Couch Podtatoes

Couch Podtatoes Episode 30: The H1Z1 Controversy

Izlain6 Comments

CP4

This week we’re taking a look at the controversy surrounding H1Z1’s launch. I happen to be playing the game as you all well know, and I happen to enjoy it, and don’t see what the big deal is. Eri is respectfully disagreeing with me on more than one issue, so we hash it out for a bit. Coincidentally, we’re also talking about another controversy that popped up during the week, where Heroes of the Storm went into Beta, and Blizzard decided to throw “founder’s packs” into the mix, adding more fuel to the already hateful Early Access fire. Count them for our Idiots on the Internet this week. Lastly we take a look at Aywren’s blog once again, where she wrote an interesting piece on storytelling in MMOs, and how mediocre it is these days. Let the battle begin. Fight!

 

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Couch Podtatoes Epsiode 30: The H1Z1 Controversy (runtime: 1:01:05)

What are we playing? (starts at 1:25)
Discussion: H1Z1 (starts at 8:11)
Idiots on the Internet: HotS (starts at 44:35)
Community Spotlight: Aywren (starts at 54:10)

Host Contact information:

Izlain
Blog: Me vs. Myself and I
Twitter:@mevsmyselfandi

J3w3l
Blog: Healing The Masses
Twitter: @ausj3w3l

Idiots on the Internet Article:
http://www.polygon.com/2015/1/20/7861633/the-heroes-of-the-storm-founders-pack

Community Spotlight:
Clean Casuals
The Article

Music Credits:
“Level Up” by Cookie Monsta (from the Riot! EP)
“Six Pack” by Black Flag (from the album The First Four Years)
“Traitors” by Misery Index (from the album Traitors)
“Some Kinda Hate” by Misfits (from the box set)
“Enchanted Rose” by Bury Your Dead (from the album Beauty and the Breakdown)

Couch Podtatoes is a podcast about gaming, though we might stray into other forms of media. Sometimes we use strong language, but we try to keep that to a minimum. All opinions expressed by us or our guests are our own and are in no way to be interpreted as official commentary from any companies we discuss. You can visit our official podcast page at http://couchpodtatoes.libsyn.com/. Be sure to follow us on iTunes, and/or Stitcher Radio.

Questions, comments and feedback are welcomed and encouraged!

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6 thoughts on “Couch Podtatoes Episode 30: The H1Z1 Controversy”

  1. Thanks so much for featuring my article in this episode. It was really interesting hearing both of your thoughts on story. I like how J3w3l pointed out the interactive story that happens through dynamic events – I also feel more connected to a story when I’m invited to take a part of it, rather just sitting on the sidelines watching it happen all the time.

    I think it’s a vicious circle with storytelling in MMOs that have lead them to where they are right now. Most don’t offer engaging text. This has led to the player not looking for good story in quests or daily MMO activity. In fact, this leads to exactly what you noted – not even reading anything. Why should you? You already know there’s nothing worth reading there.

    So because the player has no expectations and doesn’t stop to read anything, the devs put less effort into it. Why should they? No one reads it (except people like me who hope to find some story there). And no one reads it because the devs put little effort into it. It’s a downward spiral.

    Not sure how we can break that cycle, but I’m hoping you’re right about the indie movement in MMOs and games in general.

    Thanks again! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  2. I’m with Izlain on H1Z1, it’s a lot of fun and though feeling like a completed game but has so much more potential too. Not sure if you’ve found it since recording, but there is a lootable compass as well as a craftable one. Makes navigating a lot easier.

    Like

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