little kids from getting good, and interfering with our game

great:)

i really wanna play mechscape

I second this becuz younger kids will want tofeel more mature by playing a more mature game... Thats why M games are so popular

nice read... :)

i just hope they don't completely ignore the lower aged people....could possibly lead to people getting anger like them ignoring higher lvl people

great article, and I really do hope MS is more bassed on a story line than just grinding
TBH, i love quests

Well if it removes majority of the immature children from Runescape, then I couldn't care less if they don't cater for the younger age. As they said, this game is meant for older gamers who have moved on from Runescape.

Well, I still hope that we can use a larger variety of words without all of them being cencored like in Runescape...

most of the time i haven't noticed immature kids.....ya once and awhile there will be someone that says noob or something and is annoying but it doesn't really bother me
i could careless what they do either but i would rather not hear people complaining on runescape lol

Enjoyed article...thanks.

On the team-based para...

"Another gameplay aspect that’s often more appealing to an older audience is team-based or cooperative content. MechScape content developer Oscar G mentioned that he had “been trying to find ways that [Jagex] can take the genre forward in terms of storytelling and player grouping” (source), suggesting that they’ve been trying to include some truly multiplayer features in MechScape. Boss fights that can’t physically be won without a multitude of people performing various different roles, missions that require working with a friend, relaying messages and commands to each other and generally having a greater reliance on teamwork are all things we could see in the game. Clear and concise communication would be vital here in order to succeed, something that a younger person may not be so proficient at doing."

...for those players who have little and irregular freetime this could be a big disadvantage. Do you think it possible that the game might be based around groups of characters instead of a single main character (with each player controlling a team of specialists)?

Thanks for the responses, here are some replies:

Regarding species & choices:
Indeed, one of RuneScape's defining points was being able to do anything on a single file. We know there will be at least one big choice to make in MechScape which will be picking your species, though beyond that we still have no idea what direction things will take. Whether there'll be 4 completely different sets of missions along with areas/cities/planets unique to each species, or simply aesthetic changes with varying base abilities (one being stronger, one more agile, one more intelligent, etc). Only time will tell.

Regarding teamwork:
I think it's important that Jagex manage to get a compromise between tasks that require multiple participants, tasks that provide the option to be done with others/in a cooperative manner, and singleplayer tasks to be done alone. A better integration with the clan community would be nice, but that all depends on how combat/clans manifest in the game. The time I spent in RuneScape clans amongst other like-minded, mature (or in some cases not so much ;) ) individuals proved to be some of the most enjoyable times I had in the game, so I'm certainly interested in seeing how that pans out.

Regarding younger people:
As I mentioned early on, I don't think Jagex are going to 'abandon' younger people by making the game totally unsuitable for them, they're simply including elements that are often more appealing to older people. At the end of the day if a young person is mature enough to enjoy and appreciate a game aimed at adults, or simply has a passion for all things science fiction, then so be it. I'm not going to stop them from playing and I'm sure Jagex won't either.

Regarding the censor:
The censor in RuneScape is definitely something that's annoyed (older) people. Unfortunately I'd be willing to bet Jagex are going to carry it across to MechScape, again in keeping with the whole accessibility thing. Perhaps they'll see sense and manage to include some sort of optional turn off though. Only problem with that is it'd be near impossible to regulate who should and shouldn't be able to turn it off, leaving it purely down to the individual player's discretion (in other words anyone young/underage would be able to turn it off as they please).

Also it's worth remembering that everything beyond the quotes used is purely speculative, educated guesswork or my own opinion. Hopefully I won't be too far off though. ;)

[quote name='Psioptics' date='May 19 2009, 05:30 PM' post='90715']
Thanks for the responses, here are some replies:

Regarding species & choices:
Indeed, one of RuneScape's defining points was being able to do anything on a single file. We know there will be at least one big choice to make in MechScape which will be picking your species, though beyond that we still have no idea what direction things will take. Whether there'll be 4 completely different sets of missions along with areas/cities/planets unique to each species, or simply aesthetic changes with varying base abilities (one being stronger, one more agile, one more intelligent, etc). Only time will tell. [/quote

In a perfect world Mechscape would give us the ability to have a character from each race on our single file. However, this world seems far from perfect

Having everything on one profile would be great, but I don't know how they would fit it in. It could be like other MMORPGs, where you use an account name (jagex name) to log in, but create different characters/races with display names. That could be a solution to how Jagex wants to incorporate unique display names. However, that seems something that Jagex might not do, and would go against how they want the game to be unique and different. I guess I'll have to see myself.

Interesting, but I still bet MS is going to be infested with stupid young newbies.
I hope it never gets announced on RuneScape's frontpage so young newbies can't find it.

That sounds like a really good idea. I've played other games with a design like this (Kotor 1 and 2) and enjoyed them very much. The thing about those games is that they are single player. I'm not sure how controlling a large team would work in a multiplayer setting.

Just wanted to say, that that was a great editorial ;). Anyway, I'll be getting on MechScape World a lot more again after the end of next week (end of the school year for me).

You did very well on the editorial, Psioptics.

It's not really the age factor that makes you want to beat the populous of RuneScape with a stick, but the maturity. Hopefully with logic, puzzles and thinking that will eliminate all the little bastards (I always said RuneScape needs an intelligence requirement to join). Although I'm fine with younger people just as long as they act mature.

I'm glad they're getting rid of the repetition and implementing more storyline. Deffinitely makes MechScape more appealing. Hopefully it won't make me want to gouge out my eyes with a fork when I play. :D

Thanks, and I agree. I guess the fact of the matter is maturity and a general yearning for something deeper are things that (often) simply come with age.

Awww i love to grind Im eager for release also but concerned that its going to be a bit "WoWish" in terms of group questing/raiding. Personally, a frustrating aspect of other games (and why rs was so appealing before the trinkets and baubles of god wars) was not having to find 5 hours to get a group together and complete some content.

Also, i think the single biggest factor they should think on to engage the more 'mature' gamer would be any mechscape economy. If the all-consuming greed of merchanting, (whose got the biggest weapon, most toys etc) crosses over into Mechscape i am not sure i will stick around very long at all. For me they need to get this right straight from the start to prevent it getting choked up with the most insipid people from Runescape.

In conclusion i simply hope Mechscape doesn't pander to the instant gratification generation. I love mindless skilling and really dont like questing but am willing to give this game a fair shake as long as it is fun. I feel, as an older gamer graduating from Runescape, that i am done with skilling and looking for something much more social and relaxing in style of gameplay and atmosphere.

Newt x

Thank you for compiling this together for us!
It's quite interesting that Runescape is a stepping stone into the mmorpg world.
I cannot wait to see what this is like!