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Is the "pop" culture infection MMORPG's now?

RandaynRandayn Member UncommonPosts: 904

My understanding is that the "pop" culture is a bunch of crowd pleasing, want it easy and soft, commoner mentality people who make up the majority fo the population.  They love what "we" (the real MMORPG crowd do), but would also "love" to have it simplified for them since they cannot comprehend on the same level.  Thus we have games such as WoW that included such characters as He-Man and stupid slapstick jokes that weren't funny (except for those that watch too much tv)....the new MMORPG's feel like Brittany Spears albums or even worse, Justin Beiber albums...easy to listen, with no reason to think as brain functionality was not included.  

Why have we gotten to this (low) level with a genre that seemed to be a world of it's own?  Why did we let such a plague ruin our exhistence...call me a drama queen/king....call me anything you want...the pop culture has invaded...and MMORPG's will never be the same because of it....

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Comments

  • troublmakertroublmaker Member Posts: 337

    I think you may have a confused view of what exactly pop culture entails.  I'm pretty sure you think that Pop Culture refers to only the Justin Biebers and the Rihannas of the world.  In reality Metallica and The Rolling Stones are also a part of pop culture.

    The term "pop culture" refers to how people come to a concensus on what they like or enjoy.

  • RandaynRandayn Member UncommonPosts: 904
    no misunderstanding there...I agree with you actually....there is a pop culture in everything...you kind of ignored my actual point as to the MMORPG industry being invade by the "pop culture"....thanks so much for taking the time to absorb my post

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  • Johnie-MarzJohnie-Marz Member UncommonPosts: 865

    On one side you have pop culture, which can be pretty bad. While I like the Beatles, sort of the WoW of the Sixties. I don't like Justin Bieber, sort of the WoW clones of today.

    The other side of the coin is Pretention. Movies and art that think they are above the norm. So you get Dogville and Melencholia or art that consist of blops of paint on the canvas that have no rhyme or reason. 

    The fact of the matter is both sides can go too far. As for me, I like the Foo Fighters, a band that has pop hits but has a little art in them as well. I like the secret world, an MMO that doesn't completely re-invent the wheel but at the same time, tries to be it's own game, not completely copying what is currently out there.

    You can go too far with either extreme.

  • GeezerGamerGeezerGamer Member EpicPosts: 8,855
    Originally posted by troublmaker

    I think you may have a confused view of what exactly pop culture entails.  I'm pretty sure you think that Pop Culture refers to only the Justin Biebers and the Rihannas of the world.  In reality Metallica and The Rolling Stones are also a part of pop culture.

    The term "pop culture" refers to how people come to a concensus on what they like or enjoy.

    I think he meant what he said. Seriously, I agree with him. What does this crap do for an MMO?

  • jdlamson75jdlamson75 Member UncommonPosts: 1,010

    I think that the success of a few early MMOs translated into the huge success of one MMO (WoW).  That huge success brought in eleventy billion new MMOs, some of which are decent, most of which are bland recreations of one another, thus saturating the MMO market and tainting what was once what you referred to. 

     

    Pop culture references being tossed into games is in the natural progression of these games, as they attempt to appeal to more people.  Two examples are actually from WoW, in the same area if I remember right - Floyd Pinkus and Harris Pilton.  Two completely different figures, but pop icons nonetheless.

  • Johnie-MarzJohnie-Marz Member UncommonPosts: 865
    Originally posted by GeezerGamer
    Originally posted by troublmaker

    I think you may have a confused view of what exactly pop culture entails.  I'm pretty sure you think that Pop Culture refers to only the Justin Biebers and the Rihannas of the world.  In reality Metallica and The Rolling Stones are also a part of pop culture.

    The term "pop culture" refers to how people come to a concensus on what they like or enjoy.

    I think he meant what he said. Seriously, I agree with him. What does this crap do for an MMO?

    I enjoy easter eggs in an MMO

  • GeezerGamerGeezerGamer Member EpicPosts: 8,855
    Originally posted by VengeSunsoar

    " bunch of crowd pleasing, want it easy and soft, commoner mentality people"

    "They love what "we" (the real MMORPG crowd do), but would also "love" to have it simplified for them since they cannot comprehend on the same level."

    "even worse"

    "easy to listen, with no reason to think as brain functionality was not included."

    "gotten to this (low) level "

    "such a plague ruin our exhistence"

     

    What a self-aggrandizing belief you have there.

    Here are some other terms for you

    Personality disorder - a longstanding pattern of maladaptive coping, present since the teen years, resistant to change, pervasive and inflexible, and leads to distress or impairment.  (but is not an illness)

    Personality disorder Cluster B - Narcissistic Personality Disorder - Grandiose, crave admiration, brag, pretentious.  Such individuals believe they are superior and expect that to be recognized. 

    Of course there is more to this personality disorder but this part fits rather well :)

    Just so you know, personal attacks against the OP are against the RoC.

  • jdlamson75jdlamson75 Member UncommonPosts: 1,010
    Originally posted by VengeSunsoar

    " bunch of crowd pleasing, want it easy and soft, commoner mentality people"

    "They love what "we" (the real MMORPG crowd do), but would also "love" to have it simplified for them since they cannot comprehend on the same level."

    "even worse"

    "easy to listen, with no reason to think as brain functionality was not included."

    "gotten to this (low) level "

    "such a plague ruin our exhistence"

     

    What a self-aggrandizing belief you have there.

    Here are some other terms for you

    Personality disorder - a longstanding pattern of maladaptive coping, present since the teen years, resistant to change, pervasive and inflexible, and leads to distress or impairment.  (but is not an illness)

    Personality disorder Cluster B - Narcissistic Personality Disorder - Grandiose, crave admiration, brag, pretentious.  Such individuals believe they are superior and expect that to be recognized. 

    Of course there is more to this personality disorder but this part fits rather well :)

    Just noticed your avatar - perhaps it's not a personality disorder, just his perception of things?

     

    And man, you're good, diagnosing someone who typed out a few paragraphs with a personality disorder.  How much do you charge?

     

  • pierthpierth Member UncommonPosts: 1,494


    Originally posted by Johnie-Marz
    I enjoy easter eggs in an MMO

    There was a time when such things were just subtle jokes that one had to look for if they wanted to find them. In today's games they are crammed down our throats.


    To the OP: when role-play and immersion were a major drawing point to MMORPGs you wouldn't see nearly as much of this but the preferences of the majority of MMO gamers has changed. You might be able to get away from it in current MMORPGs if you stay away from western titles but otherwise it's a lost cause. The number of players that have joined since WoW have simply overtaken the majority and when it comes to immersion and RP they don't care.

  • RandaynRandayn Member UncommonPosts: 904

    It's really funny how if you dont agree with the popular vote, you are deemed to have a personality disorder, when in fact, when you are infected by the pop culture, you have no personality....you simply mirror those around you...so great.

    As for the poster that mentioned artsy bands, artists, people that try to divulge from the pop culture...it is done intentionally and is, in effect, a branching out of the pop culture.

    Not to get too personal, but Im the lead singer of a band that lashes out against the pop culture, but doesnt do it for publicity, or else we'd be everywhere and no sooner become the pop culture....we do it cuz we really feel that way.  It's disguisting to see so many people imitate the characters portraid on tv...to regurgitate quotes and news they heard on their tv like it's gospel....to know it's affecting MMOPRG's now (which is one of my only safe havens for such things) is a bit disturbing.

    Here is one of my lyrics I wrote to describe such a thing:

    "Shoot my paste on your face, rub it into your drooling dead cell, tv receptor"....I honestly feel that way....Im not trying to be different...if anything, I'd love to see more people think this way....to think that Im "mad" at the pop culture is crazy....Im just 100% against it and feel its a brainless tyranny taken over through consumerism.

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  • Azaron_NightbladeAzaron_Nightblade Member EpicPosts: 4,829
    So you're basically trying to tell us to fight the system? Rage against the machine? :P

    My SWTOR referral link for those wanting to give the game a try. (Newbies get a welcome package while returning players get a few account upgrades to help with their preferred status.)

    https://www.ashesofcreation.com/ref/Callaron/

  • RandaynRandayn Member UncommonPosts: 904

    The fact of the matter is both sides can go too far. As for me, I like the Foo Fighters, a band that has pop hits but has a little art in them as well. I like the secret world, an MMO that doesn't completely re-invent the wheel but at the same time, tries to be it's own game, not completely copying what is currently out there.

     

    have to ask dude....do you know who the guitarist of the Foo Fighters originally played for?   One of my favorite bands!

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  • RandaynRandayn Member UncommonPosts: 904
    Originally posted by Azaron_Nightblade
    So you're basically trying to tell us to fight the system? Rage against the machine? :P

    no, Im saying stop watching tv and absorbing what "everyone" thinks...and think for yourself....I actually disagree with Rage Against the Machine on about 90% of their agenda, but I do love their music and still listen to it :)

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  • RandaynRandayn Member UncommonPosts: 904
    Originally posted by VengeSunsoar

    Not because you disagree but because your entire post was you stating how superior your likes are and eveyone else is as  commoner with no ability to think and just wants to be like you.

    It's ok to not like something, what you did is to insult everyone who doesn't like what you like.

    Recognize the difference between disagreeing with someone and insulting them.

    Incorrect...did I insult players that play Darfall?  not really...I actuall respect them quite a bit, yet my sig will tell you that I just can't play that game (although i did try)...how about fans of Doom metal?  Not my favorite, but I realize that it's a lost art and that those who like it have to be respected because they researched and found it.  it wasn't there for them with open arms...we are a "convenience" ran society now in all aspects and people now "expect" it...its kinda disguisting.....

    Yes, you see my avatar and know from my name that I am a true Frederick Bastiat and Ayn Rand apprentice (so to speak)....but that's only because I researched, found them and compared them to others I have researched (plato, marx, the beatles for gods sakes) and decided that they made the most sense.  All I ask is not to succumb to the disease that is the pop culture.  My best friend and guitarist in my band is an extreme liberal/socialist...but he can backup his claims....all you have done is call me crazy...

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  • Laughing-manLaughing-man Member RarePosts: 3,654
    Originally posted by Randayn
    Originally posted by Azaron_Nightblade
    So you're basically trying to tell us to fight the system? Rage against the machine? :P

    no, Im saying stop watching tv and absorbing what "everyone" thinks...and think for yourself....I actually disagree with Rage Against the Machine on about 90% of their agenda, but I do love their music and still listen to it :)

    Watching TV doesn't make you think what others want you to think.

    Its not a brainwashing device.

    We get it, you are in the "I don't like popular things because they are popular" camp.  Thats niffity, good for you!

    There are quite a few people like you here, I'm sure you'll find some like minded people who also irrationally hate popular things merely because they are in fact popular. 

  • Johnie-MarzJohnie-Marz Member UncommonPosts: 865
    Originally posted by Randayn

    The fact of the matter is both sides can go too far. As for me, I like the Foo Fighters, a band that has pop hits but has a little art in them as well. I like the secret world, an MMO that doesn't completely re-invent the wheel but at the same time, tries to be it's own game, not completely copying what is currently out there.

     

    have to ask dude....do you know who the guitarist of the Foo Fighters originally played for?   One of my favorite bands!

    Yeah, Dave Grohl drummed for Nirvana. I remember getting bleach from a friend (not the same drummer on that recording) and enjoying it's rawness. I was pleasantly surprised when they made it big.

    I really enjoyed Floyd the Barber, School, Swap meet on bleach. On Nevermind, along with the hits I really like Territorial pissing and On a Plain.

    (To be honest I liked most songs on both albums)

  • VengeSunsoarVengeSunsoar Member EpicPosts: 6,601
    Originally posted by Randayn
    Originally posted by VengeSunsoar

    Not because you disagree but because your entire post was you stating how superior your likes are and eveyone else is as  commoner with no ability to think and just wants to be like you.

    It's ok to not like something, what you did is to insult everyone who doesn't like what you like.

    Recognize the difference between disagreeing with someone and insulting them.

    Incorrect...did I insult players that play Darfall?  not really...I actuall respect them quite a bit, yet my sig will tell you that I just can't play that game (although i did try)...how about fans of Doom metal?  Not my favorite, but I realize that it's a lost art and that those who like it have to be respected because they researched and found it.  it wasn't there for them with open arms...we are a "convenience" ran society now in all aspects and people now "expect" it...its kinda disguisting.....

    Yes, you see my avatar and know from my name that I am a true Frederick Bastiat and Ayn Rand apprentice (so to speak)....but that's only because I researched, found them and compared them to others I have researched (plato, marx, the beatles for gods sakes) and decided that they made the most sense.  All I ask is not to succumb to the disease that is the pop culture.  My best friend and guitarist in my band is an extreme liberal/socialist...but he can backup his claims....all you have done is call me crazy...

     I didn't say or imply you insulted everyone that plays games.  I said you insulted everyone that doesn't like what you like, everyone disagrees with you. 

    If someone likes WoW or swtor or any other modern game that you feel is a "pop culture game" this is what you said about them.

    " bunch of crowd pleasing, want it easy and soft, commoner mentality people"

    "They love what "we" (the real MMORPG crowd do), but would also "love" to have it simplified for them since they cannot comprehend on the same level."

    "even worse"

    "easy to listen, with no reason to think as brain functionality was not included."

    "gotten to this (low) level "

    "such a plague ruin our exhistence"

     

    How is this not an insult.  The only thing they did is like something you dont' like.  The only thing you know about them is they like a game you don't.

    edit - face it, what we call the pop culture is not just a bunch of mindless sheep being told what to like that many people think.  Rather humans have many many many commonalities, we have 97% of the same DNA, we all live in the same world with very similar stressors.  It is likley that many mnay many people genuinely like similar things.  Is chocolate and vanilla the most common ice cream because of pop culture or people telling them to like it.  No, people just like it. 

    Just because you don't like it doesn't mean it is bad.
  • PresbytierPresbytier Member UncommonPosts: 424
    Originally posted by Randayn
    no misunderstanding there...I agree with you actually....there is a pop culture in everything...you kind of ignored my actual point as to the MMORPG industry being invade by the "pop culture"....thanks so much for taking the time to absorb my post

    Well first actually make an argument secondly ditch the ellipses they are not being used corrctly and they do not help emphasize your points. Lastly I do not even see a real issue with making slight "pop culture" references anyways; the only real harm they can do is date your product.

    "Never pay more than 20 bucks for a computer game."-Guybrush Threepwood
    "I hate to advocate drugs, alcohol, violence, or insanity to anyone, but they've always worked for me."-Hunter S. Thompson

  • RandaynRandayn Member UncommonPosts: 904
    Originally posted by Johnie-Marz
    Originally posted by Randayn

    The fact of the matter is both sides can go too far. As for me, I like the Foo Fighters, a band that has pop hits but has a little art in them as well. I like the secret world, an MMO that doesn't completely re-invent the wheel but at the same time, tries to be it's own game, not completely copying what is currently out there.

     

    have to ask dude....do you know who the guitarist of the Foo Fighters originally played for?   One of my favorite bands!

    Yeah, Dave Grohl drummed for Nirvana. I remember getting bleach from a friend (not the same drummer on that recording) and enjoying it's rawness. I was pleasantly surprised when they made it big.

    I really enjoyed Floyd the Barber, School, Swap meet on bleach. On Nevermind, along with the hits I really like Territorial pissing and On a Plain.

    (To be honest I liked most songs on both albums)

    nah, Im talkin bout Pat Smear :)

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  • Johnie-MarzJohnie-Marz Member UncommonPosts: 865

    Being against everything that is popular is allowing someone else to crontrol your likes and dislikes. It is also "Not thinking for yourself" when you get right down too it.

     

  • WolfenprideWolfenpride Member, Newbie CommonPosts: 3,988
    MMO's are a lot more mainstream than they use to be. It's to be expected unfortunately.
  • RandaynRandayn Member UncommonPosts: 904
    Originally posted by VengeSunsoar
    Originally posted by Randayn
    Originally posted by VengeSunsoar

    Not because you disagree but because your entire post was you stating how superior your likes are and eveyone else is as  commoner with no ability to think and just wants to be like you.

    It's ok to not like something, what you did is to insult everyone who doesn't like what you like.

    Recognize the difference between disagreeing with someone and insulting them.

    Incorrect...did I insult players that play Darfall?  not really...I actuall respect them quite a bit, yet my sig will tell you that I just can't play that game (although i did try)...how about fans of Doom metal?  Not my favorite, but I realize that it's a lost art and that those who like it have to be respected because they researched and found it.  it wasn't there for them with open arms...we are a "convenience" ran society now in all aspects and people now "expect" it...its kinda disguisting.....

    Yes, you see my avatar and know from my name that I am a true Frederick Bastiat and Ayn Rand apprentice (so to speak)....but that's only because I researched, found them and compared them to others I have researched (plato, marx, the beatles for gods sakes) and decided that they made the most sense.  All I ask is not to succumb to the disease that is the pop culture.  My best friend and guitarist in my band is an extreme liberal/socialist...but he can backup his claims....all you have done is call me crazy...

     I didn't say or imply you insulted everyone that plays games.  I said you insulted everyone that doesn't like what you like, everyone disagrees with you. 

    If someone likes WoW or swtor or any other modern game that you feel is a "pop culture game" this is what you said about them.

    " bunch of crowd pleasing, want it easy and soft, commoner mentality people"

    "They love what "we" (the real MMORPG crowd do), but would also "love" to have it simplified for them since they cannot comprehend on the same level."

    "even worse"

    "easy to listen, with no reason to think as brain functionality was not included."

    "gotten to this (low) level "

    "such a plague ruin our exhistence"

     

    How is this not an insult.  The only thing they did is like something you dont' like.  The only thing you know about them is they like a game you don't.

    edit - face it, what we call the pop culture is not just a bunch of mindless sheep being told what to like that many people think.  Rather humans have many many many commonalities, we have 97% of the same DNA, we all live in the same world with very similar stressors.  It is likley that many mnay many people genuinely like similar things.  Is chocolate and vanilla the most common ice cream because of pop culture or people telling them to like it.  No, people just like it. 

    I ddn't like Darkfall though....I only respected the idea presented....point denied

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  • Johnie-MarzJohnie-Marz Member UncommonPosts: 865
    Originally posted by Randayn
    Originally posted by Johnie-Marz
    Originally posted by Randayn

    The fact of the matter is both sides can go too far. As for me, I like the Foo Fighters, a band that has pop hits but has a little art in them as well. I like the secret world, an MMO that doesn't completely re-invent the wheel but at the same time, tries to be it's own game, not completely copying what is currently out there.

     

    have to ask dude....do you know who the guitarist of the Foo Fighters originally played for?   One of my favorite bands!

    Yeah, Dave Grohl drummed for Nirvana. I remember getting bleach from a friend (not the same drummer on that recording) and enjoying it's rawness. I was pleasantly surprised when they made it big.

    I really enjoyed Floyd the Barber, School, Swap meet on bleach. On Nevermind, along with the hits I really like Territorial pissing and On a Plain.

    (To be honest I liked most songs on both albums)

    nah, Im talkin bout Pat Smear :)

    I am pretty sure he played for Nirvana as well :)

    (I actually don't know that much about the germs)

  • VengeSunsoarVengeSunsoar Member EpicPosts: 6,601
    Originally posted by Johnie-Marz

    Being against everything that is popular is allowing someone else to crontrol your likes and dislikes. It is also "Not thinking for yourself" when you get right down too it.

     

     Hear hear Johnie. 

    I use to date a girl that would only listen to an smallish local radio station because they only played indie songs.  Whenever she would listen to one of the more popular bands on the radio she would say something like, "how can you listen to that crap."  One of her favorite singers was Teagan and Sara.  Then low and behold won of there older songs (not the newer ones so you can't say they sold out) was played on a popular and big radio station, she hated them from that moment on.

    I can't stand that attitude.  She wasn't thinking for herself, she was letting other people, in this case the radio dictate what she liked. 

    We broke up :)

    Just because you don't like it doesn't mean it is bad.
  • RandaynRandayn Member UncommonPosts: 904
    Originally posted by Johnie-Marz

    Being against everything that is popular is allowing someone else to crontrol your likes and dislikes. It is also "Not thinking for yourself" when you get right down too it.

     

    I like soft pretzels and ice cream....I don't hate what's popular.....I hate what's generic and baseless....mindless and mundane.  

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This discussion has been closed.