Arn't we all actors in MMORPGs?

Yes and no. In a MMORPG. it is true you can take on any role. However when it becomes storyline based or is deemed too simplistic a role for a user, no one wants to do it because it is boring or they wouldn't follow scripted "guidelines".

This idea would mean the actors being paid to do these roles. For example, this would establish a contract between the game and the player, which meant they had to stick to the characters scripted references. Of course they could adlib but they would have goals and motivations based on a particular storyline, quest or simply based on location.

A typical MMO has thousands of NPCs not including mobs - WoW has over 8k - multiply that by the number of servers and 3 shifts of actors - can you imagine the cost?!
Most MMOs barely make a profit as it is. An additional cost like this would just not be feasible.
Add to that the fact that most players dont interact with the real people in the world if they can avoid it, as is, and I really dont see this as a viable idea.

NancyJ

Thanks for your comments, however I don't feel they are correct.

1. It depends how much you pay the actors, and how much you charge for the service.

2. Players do interact with real people in online games. Whether they are NPCS or PCs is neither here nor there, the NPCs become PCs that act like NPCS but with greater depth and the ability to adlib more.

I think it would be feasible if the cost was balanced correctly.

MMORPGs are currently the hardest and most expensive video games to develop. In order to get my backing on this idea, I'm going to need to see that you have REALLY thought this through. It took WoW 6 years to make, though I don't think you are planning something of that scale, keep that in mind that was a professional development team.

As for the actors, I'm going to have to say no, simply because I don't see any true benefit to having them. Yes, you get the more unique responses, but it would not be worth the high cost.

My recommendation to you is to design a few smaller scale games. You will gain experience and learn a lot along the way. After you do that, rethink the idea of taking on an MMORPG and proceed from there. You are ambitious (which is a very good quality to have when it comes to game design), but I don't think you quite understand the amount of work and money a project like this would cost.

everyone wants to be a actor! how will this be different from "The Movies"

and how are u going to work with FilmLot a CH film funding project.

Sorry, but I don't think you could pay actors enough to be willing to spend time doing this. The fractional income to them would not be worth their time. Think "starving" actors and actresses doing waiter or waitressing while they are waiting for their "big" break. I just don't think there is enough room for this one to take off.

MMORPG- it can happen, but only if the other actors are players themselves. not Warcraft style, but more secret op. You'll need a communication interface, plenty of real looking (but hackable websites). A couple of local billboards and classified ad placements etc.

Also, make it more fun by having others register their local friends, so nobody knows what the F is going on until they're already in it (and then they can continue or bail).

I worked with a company who did something similar in Australia, but it was much more controlled. They were funded by really savvy product placement. Mostly Nokia for a texting phone (a large part of the game was time-based and relied on SMS).

Also, at Columbia U. there's the game Assassins which is student run by the engineering school. Add different roles to players, make it immersive, add a little bit of intensity by time, get product placement sponsorships, have a good plot, and let characters die... you've got a seriously awesome game that would be amazing.

If you want to do this, I've got some experience and connections. Send me a message.

Btw, the Australia game had over 20k players.

Reading about your idea makes me wonder if there isn't a possible extension to it. As well as an actor playing your character, maybe there could be characters and roles that other players could 'audition' for.

can a character be defined in very specific terms. i mean this as a simple question to see how easy it would be to give the actor direction then freedom to act