Why do multiplayer FPS games make you unlock stuff?

*Rob · 05-12-10, 03:02 PM

I don’t own BC2. I saw my friends play BC2 on PS3 and they showed me how you had to unlock weapons and items for each class. I’m assuming it’s the same for the PC version. I also saw a similar leveling up and unlocking feature in MW2.

I am a little confused. I don’t understand why they would make people do this. Like… if I were to compare it to a chess match… it seems like players would have to ‘unlock’ their knight, bishop, rook, and queen. This doesn’t seem fair to me at all.

My question to you guys is… why do online multiplayer FPS games like BC2 and MW2 make you unlock things?

In other words, why don’t they just give everyone access to everything at the start?

**Blakeman** · 05-12-10, 03:05 PM

Originally Posted by *Rob

I don’t own BC2. I saw my friends play BC2 on PS3 and they showed me how you had to unlock weapons and items for each class. I’m assuming it’s the same for the PC version. I also saw a similar leveling up and unlocking feature in MW2.

I am a little confused. I don’t understand why they would make people do this. Like… if I were to compare it to a chess match… it seems like players would have to ‘unlock’ their knight, bishop, rook, and queen. This doesn’t seem fair to me at all.

My question to you guys is… why do online multiplayer FPS games like BC2 and MW2 make you unlock things?

In other words, why don’t they just give everyone access to everything at the start?

They want to extend your time playing it to the maximum possible length so that multiplayer servers stay full and thus the game is populated.

It is sort of like 'grind' in MMORPGs in the fact that they keep you around by taunting you with upgrades 'just around the corner'.

**reject_wolf** · 05-12-10, 03:10 PM

Because it encourages people to play more. I know the reason BF2142 kept me away from BF2 was the unlock system, once I had them all I pretty got bored and went back to BF2. Knowing that another unlock is in reach makes me want to play that extra round even if I should be getting to bed. I don't like the unlock craze that BF2142 started, I preferred BF2's which only gave balanced alternatives (well besides the G36E.) They encourage the casual player to play that bit more.

**rock_lobster** · 05-12-10, 03:23 PM

I like it this way sometimes, because it keeps the game fresh and gives you goals to work towards.

**Mcstrange** · 05-12-10, 03:36 PM

Its a very fun carrot which yes, is a mechanic to keep you playing. As long as the unlocks dont greatly unbalance the game there isnt anything wrong with them...

I personally love it, like a simple RPG element on top of my shooter, sort of; Hey, you got your RPG in my FPS! Hey, YOU got FPS in my RPG!!

**Blood_Thirst** · 05-12-10, 04:15 PM

And actually you do have to "unlock" those chess pieces by getting the pawns out of the way.

Sorry, just sayin'

**psychonitrous** · 05-12-10, 04:32 PM

Originally Posted by Blood_Thirst

And actually you do have to "unlock" those chess pieces by getting the pawns out of the way.

Sorry, just sayin'

Except for the knight. But good point blood.

I also agree and like the system but only as long as the weapons are somewhat balanced. It did bother me a little when I started that the Medic class can not do anything medical aside from the player typing soothing remarks into chat.

*Rob · 05-12-10, 04:44 PM

Originally Posted by psychonitrous

Originally Posted by Blood_Thirst

And actually you do have to "unlock" those chess pieces by getting the pawns out of the way.

Sorry, just sayin'

Except for the knight. But good point blood.

I also agree and like the system but only as long as the weapons are somewhat balanced. It did bother me a little when I started that the Medic class can not do anything medical aside from the player typing soothing remarks into chat.

haha...sorry I should have been more clear...when I was referring to chess I meant you don't get a knight or a bishop or a queen etc until you've done some sort of achievement. so you could be playing against someone who has a complete army, and all you have is your king and pawns

like the medic example...I think you don't get chest paddles until later...right?

**psychonitrous** · 05-12-10, 04:51 PM

Originally Posted by *Rob

Originally Posted by psychonitrous

Originally Posted by Blood_Thirst

And actually you do have to "unlock" those chess pieces by getting the pawns out of the way.

Sorry, just sayin'

Except for the knight. But good point blood.

I also agree and like the system but only as long as the weapons are somewhat balanced. It did bother me a little when I started that the Medic class can not do anything medical aside from the player typing soothing remarks into chat.

haha...sorry I should have been more clear...when I was referring to chess I meant you don't get a knight or a bishop or a queen etc until you've done some sort of achievement. so you could be playing against someone who has a complete army, and all you have is your king and pawns

like the medic example...I think you don't get chest paddles until later...right?

Correct, and that wouldn't bother me too much if they would give you the healy box to begin with like in 2142. I don't think it puts you at such a huge disadvantage that if you are equal to the skill level as those wielding the unlockable guns that you cannot defeat them.