So is a MMORPG a Chatroom with content built on top of it. Or is it content with a chatroom built in?

6 years ago when I got introduced to MMO, I would have said Chatroom with content built on top of it.

Now it's more Content with a chatroom built in.

Something changed, fewer people chat in the games.

Back when I started (Ultima Online) it was definately more content than chat, 'cos UO didn't even have guild channels or the ability to send tells/whispers or even see if people you knew were online. If you wanted to talk to someone in-game, you had to actually go find them. 

I always kinda liked that; it was a lot more immersive to randomly bump into someone at the bank or a vendor mall that you hadn't seen in ages. Modern MMO's with their chat channels and the ability to see exactly who is online, what level they are and what zone they're currently in .. I always feel that those features kinda suck the spontaneity out of social interaction.

P.S. it was the egg.

I feel it depends on the game, Vendetta online for me, is a chat with content, World of Warcraft is content with a chat, Second Life is, well, a MASSIVE chat room with a mad content.

Really, depends on the game. But i do agree, people dont talk as much in todays mmo's. I miss playing Pristol Tale beta dn having a good laugh with people just cause he hit a higher crit then me lol

IN the end, its content with chat functions. HOwever, it is the community you keep within the game that makes the game fun.

Originally posted by Ilvaldyr

Back when I started (Ultima Online) it was definately more content than chat, 'cos UO didn't even have guild channels or the ability to send tells/whispers or even see if people you knew were online. If you wanted to talk to someone in-game, you had to actually go find them. 

I always kinda liked that; it was a lot more immersive to randomly bump into someone at the bank or a vendor mall that you hadn't seen in ages. Modern MMO's with their chat channels and the ability to see exactly who is online, what level they are and what zone they're currently in .. I always feel that those features kinda suck the spontaneity out of social interaction.

P.S. it was the egg.

...I agree completely. If it is truly a mmorpg...then no chat channels unless it's a function of the game. Like if its high-tech or modern day...and if you own a communication device/phone. Then you could use it to contact others in a realistic manner...e.g. if you know the contact number...gene code...whatever. This might even work in a fantasy game..but only for true magic users with some kind of spell...or scrying device...etc. Other wise ..you have to hunt others down or run into each other at random , if any conversation is to take place. These days...I almost feel like all my characters are schizophrenic....with chat channels chock full of voices...all going off on various subjects...or spamming gold...or looking for group....a miasma of words and/or a cacophony of sound.