Social MMOs are designed to encourage player interaction and socialization, with features such as emotes and rewards for grouping together. They also include traditional gameplay elements such as dungeons and character customization.
While most Massively Multiplayer Online (MMO) games tend to have an inherent social function, some titles are developed specifically with a social focus. These games may include numerous other gameplay elements, such as player vs. combat and dungeons. Player (PvP), but include several tools and features that encourage socialization. A social MMO is often meant for people who enjoy talking to others and sharing a group experience within an online virtual world. Many of the resources within the game are typically designed to reward players who engage in socializing, such as bonuses for grouping and accessing items available only through social interaction.
The main design principle in a social MMO is a focus on player interaction within the game. While MMOs in general are quite social in nature, being multiplayer games that allow numerous people to exist within the same game world, some titles focus even more on this aspect. Everything within a social MMO is likely to be designed to reinforce and support in-game socialization, providing players with a world they can use to talk to each other and interact. These games often include animations called “emotes” that include actions such as “dance” or “hug,” allowing players to express certain things more quickly.
Other common elements of game design can be found in a social MMO, even if there is typically a focus on player interaction in them. For example, exploring “dungeons” or similar areas is a common gameplay element within these types of games. In a social MMO, however, players might be rewarded for grouping together in these areas, often through special bonuses or rewards based on people repeatedly playing together over time. Some games may have a system where players earn points based on social interactions that can be used to purchase special in-game items.
A great deal of attention in a social MMO is often placed on the appearance of the characters players use within the game. Numerous features and options may be available to customize appearance, including how a character is initially created and additional features later. The clothing and other “equipment” used by players can relate to both unique appearance and social markers as well as in-game bonuses. Social MMO developers may set aside certain outfits and cosmetic styles to reward players who engage in extensive cooperation, allowing characters to look their best after working with each other.
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