The Two Big Issues Plaguing MMORPG Game Developers

Posted on 2013 June 6 by Ed Park

Here are the two most common, critical issues of game developers in the MMORPG space:

They’re unable to contain scope and go “big game hunting”
They’re lagging behind broader industry trends

I’m going to unpack these in detail. The good news is that there are signs that some key players in the industry have come to the same realizations that I have and are trying to sort things out.

For full disclosure, I’ve never worked for a game developer. In 2012, I did interview with BioWare, a studio that I have immense respect for.

My opinions are informed not only as an MMORPG gamer of 8 years and my experience as an online host and content provider for GAMEBREAKER and this blog, but also as a 17-year veteran of the online/digital industry, including extensive work as a software developer, systems architect, large-scale project/program manager, and now product manager. I have led the delivery of rich experiences that users love through huge multi-disciplinary teams in meaningful timeframes. You want to design and deliver a kick-ass product and get it out the door on-time and on-budget, I’m your guy.

Guide to Weak Spots in World of Tanks

Posted on 2013 May 31 by Ed Park — 23 Comments

This guide discusses “weak spots” in World of Tanks (WoT).

Weak spots are specific areas of a tank that can be penetrated more easily than other areas where the armor is thicker and/or sloped.

Here is a list of common weak spots across tanks:

The cupola, which is the hatch on top of the turret
View (range) ports
Machine gun ports
Lower front glacis, especially on German tanks
Hatches elsewhere on the vehicle

Posted in Guide, Heavy Tank, PVP, Video, World of Tanks

World of Tanks Video: KV-1

Posted on 2013 May 23 by Ed Park

My first video for the KV-1, the excellent tier 5 Soviet heavy tank, in a tier 6 battle in World of Tanks (WoT). The KV-1 is a popular heavy tank because it’s a solid all-around performer, and it is the parent to the well-regarded KV-1S and T-150 tank lines.

Posted in Heavy Tank, PVP, Video, World of Tanks

World of Tanks Video: Matilda

Posted on 2013 May 5 by Ed Park

In this video, I discuss the capabilities of the Matilda, the tier 4 British medium tank, in a tier 5 battle in World of Tanks (WoT).

Posted in Medium Tank, PVP, Video, World of Tanks

Competing as a Free Player in World of Tanks

Posted on 2013 April 28 by Ed Park

World of Tanks (WoT) is a game that I had dismissed a couple years back, based on hearing from other players and Tobold the blogger that it was a P2W (pay-to-win) game. As it turns out, it’s a shame I hadn’t tried WoT earlier – it’s a fantastic game.

As a new player, I was very curious to see whether a new player could be reasonably competitive without spending any money. Therefore, I did not subscribe with a Premium account ($15 USD per month) and I did not buy any in-game gold.

After playing 775 battles up through Tier 5, here’s my take:

Gold ammo, which you buy with real money, definitely gives a huge advantage. Gold ammo will penetrate (i.e. punch through armor to deal damage) almost any target you’ll face. However…
Individual player skill matters more than anything. No amount of gold ammo or having a Premium account will enable a player to aim effectively, understand how to counter opponents, and work effectively with other players. WoT is a very high “skill cap” game