The Importance of Social

Its often the most overlooked aspect of FPS but when the FPS contains MMO elements, the social aspects simply cannot be understated. While the beta has only been released to a small number of players, one look at the number of active players on the weekends is evidence of how much players want to play with those they are familiar with. While several members of our blog have been able to play together a great deal by queue-synching on many of the euro servers, it simply isn't the same as being able to form groups.



So far none of the Dust 514 builds have included a grouping mechanic and it has caused many players to feel like they're experiencing a single player game. While many casual players aren't bothered by playing by themselves, the clan-types that will frequent this game heavily are almost purely motivated by the prospect of playing together. Fortunately, recent news has told us that the Dust 514 build released on the 21st of this month will include among other things, a grouping system.

In addition, CCP would be wise to see how players are naturally drawn to the social aspect of gaming. This is especially critical because of the anticipation of how they implement 3rd Person Social Areas. These have the ability to push the envelope far beyond anything else thats ever been done for a shooter. When we add the social mechanic it allows gameplay that caters to every type of player. Even those who excel at uniting players, building alliances, creating communities and even recruiting mercenaries or selling assets or resources. Now they have the ability to use the strengths they have socially to their advantage. We can't help but think of players like ContraBanJoe, Sithis, Mitauchi, Grideris, Plymco Pilgrim and even Jenza of BetaMax when we look at the ways social benefits will push this title into the unknown. It certainly won't be long before players are meeting to broker deals inside space stations, if they have the ability to.

Already there have been numerous instances of early corporation hi-level meetings in PS Home for those who like to politic. If the developers do a great job creating unique 3rd Person Social Areas they will provide a natural environment for more of the same. Whether its social settings to watch Gladiator battles, hammer out a peace treaty with The Mittani, utilize meeting rooms, corp HQs or even bars and taverns, places where players can meet to converse, deal, barter and interact in a non-combat setting is almost as important as the pew pew.