Finding your identity in online games

  

As of today, there are dozens of massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMOPRGs) scheduled for release or in beta. It is difficult to decide which online game to play. And most of us don't have the time or money to play more than one game at a time. With all the competition, software companies need to find more creative ways to distinguish themselves from one another and retain their player base.

After all the excitement for a game's initial release subsides, what keeps players engaged in the virtual world? For one thing, the game has to be fun and it must remain fun. Beyond that, players must have a sense of ownership - they must have a tangible connection and personal investment in their online online gaming merchant account setup.

Online games are an extension of our real life. What keeps us happy in the real world will often translate into what keeps us happy in the virtual world of a game. We like to feel special and have the ability to express ourselves in our own unique way. We also enjoy the freedom to choose what we do with our possessions and time.

Customizable characters

One of the most important aspects of a game is being able to customize the character of the game. Having a unique avatar or graphic helps players stand out. It is a key element that defines the identity of a player.

The latest online role-playing games allow you to modify a multitude of physical aspects, including hair color and style, facial features, height, weight, age, and gender. This allows players to create a unique and unique avatar that defines them in the virtual world.

As voice chat is becoming more common in online games, gamers feel the need to customize the sound of their voice. These players may have spent a lot of time customizing the look of their avatars, why not have matching voices? Voice-changing products like the Screaming Bee's MorphVOX allow these players to have a unique voice that matches their in-game character, whether they choose to be a mighty giant or a space adventurer.

Opportunities to improve a character's abilities or skills are an important feature of an online game. Just like in the real world, people like to have the option to change their luck in life through self improvement. Between gaining skills and "leveling up," your online character continues to grow and improve.

Possessions

Another way to customize the character in the game is to provide a variety of clothing and possessions. Just as someone can look and dress a certain way in real life, your in-game character should have the option of wearing a variety of clothing. Unique clothing combinations provide a form of self-expression, define your character's style, and allow people to find you in a crowded tavern or spaceport. And depending on one's mood, it's nice to have a variety of outfits to wear to game hunts or special events.

A game with a variety of loot and treats is a great draw for players. Much of the excitement and interest in online games comes from the opportunity to discover great new treasures. People will literally spend hours and days from their real life "camp" locations in the virtual world of a game to find the latest and greatest loot or treasure.

Having a place to call home is no different in an online world. Gamers appreciate games that offer accommodation for players. Customizable player homes can be so important that people will continue to pay monthly fees for a game they stopped playing in order to maintain a home they worked so hard to acquire. They can often trade properties to other players for exorbitant real or virtual dollars.

Different roles for different people

Just like in real life, players need a purpose. After a while, all the leveling up and acquiring new possessions can lose its luster. Online games offer professions, player-driven economy, and guilds to provide players with roles as well as a way to create a virtual society.

The interdependence of other players keeps people engaged in games because they have a tangible purpose or role in the virtual world. Some choose to be merchants who sell various goods, such as food, clothing, and weapons to other players. In return, they exchange money or goods. Others may choose to be part of a guild, work for a common purpose, or hunt together in larger groups.