The video argues that Ashes of Creation’s failure was not due to its PvP focus but rather poor PvP design and management, highlighting issues like lack of factions and excessive guild control that alienated players. Using examples like Dark Age of Camelot’s successful PvP system and critiquing games like New World, the creator emphasizes that well-implemented PvP can thrive, urging the community to learn from these design flaws rather than blaming PvP itself.
The video serves as the creator’s final commentary on the failed MMORPG Ashes of Creation, emphasizing that the game’s demise was not due to its PvP (player versus player) focus, contrary to popular belief. The creator shares an old, candid recording with Steven Sharief, the game’s developer, expressing early concerns about the game’s direction, particularly criticizing the battle royale test mode that seemed disconnected from the core MMO experience. This test mode lacked fundamental MMO elements like classes and felt more like a standalone mini-game rather than a true representation of the final product, which planted early seeds of doubt about the game’s future.
The core argument of the video is a rebuttal against the widespread narrative blaming Ashes of Creation’s failure on its PvP nature. The creator insists that PvP games are not inherently doomed; in fact, many of the most popular and actively played games on platforms like Steam are PvP-centric. The real issue, he argues, lies in poor PvP design and management. Many PvP MMOs fail because they implement flawed systems, such as lack of factions, non-consensual PvP, and excessive player or guild control over game resources, which alienate players and disrupt game balance.
To illustrate what successful PvP design looks like, the creator cites Dark Age of Camelot (DAoC) as the gold standard. DAoC thrived by incorporating three factions to prevent domination by a single group, offering optional PvP in designated zones, and ensuring that even non-PvP players benefited from their faction’s PvP successes. This balanced approach fostered a healthy ecosystem where PvP was meaningful but not oppressive. Unfortunately, Ashes of Creation and other failed PvP MMOs like Shadowbane and ArchAge adopted the opposite approach, with factionless or overly controlling guild systems that led to player frustration and game collapse.
The video also critiques New World, a recent PvP MMO that failed despite having factions and consensual PvP. The game’s downfall stemmed from guilds gaining excessive control over towns and resources, effectively gatekeeping content and progression from other players. Additionally, its instanced large-scale battles prevented broader faction cooperation, leading to imbalance and the “rich get richer” scenario. These design flaws echo the pitfalls that doomed Ashes of Creation, reinforcing the argument that PvP failure is about poor implementation rather than the concept itself.
In conclusion, the creator laments that Ashes of Creation’s failure will unfairly stigmatize PvP MMOs in the Western market for years to come, potentially stifling innovation and development in this genre. He urges PvP enthusiasts not to blame the developers or the game itself but to recognize that the real problem lies in flawed game design and management. As he signs off, he announces his return to Star Citizen, signaling a shift away from the disappointment of Ashes of Creation while expressing hope for better PvP MMO experiences in the future.