Topic

More info for newbies, please

I had only one issue with this game, it was not easy to start. And I don't mean the basics of the keybindings or questing.

I had signed up for beta a long time ago, got my invite last week, logged in and wasn't sure what was going on. So I left my character standing there and went to search for some sort of About page and backstory. Eventually found it on http://glitch.com/about/ but it was not obvious where to go for this info.

It would be extremely helpful if we got a little story to read before we enter the game, to get the general idea of what we can or cannot do and how this world functions. I've seen a few people in the help chat asking for the point of this game. And then getting annoyed and swearing or storming off.

Posted 20 months ago by Fussycat Subscriber! | Permalink

Replies

  • Fussy, we have a cadre of Greeters now who *tahdah* will be meeting new players in the start areas to show them the ropes. I'm a greeter myself now and it is a real hoot to meet and interact with the fresh players, especially when they find out they have a real live human player standing in front of them. I am totally sorry you didn't get a greeter.

    I agree that people should watch the little intro video as a refresher right before the tutorial and then go to a greeter though.

    Hope you have gotten your feet wet and are enjoying the game! I find it a hilarious place of quirky hijinx myself.
    Posted 20 months ago by Mistress*of*Fishies Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Where do players start out in the world? I can't remember where I was at the time (and was confused enough that I wouldn't have known where I was in order to remember it later anyway). I do think there is some level of fun to being thrown into a really weird game with no idea of what's going on--I remember getting quests early enough that there was enough direction to get me started, so it wasn't a turn-off.
    Posted 20 months ago by Shepherdmoon Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Shepherdmoon - not sure about before, but now there are greeters, so there's a different procedure. First the player goes through the tutorial, then they're transported to what we call start locations. That's where the greeters come in. We go and do the intro in the start location. There are 3 signposts leading off of each start location, which change according to which one it is (there's forest start, meadow start, and heights start). The new player chooses which one to go into, and that's how they start in the 'real world.'
    Posted 20 months ago by Cupcake Subscriber! | Permalink
  • I think greeters are great.
    I, however, found no need my first time out. It was so enjoyable just to figure stuff out. For me that is one of the great appeals of the game. A vague backstory (There were/are Giants. They dreamed you up. Go have fun.). So many simple skills to discover (and quests that help you along). Just explore!
    But I also understand not all players are like myself.
    Posted 20 months ago by Lord Bacon-o Subscriber! | Permalink
  • I got in a few tests ago back in alpha. I was thrown into the world after the tutorial. It explained the basics but I am still learning as I go. There is quite a bit to learn and that's what makes the game interesting. There is always someone to ask a question to and get an answer from in chat or here in the forums. I think greeters are a definite plus though as the game gets bigger and more complex.
    Posted 20 months ago by Holly Waterfall Subscriber! | Permalink
  • I think having greeters is a great idea, too. I didn't need anyone to help me when I started, but I'm pretty sure there are others who just didn't "get it" and needed the extra instructions. I stopped and helped quite a few players this last test who looked lost. 
    Posted 20 months ago by Essie Kitten Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Yes, you all make good points - and I always make sure it's clear that the tutorial is *optional*. There are quite a few people who decide just to go for it, and they just say so and leave.
    Posted 20 months ago by Cupcake Subscriber! | Permalink
  • @ Lord Bacon-o, from another greeter, yeah I kind of tailor it. If I can tell that a noob is eager to be off exploring after I say a couple things and give them some gifts, I just tell them to have fun exploring and interact with everything. But then for those who'd like more info, it's also great fun to chat with them. One poor person wasn't even sure how to walk around and stuff, so we spent a long time on some very basic interactions. Great pleasure to help out.
    Posted 20 months ago by RM Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Sorry we missed you, FussyCat. By your experience, do you think it would have helped if a Greeter started you off and answered a few questions?
    Posted 20 months ago by Hburger Subscriber! | Permalink
  • This is very interesting. When I started out, we didn't have a choice of which area to start in. I do think that's cool. As for the greeters--I'm sure they are useful for some people, but I'm not sure if it will even be possible to continue this when the game goes live and there are WAY more new players coming in every day...
    Posted 20 months ago by Shepherdmoon Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Man, it would be fantastic if greeters had little signs with new Glitches' names on it. Like at the airport.
    Posted 20 months ago by Lord Bacon-o Subscriber! | Permalink
  • That would be freaking AMAZING...jdawg?
    Posted 20 months ago by Cupcake Subscriber! | Permalink
  • I was a Beta tester in another MMOG.  When I started that game was smallish and easy to learn.  When I got here (at the very end of Alpha) I was amazed and overwhelmed!  I watched the video, did the tutorial but still was pretty clueless.  I'm pretty sure I was greeted (I know some one hugged me and gave me some food & drink) but I didn't even know what to ask.  I definitely could have used some more help.  Fortunately I have a lot of friends who have been in the game much longer than I have so I am getting the help I need.
    Posted 20 months ago by Marla Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Lord Bacon-o, I LOVE the idea of the greeters' sign! How awesome would that be?!

    The Greeters process is still, er, in-process, but plans are to make it a big part of the game. This is really a game based on social interaction and the dynamics of a growing society. The greeters volunteering now are doing it for the love of the game and for the joy of meeting new players. All of us were real-game helpers and were recruited (OK, sweet-talked) into the role. And if you find yourself or a friend with the drive to help out as well, let jdawg know! We all play and work at the same time. It isn't an all-or-nothing scenario. (zap) We greet. (zap) We play. Easy peasy.

    Can anybody think of anything that was glaringly left out of the tutorials or learning process? Anything that was terribly difficult to master or understand (well, besides the butterflies... we do a lot of butterfly practice now in the start areas!)? Is there something you found hilarious or suprising you would not want a spoiler on? (For me it was the audacity of massaging that first butterfly without lotion and overhugging the crab)
    Posted 20 months ago by Mistress*of*Fishies Subscriber! | Permalink
  • MOF-The thing that most overwhelmed me on my first time or so playing was dying and going to hell. I was not prepared for that. I never really cared about watching my energy levels before (in other games) and the fact that they went down so quickly in this game was shocking. I didn't have a clue what to do but when I asked I received great help from the chat room. So maybe just a better warning to newbies that this may happen.

    P.S. Has anyone noted that newbies is a word spell check accepts? I find that funny.
    Posted 20 months ago by Holly Waterfall Subscriber! | Permalink
  • I think for me it was mainly not being familiar with the concept of the game when I started. The Giants. The way you can contribute to streets. No mobs to fight.
    When I clicked the link in my beta invite I went straight to character creation and then into the game, I didn't notice that there was a trailer until much later. Probably my own fault.
    Posted 20 months ago by Fussycat Subscriber! | Permalink
  • From what I remember of the start from the alpha wipe, you start inside a Giant brain among the neurons. I would love to see the trailer right then and there with a little, "Hold on, little Glitch, you are being imagined into existence...NOW" and pop in.
    Posted 20 months ago by Mistress*of*Fishies Subscriber! | Permalink
  • From what I remember of the start from the alpha wipe, you start inside a Giant brain among the neurons. I would love to see the trailer right then and there with a little, "Hold on, little Glitch, you are being imagined into existence...NOW" and pop in.
    Posted 20 months ago by Mistress*of*Fishies Subscriber! | Permalink
  • @Holly: I have been mentioning during greeting that you can die in the game, by saying that even death is pretty funny in Glitch. Is that enough of a warning, would you have thought? Just knowing that you might die but that it's supposed to be funny?
    Posted 20 months ago by RM Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Hell was pretty shocking at first, but in retrospect, I'm glad I wasn't told about it.
    I'm a no spoilers kind of person.
    Posted 20 months ago by caley dunn Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Maybe RM-at first I didn't care for the whole aspect of using Hell. But now that I get more of the games humor and the fact that I #1) can be offended and never play again {not really an option} , #2) eat so I don't die, or #3) just roll with the quirkiness of everything, I am good. 
    Posted 20 months ago by Holly Waterfall Subscriber! | Permalink