Reasons for changes

[mohr]

Don't know if this is the right place, or if the title is the right kind of description. This is just some observations and suggestions to whomever wishes to make suggestions on either making a change or including something into the mod. (Please correct me if I am wrong on some point)

There are, in general, 3 reasons to make a change to (or include something in) a game or mod, and there are 4 reasons (the three first plus one) why the change would not be made.

Flavor/Role-Play - This is what gives the game its' style and atmosphere. Being consistant with flavour and the role-play that is inherent in the game (or intended by the mod creator) is important. It makes the world realistic in its' own way and makes you put real effort into the charactors, places, and events. Things that go against this can break the suspension of disbelief, and instead of being in another world with the charectors you know and love, you're just playing a game.

Balance - This is what prevents abusive behaviour and exploitation. Balance prevents players from going with one strategy alone; it promotes variety. This is the structure necessary for the flavor and roleplay to flourish. A good balance is integral in the suspension of disbelief inherent in a good game. Good balance also gives structure to improving oneself and achieving things; examples include defeating a gunboat in a light fighter. Without the knowledge that the balance of the game makes that an incredible victory, it would be an inconsequential event.

Fun Factor - This may seem to be a reduntant aspect of a game, however, both of the above aspects of a game have one goal, to provide a fun expierience for the player. If the fun factor is lost do to a change that was implemented, even for one of the previous reasons, the change should be reversed. Without this, there would be no players, and eventually no game.

Practicality - This is the final aspect of a game that needs to be thought of, it includes limitations to the software of the game and the amount of work to implement a change outweighing the benefits of the change. Changes can only be made if the software will allow it, and frivolous changes should be avoided. If the impact of a change is only marginal and requires extensive work, one must ask themselves if it is absolutely needed.

Most people already think about these things when posting a request for either a change, an inclusion, or a removal. I don't know if this post was needed or not, but it is just something that has been boiling in my brain for a while. Suggestions for changes or your own view on this are welcome. The main point of this was to have people do critical thinking before giving their suggestions/requests.

Also forgive me for the large amount of text and poor grammer; I was never very good at spelling or writing something like this.

Mohr

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