This week’s MMO Friday Fight, which was supposed to pit multiple Druid classes against one another, has been delayed. Yesterday was Thanksgiving, and it had me wondering if any of my favorite MMOs had a holiday event going on. And voila, this week’s Friday Fight was born. So, do you enjoy when your MMO has real-world-themed events, or do you prefer in-game lore-based events? Both can be fun. But, just like every Friday Fight, in the battle between special events, there can be only one winner.
Real-World Themed Events
Usually based around a holiday like Thanksgiving, Halloween, or Christmas, these events are full of holiday decorations regardless of the actual in-game aesthetics. They allow players to run around wielding candy cane swords, wear a witch outfit, and don pumpkin heads. And nothing says Happy Holidays as much as running around killing goblins in the hope that they drop candy treats, snowflakes, or easter eggs.
Events are all about bringing people together, and holidays can be some of the busiest times for an MMO. With extra time off, players flock back to an MMO for extended play sessions. And with that extra time, a holiday-based event breaks the monotony of doing the same-ol same-ol.
Finally, real-world-based events are more relatable to the casual player. While some players can recite every piece of lore from a decade-plus worth of development, many players are less educated. But everyone knows what Christmas, Halloween, and Easter are, even if they don’t celebrate them personally. So no matter what, a group of random players will have the holiday to talk about, and that creates a sense of comradery that you might not get in a regular party.
In-Game Themed Events
Credit: Wowpedia
Some players jump into an MMO just to escape reality. Over the years, an MMO builds up enough lore that they don’t need to bring in real-world elements. Players leave their real-world issues behind and become immersed in that lore. Adding real-world events, even something as fun as a holiday, can break that immersion.
Sometimes, the event itself can create additional lore for the MMO. The annual Running of the Gnomes in World of Warcraft is a perfect example. Events like this start as a fun way to pass the time, but over the years, they become a part of the game lore itself. Or, on a more somber note, players gathering to mourn the loss of a long-time community member gives them a chance to relive many of the experiences they have had in-game. Regardless of the reason for a community-led event, they add to the immersion instead of subtracting from it.
My Take
This is the first time that I have to declare a Friday Fight a draw. I know that there can only be one winner, and that winner is me! I don’t care what reason is given for an event, anything that adds content to a long-running MMO is a good thing.
Even if I don’t consistently play an MMO, holiday events give me a reason to return to the game at least once a year. And for any MMO that I do play regularly, it gives me a chance to pull some stupid costume piece out of my storage and wear it around for a few hours. I wouldn’t want to wear a pumpkin head all year long, but it makes me chuckle for a while each Halloween. Then, I throw the costume back into my vault and go about my daily business.
Similarly, lore-themed events are a good break from my solo-centric play. They give me a chance to join up with other players for a casual group event without the worry of being kicked from a party because I haven’t learned every mechanic of a boss battle. Players are more low-key and take their time, and I find that a refreshing break from the typical zerg you get from a daily roulette or LFG party.
Ultimately, I just want some cool loot and memories of a good time spent in-game. Whether that comes from real-world events or lore-based action, I couldn’t care less. Just give me the loot!
